Living In Christ - - Posted 01-10-2010

There is in the church-world today an overflow of teaching and preaching which brings no
challenge to the heart, no conviction to the soul, and no provocation to the life.

Find this for yourself in the Bible. The great Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy in II Timothy
4:3&4,

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their
ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Paul had just given Timothy instructions on “how-to-preach.”
     
Verse 2 reads,

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine.”

It is the purpose of God’s Word to expose to you the condition of your soul. According to Paul,
the Word comes to you for three reasons;

REPROOF                             REBUKE                        EXHORTATION

Closer examination of Paul’s teaching reveals this:

II Timothy 3:16-

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Now notice verse 17.

“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Proper preaching and teaching from God’s Word will challenge your heart. It will expose the
sin and error in your life. And it will encourage you to strive to live Godly in this ungodly world.

If the church you go to, or are a member of, does not convey these truths from its pulpit, then
my friend……….RUN!!!

Any preacher who does not throw himself at the feet of “his” congregation to try to keep them
out of Hell isn’t worth his salt.

How much respect would you have for your parents if they had not taught you right and
wrong? How could you “look-up” to those in charge of you if they did not expect a level of
obedience from you?

Then why give your time, your finances, and your energy to a man or a church who isn’t
“really” concerned about your soul?

I AM NOT trying to break-up churches! I AM NOT trying to get your offerings! I AM NOT trying
to cause a riot!

But, I AM PLEADING FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING.

How much trust would you place in a doctor who did not tell you the whole truth? For
instance, if you became very ill and visited the doctor and he told you that everything was
alright, but it actually was not, could you trust him? You may find yourself with an incurable
disease that could have been treated if you had known earlier. But, this doctor, in his attempt
to be gentle and caring, actually killed you!

You are saying, “That would never happen!”

Are you so sure my friend? Untold hundreds, probably thousands, have found themselves on
a death bed because of malpractice. Because of a misdiagnosis. Imagine the regret in the
heart of that poor dying person. The questions.

How much more important is the end result of your spiritual life?!
     
Millions of dollars are spent each year by people trying different methods of healthcare to
extend their lifetimes. That is likely a low estimate. The general consensus is to extend your
life as long as possible, regardless of the cost or effort involved.
     
Then why is it so few people care about their spirituality? In all honesty, your spiritual
condition is vastly more important than your physical condition.

James 4:14 addresses the thought of life.

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour,
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Life is like steam. Brief. Here for a very limited time. Seen only temporarily.

In contrast, stands the eternality of your soul. The spirit-man never dies. Your soul will live on
forever and ever…somewhere.

Hebrews 9:27 states the utter seriousness of your eternity.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the  judgment:”

The question is simply this,

“Where will you be for all eternity?  Heaven or Hell?”

Proverbs 12:28 - “In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no
death.”

Ezekiel 33:19 - “But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and
right, he shall live thereby.”

Luke 10:27&28 - “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as
thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.”

John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the
Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

Romans 6:23 - “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord.”

Romans 8:6 - “For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and
peace.”

James 1:15 - “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death.”

And finally…

Deuteronomy 30:19 - “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set
before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy
seed may live:”

Dear friend, please allow God Almighty to purge you with the shed blood of His Son, Jesus
Christ.

Life, real life, only exists in Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 6:2 says,"...behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of
salvation.”