“...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The term “Christian,” is used very loosely in the day in which we live. It can include anyone from a true Bible believer to someone who identifies themselves with the name of Jesus but not God’s Word. The true meaning behind the word “Christian” identifies a true believer with the following; 1) A Denial of Self. (Mark 8:34) “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself...” A true Christian therefore is someone who puts God first, and who is totally submissive to the will and Word of Jesus Christ. 2) A Death to one’s old life. Someone who has surrendered to the will and way of God, “takes up his cross,” or in other words dies to the way he/she used to live to now live a new life patterned after the manner and lifestyle of Jesus Christ. 3) A Decision to follow. Jesus said very clearly in (v.35) “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” There are many so called Christians today that say their saved but have never decided to surrender their lives to serve and follow the Lord. There is nothing more important than to choose to follow Jesus and be a true Christian !
( Gen 41:41-43) “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt... A nd he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.” When Joseph was introduced to us in chp.37, he was a young inexperienced 17 year old boy, and yet 13 years later God raised him up to rule the nation of Egypt. So, what made him different ? The Answer : “ Time,” and his faith in God ! You see time is a wonderful teacher; 1) Time strengthens endurance . Endurance and faith can only be strengthened over time. Like exercise, we start out not able to do much but over time we find that we can do more. You see, God allows us to go through the ups and downs of life, to help us gain not only spiritual maturity, but also spiritual abilities. Spiritual endurance therefore enables us to handle life’s trials better. 2) Time strengthens patience . Although Joseph, ...
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