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Stand Alone Faith

9/20/2010

4 Comments

 
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I'm currently writing a novel about an ambitious young man's pursuit of God in a popular church organization. He's headed for denominational stardom, when God steps in. Suddenly, he must choose between truth or personal glory. It's a choice only he can make, and he'll make it alone. What happens next? Lord willing you'll get to find out just in time for Christmas! I'll keep you posted.

When everything is said and done, who's responsible for our walk with God? Are you responsible for my walk with God? Am I responsible for yours? Does the buck stop with Pastor Jones? Or are each one of us responsible for our own relationship with Jesus Christ?

We probably don't think about it very often in terms of responsibility. We go through our daily and weekly routines and generally aim to be a Christian. We go to church on Sundays where we listen to someone preach to us. We've been taught to look to a pastor to keep us on track.

But there's an amazing verse in the book of Acts that really captured my attention some years ago. Allow me to set this up: Imagine persecution had come to your town. Christianity is outlawed. Some have been thrown into prison for their faith. What happens now? What will you do? Here's what happened to believers in Jerusalem:

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.  (Acts 8:4)

Wait a minute. They didn't fold like a cheap picnic chair and quit serving God? They didn't run to get counseling? They didn't abandon the name of Jesus? No. They went everywhere preaching the word. Wow!

What does this tell us about those early Christians? Here's what I get from this:

a) they were strong enough in their own faith to withstand persecution;
b) they knew the word;
c) they understood their own spiritual responsibilities;
c) they'd been taught how to teach and preach.

In other words, they weren't spectators of their faith. They were active in their walk with God. They viewed themselves as missionaries wherever they went.

Is that our perspective about our own faith? Do we view ourselves as carriers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, able, willing and desirous to point souls to that narrow way that leads to life? Or are we more like passive members of a weekly social club who's primary duty is to hold down a pew and pass the offering plate?

This might sound funny, but some people are more attached to an attractive building then they are to God.  If something were to happen to that building, they'd be shaken. Others are dedicated to Pastor Jones.   But if the good pastor ever fell into sin, oh my, they might not make it through to glory either. And of course, who can worship without Sister Jenny leading us on the baby grand piano? No Jenny?  No worship.  Sorry Jesus.

Is this us? Are we that frail?

What kind of a church did Christ come to build? Matthew 16:18 tells us that his church is built on the rock (Christ) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. It's a church that will endure storms, persecutions, threats, feast, famine and even the perils of prosperity. It won't just barely get by, it will prevail! It will advance! Jesus said, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14)

So here's a question for us all: are we strong enough in our faith, that we can stand alone if we had to? By stand alone, I'm not suggesting that the goal is to separate ourselves from godly fellowship. Rather, that even if we are alone, we are true to Christ and stand for him. We don't revert back to our old ways or just blend in with our surroundings. Some of us are surrounded by sinners, must travel for work, or are stationed far away in the military. Whatever the case are we faithful to him? Are we witnesses unto him and to those around us?

I remember many times of being out on my own. I was tested and challenged. Sometimes I was victorious. Then there was the other ninety percent of the time. Much of that changed when someone taught me a Bible study then pushed me to go teach others. I did and my life changed. I had a deeper relationship with Christ and his Word and had tools to share the Word with others. 

Hey!  That's exactly what the early church did!

...Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.


Was this interesting or helpful? Please leave a comment and pass it along!
4 Comments
Dolly
9/21/2010 01:17:14 am

Wow. This is where I have found myself several times the last few years. Sometimes without a Pastor, Sometimes without a church, Several times without fellowship, BUT GOD has been faithful. I have found that in the most trying times God has used me in the greatest ways to benefit others.
Great blog, my friend. Dios le bendiga!

Reply
Chris Janzen
9/21/2010 04:06:44 am

GREAT post Pat. This is so very true. You articulated beautifully what so many of us get sidetracked with when we think of "church." It is so easy to get caught up in the enjoyable activities, beautiful buildings, and programs the church offers, we can forget WE are the church. Thanks for such a great word of encouragement today! God bless you!! Love the blog!!

Reply
samuel.nandru link
10/14/2010 08:46:50 pm

Greetings in the name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
I belong to India and I am a pastor, working individually among the
gentle people.
God has given me a good god's service capability to spread his message.
Inspired by my heart I am writing this. I would like to have good
relationship with all our
brother who are doing god's service all over the world.
If u have the spirit of interaction with our brothers please give me
reply. Thank you for the complement leader for all our faithfulness in
Jesus so every greatness is for him. We are in his discipleship as
good steward. I think this way we all will speech to his kingdom. Once
again thank you for your prayer request
I am very happy about your desire to know about my ministry
particles, I am giving a belief history of my service. I am Samuel
baptized in year of 1995 Jan 26 I was belong to real Christian family.
my father is also in our lord service as pastor from 25 years, after
my education I was called by the lord Isaiah 6:8 from this time I am
in our lord service from this 15 years of service I build 4 churches
and 4are under constriction, the congregation of each church of least
100 in those 200 people baptized by me .please pray for this for the
church building which were in con station our of all the above service
I am also going to preach public meetings. In various places (yearly
30 meetings) and my goal is to preach gospel all over the world to
fulfill. I want your prayerful support of possible please come to
place see my churches and participate in the public meetings of our
aria
. I have a ministry with my own. In our ministry we are doing some programmers
1. Pastors conferences
2. Gospel meetings
3. Children ministries
4. Prayer ministries
5. Helping poor people
6. Helping handicrafts
7. Church meetings
This all programmers are with the help of god grace. Are you want to
help to this people please help these people.

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR MINISTRY

From
Pastor. Samuel. Nandru
Ramanakkapeta (post)Musunuru (Mandal)
Krishna (district) Andhra Pradesh
Pin code: 521213 India
Email:[email protected]

Reply
Phyllis Nicholas
2/22/2015 02:23:31 pm

Most wonderful information. I agree completely with your post. I have always thought that when a person truly gives their life to Christ, they do so through "good times and bad times, sickness and health, little and much, etc." In other words, a committed relationship with God that is not dependent on the circumstances but is built on enduring faith, trust and love for our loving Creator. Thank you.

Reply



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