Gal. 2:9- And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Notice the word; “seemed” it means to… have the appearance of, give the impression of, produce the reaction of, have the qualities of, to sound like, to take on the aspect of, to make a show of, and to have all the evidence of.
Bro. Lee Robertson a preacher for more than 60 years said that by his estimation, out of all the “Christians” he preached to, only 2% were saved.
Why would so many attend church on a regular basis, give all the appearance of being a Christian, and yet not be saved?
*Because of…
-being Exposed to the Gospel.
-the Expression of the Gospel. (Love)
-the Exoneration of the Gospel. (Forgiveness)
-the Excitement offered by the Gospel.
-the Expense of dying without the Gospel!
True Christians!
*in true Christians there’s…
1. Proof!
II Cor. 5:17- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Acts 4:13- Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
2. Power!
Acts 1:8- But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
*power…
-of Faith!
-to Fight!
-to Forgive!
3. Presence!
Rom. 8:14- For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom. 8:16- The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Acts 6:10- And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
4. Peace!
John 14:27- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
5. Purpose!
I Tim. 1:15-18- This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
*the purpose of true Christians is to…
A. Spread the Gospel.
B. Share the Faith with new believers.
C. Stand against the wiles of the devil.
D. Support the Saints
*by…
-Bearing their burdens.
-Beseeching The Lord in prayer for them.
-Being a Blessing!
E. Shine!
*in their…
-Walk
-Witness
-Worship!
-Pastor Doug Foster
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