If Jesus Showed Up One Sunday Morning

One of my favorite songs and Artist is "My Jesus" by Todd Agnew. I was listening to it at work the other day and heard how he doubted that his church would accept Jesus if He came and it reminded me of people who say that most churches would not recognize Him if He showed up one Sunday morning. The song spoke of Jesus' ministry to the lost and hopeless and how we should do likewise. This is great stuff but I was troubled over the thought of not recognizing Jesus. My first thought was, "Why would anyone be involved in a Church they felt would not accept or recognize our Savior?" How is it possible for a Church to be in this condition? In the Bible there are more than a few types mention that picture the Church's relationship to Jesus.

        The first is the Shepherd and the flock. In John 10:27, Jesus is recorded as saying, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." How is it possible for a Church or Flock not to hear the voice of the Shepherd and to know Him"? Jesus says it is not possible. A Church dedicated to discipleship and following Jesus will know Him. They will know His Words, and know when He shows up, when He reveals His presence. If the Church you attend does not fit the Sheep mode, then you might find another flock.

The next type is Bride and Bridegroom. Surely the Bride will know her Bridegroom. The picture in scripture is of a bride who is waiting for her groom. But while she waits, the groom is preparing her for their eternal union. Also, Jesus states that He gave Himself for His Bride. He paid the dowry with His blood on the cross. It does not sound as if it is possible for the Bride to be unknown to the Groom. It sounds hard but we must decide if we are part of a Bride or a harlot. The difference is: a harlot is only able to be intimate physically for a price. A Bride is able to be intimate Body, Soul and Spirit and the Bride and Groom give all. 

The last, but not final type I see is the Church as the Body of Christ to continue His work on earth. Doesn't a person know his or her own body? As we bathe and clean it after a hard day’s work, don't we become familiar with all of it? The Spirit and Soul has an intimate relationship with the body. Likewise the Body of Christ knows intimately the person whom it belongs to. Do you still believe it is possible for a Church to not recognize Jesus if He was to reveal Himself? Of course I am not an expert on scripture or Church life and growth, but this all seems common sense to me. Let’s quit complaining about how bad our Churches are and get about the Master’s business. Hear the Shepherd’s voice and obey. Let the Bridegroom prepare you for His return. And lastly, offer ourselves to His service to reach the lost. In doing so you will recognize Him, He is living in you. Will I quit loving Todd Agnew’s song? Not likely! We all need help remembering who Christ died for and what we are to do about it.

(Note: Not many scripture references are given because I think you would get a lot more out of it if you researched them yourselves.)

https://youtu.be/Y5Svz6YFtkI 

Christ in My Career: Part Three (Influence)

This is a portion of a book titled, "Christ in My Career" by Allen W. Graves. I will post edited by me to update usage. "Influence Belongs to God"  Christians can use their influence to draw others to Christ or they can use it to drive them away. One’s example may lead others to seek the Savior who can transform life. Or it may cause an unbeliever to lose all confidence in Christians.

Some people who never read the Bible, attend Church, or hear a sermon can be greatly influenced by the life and testimony of a Christian. The life of a faithful Christian witness is an open book whose contents are obvious to all with whom he associates. Such a life is an unanswerable argument as to the reality of saving and transforming power of Christ.

Every Christian wields an influence of some kind, either good or bad. He either represents or misrepresents Jesus by the way he lives, works, talks, and worships. The right use of influence is a responsibility of every young and old Christian should welcome.

Paul advised, “For none of us liveth to himself… It is good neither to eat flesh (meat offered to idols), not to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak” Romans 14:14, 21

Christ in My Career Part Two (Time)

This is a portion of a book titled, "Christ in My Career" by Allen W. Graves. I will post the entire part as written my him, because I could not summarize any better.
"Time Is to Be Used for God
The way in which a Christian uses his/her time will determine his or her success or failure in Christian living. No Christian has a right to "kill" time. Time is a precious gift from God to be invested wisely.
The proper use of time would solve the problems of many troubled and frustrated people. It would greatly reduce the difficulties experienced in the work of many Churches.
The right use of time could bring education to the unlearned, prosperity to the poor, culture to the uncouth, and achievement to the discouraged.
paul urges Christians to "walk in wisdom..., redeeming the time" (Col.4:5). Ecclesiastes 8:5 reminds every young person that "a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgement"."

"The Saving Life of Christ", by Major Ian Thomas

Just finished reading, "The Saving Life of Christ", by Major Ian Thomas for the second time. It is one of those books that you can read over and over and get something new each time. That's how you can tell if a book is inspired from the Lord. He points out that a lot of christians leave Christ on the cross after they except Him and that's why they do not measure up to the goal God has for them. To be like Jesus. And we can not be made like Him by Him if we leave Him on the cross instead of letting Him live and rule in our hearts.
Good stuff.
There is more to be said about the book, but alas, time forbids.