Holy is as holy does

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“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…” --1 Peter 1:14-15 Are you pursuing holiness in your life? Well, you need to be. It’s important to God. As a matter of fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us that without holiness we cannot see God! But not everyone understands what holiness is. Well, let me tell you. I’ll begin by telling you what it does not look like. Being holy does not mean being some kind of spiritual space cadet. And being holy is not being a pale, sanctimonious recluse. Nor does it mean being pious or religious. Rather, pure holiness is a beautiful expression of the very character of God! You see, God is calling you and me to a higher standard of living. He’s calling us to aim higher in our mentality, as well as our morality. The word holy means to be separated. You know that God is holy. Well, he’s so holy, in fact, that he is totally separate from humanity in that sense. He is totally separated from sin. And in the whole universe, God is unique and distinct in his holiness. And because God is holy, unique, and different, you and I are called to be like him in how we live our lives. We are called to live holy lives totally separated unto God. You may ask, “why does it really matter?” I’ll tell you why. You see, our world is unholy and marred by sin. The world does not know God or what God is like. But when you and I live pure and holy lives in this impure world, we stand out like a beacon to those around us. In this way, others can find Jesus through the examples of our lives. You see, God can occupy a pure and holy life. And he needs you to answer this upward call.  There are no special exceptions or passes. Ask God to help you live by his higher, standard of holiness. No holding back!   YOU AND I ARE CALLED TO LIVE HOLY LIVES TOTALLY SEPARATED UNTO GOD.

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

“Members in One Body”

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Romans 12:3–5

In May of 1863, near Chancellorsville, Virginia, the Union Army under the command of “Fighting Joe” Hooker outnumbered the Confederates under Robert E. Lee almost two to one. They were confident of victory, but a daring decision by Lee to split his forces changed that. Lee sent nearly half his outnumbered troops on a long march under the command of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson to strike the Union forces from behind. The surprise attack worked, winning one of the biggest victories of the entire war. But it came at a very high price.

When the fighting ended on the evening of May 2, Jackson and some of his aides rode out to scout the field of battle. When they returned, they were mistaken in the darkness for Union cavalry attempting a raid and their own troops opened fire on them. Jackson was hit by three bullets. Doctors amputated his arm in an effort to save his life, but on May 10, Lee's best and most effective general died—killed by his own men.

Too often Christians forget that they are all members of one body. Churches are riven with dissension and discord, when they are meant to be sources of encouragement and strength. That help we give and receive is one of the primary reasons behind the command God gave us to faithful church attendance. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Today’s Growth Principle: 

God's people need to be supporting and encouraging, rather than destroying each other.