Called to Be Christ Like

 

Jesus Brings New Life

 

 

Acts 11:25-26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch.  And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.  And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Pastor Allan began his message by welcoming some representatives from the Agape group at Butte College.  Pastor said his desire is to see God move in our schools and colleges.  I took notes and present a digested sermon here.

Yesterday was a co-operative pray walk over the streets of our city, with over 20 churches participating.  Pastor was assigned to walk near Oroville High School.  He felt compelled to sit on the steps and the Lord spoke to him that Oroville High would soon receive National Recognition - - the good kind. 

 

Each of us must take the responsibility to pray over the households in our neighborhood, as we walk or drive by.  Ask God for direction how to reach your neighbors. 

It is important to fix your personal problems before you come to pray over anyone else.  Reconciliation is needed to make things right with our brothers and sisters.  Open the gates and allow the Holy Spirit to direct your heartfelt prayers.  As we humble ourselves we are then ready to allow God to have His way in us and in our city.

In the next weeks we will be talking a lot about Jesus.  We see many who claim to be Christians, but they are not living the Christian life. 

Barnabas was sent to find Saul (who became Paul) and together they encouraged and taught the people at Antioch.  The people turned their lives over to Jesus, so much so, that they were know as “Like Christ.”  Living so close to Jesus that they were little Christ’s as they reflected Jesus; His character and attributes.  I want more of Jesus and Less of Me.

We will emulate Jesus the closer we get to Him.  You have seen a little child try to keep in step with their dad.  Sometimes their little legs must stretch to keep in contact with the parents foot prints.  We need to walk out our Christianity.

1.     First physically walk where Jesus says to go.  You may receive some scorn from others who do not understand why you are not doing certain things you used to do.  Some have had to quit their job as it was not pleasing to God.  They were ridiculed for doing so, but in the end they will be blessed.

2.     Allow the Holy Spirit to direct your steps.  Don’t allow inanimate objects to influence you.  Who and what you follow is what you become like.  Therefore let us be imitators of God, becoming more and more like Him.  Yes, walk like Him.

3.     Walk Faithful.  They will know we are Christians by our love.  As we show compassion and grace, there will be a break through.  When people have someone they look up to, they want to dress and be just like them. 

What does your imitation of Christ look like?  Are you following close to God?  Are you doing everything you should be doing?

Paul could say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”  That was pretty bold to be able to say that.  We must not only claim a “title” but live what we claim.  Those with sloppy living give Christ a black eye.

The world is looking for reality and wants to see evidence of our claim.

The Bible says we are partakers of the divine nature, and to add to our faith due diligence to please God in all we do.

Some only know how to repeat the Lord’s prayer, so let us learn to pray, really pray and worship.  Let us receive the Word, and then bear fruit.

May we be Called Christians here at our city as the believers were at their city of Antioch.