In your morning Bible time, or whenever you read and pray, have you ever run across a scripture verse that left you with that "oh my!" feeling?
You know the feeling you get when you've been doing it a certain way all of your life, and then all of a sudden you discover that you're doing it all wrong?
Well, that's what our message is about today! We are talking about the things that we do each and every day of our lives, and never suspect that just maybe we are not in keeping with the lifestyle we are to live, if we are going to call ourselves a Christian.
* Christian {noun}
a term the church of Antioch began using for Believer's who tried to walk, talk and act just like Jesus! They were healing the sick, raising the dead, and living their lives just as Jesus did, while here in the Earth.
Scenario #1: The Tongue
The Bible teaches us that our tongue is a creative force, a rudder like that of a ship, and the one thing that directs our course and direction. With it we determine what actions we will take, and what circumstances we will tolerate. The tongue, as the Bible teaches us, is the very action of choice, both conscious and subconscious! It is a "key" in life.
Jesus said, "If a man would believe and not doubt in his heart that what he says will come to pass, he can have whatever he says!" In other words, I can "have" whatever I say, when I believe! [Mark 11:23]
Considering this, then why would I say, "I believe I'm catching a cold", or "my kids always get sick when I have something planned". I mean, if you want the cold, go ahead and "catch it"! But you don't have to! You can "pass it by". And your kids always get sick because you keep confessing that they always get sick! It's plain and simple. The Bible is very clear about how we can "have what we say" and that we are "satisfied by the fruit of our mouth", so in light of this, why would you ever say anything that you would NOT want to happen? Instead, bind up the devil and send him on his way, packing! After all, you DO have "the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven" at your disposal. Use them! [Matt 16:19] Remember, when you come in the room, GOD comes in the room ... with you!
Scenario #2: Deadly Pets & Practices
Ever hear someone talk about their "pet deal"? You know, the thing they love the most, or just hang on to, long after it's usefulness? Well, sometimes when we get born-again and make Jesus our Lord, we forget that we are now new creatures in Christ Jesus.
The Bible tells us, "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." [2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV] After being born-again, we have become brand new creatures! As such, the old habits and practices are no longer our lifestyle. We need to abandon them and cast them off! The problem is, many have a hard time saying goodbye to things they have known for so long. But, as a member of the family and household of GOD, these things are now foreign to us. We don't do them because they are of the evil one, the devil.
The Bible tells us that if we play with these things we are opening ourselves up to being an enemy to GOD! And "that" is not a good step to take, for someone who claims to be "like Jesus". (a Christian) In James 4:4, "You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward GOD? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of GOD." The Bible says, "... come out from among them, and be ye separate." [2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV]
Now, here's where I begin to step on toes. I cannot for the life of me, figure out how any Believer who claims to be a Christian can celebrate Halloween? I'm not talking about putting on a Moses costume, or dressing up for a costume party. I'm talking about folks who put all sorts of remnants of evil in their homes, with skulls all over the place and even "graves" dug in the front yard! Yes, "graves"! Folks, how would you feel if Jesus suddenly made a surprise visit, with "The Twelve", and they just stopped by for coffee!
When you invite them in, they walk past the graves in the front yard, and step around the old witch on the porch as they enter your "dark 'n dreary" home you were so proud of a few minutes ago! HOW DO YOU THINK YOU'D FEEL? "Well, it's just Halloween. Everybody does it!" Don't make me go there! Don't make me quote my Mom and tell you, "Just because everybody else decides to jump off the cliff doesn't mean you need to!" And she couldn't be more right! We "left" all of this, for something better.
And "NO!" It - is - NOT - "ok". These are things the world does! You are supposed to come "out" from the world, and be "separate"! You are to be a "peculiar" people!
So, I tell you the above, to help you with your body and your health, as the cold season comes along for the worldly. You, being a Christian, can just pass it all up! It is NOT in your covenant! And when it comes time for Halloween, don't let me drive by your house and see that all of Hell is staged up in your front yard! GET WITH IT! We don't stand for evil, but we represent GOODNESS, and all that is GODLY.
Remember that this Halloween!
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