Keeping CHRIST in CHRISTian!

Dear readers. Dear Christian brothers and sisters, I am writing this to inform you that there must be integrity behind your claim as a Christian. I am Not writing this to judge nor condemn you,for I too am a sinner,fallen short of God's glory. God has just laid it on my heart that this is an important issue. When you claim to be a Christian, you are claiming more than a religious option;circle A, B, C, or D. You are claiming Christ and everything Christ represents. ''And now, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.'' Colossians 2:6-7 Our very character must display that of Christ, daily, for those who have not seen God, to see God. ''If any of you wants to be my follower,you must turn from your selfish ways,take up your cross daily, and follow me.'' Jesus in Luke 9:23 ''Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God.'' Colossians 1:15 This can not be done by just one of us. It takes all of us working together, each with a unique purpose. ''All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it.'' 1 Corinthians 12:27 The human body is controlled by signals that come from the brain. Each of the body parts has a different function. The body of Christ,or the church, works no different. Some of us are the feet. Some the legs,arms,hands and so forth. Christ is the brain! If we fail to follow Christ,and what he represents, it is as if we have caused paralysis in the church. ''What good is it,dear brothers and sisters,if you say you have faith but don't show it in your actions?Can that kind of faith save anyone?'' James 2:14 It was never promised that it would be safe or easy or fun, to follow Christ. It is a constant,daily,restless journey,to strive to be like Christ. But rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven. A message from Jesus to his followers, ''Foxes have dens to live in,and birds have nests,but the Son of Man has no place to even lay his head.'' Luke 9:58

Truth:Generic Version or the Real Thing?

''Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking or the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.'' Colossians 2:8 I really wish I had a better analogy for you guys, but this is the best I could come up with. My hope is that this will in someway help get Paul's message in this passage across to you. Let's say life is a road. In order to travel this winding road we need a vehicle, right? The one you have now keeps breaking down and just is not dependable for this journey. So you are in the market for a brand new one. There are a lot of car lots and a lot of different cars to choose from. But we all know car salesman, right? They get paid commission. So their only objective is to sell you a car. They don't care WHAT you buy, only THAT you buy. So they will say anything to make you believe that the cars they are selling are safe,reliable,and long-lasting for the road ahead. Some of you bite in to the bait; hook,line,and sinker. That is what Paul is saying here. There are a lot of religions, churches, and denominations out there and a lot of philosophies and ideas people will try to sell you. He is saying don't be deceived by what they have to say and put your faith in to it blindly.Make sure their teachings have a foundation. That foundation being Jesus Christ. Jesus declares, ''I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life.'' John 14:6 Your faith is not blind if put in Christ,who initiates and perfects our faith. [see Hebrews 12:2] Beleiving God exists isn't good enough.For even Satan knows and trembles at His name. God will accept you the way you are but in return you have to accept his son, Jesus Christ, and what He did on the cross.''If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.''Romans 10:9'' I hope that this has helped get Paul's warning of false teachings across to you. Remember,''Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,today,and forever.'' Hebrews 13:8