Thursday, February 9, 2012

Encouraging Others



Does the life you live encourage others to stand for Christ?  We live in a society that laughs at and ridicules Christians.  Many people claim Christianity but have not a single clue what a Christian really is.  A Christian isn’t a Christian just because they claim they are, they are only Christians if they have been born into the family of God, called rebirth, born from above or born-again.

When Jesus told Nicodemus this in John 3:3, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again,”  Nicodemus seemed to be confused, responding this way, “How can a man be born when he is old, surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born.”  Jesus said to Nicodemus in verse 10, “You are Israel’s teacher and do not understand these things?”  Here was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling counsel, a teacher of the Jews, that had no idea how to be a true believer or how to get to Heaven!

There are many teachers today that are in this same condition, still teaching works or some other false message that they think will get them into Heaven.  That is the difference between true Christianity and false religion.

There is another problem, many times the church gets a bad rap because of the people in the church that are pretenders and don’t even realize it.  If you are truly born-again your life should encourage others to stand faithful to the cause of Christ.  They will see your commitment and loyalty to the One who saved you and set you free from yourself and from the grip of sin that enslaved you.  When they see your example, hear your testimony and see your joy and faithfulness they will be encouraged to live victoriously also.  When they see you boldly witnessing about your faith it will encourage them to do it too.

Paul set this example even when he was in chains and in prison.  Paul said this in his letter to the Philippians in 1:12-14, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”  Even in prison and chains Paul was able to encourage most of the believers.

Your Christian life is very important to believers and un-believers also.  To the Christian, your life and testimony may be the encouragement that helps them to overcome and live a victorious life, boldly witnessing for their Lord and Savior and tearing down the enemy’s strongholds in their lives.  To the un-believer, your testimony and the way you live may be the dividing factor between them receiving the Lord as their Savior or not. People are always watching so try to be the best you can be with the Lord’s help and bring glory to God and He will bless you.  Have a great day and don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord!!                 

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