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We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. --Romans 6:4 I remember back when I was in high school, I had a friend who was an avid churchgoer. She was in church every Sunday, as well as during the week. If the doors were open, she was there. So one day we were talking about spiritual things, and I started talking about what it means to be born again. “You know,” she said, “I’ve never heard of being born again. What is that?” Sadly, too many folks grow up in church and never hear the message of new birth in Jesus Christ. I wish I could say this girl was just one instance, but the truth is that I’ve heard the same exact thing time and time again. People grow up in church, sit through the service each Sunday, but never hear about what it means to be born again. But being born again isn’t just something the Baptists made up! It’s a reality for those who have truly experienced salvation in Jesus Christ. It means a new way of seeing others, of thinking about sin, and of understanding who you really are. When you come to Christ, you’re made new. That has so many implications for every aspect of your life. You love others and desire to see them walk with the Lord. You despise sin and want to be transformed in how you live. And you see yourself as God’s servant and seek to serve Him with your life. That’s what it means to have new life. Live it out! LIVE A BORN-AGAIN LIFE BY LOVING OTHERS, HATING SIN, AND SERVING GOD.

What We Love Most

Monday, October 07, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:6–8

Jack Benny was an extremely successful comedian in radio and the early days of television. He established a character who was tight with his money (though in real life Benny was very generous). One of his most famous sketches had him confronted by a robber who demanded, “Your money or your life.” When Benny didn’t answer he repeated his demand to which Benny replied, “I’m thinking it over.” In his will, Jack Benny left money to have a long stemmed red rose delivered to Mary, his beloved wife of forty-seven years, every day.

What we love is most revealed by the things to which we devote our time and resources. Paul could say to Timothy in his final days that he truly loved Christ’s appearing. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as Saviour know that one day we will see Him face to face. Yet many do not live in a way that demonstrates they love Jesus and long to see Him.

The sad reality is that some Christians are anything but ready for the Lord to return. They may say that they love Him, but they do not live in a way that backs up that claim. These Christians will be embarrassed and ashamed as John wrote, “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28). We must love Jesus, not just in words, but in actions.

Today's Growth Principle: 

Our actions and choices reveal far more about what we truly love than our words do.