Thursday, January 27, 2011

Principles of Christian Living

I want to look at Christian principles from the prespective of two Scriptures. The first one is Acts 2:42, which states: And they continued stedfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The context of this verse is the famous Pentacost sermon by the apostle Peter. He had just told a multitude of people that were there attracted to the speaking in tongues, that Jesus, who was just crucified, had been made by God, both Lord and Christ. They were pricked in their heart (Acts 2:37) and asked what they should do? Peter tells them that they should Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Verse 39 states for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and those that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. That includes us. This happened in the first century but it is extended to us because the Lord God has called us. Those in the first century steadfastly continued in the apostle doctrine. So should we. If you look at John 17:20 we can get some more background, Jesus is praying and he states that he is not just praying for his apostles but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. Their word is the new testament and the authors, who are the apostles, and those who were with them, quote the old testament, so we can be see that the new testament is the apostles doctrine and the old testament is validated by their references and Jesus' reference. Also we see that verse 17 of the John 17 holds sway over us as well, which states that: sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. So we must see that the Acts 2:42 is telling Christians to read the Word of God, to fellowship with each other,(go to Church), and to hold to the sacrament of Holy Communion and to pray. It tells us we must be steadfast in doing this. This means that the reading of the Word of God, and prayer should be done on a daily basis, isnt that steadfast?

The next Scripture is Ephesians 3:10-11: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is amazing! God's purpose for your salvation and for mine, is so he can display us as the evidence of his wisdom. That the deception of Satan and his demons can not overcome his great grace. That as we lead our daily lives we are displaying God's wisdom. As we seek the power of the Holy Spirit daily to live our lives in holiness, we testify to the Glory of our God and Savior. We are a holy shout to the principalities and powers that, God is wise, God is Just, God takes care of his children. He is wise beyond measure. Now we have to pray, read, believe the Word of God, so that we do not become an embrassment to God and to his wisdom. We must shore ourselves up with trust in God, in gratitude for his unspeakable grace, and be determined to be that godly example to all the heavenly principalities and powers, according to God eternal purpose.

So, these scripture tells us that the Christian principles like: Bible reading, Prayer, Church Fellowship, Prayers, and Holy Communion should be done steadfastly. We should be motivated to do these so that we can live a holy life, which displays us as evidence of God's Wisdom.

To God be the Glory!!

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