What’s the Difference

What is the distinct difference between Christians and non-Christians?  Recently, I heard a few Christian brothers talking about a Jazz concert that was coming to Austin. They were so excited about this Jazz concert. In their minds, there wasn’t anything wrong with going to a Jazz concert. Most Jazz music is not typically known for cursing, raunchy lyrics and all of the other things that we Christians shouldn’t listen to. Question – Is there anything wrong with these brothers going to this Jazz concert? For some, the answer is no. However, for others the answer is a resounding YES! Why?  It is not the music in and of itself. It is the influence the music may have over these brothers. In reality, Jazz music (or anything else) should not be able to control or influence a Christian in the same manner in which it controls or influence a non-believer. Ask yourself, if the very thing you’re about to do or experience has more influence over you that the Lord Jesus Christ…now should you do it?

The Importance of a Pastor

Colossians 1:25

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;

You can’t get to a spiritual place without a minister/Pastor. God has placed spiritual authority in your life for a specific reason. Remember, this is a spiritual thing we are talking about. God is in control of all things and He has set life up to work His way. In this scripture, Paul is explaining to the Colossians that his ministry is given to him by God for them. Wow…for them. If you are in a local congregation, you must know that God has given the Pastor that ministry for you! By the working of the Holy Spirit, the local ministry is for the leading, guiding and feeding of your soul. Christians must know what the Lord Jesus Christ is saying to them and it is through the preacher that much of the communication from God – to you, will come.  However, as children of God, it is God’s will that we become able to feed ourselves because that will mean that we are receiving what we want and need directly from the Lord himself.

God’s Provisions for Us

2 Timothy 3:1 says, BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. The reason it gives for these conditions is because – people shall be lovers of their own selves.

Are you feeling stressed out? Is life circumstances difficult to deal with? Well, I have great news for you! God’s word always has the answer. There are  two things you must remember:

1. Mark 8:34 (Amplified Bible) And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. Discipline is always the foundational truth in any great endeavor in life, be it school, sports or spiritual.

2. Matthew 7:21 (Amplified Bible) Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Build your life on what Jesus (The Living Word of God) has taught us.

As you can clearly see in this passage, there are only two possible choices…the wise choice or the foolish choice. Please remember every choice we make has a corresponding consequence. God told his people, “I set before you life and death, blessings and curses, choose life”. The good news is that God our Father, The God of our Salvation pleads with us to choose the way of life which is found only in His Son Jesus Christ and what He has instructed us.

So, storms will come and winds will blow; however, isn’t it great to kow that god has made provisions for us.

Practice it, IT WORKS!!!