roderick evans kingdom builders faith ashamed Christ identify reject love faith hope

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Acceptable Worship: Is God Pleased?

Posted by Roderick on October 18, 2010
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Is your worship to God acceptable? Is it pleasing in His sight? These questions should evoke self-examination in any sincere Christian. These questions lead us to a more important question, “What makes our worship and religious activities acceptable unto God? Both Testaments agree that acceptable worship does not begin with adherence to traditions, rituals, and gatherings, but in an individual’s daily life before God. Religious activities cannot be used as a substitute for a personal, vibrant, and healthy relationship with Christ.

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Isaiah 1:13-15 (KJV)

In Isaiah’s day, the nation of Israel had departed from following the Lord in righteousness and holiness in their lives. They adhered to all of the religious requirements of the Law. However, the Lord was not pleased with their worship.  It was unacceptable.

Today, millions of Christians are involved in ministries, churches, missions, and community endeavors all under the banner of Christ, but their personal lives are not reflective of Christ.  Though Christ loves us and is full of compassion, He requires His followers to have lives characterized by goodness. On this day, look at your relationship with God. Do you hide behind your gifts, alms, and good works? Or, do you personally reflect an attitude, disposition, and lifestyle that demonstrate that you know Christ in a personal way? In examining these things, you can know whether you worship is acceptable.

Persuasion that Counts: Christ is Able

Posted by Roderick on October 14, 2010
Posted in: Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: . 1 comment

What do you believe? What is the basis for your existence? Man has always looked for the “meaning of life.” Christians know, however, that the meaning of life is found in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He came to restore men unto God. Many doubt the validity of the Bible and its message of salvation through ignorance and unbelief. Yet, Christians have to remain persuaded of the truth. This persuasion of the truth has to go beyond an initial faith in Christ, but a continual trust in His presence and ability to act for us after coming to Him.

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Romans 4:21 (KJV)

It is interesting to note that many Christians are not persuaded when it comes to God’s ability and willingness to move on their behalf. We learn from the story of Abraham that though he and his wife were old, he still was of the persuasion that whatever God promised, He was able to perform.

Do you have the persuasion that counts? You must be of the persuasion that God is faithful even when we are faithless. You must be of the persuasion that God will hear and answer your prayers. You must be of the persuasion that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not allow past experiences to cause you to lose your faith in God. Rise up on this day and take hold of the “Persuasion that Counts.”

Are You Ashamed of the Faith?

Posted by Roderick on August 30, 2010
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: . Leave a Comment

Image by MSO Clipart

Since its earliest days, Christianity has been the object of ridicule and debate. The actions of those who called themselves Christians did not help with the world’s view of Christianity. History tells us of the Inquisition and past religious corruption all in the name of Christianity.

Today, we see this trend of those associated with Christianity misrepresenting the name of Christ. Because of this, many are ashamed to call themselves Christians because of negative perceptions. Are you committed to Christ and willing to be identified with the faith? However, Christians have to take the same sentiment as Paul.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (KJV)

Christians have been accused of being hypocrites, bible thumpers, spiritual elitists, and the like. However, anyone that is a true Christian understands these things not to be true. True Christians do not hate the Jews or any other religious group.

True Christians do not hate individuals involved in alternative lifestyles or those who engage in practices deemed immoral by the Bible. Christians, however, do understand that God loved man enough to provide salvation from their sins (in all its forms).

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (KJV)

Though some ‘Christians’ misrepresent the faith, we cannot back down from the truth: There is sin in the world. God does oppose sins. He offers forgiveness and deliverance from sin through Christ.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (KJV)

In addition, those that come to Him must reflect Him in their lives; demonstrating His love and character. Please do not be ashamed of God and your relationship with Him though Christ. Stay committed. Why? He is not ashamed of you. He has loved you unconditionally. He will be with you always.