"If The power of God cannot be seen in your life leading you to greater and greater holiness, then maybe there is no power of God in your life."
~Paul Washer
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6
God always finishes what He starts, the question is then, not will He finish, but did He start?
"The horizontal validates the vertical." ~Anon.In other words, your life and relationships on Earth are evidence of your relationship with Christ, whether that evidence proves you are truly Christian or not. That does not mean that if you are Christian that you do not sin. Sadly, Christians do still sin. The difference is that when you do, it deeply effects you, like a knife in the heart and you ask forgiveness and continue to grow more and more Christ-like. None of us will be perfect this side of Heaven, but we are to strive to be and to continue to grow. Not so that we may say "Oh look, I'm better than this or that person." Certainly not! But that the name of our God might be glorified and honored.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Have a good Saturday!
Galatians 6:15 It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. ( Beware of those who emphasize actions that we should or shouldn't do, with no concern for the inward condition of the heart. Living good life without an inward change leads to a shallow or empty spiritual walk. What matters to God is that we be completely changed from the inside out. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We have an AWESOME GOD!!!! AMEN!) Thank you for sharing the Word of God this morning....
ReplyDeleteYes, I certainly agree that it is what is inside that counts, that is what I was trying to explain. If you are a new creature on the inside, then it will show on the outside, as you said "...changed from the inside out." That if Christ is in your heart, it can't not show on the outside. When it comes to your actions, it is about motive. Simply to "live a good life" is not going to please the Lord, but rather living according to the Word in order to please Him, that is what honors Him. :)Thank you for the input, it is valued :)
Delete* It is Him who puts the desire to serve Him for His glory in your heart.*
DeleteI agree. John 14:15. "If you love me you will keep my commandments."
ReplyDeleteDoing what God says doesn't earn you Gods love,it shows that you do indeed love God! If you are really a Christian why wouldn't you do what He says?
Exactly! :)
DeleteAmen! What is on the inside will show on the outside!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of James 2 especially verse 17, "in the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." If you truly believe something on the inside it will naturally emanate on the outside in everything you do! You can't believe in Christ, be part of the body of Christ, be His hands and feet AND not want everything you say and do to reflect YOUR love for Christ.
Thank you for sharing!