As believers in God, we must look at life from God’s viewpoint. We know through God’s Word that He does not tolerate sin at any level. I recently heard a national Christian leader giving praise to a politician who has blessed others with his wealth. He said, “Some want to say this man is not a Christian, but look at his good works.” Good works do not save us. Some people do good things to feel better about their sinful lifestyle.
Christian means to be Christ-like. God says from the Old to the New Testament, “Be ye holy, for I AM holy!” Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Are we ‘self-feeders’ of the Word of God? It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path!
Ephesians 4:29-31 (NLT)
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
Paul is writing to the church that was born again of the water and the Spirit (Acts 2:38). He writes directly to how we ought to talk and live.
Ephesians 5:1-14 (NLT)
Living in the Light
5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
The church cannot allow sin – it must be revealed. God is love and He proved His love by coming in flesh and dying on a cruel bloody cross to pay the price for our redemption.
Jesus is coming for a Bride that has a clean pure heart. Become a ‘self-feeder’ of the Word. Eat daily at the table that God has set before us through His Word. We must not live life from the world’s view or being politically correct. We must have God’s view and that comes through His Word. Faith comes by hearing/reading the Word of God!
NOTE: If you have a wounded heart from adversity in life, God-based counseling is available by phone/Skype (636) 448-0121. God came to save us and heal our brokenness.
www.carolclemans.org – bio, 350+ articles, read ‘about ministry’ page, teaching CD’s & DVD’s, book: “God’s Design for Marriage” on site or ebook: amazon.com. Watch short teaching videos on Carol Clemans YouTube channel.
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