1 Thess. 2

Wow. We had an amazing sermon today at church. The pastor (who was actually filling in for the normal pastor who had just undergone stomach surgery) spoke about how we Christians, as ambassadors of Christ in this world, need to act. (Here are some random notes I took of the sermon...) We have got to truly reflect Christ in our lives. People are reading us like a book, watching how we act, speak, and think. We represent Christ and the world wants to know how we are - how God works in us. We're like books; sometimes we are the only Bibles people read! Humans have a disease - a very contagious, terminal (deadly) disease that spreads like wildfire. It is called "sin". There is no cure, no antidote but one thing - Christ. He can heal us, renew us, and save us from death. But not everyone realizes they have a diease inside of them, slowly destroying them. And we as Christians, who have been shown the disease inside of us, need to graciously diagnose them and show them the cure. Look, we wouldn't be here if we didn't have someone who diagnosed us and showed us the antidote! (Then the next part of the sermon...)+++++++It's sad, in the church there are many different types of Christians. There is the Cosmetic Christian - they look like a good Christian, play the part, but their hearts are far from Christ. Then there is the Closet Christian - those who stay out of church, technically "believe", and only come for holidays. Crisis Christian - those who only call upon God in dire situations, when they find themselves in a situation where they can't get out, or when they want something. While praying, they ask God to help them or give them what they want while promising to turn from their ways and go to church more often. Carnal Christian -those who "believe" in God but are slaves of sin, conforming to the world, and ruled by self. Then there is the Devoted, on-fire, follower of Christ - the believer who truly "walks the walk". Who strives to live like Christ once lived, hungry for the Word of God, and strives to please God and grow as close as they can to Him. They are willing to give up everything for Christ and serve him with all their hearts. Are we Christians on the outside, but not inside? A fake? Do we remain hidden in a closet, hiding our faith and only going to church on holidays? Do we only call upon God during emergencys or when we want something? Do we call ourselves Christians yet are ruled by self? Do we say Christ is our King and yet, in reality, sin is our king? Our captor? Or are we devoted, dedicated, on-fire followers of Christ? I encourage you all to examine yourselves, like I am doing, to see how we are treating our Savior. Do we shut Him up? Are we ashamed of Him? Is He simply an icon, only yanking at Him when we need him? How would you feel if you had a friend who did all that to you?