Matthew 28:19, 20, 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you;”
There is no doubt, the world is living in challenging times. According to the Bible, we are living in the end of the last days! For example:
- Wars and rumors of wars, food shortages, increased numbers of earthquakes in many different places, pestilences. A pestilence is for example plaques (Covid). Matthew 24:7
- People loving themselves and money, more than God and others. 2 Timothy 3:2
- The Bible details that in the end of the last days, “knowledge will increase,” and we clearly see this happening. In the early 1990’s, live streaming over the internet began. The first handheld mobile phone was created in 1973 to Apple’s first iPhone announced in 2007. Other emerging technologies are industrial robots, and now Al (artificial intelligence). While these developments can be a great blessing by improving our lives and quality, may also prove to displace large numbers of workers and make us dependable on them. And what is the future of electric cars? Daniel 12:4
Increased technology aside, the world is progressing further into darkness! Magic or ‘black magic’ is being explored more frequently than seeking the Almighty God. Shaking their fist at our Maker! Without realizing how it began, an individual can begin to think, ‘they don’t need God.’ Not giving glory to God, the Creator, for their creativity, but giving glory to themselves. Yes, the world is losing their ‘moral compass.’ Because of this, many are confused about their gender identity, and overall purpose in life. The global culture is shifting from God’s standards to the new normal, according to their own righteousness. Which reaps (or opens the door to the enemy) by producing immorality, depression, hatred, offense, and insubordination (act of willfully disobeying one’s superior).
Deuteronomy 8:11-18, 11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end— 17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ 18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
Wealth and increase are not a sin in themselves. Who would not want it. I do! The problem can arise and be a snare if you believe by your own might and power, you have obtained these things. And do not honor God for His blessings or prospering you!
DO YOU NOT KNOW, the new normal is NOT according to the standards of God! Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
For example, many people think that going to church occasionally or doing charitable deeds or simply believing in God makes them a Christian. But the Bible presents a distinct perspective and definition of a Christian. A Christian is someone whose behavior and heart reflects Jesus Christ.
Before followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” in Antioch, (Acts, 11:26), members of the early Church did not refer to themselves as “Christians.” The word “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. Other scriptures, Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Thirdly, in the book of 1 Peter 4:16, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” Early communities would rather call themselves “saints.” The Bible was originally written in Hebrew. Apostle Luke translated in Greek. Apostle James translated in English. From there other translations in other languages. The Greek word for ‘saint” is (hagios). Which simply means “consecrated to God.
For a true believer, as the early members understood meant there was no difference between a Christian and a Disciple. A Disciple of Jesus Christ is someone who acknowledges Jesus as their Savior and Lord and is learning from Him. Being changed by Him and engaged in His mission. Learning what Jesus says and taught and trying to the best of our ability to walk it out with the help of the Holy Spirit!
We cannot honestly say we are Christians and purposely ignore the teachings commanded to us in the Bible. If you are a believer, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We then, need to endeavor to practice righteousness, 1 John 3:7, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous just as He is righteous.” We cannot say we love God and do not love the things of God. John (14:15) recorded Jesus saying, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Therefore, one cannot do the things contrary to Jesus’ teachings and say you are a follower of His.
This is how one can be deceived and stray from God!
Romans 8:29, “God has predestined His people to be conformed to the image of His Son.”
How does a believer become more like Jesus Christ?
Here is an astounding TRUTH! A born-again believer has been given the very nature of God! The fullness of the Godhead resides within us. God working in us and through us to conform us to His image. We are the representatives of Christ in the earth. This is how others will know we are His followers by the same attributes we demonstrate of Him. Such as loving others, forgiving, praying, denying worldly lusts, witnessing, reading the Bible, assembling in local churches, giving tithes and offerings for the advancement of His Kingdom, etc.
Becoming more like Christ requires our cooperation with God. Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
By allowing the Holy Spirit to draw the attributes of God in us out of us. Otherwise, these characteristics can just remain dormant all your life. Until you also change your thinking or as the Bible tells us to renew our mind. Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” But of course, it is your decision you must make alone. God will not force you to surrender to Him. You CAN choose to allow God to teach you how to walk life out with Him. Back to the basics!
Growing more like Christ!
Maybe the question should be are you a Disciple following the teachings of Jesus Christ?
Marguerite Wafula
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