• I love

    how
    there coming out with more Christian social media platforms now we can officially leave modern social media platforms alone for good they. just came out with app my Christian brother from here on Lord's book told me about and I love it over there too saints of most high leave modern social media platforms alone they take your data
    and collecting it and some of modern social media platforms even track you so be careful y'all thanks to Casey Cleveland for tell me about blessn Christian social media platforms it like. Instagram or a Pinterest Christian account I love supporting Christianity Christian social media platforms companies
    I love how there coming out with more Christian social media platforms now we can officially leave modern social media platforms alone for good they. just came out with app my Christian brother from here on Lord's book told me about and I love it over there too saints of most high leave modern social media platforms alone they take your data and collecting it and some of modern social media platforms even track you so be careful y'all thanks to [CJC8412] for tell me about blessn Christian social media platforms it like. Instagram or a Pinterest Christian account I love supporting Christianity Christian social media platforms companies
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  • Need to know.
    CAN A CHRISTIAN LISTEN TO WORLDLY SECULAR MUSIC? THE SHOCKING TRUTH MANY BELIEVERS ARE AFRAID TO DISCUSS

    Child of God, this is one of the most debated questions in Christianity today.

    Some believers say, "Music is just entertainment." Others believe anything outside worship is dangerous.

    But the real question is this:

    What is your music feeding? Your flesh or your spirit?

    Music is never just background noise. It shapes emotions, influences thoughts, creates atmospheres, and affects your spiritual sensitivity. Many people judge music by the beat while ignoring the message it carries.

    The Bible shows that music has spiritual influence. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David's harp brought relief to Saul as the evil spirit departed. If godly music can usher in peace, worship, and God's presence, shouldn't we also consider what ungodly music may be inviting into our hearts?

    This is why discernment matters.

    Not every secular song is evil, but neither is every song spiritually safe. The issue isn't simply the rhythm—it's the message, the values it celebrates, and the fruit it produces in your life.

    Much of today's music glorifies lust, immorality, pride, violence, greed, drunkenness, revenge, and rebellion against God's ways.

    Ask yourself honestly:

    • If I spend hours every day feeding on messages that oppose God's Word, how will that shape my heart?

    Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."

    Music enters through emotion and repetition. What you repeatedly listen to eventually shapes your desires, attitudes, and spiritual appetite. It is no surprise that many believers know every lyric of a worldly song but struggle to remember Scripture or spend time in prayer.

    At the same time, avoid legalism.

    Not every secular song promotes sin. Some simply tell stories about life, family, or human experiences. That's why believers need the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not blanket condemnation.

    Instead, ask these questions:

    • Does this music glorify sin?

    • Does it stir ungodly desires?

    • Does it weaken or strengthen my relationship with Christ?

    Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on whatever is true, pure, honorable, lovely, and worthy of praise.

    Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

    The truth is simple:

    • Not everything lawful is beneficial.

    • Not everything popular is healthy.

    • Not everything entertaining is harmless.

    Guard your heart. Protect your spiritual atmosphere. Let the Holy Spirit shape what fills your mind, because what fills your heart will eventually shape your life.

    What do you think? Can Christians listen to secular music? Have you seen music affect your walk with God?
    Need to know. CAN A CHRISTIAN LISTEN TO WORLDLY SECULAR MUSIC? THE SHOCKING TRUTH MANY BELIEVERS ARE AFRAID TO DISCUSS Child of God, this is one of the most debated questions in Christianity today. Some believers say, "Music is just entertainment." Others believe anything outside worship is dangerous. But the real question is this: What is your music feeding? Your flesh or your spirit? Music is never just background noise. It shapes emotions, influences thoughts, creates atmospheres, and affects your spiritual sensitivity. Many people judge music by the beat while ignoring the message it carries. The Bible shows that music has spiritual influence. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David's harp brought relief to Saul as the evil spirit departed. If godly music can usher in peace, worship, and God's presence, shouldn't we also consider what ungodly music may be inviting into our hearts? This is why discernment matters. Not every secular song is evil, but neither is every song spiritually safe. The issue isn't simply the rhythm—it's the message, the values it celebrates, and the fruit it produces in your life. Much of today's music glorifies lust, immorality, pride, violence, greed, drunkenness, revenge, and rebellion against God's ways. Ask yourself honestly: • If I spend hours every day feeding on messages that oppose God's Word, how will that shape my heart? Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Music enters through emotion and repetition. What you repeatedly listen to eventually shapes your desires, attitudes, and spiritual appetite. It is no surprise that many believers know every lyric of a worldly song but struggle to remember Scripture or spend time in prayer. At the same time, avoid legalism. Not every secular song promotes sin. Some simply tell stories about life, family, or human experiences. That's why believers need the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not blanket condemnation. Instead, ask these questions: • Does this music glorify sin? • Does it stir ungodly desires? • Does it weaken or strengthen my relationship with Christ? Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on whatever is true, pure, honorable, lovely, and worthy of praise. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The truth is simple: • Not everything lawful is beneficial. • Not everything popular is healthy. • Not everything entertaining is harmless. Guard your heart. Protect your spiritual atmosphere. Let the Holy Spirit shape what fills your mind, because what fills your heart will eventually shape your life. What do you think? Can Christians listen to secular music? Have you seen music affect your walk with God?
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  • Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 11–12 | Galatians 1

    Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading)

    2 Kings 11

    God Preserves His Covenant Promise

    2 Kings 11 unfolds during one of the darkest moments in Judah's history. Following the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah seizes the throne and attempts to eliminate every royal heir from the house of David. Her actions appear to threaten the very covenant God had made with David—that his descendants would continue until the coming of the promised King. Humanly speaking, it seems as though God's redemptive plan is in danger.

    Yet behind the scenes, God is quietly preserving His promise. Jehosheba courageously rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the temple for six years. While Athaliah believes she has secured her kingdom, God has already protected the rightful heir. The Lord's covenant does not depend upon human power or political stability. He faithfully guards His purposes even when they appear hidden.
    After six years, the priest Jehoiada carefully organizes the restoration of the kingdom. His leadership is marked by wisdom, patience, and reverence for God's timing. Rather than acting impulsively, he waits until the proper moment to reveal Joash publicly as the rightful king.

    When Joash is crowned, the people rejoice, and Athaliah's reign comes to an end. The covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people is renewed, and the temple of Baal is destroyed. Worship is restored, and Judah experiences peace because the nation once again acknowledges the Lord as its true King.

    The chapter demonstrates that God's promises cannot be destroyed by human rebellion. Though evil may appear to triumph for a season, God's covenant purposes always prevail. His faithfulness quietly sustains what human eyes often fail to see.

    Theologically, 2 Kings 11 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The preservation of Joash ensures that the Messianic line remains intact. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, whose quiet obedience becomes part of God's larger redemptive plan.

    This chapter points directly to Christ. The preservation of David's royal line ultimately leads to Jesus, the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end. Though many throughout history attempted to destroy God's redemptive plan, the Lord faithfully preserved the line through which the Savior would come.

    For believers today, 2 Kings 11 reminds us that God is always at work, even when His purposes seem hidden. Evil never has the final word because God's promises are secure. In Christ, we belong to an unshakable kingdom established by God's faithfulness. We are called to remain faithful in our own generation, trusting that God uses ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

    2 Kings 12

    Restoring the House of the Lord

    2 Kings 12 begins with the early reign of Joash, who comes to the throne under the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest. During these early years, Joash desires to restore the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah's reign. His concern for the house of the Lord reflects a recognition that true national renewal begins with proper worship.

    The temple had suffered because God's people had neglected their relationship with Him. Rather than merely repairing a building, Joash seeks to restore the center of Israel's worship. The chapter reminds us that outward restoration should always reflect an inward desire to honor the Lord.

    As the work begins, practical challenges arise. Initial plans do not move as expected, requiring adjustments in leadership and organization. Eventually, a faithful system is established, allowing the people to give generously and the repairs to proceed with integrity. The workers are described as trustworthy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in handling what belongs to God.

    The restoration of the temple becomes a community effort. The people willingly participate because they recognize the value of honoring the Lord. Their generosity demonstrates that worship involves not only words but also faithful stewardship of the resources God provides.

    Yet the chapter also contains a quiet warning. Although Joash begins well, the high places remain, indicating that complete spiritual reform has not yet taken place. The closing verses reveal political pressures that eventually lead Joash to compromise by using temple treasures to appease an enemy rather than trusting fully in the Lord. His reign ends tragically, reminding us that beginning well does not guarantee finishing well.

    Theologically, 2 Kings 12 teaches that worship must remain central to the life of God's people. It also demonstrates the importance of faithful stewardship, integrity, and perseverance. Spiritual renewal involves more than repairing outward structures—it requires continual devotion to the Lord.
    This chapter points to Christ, who is greater than the temple itself. Jesus came not merely to restore a building but to establish God's dwelling among His people through His own body. Through His death and resurrection, believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that honor God completely.

    For believers today, 2 Kings 12 reminds us to invest in what has eternal value. Just as the temple required faithful restoration, our hearts continually need renewal through God's Word and Spirit. In Christ, we are called to steward faithfully what God has entrusted to us, serve with integrity, and remain devoted to Him throughout our lives. The goal is not simply to begin our walk with enthusiasm but to finish it with unwavering faithfulness to our Lord and King.

    Galatians — The Gospel of Grace and Freedom in the Christ

    The book of Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel and a powerful declaration that salvation is found through the Christ, the Son of God, by grace alone through faith alone. Paul writes to churches that had begun to drift from the simplicity of the gospel by adding human works and religious requirements to the finished work of the Christ. Throughout the letter, he calls believers back to the freedom that God has provided through His redemptive plan.

    The central theme of Galatians is that no one is justified before God by keeping the Law or by human effort. The Law revealed humanity's need for a Savior, but only the Christ could fulfill its righteous requirements. Through His death and resurrection, the Son of God accomplished what no one else could, making salvation available to all who trust in Him.

    The book repeatedly contrasts life under the Law with life in the Spirit. The Christian life does not begin by grace and continue through human effort. From beginning to end, believers depend upon the grace of the Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The redemptive plan transforms people from the inside out, producing obedience that flows from love rather than obligation.

    Another major emphasis is Christian freedom. This freedom is not permission to live selfishly or sinfully but the freedom to love, serve, and obey God without the burden of trying to earn His acceptance. The Son of God has set His people free so they may walk in joyful obedience through the Spirit.
    The letter also highlights the believer's new identity. Those who belong to the Christ are sons and daughters of God, heirs of His promises, and members of His family. Their standing before God rests entirely upon the finished work of the Son of God.

    For believers today, Galatians reminds us to guard the purity of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in grace, empowered by the Spirit, and centered on the Christ. We are called to reject every form of legalism, trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God, and walk daily in the freedom He has purchased through His redemptive plan.

    Galatians 1 — Holding Fast to the True Gospel of the Christ

    Galatians chapter 1 immediately establishes the urgency of preserving the true gospel. Paul writes with deep concern because the believers were being influenced by teachers who had distorted the message of salvation. Rather than adding to the gospel, these teachings were actually replacing it. From the very beginning, the chapter points believers back to the Christ, the Son of God, as the only source of salvation and the foundation of God's redemptive plan.

    The chapter opens by emphasizing that Paul's calling and authority did not originate from human appointment but from the Christ Himself. This establishes that the message he proclaimed came directly from God rather than from human tradition. Christian living must always be built upon God's revealed truth rather than popular opinion or religious custom. The Son of God remains the ultimate authority over His Church.

    Paul quickly expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers were turning away from the grace of the Christ so soon after receiving the gospel. They were not rejecting Christianity altogether but allowing another message to replace the true one. This demonstrates how subtle spiritual deception can be. The redemptive plan is centered entirely on the finished work of the Christ, and anything that adds human merit to salvation undermines the gospel itself.

    The chapter makes it unmistakably clear that there is only one true gospel. Salvation is found through the Christ alone. No human effort, religious ceremony, or personal achievement can improve upon what the Son of God has already accomplished. Christian living begins with this unchanging truth and continues by resting completely in His grace.

    Paul also addresses the danger of seeking human approval. Faithful servants of the Christ cannot shape their message to satisfy people. Their calling is to remain faithful to God's truth regardless of opposition. The redemptive plan is too precious to be altered for the sake of acceptance or popularity. The Son of God calls His followers to proclaim the truth with humility and courage.

    The chapter then recounts Paul's own testimony. Before encountering the Christ, he was devoted to religious tradition and actively opposed the gospel. Yet God intervened by His grace, revealing His Son and transforming Paul's life completely. This testimony demonstrates that salvation is always initiated by God. The redemptive plan is founded upon divine grace, not human seeking. The Christ changes hearts, redirects lives, and calls people into His service.

    Paul emphasizes that after his conversion, his understanding of the gospel did not come through human instruction but through God's revelation. This highlights the divine origin of the message. Christian living must always remain rooted in the truth revealed through the Son of God rather than shifting with changing cultural ideas.

    The chapter concludes by showing how Paul's transformed life became a testimony to others. Those who had once feared him because of his persecution of the Church were now glorifying God because of the work of the Christ in his life. This is one of the great evidences of the redemptive plan. The Son of God does not merely forgive sinners—He transforms them into faithful servants whose lives point others to His glory.

    Throughout Galatians chapter 1, the focus remains fixed upon the grace of the Christ and the unchanging truth of the gospel. The Son of God alone provides salvation, and His finished work is fully sufficient. Every attempt to add to His work ultimately diminishes the glory that belongs to Him alone.

    For believers today, this chapter calls us to guard the purity of the gospel with humility and conviction. Christian living begins and continues through the grace of the Christ, never through human effort. We are reminded to evaluate every teaching by God's Word, to remain faithful to the truth regardless of cultural pressure, and to trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God. As we hold firmly to the true gospel, our lives become testimonies of His transforming grace and faithful witnesses to His eternal redemptive plan.

    #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod
    📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 11–12 | Galatians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 11 God Preserves His Covenant Promise 2 Kings 11 unfolds during one of the darkest moments in Judah's history. Following the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah seizes the throne and attempts to eliminate every royal heir from the house of David. Her actions appear to threaten the very covenant God had made with David—that his descendants would continue until the coming of the promised King. Humanly speaking, it seems as though God's redemptive plan is in danger. Yet behind the scenes, God is quietly preserving His promise. Jehosheba courageously rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the temple for six years. While Athaliah believes she has secured her kingdom, God has already protected the rightful heir. The Lord's covenant does not depend upon human power or political stability. He faithfully guards His purposes even when they appear hidden. After six years, the priest Jehoiada carefully organizes the restoration of the kingdom. His leadership is marked by wisdom, patience, and reverence for God's timing. Rather than acting impulsively, he waits until the proper moment to reveal Joash publicly as the rightful king. When Joash is crowned, the people rejoice, and Athaliah's reign comes to an end. The covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people is renewed, and the temple of Baal is destroyed. Worship is restored, and Judah experiences peace because the nation once again acknowledges the Lord as its true King. The chapter demonstrates that God's promises cannot be destroyed by human rebellion. Though evil may appear to triumph for a season, God's covenant purposes always prevail. His faithfulness quietly sustains what human eyes often fail to see. Theologically, 2 Kings 11 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The preservation of Joash ensures that the Messianic line remains intact. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, whose quiet obedience becomes part of God's larger redemptive plan. This chapter points directly to Christ. The preservation of David's royal line ultimately leads to Jesus, the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end. Though many throughout history attempted to destroy God's redemptive plan, the Lord faithfully preserved the line through which the Savior would come. For believers today, 2 Kings 11 reminds us that God is always at work, even when His purposes seem hidden. Evil never has the final word because God's promises are secure. In Christ, we belong to an unshakable kingdom established by God's faithfulness. We are called to remain faithful in our own generation, trusting that God uses ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes. 2 Kings 12 Restoring the House of the Lord 2 Kings 12 begins with the early reign of Joash, who comes to the throne under the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest. During these early years, Joash desires to restore the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah's reign. His concern for the house of the Lord reflects a recognition that true national renewal begins with proper worship. The temple had suffered because God's people had neglected their relationship with Him. Rather than merely repairing a building, Joash seeks to restore the center of Israel's worship. The chapter reminds us that outward restoration should always reflect an inward desire to honor the Lord. As the work begins, practical challenges arise. Initial plans do not move as expected, requiring adjustments in leadership and organization. Eventually, a faithful system is established, allowing the people to give generously and the repairs to proceed with integrity. The workers are described as trustworthy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in handling what belongs to God. The restoration of the temple becomes a community effort. The people willingly participate because they recognize the value of honoring the Lord. Their generosity demonstrates that worship involves not only words but also faithful stewardship of the resources God provides. Yet the chapter also contains a quiet warning. Although Joash begins well, the high places remain, indicating that complete spiritual reform has not yet taken place. The closing verses reveal political pressures that eventually lead Joash to compromise by using temple treasures to appease an enemy rather than trusting fully in the Lord. His reign ends tragically, reminding us that beginning well does not guarantee finishing well. Theologically, 2 Kings 12 teaches that worship must remain central to the life of God's people. It also demonstrates the importance of faithful stewardship, integrity, and perseverance. Spiritual renewal involves more than repairing outward structures—it requires continual devotion to the Lord. This chapter points to Christ, who is greater than the temple itself. Jesus came not merely to restore a building but to establish God's dwelling among His people through His own body. Through His death and resurrection, believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that honor God completely. For believers today, 2 Kings 12 reminds us to invest in what has eternal value. Just as the temple required faithful restoration, our hearts continually need renewal through God's Word and Spirit. In Christ, we are called to steward faithfully what God has entrusted to us, serve with integrity, and remain devoted to Him throughout our lives. The goal is not simply to begin our walk with enthusiasm but to finish it with unwavering faithfulness to our Lord and King. Galatians — The Gospel of Grace and Freedom in the Christ The book of Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel and a powerful declaration that salvation is found through the Christ, the Son of God, by grace alone through faith alone. Paul writes to churches that had begun to drift from the simplicity of the gospel by adding human works and religious requirements to the finished work of the Christ. Throughout the letter, he calls believers back to the freedom that God has provided through His redemptive plan. The central theme of Galatians is that no one is justified before God by keeping the Law or by human effort. The Law revealed humanity's need for a Savior, but only the Christ could fulfill its righteous requirements. Through His death and resurrection, the Son of God accomplished what no one else could, making salvation available to all who trust in Him. The book repeatedly contrasts life under the Law with life in the Spirit. The Christian life does not begin by grace and continue through human effort. From beginning to end, believers depend upon the grace of the Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The redemptive plan transforms people from the inside out, producing obedience that flows from love rather than obligation. Another major emphasis is Christian freedom. This freedom is not permission to live selfishly or sinfully but the freedom to love, serve, and obey God without the burden of trying to earn His acceptance. The Son of God has set His people free so they may walk in joyful obedience through the Spirit. The letter also highlights the believer's new identity. Those who belong to the Christ are sons and daughters of God, heirs of His promises, and members of His family. Their standing before God rests entirely upon the finished work of the Son of God. For believers today, Galatians reminds us to guard the purity of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in grace, empowered by the Spirit, and centered on the Christ. We are called to reject every form of legalism, trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God, and walk daily in the freedom He has purchased through His redemptive plan. Galatians 1 — Holding Fast to the True Gospel of the Christ Galatians chapter 1 immediately establishes the urgency of preserving the true gospel. Paul writes with deep concern because the believers were being influenced by teachers who had distorted the message of salvation. Rather than adding to the gospel, these teachings were actually replacing it. From the very beginning, the chapter points believers back to the Christ, the Son of God, as the only source of salvation and the foundation of God's redemptive plan. The chapter opens by emphasizing that Paul's calling and authority did not originate from human appointment but from the Christ Himself. This establishes that the message he proclaimed came directly from God rather than from human tradition. Christian living must always be built upon God's revealed truth rather than popular opinion or religious custom. The Son of God remains the ultimate authority over His Church. Paul quickly expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers were turning away from the grace of the Christ so soon after receiving the gospel. They were not rejecting Christianity altogether but allowing another message to replace the true one. This demonstrates how subtle spiritual deception can be. The redemptive plan is centered entirely on the finished work of the Christ, and anything that adds human merit to salvation undermines the gospel itself. The chapter makes it unmistakably clear that there is only one true gospel. Salvation is found through the Christ alone. No human effort, religious ceremony, or personal achievement can improve upon what the Son of God has already accomplished. Christian living begins with this unchanging truth and continues by resting completely in His grace. Paul also addresses the danger of seeking human approval. Faithful servants of the Christ cannot shape their message to satisfy people. Their calling is to remain faithful to God's truth regardless of opposition. The redemptive plan is too precious to be altered for the sake of acceptance or popularity. The Son of God calls His followers to proclaim the truth with humility and courage. The chapter then recounts Paul's own testimony. Before encountering the Christ, he was devoted to religious tradition and actively opposed the gospel. Yet God intervened by His grace, revealing His Son and transforming Paul's life completely. This testimony demonstrates that salvation is always initiated by God. The redemptive plan is founded upon divine grace, not human seeking. The Christ changes hearts, redirects lives, and calls people into His service. Paul emphasizes that after his conversion, his understanding of the gospel did not come through human instruction but through God's revelation. This highlights the divine origin of the message. Christian living must always remain rooted in the truth revealed through the Son of God rather than shifting with changing cultural ideas. The chapter concludes by showing how Paul's transformed life became a testimony to others. Those who had once feared him because of his persecution of the Church were now glorifying God because of the work of the Christ in his life. This is one of the great evidences of the redemptive plan. The Son of God does not merely forgive sinners—He transforms them into faithful servants whose lives point others to His glory. Throughout Galatians chapter 1, the focus remains fixed upon the grace of the Christ and the unchanging truth of the gospel. The Son of God alone provides salvation, and His finished work is fully sufficient. Every attempt to add to His work ultimately diminishes the glory that belongs to Him alone. For believers today, this chapter calls us to guard the purity of the gospel with humility and conviction. Christian living begins and continues through the grace of the Christ, never through human effort. We are reminded to evaluate every teaching by God's Word, to remain faithful to the truth regardless of cultural pressure, and to trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God. As we hold firmly to the true gospel, our lives become testimonies of His transforming grace and faithful witnesses to His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod
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  • Learning to Live Humbly

    Have you ever met an angry Christian?

    You may have come across Christians who seem to grumble, complain, or even speak harshly about other people. Maybe you’ve even been that person at times in your own life.

    If we're not careful, we can easily become self-righteous within Christianity. After all, we know the truth and others may not. You might see how tempting it can be to look down on others, demean them, or consider them as worse off than ourselves.

    But this misses the point of the gospel of Jesus.

    The gospel tells us that all of us begin at the same starting point. And it’s only by grace through faith that we come to salvation and learn the truth about God’s love for us.

    That doesn’t make us any better than other Christians! In fact, as Paul says in Ephesians 4:2, we should actually be humble and gentle with others, rather than harsh and critical. He says we are to be patient with one another, helping each other in every way possible so we can all grow together.

    These ideas aren’t original to Paul. They actually came from how Jesus lived his life. As followers of Jesus, we too should strive to be gentle, humble, and patient with everyone in our lives. Regardless of whether they look or think a different way, every person deserves dignity, patience, and love.

    Take some time today to consider a few ways that you can grow in patience, humility, and love with others. It could be slowing down long enough for people to know you care, saying something encouraging to someone, or admitting that you’ve made a mistake.

    Make the decision today to live in humility and grace with others.
    Learning to Live Humbly Have you ever met an angry Christian? You may have come across Christians who seem to grumble, complain, or even speak harshly about other people. Maybe you’ve even been that person at times in your own life. If we're not careful, we can easily become self-righteous within Christianity. After all, we know the truth and others may not. You might see how tempting it can be to look down on others, demean them, or consider them as worse off than ourselves. But this misses the point of the gospel of Jesus. The gospel tells us that all of us begin at the same starting point. And it’s only by grace through faith that we come to salvation and learn the truth about God’s love for us. That doesn’t make us any better than other Christians! In fact, as Paul says in Ephesians 4:2, we should actually be humble and gentle with others, rather than harsh and critical. He says we are to be patient with one another, helping each other in every way possible so we can all grow together. These ideas aren’t original to Paul. They actually came from how Jesus lived his life. As followers of Jesus, we too should strive to be gentle, humble, and patient with everyone in our lives. Regardless of whether they look or think a different way, every person deserves dignity, patience, and love. Take some time today to consider a few ways that you can grow in patience, humility, and love with others. It could be slowing down long enough for people to know you care, saying something encouraging to someone, or admitting that you’ve made a mistake. Make the decision today to live in humility and grace with others.
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  • LOST IN THE CHURCH:

    [BEING LOST IN CHURCH]

    Part Five

    Measuring Holiness

    There has been a great deception among many people who assume that holiness is measured by comparing a person’s good deeds with their bad deeds. When the scale of good deeds appears to outweigh the bad, they conclude that the person is holy.

    In this way, many have continued to measure Christianity by looking at what they have done and what they have not done. This kind of holiness focuses heavily on measuring sin according to the “Don’ts” found in Scripture.

    And this has become the interpretation of religion throughout history. It has continued to damage the Church and has contributed to leading many people to hell.

    Holiness or sin is not merely an action—not simply what a person does or does not do—but a condition of the heart. God is deeply concerned with the condition of our hearts. Actions are only the results of what is already inside the heart. Many have measured holiness by good deeds, yet the Lord does not look at things in that way. He looks at the spirit or intention behind every action, examining the manner and motive with which it was done.

    Therefore, the Lord is not simply looking for people who perform good deeds on earth, but for people who do what is right!

    There is a great difference between doing a good thing and doing the right thing. Sometimes the right thing may appear to be evil in the eyes of people. When the Lord commanded Israel to destroy the nations of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as stated in Deuteronomy 20:17, could the world have called Him good? Yet we know without doubt that the Lord was doing what was right, because He does not make mistakes, and His works are always without error.

    Understand that sin is a condition of the heart, and there is One who examines the deepest intentions of the heart. A person can perform good deeds with an evil motive, while another can perform something that appears bad with a good intention. Therefore, it is very easy for a person to be deceived if they place their confidence in goodness or in their works.

    Indeed, evil kills; however, goodness can be responsible for deceiving and destroying even more people in the world than evil itself. One of Satan’s most powerful weapons for bringing destruction into the world comes through what appears to be good. There is hardly a greater deception Satan can use than coming to us dressed as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

    Because sin is a condition of the heart, a person can be a murderer even if they have never physically killed anyone. Likewise, someone can be an adulterer before God even if they have never slept with a woman.

    For example, even if a lemon tree refuses to produce fruit, perhaps in an attempt to hide its nature, it cannot change and become a mango tree.

    We cannot remove sin from within ourselves by keeping the Law or by trying to be good. We must be transformed in our hearts as we hold firmly to the Cross. Otherwise, even if a person never commits an outward act of sin, that does not necessarily mean they are without guilt.

    Remember: even if a lemon tree does not produce fruit, that does not mean it will be counted as an orange tree.

    Circumcision of the Heart

    Essentially, there is no action a person can perform that can change their inner nature. Things such as religion and the Law can change the outward appearance, but they cannot transform the inner person. Christianity does not begin from the outside and move inward; rather, it begins from within and moves outward.

    Therefore, through religion, the Law, happiness, habits, the desire for praise, and so forth, it is entirely possible for a person to do good outwardly while not actually being good in their heart.

    That is why the Lord used circumcision as an illustration of removing the outward covering of hypocrisy, so that what is inside would correspond with what is outside. This was the foundation of the circumcision commanded by the Lord in the house of Israel, when He instructed them to circumcise the foreskin of their bodies.

    And was this not a prophecy concerning the circumcision of the heart in our present age, when we look to Christ, as it is written in Philippians 3:3:

    > “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.”



    If you are in church and have not been born again, understand that your nature has not been transformed.

    Therefore, even if you pretend to do good, fast extensively, keep all the Laws, observe all the ancient festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths, understand that hell awaits you!

    And these are words of truth.

    He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

    Amen!

    #ToBeContinued...

    Mwl. Ernest Nyalula

    #LostInTheChurch
    #CircumcisionOfTheHeart
    #TrueHoliness
    #BornAgain
    #HeartTransformation
    #ChristAlone
    #GraceAndTruth
    #Christianity
    #FaithInChrist
    #TheGospel
    #JesusChrist
    #KingdomOfGod
    #LordBook
    #SpiritualGrowth
    #TruthOfTheGospel
    LOST IN THE CHURCH: [BEING LOST IN CHURCH] Part Five Measuring Holiness There has been a great deception among many people who assume that holiness is measured by comparing a person’s good deeds with their bad deeds. When the scale of good deeds appears to outweigh the bad, they conclude that the person is holy. In this way, many have continued to measure Christianity by looking at what they have done and what they have not done. This kind of holiness focuses heavily on measuring sin according to the “Don’ts” found in Scripture. And this has become the interpretation of religion throughout history. It has continued to damage the Church and has contributed to leading many people to hell. Holiness or sin is not merely an action—not simply what a person does or does not do—but a condition of the heart. God is deeply concerned with the condition of our hearts. Actions are only the results of what is already inside the heart. Many have measured holiness by good deeds, yet the Lord does not look at things in that way. He looks at the spirit or intention behind every action, examining the manner and motive with which it was done. Therefore, the Lord is not simply looking for people who perform good deeds on earth, but for people who do what is right! There is a great difference between doing a good thing and doing the right thing. Sometimes the right thing may appear to be evil in the eyes of people. When the Lord commanded Israel to destroy the nations of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as stated in Deuteronomy 20:17, could the world have called Him good? Yet we know without doubt that the Lord was doing what was right, because He does not make mistakes, and His works are always without error. Understand that sin is a condition of the heart, and there is One who examines the deepest intentions of the heart. A person can perform good deeds with an evil motive, while another can perform something that appears bad with a good intention. Therefore, it is very easy for a person to be deceived if they place their confidence in goodness or in their works. Indeed, evil kills; however, goodness can be responsible for deceiving and destroying even more people in the world than evil itself. One of Satan’s most powerful weapons for bringing destruction into the world comes through what appears to be good. There is hardly a greater deception Satan can use than coming to us dressed as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 Because sin is a condition of the heart, a person can be a murderer even if they have never physically killed anyone. Likewise, someone can be an adulterer before God even if they have never slept with a woman. For example, even if a lemon tree refuses to produce fruit, perhaps in an attempt to hide its nature, it cannot change and become a mango tree. We cannot remove sin from within ourselves by keeping the Law or by trying to be good. We must be transformed in our hearts as we hold firmly to the Cross. Otherwise, even if a person never commits an outward act of sin, that does not necessarily mean they are without guilt. Remember: even if a lemon tree does not produce fruit, that does not mean it will be counted as an orange tree. Circumcision of the Heart Essentially, there is no action a person can perform that can change their inner nature. Things such as religion and the Law can change the outward appearance, but they cannot transform the inner person. Christianity does not begin from the outside and move inward; rather, it begins from within and moves outward. Therefore, through religion, the Law, happiness, habits, the desire for praise, and so forth, it is entirely possible for a person to do good outwardly while not actually being good in their heart. That is why the Lord used circumcision as an illustration of removing the outward covering of hypocrisy, so that what is inside would correspond with what is outside. This was the foundation of the circumcision commanded by the Lord in the house of Israel, when He instructed them to circumcise the foreskin of their bodies. And was this not a prophecy concerning the circumcision of the heart in our present age, when we look to Christ, as it is written in Philippians 3:3: > “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.” If you are in church and have not been born again, understand that your nature has not been transformed. Therefore, even if you pretend to do good, fast extensively, keep all the Laws, observe all the ancient festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths, understand that hell awaits you! And these are words of truth. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Amen! #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula #LostInTheChurch #CircumcisionOfTheHeart #TrueHoliness #BornAgain #HeartTransformation #ChristAlone #GraceAndTruth #Christianity #FaithInChrist #TheGospel #JesusChrist #KingdomOfGod #LordBook #SpiritualGrowth #TruthOfTheGospel🙏
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  • PART 3 — IF NOBODY CAN CORRECT YOU, YOU ARE IN DANGER

    Can anybody correct you without you becoming angry or defensive?

    Pride can make us believe that we are always right. It can make us reject advice simply because we don't like who is giving it.

    But wisdom listens.

    You don't have to accept every criticism—but don't reject every correction.

    Pause. Listen. Pray.

    “Lord, what can I learn from this?”

    A humble heart doesn't say, “I know everything.”

    It says:

    “Teach me.”

    Proverbs 12:15

    Part 4 is coming: When Success Becomes a Test.

    Follow Life Light TV and continue this biblical motivation series.

    Stay Humble. Stay Teachable. Stay Blessed.

    #Pride #Humility #BiblicalMotivation #ChristianMotivation #Bible #Jesus #God #Faith #Christianity #LifeLightTV #Gospel #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth
    🔥 PART 3 — IF NOBODY CAN CORRECT YOU, YOU ARE IN DANGER Can anybody correct you without you becoming angry or defensive? Pride can make us believe that we are always right. It can make us reject advice simply because we don't like who is giving it. But wisdom listens. You don't have to accept every criticism—but don't reject every correction. Pause. Listen. Pray. “Lord, what can I learn from this?” A humble heart doesn't say, “I know everything.” It says: “Teach me.” 🙏 📖 Proverbs 12:15 🔥 Part 4 is coming: When Success Becomes a Test. Follow Life Light TV and continue this biblical motivation series. Stay Humble. Stay Teachable. Stay Blessed. #Pride #Humility #BiblicalMotivation #ChristianMotivation #Bible #Jesus #God #Faith #Christianity #LifeLightTV #Gospel #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth
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  • Are You an Intentional Christian?

    By Pastor Joseph Clark

    Life does not simply happen to us. At least, it should not. There are circumstances we cannot control. There are things that happen to us that we never anticipated, and there are seasons when we have little choice over what comes our way. But within all of that, God has given us something extraordinarily important:

    The freedom to choose how we will live before Him.

    We should never be content merely to hope that our faith is genuine. We are called to deliberately follow Christ, deliberately obey His Word, deliberately love others, deliberately serve, deliberately grow—and deliberately bear fruit. The Christian life is not a spectator sport.

    Let me be absolutely clear: we are not saved by our good works. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through religious accomplishments or our own efforts. We cannot purchase forgiveness by doing enough good deeds. We cannot impress God into saving us.

    Paul writes:

    “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.”

    Ephesians 2:8–9

    Amen.

    But sometimes Christians stop reading there. The very next verse says:

    “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

    Ephesians 2:10

    Notice the order. We are not saved by good works. We are saved for good works. Works are not the root of our salvation; they are supposed to be the fruit of our salvation.

    That distinction is absolutely essential. A person does not become a Christian because he produces fruit. Rather, because he has been brought into Christ, his life should increasingly begin to produce fruit.

    I have observed that some Christians use the “by faith, not works” argument as a cop-out to justify a lazy, fruitless walk.

    Jesus Himself said:

    “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

    Matthew 7:16

    He did not say, “Don’t worry about fruit because you believe.” He said:

    “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

    Matthew 7:17

    There is a dangerous misunderstanding that can sometimes enter Christian thinking. A person says, “I am saved by faith and not works.” That statement is true. But then he concludes, “Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether my life produces anything.”

    That conclusion is not biblical.

    James puts the matter bluntly:

    “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

    James 2:17

    James isn’t teaching that we purchase salvation by our deeds. He is teaching that genuine faith is living faith.

    If I tell you that I have a fire burning in my house, but you enter the house and find no heat, no light, no flame, and no evidence whatsoever of fire, you would have good reason to question my claim.

    In the same way, if someone claims to belong to Christ but deliberately refuses to grow, refuses to obey, refuses to serve, refuses to love, refuses to forgive, and refuses to bear any spiritual fruit, we should not simply congratulate that person by saying, “Well, you’re saved by faith, so none of that matters.”

    Jesus never taught such complacency.

    Consider one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus describes people who will stand before Him on the day of judgment. They will say that they did things in His name. And Jesus will say:

    “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

    Matthew 7:23

    That should cause every professing Christian to pause.

    Jesus did not say, “You weren’t sincere enough.” He did not say, “You didn’t perform enough religious deeds.” He said, “I never knew you.”

    The issue is ultimately relationship with Christ.

    Likewise, Jesus gives a similar warning in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some of the virgins were complacent and unprepared for the bridegroom. When he arrived, they were shut out of the wedding feast. The warning is unmistakable: we must not live carelessly or presume upon the grace of God.

    A person can say the right things, use Christian vocabulary, attend church, perform religious activities, and even speak about Jesus—and yet not actually belong to Him.

    This is why we should never merely sit back and say, “I hope my faith is genuine.” We should examine our lives. We should pursue Christ. We should repent when we sin. We should seek holiness. We should love our neighbor. We should forgive. We should serve. We should pray. We should study God’s Word. We should proclaim the Gospel. We should bear fruit.

    Not because these things purchase our salvation—but because Christ has saved us and called us to live differently.

    Our fruitfulness should also be expressed through obedience to Christ’s Great Commission.

    Jesus said:

    “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

    John 15:16

    That is not passive language.

    Go. Bear fruit.

    Christ did not save us so that we could sit comfortably on the sidelines of Christianity. He called us into a life of purpose.

    Jesus also said:

    “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

    John 15:8

    There is that word again: fruit.

    Fruit is evidence of life.

    Wake Up and Bear Fruit

    Do you see what is happening in this fallen world today?

    Paganism. False religions.

    They are boldly, deliberately, and intentionally seeking to influence and claim the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.

    Our answer should be bold, fruitful evangelism!

    Wake up!

    Use your God-given gifts in any way you can to share His Gospel.

    An apple tree doesn’t produce apples in order to become an apple tree. It produces apples because it is an apple tree.

    Likewise, Christians don’t perform good works in order to become God’s children. We bear fruit because, through faith in Christ, God has made us His children.

    This brings us back to our central question:

    What are you going to do with the life God has given you?

    You cannot choose every circumstance. But you can choose whether you will trust God in those circumstances.

    You can choose whether you will forgive.

    You can choose whether you will serve.

    You can choose whether you will encourage someone who is discouraged.

    You can choose whether you will open your Bible.

    You can choose whether you will pray.

    You can choose whether you will share your faith.

    You can choose whether you will repent.

    You can choose whether you will obey Christ when obedience is difficult.

    You can choose whether your Christianity will be merely something you claim—or something you deliberately live.

    Paul told the Philippians:

    “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

    Philippians 2:12

    Paul did not mean, “Work for your salvation.” He was writing to people who were already Christians. The meaning is that the salvation God has worked into your life should be worked out in the way you live.

    Your faith should become visible.

    Your character should change.

    Your priorities should change.

    Your relationships should change.

    Your choices should change.

    Your life should increasingly resemble the Christ you profess to follow.

    There is a difference between saying, “I hope I’m a faithful Christian,” and saying, “By the grace of God, I will deliberately seek to become a faithful Christian.”

    The first can become passive.

    The second is intentional.

    What Will You Do With What God Has Given You?

    Do you remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30?

    Are you the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the ground rather than using it?

    To that servant, the master said:

    “You wicked, lazy servant!”

    Matthew 25:26

    The judgment concludes:

    “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

    Matthew 25:30

    Or are you the servant to whom the Lord will say:

    “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

    Matthew 25:21

    Let me pause and ask you right now:

    Is this message off-putting to you? Does this message offend you?

    If so, ask yourself: Why?

    Why does God’s Word—and a message consistent with His Word—bother you?

    And don’t misunderstand me: you cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through human strength.

    Jesus said:

    “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

    John 15:5

    Fruit comes from abiding in Christ.

    But abiding in Christ is not passive indifference.

    We choose to remain close to Him.

    We choose obedience.

    We choose repentance.

    We choose prayer.

    We choose service.

    We choose faithfulness.

    We choose to say yes when Christ calls.

    In the Parable of the Talents, one servant received one talent and buried it. He did not steal it. He did not destroy it. He simply did nothing with it.

    When the master returned, the servant had an excuse. But the master condemned him.

    Why?

    Because what had been entrusted to him was intended to be used.

    There is a warning here for Christians who have been given time, abilities, opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, and resources but deliberately refuse to use them for God’s purposes.

    God did not give you your life merely to consume it.

    He gave you a life that can be offered back to Him.

    Jesus also told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. The owner came looking for fruit and found none. The tree was occupying valuable ground, but it was not fulfilling the purpose for which it existed.

    That should make us think.

    What is your Christian life producing?

    Are people encouraged because you know Christ?

    Are people helped because you serve?

    Are people forgiven because you have learned to forgive?

    Are people hearing the Gospel because you are willing to speak?

    Are people seeing Christ in your conduct?

    Are you becoming more patient?

    More loving?

    More humble?

    More truthful?

    More generous?

    More courageous?

    More obedient?

    Has God given you talents or resources such as public influence, good oratory, conversational skills, a good computer, social media, or other online tools?

    Use them for Christ.

    Do you enjoy Christian podcasts, Christian articles, or Christian music?

    Share them online with others.

    Do you know someone who is in need or grieving?

    Be present to them.

    Let them know you are praying for them.

    Pray for them!

    Make a prayer list and pray daily.

    Pray for this fallen world.

    Reassure others of the coming of Christ.

    Use whatever God has entrusted to you to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel.

    What fruit is your life producing?

    You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fruitful

    You don’t have to be famous to be fruitful.

    You don’t have to preach to thousands.

    You don’t have to write books.

    You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit.

    A mother raising her children in the faith can be fruitful.

    A man encouraging a discouraged neighbor can be fruitful.

    A Christian visiting the lonely can be fruitful.

    Someone praying faithfully for another person can be fruitful.

    A believer forgiving an enemy can be fruitful.

    A Christian refusing to participate in gossip can be fruitful.

    Someone quietly giving to help another person can be fruitful.

    Fruitfulness isn’t necessarily spectacular.

    Sometimes the greatest Christian fruit is produced quietly, where only God sees it.

    Jesus said:

    “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

    Matthew 6:4

    Your life will not be perfect.

    You will fail.

    You will sin.

    You will sometimes become discouraged.

    You will occasionally make terrible decisions.

    But don’t confuse failure with fruitlessness.

    A fruitful Christian is not a perfect Christian. A fruitful Christian is an obedient Christian who keeps turning toward Christ.

    When he falls, he gets back up.

    When he sins, he repents.

    When he fails, he seeks God’s grace.

    When he becomes discouraged, he keeps walking.

    When God opens a door, he walks through it.

    When Christ calls, he responds.

    That is deliberate Christianity.

    So don’t merely sit back and hope that your faith is genuine.

    Pursue Christ.

    Don’t use salvation by faith as an excuse for spiritual laziness.

    Bear fruit.

    Don’t try to earn God’s love through good works.

    Serve because you have already received His grace.

    Don’t live as though your life is something that merely happens to you.

    By the grace of God, choose to make it count.

    Jesus said:

    “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

    And He also said:

    “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

    The Christian life is not about earning salvation.

    It is about living out the salvation you have received.

    So get up.

    Pray. Believe. Repent. Obey. Serve. Love. Forgive. Speak. Give. Go.

    Create content.

    Share content.

    Practice charity.

    Use your talents in any way you can to share the Kingdom of Christ and reach pagans, non-believers, and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

    Bear fruit.

    You have been given one life.

    Don’t merely wait to see what happens to it.

    With Christ, deliberately choose what you will do with it.

    And may your life bear fruit—not for your own glory, but for the glory of the One who saved you.

    In Jesus’ name, I pray.

    AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!
    Are You an Intentional Christian? By Pastor Joseph Clark Life does not simply happen to us. At least, it should not. There are circumstances we cannot control. There are things that happen to us that we never anticipated, and there are seasons when we have little choice over what comes our way. But within all of that, God has given us something extraordinarily important: The freedom to choose how we will live before Him. We should never be content merely to hope that our faith is genuine. We are called to deliberately follow Christ, deliberately obey His Word, deliberately love others, deliberately serve, deliberately grow—and deliberately bear fruit. The Christian life is not a spectator sport. Let me be absolutely clear: we are not saved by our good works. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through religious accomplishments or our own efforts. We cannot purchase forgiveness by doing enough good deeds. We cannot impress God into saving us. Paul writes: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.” Ephesians 2:8–9 Amen. But sometimes Christians stop reading there. The very next verse says: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 Notice the order. We are not saved by good works. We are saved for good works. Works are not the root of our salvation; they are supposed to be the fruit of our salvation. That distinction is absolutely essential. A person does not become a Christian because he produces fruit. Rather, because he has been brought into Christ, his life should increasingly begin to produce fruit. I have observed that some Christians use the “by faith, not works” argument as a cop-out to justify a lazy, fruitless walk. Jesus Himself said: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:16 He did not say, “Don’t worry about fruit because you believe.” He said: “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:17 There is a dangerous misunderstanding that can sometimes enter Christian thinking. A person says, “I am saved by faith and not works.” That statement is true. But then he concludes, “Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether my life produces anything.” That conclusion is not biblical. James puts the matter bluntly: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 James isn’t teaching that we purchase salvation by our deeds. He is teaching that genuine faith is living faith. If I tell you that I have a fire burning in my house, but you enter the house and find no heat, no light, no flame, and no evidence whatsoever of fire, you would have good reason to question my claim. In the same way, if someone claims to belong to Christ but deliberately refuses to grow, refuses to obey, refuses to serve, refuses to love, refuses to forgive, and refuses to bear any spiritual fruit, we should not simply congratulate that person by saying, “Well, you’re saved by faith, so none of that matters.” Jesus never taught such complacency. Consider one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus describes people who will stand before Him on the day of judgment. They will say that they did things in His name. And Jesus will say: “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:23 That should cause every professing Christian to pause. Jesus did not say, “You weren’t sincere enough.” He did not say, “You didn’t perform enough religious deeds.” He said, “I never knew you.” The issue is ultimately relationship with Christ. Likewise, Jesus gives a similar warning in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some of the virgins were complacent and unprepared for the bridegroom. When he arrived, they were shut out of the wedding feast. The warning is unmistakable: we must not live carelessly or presume upon the grace of God. A person can say the right things, use Christian vocabulary, attend church, perform religious activities, and even speak about Jesus—and yet not actually belong to Him. This is why we should never merely sit back and say, “I hope my faith is genuine.” We should examine our lives. We should pursue Christ. We should repent when we sin. We should seek holiness. We should love our neighbor. We should forgive. We should serve. We should pray. We should study God’s Word. We should proclaim the Gospel. We should bear fruit. Not because these things purchase our salvation—but because Christ has saved us and called us to live differently. Our fruitfulness should also be expressed through obedience to Christ’s Great Commission. Jesus said: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16 That is not passive language. Go. Bear fruit. Christ did not save us so that we could sit comfortably on the sidelines of Christianity. He called us into a life of purpose. Jesus also said: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 There is that word again: fruit. Fruit is evidence of life. Wake Up and Bear Fruit Do you see what is happening in this fallen world today? Paganism. False religions. They are boldly, deliberately, and intentionally seeking to influence and claim the hearts and minds of people throughout the world. Our answer should be bold, fruitful evangelism! Wake up! Use your God-given gifts in any way you can to share His Gospel. An apple tree doesn’t produce apples in order to become an apple tree. It produces apples because it is an apple tree. Likewise, Christians don’t perform good works in order to become God’s children. We bear fruit because, through faith in Christ, God has made us His children. This brings us back to our central question: What are you going to do with the life God has given you? You cannot choose every circumstance. But you can choose whether you will trust God in those circumstances. You can choose whether you will forgive. You can choose whether you will serve. You can choose whether you will encourage someone who is discouraged. You can choose whether you will open your Bible. You can choose whether you will pray. You can choose whether you will share your faith. You can choose whether you will repent. You can choose whether you will obey Christ when obedience is difficult. You can choose whether your Christianity will be merely something you claim—or something you deliberately live. Paul told the Philippians: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 Paul did not mean, “Work for your salvation.” He was writing to people who were already Christians. The meaning is that the salvation God has worked into your life should be worked out in the way you live. Your faith should become visible. Your character should change. Your priorities should change. Your relationships should change. Your choices should change. Your life should increasingly resemble the Christ you profess to follow. There is a difference between saying, “I hope I’m a faithful Christian,” and saying, “By the grace of God, I will deliberately seek to become a faithful Christian.” The first can become passive. The second is intentional. What Will You Do With What God Has Given You? Do you remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30? Are you the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the ground rather than using it? To that servant, the master said: “You wicked, lazy servant!” Matthew 25:26 The judgment concludes: “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30 Or are you the servant to whom the Lord will say: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21 Let me pause and ask you right now: Is this message off-putting to you? Does this message offend you? If so, ask yourself: Why? Why does God’s Word—and a message consistent with His Word—bother you? And don’t misunderstand me: you cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through human strength. Jesus said: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Fruit comes from abiding in Christ. But abiding in Christ is not passive indifference. We choose to remain close to Him. We choose obedience. We choose repentance. We choose prayer. We choose service. We choose faithfulness. We choose to say yes when Christ calls. In the Parable of the Talents, one servant received one talent and buried it. He did not steal it. He did not destroy it. He simply did nothing with it. When the master returned, the servant had an excuse. But the master condemned him. Why? Because what had been entrusted to him was intended to be used. There is a warning here for Christians who have been given time, abilities, opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, and resources but deliberately refuse to use them for God’s purposes. God did not give you your life merely to consume it. He gave you a life that can be offered back to Him. Jesus also told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. The owner came looking for fruit and found none. The tree was occupying valuable ground, but it was not fulfilling the purpose for which it existed. That should make us think. What is your Christian life producing? Are people encouraged because you know Christ? Are people helped because you serve? Are people forgiven because you have learned to forgive? Are people hearing the Gospel because you are willing to speak? Are people seeing Christ in your conduct? Are you becoming more patient? More loving? More humble? More truthful? More generous? More courageous? More obedient? Has God given you talents or resources such as public influence, good oratory, conversational skills, a good computer, social media, or other online tools? Use them for Christ. Do you enjoy Christian podcasts, Christian articles, or Christian music? Share them online with others. Do you know someone who is in need or grieving? Be present to them. Let them know you are praying for them. Pray for them! Make a prayer list and pray daily. Pray for this fallen world. Reassure others of the coming of Christ. Use whatever God has entrusted to you to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel. What fruit is your life producing? You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fruitful You don’t have to be famous to be fruitful. You don’t have to preach to thousands. You don’t have to write books. You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit. A mother raising her children in the faith can be fruitful. A man encouraging a discouraged neighbor can be fruitful. A Christian visiting the lonely can be fruitful. Someone praying faithfully for another person can be fruitful. A believer forgiving an enemy can be fruitful. A Christian refusing to participate in gossip can be fruitful. Someone quietly giving to help another person can be fruitful. Fruitfulness isn’t necessarily spectacular. Sometimes the greatest Christian fruit is produced quietly, where only God sees it. Jesus said: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:4 Your life will not be perfect. You will fail. You will sin. You will sometimes become discouraged. You will occasionally make terrible decisions. But don’t confuse failure with fruitlessness. A fruitful Christian is not a perfect Christian. A fruitful Christian is an obedient Christian who keeps turning toward Christ. When he falls, he gets back up. When he sins, he repents. When he fails, he seeks God’s grace. When he becomes discouraged, he keeps walking. When God opens a door, he walks through it. When Christ calls, he responds. That is deliberate Christianity. So don’t merely sit back and hope that your faith is genuine. Pursue Christ. Don’t use salvation by faith as an excuse for spiritual laziness. Bear fruit. Don’t try to earn God’s love through good works. Serve because you have already received His grace. Don’t live as though your life is something that merely happens to you. By the grace of God, choose to make it count. Jesus said: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” And He also said: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” The Christian life is not about earning salvation. It is about living out the salvation you have received. So get up. Pray. Believe. Repent. Obey. Serve. Love. Forgive. Speak. Give. Go. Create content. Share content. Practice charity. Use your talents in any way you can to share the Kingdom of Christ and reach pagans, non-believers, and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ. Bear fruit. You have been given one life. Don’t merely wait to see what happens to it. With Christ, deliberately choose what you will do with it. And may your life bear fruit—not for your own glory, but for the glory of the One who saved you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!
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  • DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP

    DBF-001-023

    Today’s Scripture

    John 2:2 (ESV)

    “Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.”

    Opening the Scriptures

    Yesterday we entered a wedding celebration in Cana. Today John gives us another simple detail: Jesus and His disciples had been invited.

    Nothing miraculous has happened yet.

    Jesus is simply present among ordinary people during an ordinary event in their lives.

    Yet the disciples who came with Him were beginning an extraordinary journey. They had left their former lives to follow Jesus, but they still had much to learn about the One they were following.

    Soon they would witness something at this wedding that would deepen their understanding of who Jesus truly is.

    For now, they simply went where Jesus went.

    That is a simple but important picture of discipleship.

    Living God’s Word Today

    Following Jesus does not mean inviting Him into selected areas of our lives while keeping control of everything else.

    Christ is not a guest whom we welcome when convenient and ignore when His presence interferes with our plans.

    He is Lord.

    The disciples were learning that following Jesus meant going where He led them. That same principle remains true for us.

    We follow Christ when His Word agrees with what we want, and we follow Him when His Word confronts what we want.

    We follow Him in church, but also in our homes.

    We follow Him when people are watching and when nobody sees us.

    We follow Him when obedience is comfortable and when obedience costs us something.

    There is another important warning here. Inviting Jesus into our lives does not mean that He has come to fulfill all our personal desires. At Cana, Jesus was not present to become a servant of human wishes. What would soon happen would reveal His glory and His divine authority.

    That distinction matters.

    Christianity is not about adding Jesus to the life we have already chosen.

    It is about surrendering ourselves to the Christ who calls us to follow Him.

    The disciples did not yet understand everything about Jesus.

    Neither do we.

    But discipleship begins with trusting Him enough to follow.

    Today, do not merely ask Christ to accompany your plans.

    Open His Word and ask whether your plans are following His will.

    Question for Today:
    Are you asking Jesus to follow your plans, or are you willing to follow His?

    Respond: “Lord Jesus, I will follow You.”
    DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-023 Today’s Scripture John 2:2 (ESV) “Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.” Opening the Scriptures Yesterday we entered a wedding celebration in Cana. Today John gives us another simple detail: Jesus and His disciples had been invited. Nothing miraculous has happened yet. Jesus is simply present among ordinary people during an ordinary event in their lives. Yet the disciples who came with Him were beginning an extraordinary journey. They had left their former lives to follow Jesus, but they still had much to learn about the One they were following. Soon they would witness something at this wedding that would deepen their understanding of who Jesus truly is. For now, they simply went where Jesus went. That is a simple but important picture of discipleship. Living God’s Word Today Following Jesus does not mean inviting Him into selected areas of our lives while keeping control of everything else. Christ is not a guest whom we welcome when convenient and ignore when His presence interferes with our plans. He is Lord. The disciples were learning that following Jesus meant going where He led them. That same principle remains true for us. We follow Christ when His Word agrees with what we want, and we follow Him when His Word confronts what we want. We follow Him in church, but also in our homes. We follow Him when people are watching and when nobody sees us. We follow Him when obedience is comfortable and when obedience costs us something. There is another important warning here. Inviting Jesus into our lives does not mean that He has come to fulfill all our personal desires. At Cana, Jesus was not present to become a servant of human wishes. What would soon happen would reveal His glory and His divine authority. That distinction matters. Christianity is not about adding Jesus to the life we have already chosen. It is about surrendering ourselves to the Christ who calls us to follow Him. The disciples did not yet understand everything about Jesus. Neither do we. But discipleship begins with trusting Him enough to follow. Today, do not merely ask Christ to accompany your plans. Open His Word and ask whether your plans are following His will. Question for Today: Are you asking Jesus to follow your plans, or are you willing to follow His? Respond: “Lord Jesus, I will follow You.”
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    📚 Give your child the best start in life. Enroll now in our nurturing, faith-based environment 📞 Call Today: 405-691-8012 🌐 Enroll Online Today: nationalhomeschool.com #HomeSchooling #HomeschoolNational #AntiochChristianAcademy #PreSchool #Education #Onlineschool #School #Onlinelearning #Christianschool #Christianeducation #Accreditedschool #Biblicaleducation #Onlinelearning #Onlineacademy #Christianity #Faith
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  • GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF
    16TH AUGUST 2026

    Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed.
    But before we share the word of God, let us pray

    ENJOY THE FULL VIDEO HERE
    https://youtu.be/IHnZa2BylFo?si=rBUkpriqf33nSXLM
    PLEASE WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE
    TO HELP MY CHANNEL GROW. THANKS

    LESSON:
    Matthew 7:16-20

    As a matter of fact, today's message is a self reflection, that's why it's topic is:

    TOPIC:
    WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN AM I?

    TEXT:
    You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
    Matthew 7:16–20 (NKJV)

    INTRODUCTION:
    It is easy to ask, “What kind of church do I attend?” or “What kind of Christians are around me?” But today, God is asking a more personal question:
    What kind of Christian am I?
    Christianity is more than attending church, carrying a Bible, singing worship songs, or being known as a believer. Jesus wants our faith to be visible in the way we live, speak, love, forgive, serve and represent Him.
    The real test of Christianity is not simply what we profess with our lips, but what our lives produce.
    Be immensely blessed by the word in Jesus name.

    EXPOSITION:
    With a sincere mind, let's examine and consider these 3 basic important points.

    1. WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS MY LIFE PRODUCING?
    Matthew 7:16–20; Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4–5
    Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.”
    Notice that Jesus did not say people would be known merely by their appearance, religious vocabulary, church position or spiritual title. He said they would be known by their fruit. Fruit is evidence of what is happening inside a tree. In the same way, our daily conduct reveals what is happening in our hearts.

    A Christian may speak about love, but how do I treat people who offend me? I may talk about forgiveness, but can I forgive those who hurt me? I may preach holiness, but what happens when nobody is watching? I may say that I trust God, but what happens when I face disappointment? These are the moments when our fruit becomes visible.
    Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

    This gives us something practical to examine.
    Is there love in me? Is there patience in me?
    Is there self-control in me? Can people see Christ in the way I respond under pressure?
    Because sometimes, the greatest testimony we preach is not from the pulpit. It is through our behaviour when life does not go according to our expectations. Jesus also said in John 15:5, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.”

    Fruitfulness is therefore connected to our relationship with Christ. We cannot consistently produce Christlike character while living far from Christ. The question is not whether we once produced good fruit. The question is: What is my life producing now?

    EXPOSITION:
    2. AM I A LIGHT THAT LEADS PEOPLE TO CHRIST OR A STUMBLING BLOCK?
    Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:12
    Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.”
    That means our Christianity is not supposed to remain inside the church building. People are watching us.
    Our neighbours are watching. Our colleagues are watching. Our family members are watching. Young people are watching. Even people who disagree with Christianity are watching.

    Sometimes, before they read the Bible, they read our lives. This is why we must ask ourselves a difficult question: Does my lifestyle make people desire to know Jesus, or does it give them another reason to reject Him? A Christian can become a stumbling block through bitterness, dishonesty, hypocrisy, arrogance, unforgiveness, gossip, immoral behaviour or an abusive attitude. Imagine telling someone that Jesus changes lives, while that person consistently sees anger, hatred and dishonesty in our own life.
    What message are we communicating?

    Romans 14:13 tells believers not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in another believer’s way.
    This does not mean that we live our lives based on people's opinions. It means we recognize that Christian freedom carries Christian responsibility.
    Our lives should make the Gospel attractive, not contradictory. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:
    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

    The purpose of our light is not to make people admire us. It is to make them glorify God. So, when people encounter me, what do they encounter? Christ or character problems? Grace or hostility? Truth or hypocrisy? Love or bitterness? We cannot preach the Gospel effectively with our mouths while preaching a different gospel with our lifestyle.

    EXPOSITION:
    3. AM I OBEYING CHRIST OR AM I ONLY PRACTISING RELIGION?
    John 14:15; James 1:22–25; Matthew 28:19–20
    Jesus said plainly: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That means genuine Christianity must eventually produce obedience. It is possible to become very familiar with church activities while becoming unfamiliar with obedience to Christ.
    We can attend services, participate in programmes, sing loudly, pray publicly and even hold positions in church, yet still ignore the simple commands of Jesus.

    Jesus commanded us to love one another.
    He commanded us to forgive.
    He commanded us to serve.
    He commanded us to make disciples.
    He commanded us to preach the Gospel.
    He commanded us to live as lights in a dark world.
    The question therefore becomes:
    Am I doing what Jesus asked me to do?

    James 1:22 warns us not to be merely hearers of the Word, but doers. Hearing God's Word without obeying it can create the illusion of spiritual maturity.
    Knowledge is not the same as obedience.
    Knowing that we should forgive is not forgiveness.
    Knowing that we should evangelize is not evangelism.
    Knowing that we should love is not love.
    Knowing that we should live holy is not holiness.
    At some point, the Word we hear must become the life we live. And this includes the Great Commission.

    Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Every Christian may not stand behind a pulpit, but every Christian has a responsibility to represent Christ. There is somebody around us who needs encouragement.
    Somebody needs to hear the Gospel.
    Somebody needs to see forgiveness.
    Somebody needs to see genuine Christian love.
    Somebody may be watching our life and wondering whether Jesus is truly real.

    So the question is not merely:
    “Am I a Christian?” The deeper question is:
    “What kind of Christian am I?”
    Am I a Christian by name, or by transformation?
    Am I only a church member, or am I a disciple of Jesus? Am I carrying the name of Christ while refusing to carry His character?
    This brings us to the conclusion of the message.

    CONCLUSION:
    Today, the mirror is before us.
    Not before our neighbour.
    Not before another church member.
    Not before society. Before me.
    What kind of Christian am I?
    May our Christianity be more than words, titles and religious activities. May our lives produce good fruit, shine as lights, and demonstrate obedience to Christ.
    Let people encounter us and see something that points them back to Jesus.

    CLOSING PRAYER:
    Let us pray!
    Lord Jesus, make us genuine representatives of Your kingdom. Let our lives produce good fruit, let our character reflect You, and let our actions never become a stumbling block to others. Help us to love, forgive, serve and obey You faithfully. May our lives point people to Christ. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

    GOODWILL MESSAGE:
    This is my goodwill message for you this week:
    May your life become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. May your words carry grace, your character reveal Christ, and your actions draw others closer to God. May your faith remain fruitful, your light continue to shine, and your life bring glory to your Father in heaven. Amen.

    HAPPY WONDERFUL SUNDAY,
    HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK.

    LIKE IT OR NOT!
    JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!!
    REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!!

    This wonderful message is brought to you
    With Love from Pastor M O Glorious,
    CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH ,
    Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@
    08055646358: 09018952081
    or
    peganmireAnderson Mwila.com

    #WhatKindOfChristianAmI #ChristianCharacter
    #ChristLikeLiving #FruitOfTheSpirit
    #BeTheLight #ChristianFaith
    #WalkWithChrist #ObeyChrist
    #LiveForJesus l#LetYourLightShine
    #KingdomLiving #JesusChrist
    GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF 16TH AUGUST 2026 Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed. But before we share the word of God, let us pray 🙏 ENJOY THE FULL VIDEO HERE 👇👇👇 https://youtu.be/IHnZa2BylFo?si=rBUkpriqf33nSXLM PLEASE WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE TO HELP MY CHANNEL GROW. THANKS 🙏 LESSON: Matthew 7:16-20 As a matter of fact, today's message is a self reflection, that's why it's topic is: TOPIC: WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN AM I? TEXT: You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16–20 (NKJV) INTRODUCTION: It is easy to ask, “What kind of church do I attend?” or “What kind of Christians are around me?” But today, God is asking a more personal question: What kind of Christian am I? Christianity is more than attending church, carrying a Bible, singing worship songs, or being known as a believer. Jesus wants our faith to be visible in the way we live, speak, love, forgive, serve and represent Him. The real test of Christianity is not simply what we profess with our lips, but what our lives produce. Be immensely blessed by the word in Jesus name. EXPOSITION: With a sincere mind, let's examine and consider these 3 basic important points. 1. WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS MY LIFE PRODUCING? Matthew 7:16–20; Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4–5 Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” Notice that Jesus did not say people would be known merely by their appearance, religious vocabulary, church position or spiritual title. He said they would be known by their fruit. Fruit is evidence of what is happening inside a tree. In the same way, our daily conduct reveals what is happening in our hearts. A Christian may speak about love, but how do I treat people who offend me? I may talk about forgiveness, but can I forgive those who hurt me? I may preach holiness, but what happens when nobody is watching? I may say that I trust God, but what happens when I face disappointment? These are the moments when our fruit becomes visible. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This gives us something practical to examine. Is there love in me? Is there patience in me? Is there self-control in me? Can people see Christ in the way I respond under pressure? Because sometimes, the greatest testimony we preach is not from the pulpit. It is through our behaviour when life does not go according to our expectations. Jesus also said in John 15:5, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” Fruitfulness is therefore connected to our relationship with Christ. We cannot consistently produce Christlike character while living far from Christ. The question is not whether we once produced good fruit. The question is: What is my life producing now? EXPOSITION: 2. AM I A LIGHT THAT LEADS PEOPLE TO CHRIST OR A STUMBLING BLOCK? Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:12 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” That means our Christianity is not supposed to remain inside the church building. People are watching us. Our neighbours are watching. Our colleagues are watching. Our family members are watching. Young people are watching. Even people who disagree with Christianity are watching. Sometimes, before they read the Bible, they read our lives. This is why we must ask ourselves a difficult question: Does my lifestyle make people desire to know Jesus, or does it give them another reason to reject Him? A Christian can become a stumbling block through bitterness, dishonesty, hypocrisy, arrogance, unforgiveness, gossip, immoral behaviour or an abusive attitude. Imagine telling someone that Jesus changes lives, while that person consistently sees anger, hatred and dishonesty in our own life. What message are we communicating? Romans 14:13 tells believers not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in another believer’s way. This does not mean that we live our lives based on people's opinions. It means we recognize that Christian freedom carries Christian responsibility. Our lives should make the Gospel attractive, not contradictory. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The purpose of our light is not to make people admire us. It is to make them glorify God. So, when people encounter me, what do they encounter? Christ or character problems? Grace or hostility? Truth or hypocrisy? Love or bitterness? We cannot preach the Gospel effectively with our mouths while preaching a different gospel with our lifestyle. EXPOSITION: 3. AM I OBEYING CHRIST OR AM I ONLY PRACTISING RELIGION? John 14:15; James 1:22–25; Matthew 28:19–20 Jesus said plainly: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That means genuine Christianity must eventually produce obedience. It is possible to become very familiar with church activities while becoming unfamiliar with obedience to Christ. We can attend services, participate in programmes, sing loudly, pray publicly and even hold positions in church, yet still ignore the simple commands of Jesus. Jesus commanded us to love one another. He commanded us to forgive. He commanded us to serve. He commanded us to make disciples. He commanded us to preach the Gospel. He commanded us to live as lights in a dark world. The question therefore becomes: Am I doing what Jesus asked me to do? James 1:22 warns us not to be merely hearers of the Word, but doers. Hearing God's Word without obeying it can create the illusion of spiritual maturity. Knowledge is not the same as obedience. Knowing that we should forgive is not forgiveness. Knowing that we should evangelize is not evangelism. Knowing that we should love is not love. Knowing that we should live holy is not holiness. At some point, the Word we hear must become the life we live. And this includes the Great Commission. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Every Christian may not stand behind a pulpit, but every Christian has a responsibility to represent Christ. There is somebody around us who needs encouragement. Somebody needs to hear the Gospel. Somebody needs to see forgiveness. Somebody needs to see genuine Christian love. Somebody may be watching our life and wondering whether Jesus is truly real. So the question is not merely: “Am I a Christian?” The deeper question is: “What kind of Christian am I?” Am I a Christian by name, or by transformation? Am I only a church member, or am I a disciple of Jesus? Am I carrying the name of Christ while refusing to carry His character? This brings us to the conclusion of the message. CONCLUSION: Today, the mirror is before us. Not before our neighbour. Not before another church member. Not before society. Before me. What kind of Christian am I? May our Christianity be more than words, titles and religious activities. May our lives produce good fruit, shine as lights, and demonstrate obedience to Christ. Let people encounter us and see something that points them back to Jesus. CLOSING PRAYER: Let us pray! Lord Jesus, make us genuine representatives of Your kingdom. Let our lives produce good fruit, let our character reflect You, and let our actions never become a stumbling block to others. Help us to love, forgive, serve and obey You faithfully. May our lives point people to Christ. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. GOODWILL MESSAGE: This is my goodwill message for you this week: May your life become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. May your words carry grace, your character reveal Christ, and your actions draw others closer to God. May your faith remain fruitful, your light continue to shine, and your life bring glory to your Father in heaven. Amen. HAPPY WONDERFUL SUNDAY, HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK. LIKE IT OR NOT! JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!! REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!! 🙋This wonderful message is brought to you With Love from Pastor M O Glorious, CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH , Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@ 08055646358: 09018952081 or peganmire[gmail].com #WhatKindOfChristianAmI #ChristianCharacter #ChristLikeLiving #FruitOfTheSpirit #BeTheLight #ChristianFaith #WalkWithChrist #ObeyChrist #LiveForJesus l#LetYourLightShine #KingdomLiving #JesusChrist
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