Christ's representatives
The Apostle Peter writes,
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
Peter believed the end of all things was near. It seems to be a common trait of every generation of Christians believe the end is near. A good thing. For as believers in Christ we should be working for Christ as if He is returning today.
The Apostle Paul however states,
“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1,2
That being said the return of Christ is nearer than it was in days of the apostles. However God wishes to give everyone the chance to know Him personally. John’s gospel telling us,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.
Peter however tells believers in Christ what they are to do until then,
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
I particularly like the one phrase Peter states,
“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God...”
As believers in Christ we must always remember that we are Christ’s representative on this earth. It is through our words and deeds that people will see Jesus. If our actions are negative towards those around us none-believers will get a negative image of Christ.
If on the other hand you represent Christ in a positive way people will see Jesus in a positive way and be drawn towards him.
I like the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
The Apostle Peter writes,
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
Peter believed the end of all things was near. It seems to be a common trait of every generation of Christians believe the end is near. A good thing. For as believers in Christ we should be working for Christ as if He is returning today.
The Apostle Paul however states,
“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1,2
That being said the return of Christ is nearer than it was in days of the apostles. However God wishes to give everyone the chance to know Him personally. John’s gospel telling us,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.
Peter however tells believers in Christ what they are to do until then,
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
I particularly like the one phrase Peter states,
“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God...”
As believers in Christ we must always remember that we are Christ’s representative on this earth. It is through our words and deeds that people will see Jesus. If our actions are negative towards those around us none-believers will get a negative image of Christ.
If on the other hand you represent Christ in a positive way people will see Jesus in a positive way and be drawn towards him.
I like the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
“The deeds you do
may be the only sermon
some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
Please think about it.
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