Friday 26 September 2014

Friends of Jesus

Friends of Jesus

“You are my friends if you do what I command.  
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  
This is my command: Love each other”
                                     John 15:14-17
Billy Graham said of the disciples,
“The men who followed Him were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.”
Billy Graham.
This is how we should be willing to turn the world upside down by having our hearts right with God.
I have watched a television station we get over the air from the United States. They have a Christian version of everything secular. They are selling creams and beauty products. They are it seems pushing formulas or programs on how to feel better and live longer, all interspersed with Christian material.
Some of the programming is frankly terrible. They claim to be Christian but in my opinion are Christian by the slimmest of margins.
To quote Billy Graham again,
“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them.”
                                                                                               Billy Graham
We must live a life that is different from the world. We must live a life that will change the world. Live for Christ. Why do we need a Christian diet plan or beauty products. What have such things to do with winning souls for Christ. If you want a diet plan any good nutritionist can give you one.
Our desire should be to win souls to Christ to live a life that is different from the world around us.
Francis of Assisi was right when he wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
                                                                                  Francis of Assisi.
People should be presenting the Gospel in word and in deed.
C. S. Lewis said,
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
                                                                                     C. S. Lewis.
Christians can find themselves on a slippery slope, if they are not careful. We can get caught up in things that sound very nice but are actually worthless.
We can get caught up in wanting to do Christian versions of worldly things and by doing so miss opportunities to tell those around us about Christ.
As Christians we have but one job given to us by Christ. It’s not to sell products or potions, real-estate or time shares.
It’s not to give to Christ so we can get more in return.
It’s to tell the world that Jesus in real. That he died for the sins of mankind. That he loves us so much that he gave his life for our sins.
Its to tell the world that eternal life is a free gift from God.
Are you doing your part?
Think about it.

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