Liar! (Part 5)
The apostle John mentions six types of liars in his short five-chapter
book of 1 John.
#1: People who say they’re Christians but actually walk in
darkness.
#2: People who claim they haven’t sinned because they've
redefined sin according to culture’s standards.
#3: People who claim to know Jesus but don’t obey Him.
#4: People who claim to walk in light while hating their brothers.
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or
sister is still in the darkness” (1 John 2:9 NIV).
If we can’t love Christians from different backgrounds, denominations,
races and cultures, we don’t know Christ.
If we don’t love those who drive us nuts, those who get on our nerves
and even those who ridicule us, we’re lying when we say we love
Christ.
That’s why Christ says:
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God”
(1 John 4:7 NIV).
Pause for a moment and think about that one person you find it most
difficult to love.
Do you realize that your love for God is measured by how much you
love that person?
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a
liar” (1 John 4:20 NIV).
Ask God to bring to your mind any bitterness or unforgiving spirit you
be holding against someone. When he brings that person to your
mind, will you release this to Him?
Be willing to pray, “Father, I’m so sorry I haven’t completely forgiven
so-and- so. But right now, I choose to forgive. And in Your power, help
my feelings to match my words.”
You may not immediately FEEL that you have forgiven the one who
has hurt you. But keep praying, “Father, I choose to forgive. Help my
feelings to match my words. I’m consciously choosing to forgive.”
God is faithful!
And eventually He’ll bring your feelings and your words into
alignment.
Thoughts?
Please pray for me as I speak in Kingfisher, OK this weekend.
In John’s short five-chapter book of 1 John,
he describes six types of liars.
Let’s take a look:
#1: People who say they’re Christians but actually walk in
darkness.
#2: People who claim they haven’t sinned because they've
redefined sin according to culture’s standards.
#3: People who claim to know Jesus but don’t obey Him.
“Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he
commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person”
(1 John 2:4 NIV).
Jesus says love = obedience.
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who
loves me” (John 14:21 NIV).
Are you living in radical obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
This is a far cry from casual Christianity, isn’t it!
According to the Bible, if we’re not obeying Christ,
we don’t really love Him. Therefore, if we claim to
be a Christian but aren’t living in obedience to Him,
we’re actually lying.
Wow.
What a wake-up call!
Thoughts?
I’m wrapping up the week in Howell, MI, and I’ll fly home tomorrow.
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Liar! (Part 3)
The apostle John mentions six types of liars in his short five-chapter book of 1 John.
#1: People who say they’re Christians but actually walk indarkness.
#2: People who claim they haven’t sinned because they’ve redefined sin according to culture’s standards.
If we claim we have not sinned,
we make him out to be a liar
and his word is not in us”
(1 John 1:10 NIV).
If we say we haven’t sinned, we’re actually calling God a
liar—because He says ALL have sinned.
Let’s just be honest: We HAVE sinned.
But the good news is that God can and wants
to give us victory over sin.
We don’t have to remain in a sinful lifestyle.
When the Holy Spirit empowers us,
He can give us the strength we need
to say no to sin.
We’re still human—
we still may choose to sin—
but when you DO sin, be honest about it
and seek His forgiveness!
Don’t lie about it and rationalize it away.
Or call it a mistake.
Let’s ask the Lord to show us any area
of unconfessed sin in our lives so we
can repent and live in holiness and obedience
to Him.
Thoughts?
I’m speaking at the district family camp in
Howell, MI July 23-28 and would appreciate
Your prayers!