December 18 “A New Creation” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “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)
Just recently, I was privileged to be with several fellow believers, and the conversation turned to the idea of “Walking in Christ and with Christ!” Amazingly, and yet sadly, the conversation was not unanimous as to how and what to do to “Walk in and with Jesus!” One of the individuals, a pastor, declared that the group was being “Judgmental” when saying that there should be a standard of behavior for Christians, while not recognizing our “human” issues! I sat quietly (I know that you find that amazing, in itself), listening to respected individuals debating whether or not, Christians should be different, live differently and act differently! One young brother, spoke with a quiet elegance and his words were powerful and I was so impressed with his delivery, that I sat up straight anticipating his next thought. He said, “Jesus walked among the people, preached to the people, ate with the people, shared with the people, but did not change his life, appearance or manner to “Fit in” or to be “Accepted,” yet He influenced multitudes to believe and to be saved!” he continued with the passage from 1 Peter 1:13-16: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” A quiet fell over the table and individuals began to make their exits, and I stayed behind to talk with this young pastor. I told him that I was so glad that he spoke truth into the conversation and that I was excited to know that there was, at least, one person, from his generation that could read, and embrace the truth of God’s Holy Word, and put it into practical use! Folks, have you ever wondered why the scriptures warns us, in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” There must be a change in your life in order to follow Jesus! “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” You cannot serve God and Satan! Choose whom you will serve! The God that Loved you enough to sacrifice His Only Son for the redemption of your sins, or a fallen angel that desires your complete destruction! Simple choice, simple solution, yet few will find it (Matthew 7:14). Please make sure that you are being that “Bright Light” that shines into this Dark and Evil World, with the Light of Jesus! Be Real, Be Bold, Be Different, Be Obedient, Be Active, and fulfill the call in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!