Monday, November 9, 2015

THE VULNERABLE BELIEVER




1 Corinthians 6:1  As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain…now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.


It is quite easy for people to verbally profess faith in Christ. There is nothing difficult or life threatening to say those words. But to say them and not live them is a vain or worthless effort. It means nothing to God and other people to live life centered on us and making statements about ideas and beliefs that are not reflected in your daily living. Of what use are such words or phrases. They are only valuable in establishing acceptance of your self from the group of people with whom you associate or live. If you say the right things then you can be a part of the group. That is what words can provide, the right ticket in the door.

Before this verse one of chapter six Paul writes about a new creature who is in relationship to God and subsequently he speaks of hardships and sufferings that result from the new creature who is reconciled to God. A person who has received God’s grace will find his or her life turned inside out because they have been changed and are now seeking to be an instrument of God’s to change others. This is not a life that has merely verbal professions and no concern for people beyond the circle of those who accept you.

            In all the struggles and contradictions that people see in the lives of Christians it is a wonder that anyone goes to heaven. But the professing person who loves his fellow man, exhibits that love in obedience to God’s Word and shows mercy to all people there is hope and assurance from their faith. Like Paul, you and I may face the same contradictory responses from others but we should not shy away or run but open wider our hearts to them, make ourselves vulnerable in heart, soul and mind knowing that Christ, himself, was vulnerable to the end because he loved his fellow man and obeyed his Father.



Jericho Road Ministries Chapel, by Rev.Bruce W. Gimbel, December 7, 2006.   





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