How Strong Are Your Convictions? Will You Fight for Them?

Every Christian should have a set of convictions that are based on the Word of God. These convictions should define who we are, how we live and testify to our faith in Jesus Christ. But, let’s take a moment to ask the question, “Do our lives truly exemplify our Savior, or do we modify our convictions based on the environment”?  Others, might try to hide their convictions, or adapt them to fit in and go with the flow, they always result in failure. But the Christians who live daily for Christ, displaying unwavering faith, holding firmly to their convictions and are willing to suffer for Christ will find an indescribable joy and peace in their daily lives as the Holy Spirit fills them. The Book of Acts, sometimes referred to as “The Acts of the Apostles” is a thematic book which provides us with the life and mission of the Christian community in the age of the apostles. It is a glimpse of followers of Christ who were willing to die for their convictions. Let’s take a moment and evaluate our convictions.

Consider this fictional story; “You are asleep with your family, there is a  crash, and your home is invaded by the government police, yelling and screaming at you. They accuse you of being a part of an urban terrorist group. They search your home and find religious materials and Bibles, considered to be a threat to national security. Your entire family is arrested, jailed and without a trail, you are  sentenced to death. “A poll finds that, in just two years, the number of Americans who think Christians are facing growing intolerance in the U.S. has drastically increased.

Sixty-three percent of respondents in the LifeWay Research survey said they agree or strongly agree that Christians are facing growing levels of persecution, up from 50 percent in 2013. The bulk of that surge comes from respondents who said they “strongly agree” with the statement, a number that increased from 28 percent to 38 percent. A similar number, 60 percent, said religious liberty is on the decline in America, up from 54 percent”  www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016)

Each Sunday when you attend church, go to work, shop or merely interact with society or  shop do you expect to be persecuted for your faith? “Early Christians expected to suffer. Christ had died on the cross, so there was no higher honor than to imitate that death through accepting martyrdom (witness by one’s blood). The Jewish legacy portrayed, in writings such as the Fourth Book of the Maccabees, the glorious nature of death rather than a renunciation of Israel; even without this, Christianity would inevitably have held the martyr’s death in high esteem”.  (http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-27  Peter expressed it, “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name (1 Peter 4:16)

Fellow Christians, it is not “if” persecution will occur in America, it is “when” Franklin Graham has preached for years that the storm is coming. He now preaches, “The Storm Is Here”. As the early church begins to form we see Peter and John preaching the gospel, they were  jailed beaten and released with a warning by the Jewish Sanhedrin not to preach the gospel anymore. Their convictions were so firm that they risk death and continued to preach boldly the message of Christ and they continued to preach until Peter was put to death and John was exiled.

Our goal today should be to be as Peter and John. Our convictions have a powerful influence in the world today. If we stand strong, hold the line, regardless of the circumstances, constantly meditating on scriptures and walk in the Spirit constantly, God will move and use us in a great way. What conditions might tempt us to compromise your convictions? It is time, do not be reluctant to stand for your convictions, release all fears of rejection, and loss. Go boldly before the throne of Christ, pray for courage and strength to fight the spiritual battles and persecution that await just around the bend. I pray God equips you with His full armor.

Becoming an “Everyday Evangelist”

            In marriage, Spiritual intimacy is  based on the core beliefs about God, faith, and marriage and are dependent upon the level or depth to which these core beliefs are shared and respected. The core beliefs start with the Word. And, it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes” (Deuteronomy 17:19 (NKJV). The sacred marriage institution between man and woman, created by God is the front line of defense to the things that are happening in our world. But, interestingly our prosperous generation search for the purpose, meaning and value, with many couples experiencing a deep sense of distress and emptiness and isolation. And why not, our society is filled with children with no father, abuse, violence, marital discord and emotional problems. Let’s look at some statics to help put things in perspective “23% of born-again Christians have been divorced more than twice, each night 40% of children fall asleep in fatherless homes, The data on sexual  abuse is daunting, by age 18, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by someone they love or trust. The occurrence of 5,3 million actions of domestic violence each year among 28 years and older women result in 52,00 injuries and 1300 deaths. In 2014, a study revealed that over 3000 U.S. residents committed suicide with 130,000 failed attempts. Suicide is the 3^rd leading killer of 10-14-year-old children. How tragic,

            So what is the answer to these probing questions?  Christ growth and discipleship and evangelism for a post-modern world. Revivals, programs, and VBS or not the answer any more of the majorities. God  Word tell us,“And we proclaim Him. Admonishing every man and teaching man with all wisdom, that we may present every man (and woman) complete in Christ” (Colossians 2:28). Our pastors and churches much come together to fight this serious problem that has infected our society like cancer. We need education at every level. The

Baby boomer and older must get involved; As Christians, we must stop talking about “church” to the lost. It means nothing to the lost anymore; they have a preconceived idea in their mind that prevents them from feeling the church is relevant. I would recommend a simple action plan. Develop an “Everyday Witness”. Put the fear of offending aside, study and learn how to share your Christian faith. We must become an evangelist everywhere we go and speak to the lost about our wonderful  community’ The lost think of cold unfriendly, cliques members who fail to notice their even there. Our big screen and Praise Teams do not impress them. “They want to belong. Some think of “community” as small groups. Friend, it is bigger than that. The community is the core of who you are.” (Dever and Dunlop 2015)

            But our churches are filled with members who are not there because of the Holy Spirit filled pastor are the music. They attend First Baptist Church of You have the Same Interest, Hobbies or the kids go to the same dance class or similar social status. They attend on Sunday and go back to the world with no change. To break out of this cycle that has continued for decades we must come out of our shell and take our community into uncharted waters.There is a way to do this, I call it :”Shopping Evangelism”; the art of tearing down all the walls between you and a stranger, in a short time and allowing the Holy Spirit to plant a seed without you feeling the pressure,of sharing the gospel. Your job is to make a friend, build trust and then when God moves invite then to come to you “community” Then your community must lavish them with love.and plug them into your to Bible Study and assign them a mentor; “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”(Ephesians 6:12).  God will provide us strength for our journey.

Unconditional Love – Share It, Experience It

As I have studied of Ephesians 5:1-7, I noticed a certain theme that each Christian should embrace within their relationship with Christ and others.  “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them” (Ephesians 1-7)  I want us to focus on the word “love” that is portrayed for God and man in this verse. “Love” in the Greek, has several meanings, but we shall only unpack two; “Eros and Agape”. First, Eros is a conditional type of love, it is where we get our English word, “Erotica” Now as soon a you heard that word, I am sure you, like I, thought of “sex” but, Eros was more than that to the Greeks, it was a conditional love. There are conditions that I personally place on this kind of love. Eros was a selfish kind of love. I love G. Harvey artwork it gives me great pleasure, I love classical music when I meditate and the list goes on. Eros is temporary, it does not last. I love  “What type of love that best represents their school, community, and even church, their answer 100% was “Eros” (Dr. Chap Clark, Teens and Sex 2012). 

In contrast, “Agape” love is a “giving” the kind of love for a person., it is unconditional, and it expects nothing it return. “Agape” love in a lasting love that endures all things. The Apostle Paul penned the words which have  become known as the “Love Chapter”. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but does not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV). “Agape” love is a committed lasting love in a relationship that both people share without expecting love in return but if both man and wife have this love for each they are empowered sexually, emotionally and spirituality. They are one!

I suggest an exercise with your spouse. Ask them “Why do you say, I love you?” Do not interrupt and listen. Then you share why you say “I love you” and finally together read aloud, 1 Thessalonians (4:3-8 NIV) and discuss how your relationship compares. Communication is one of the key issues that causes issues within relationships. The time you spend this week with your spouse will never come again, don’t let it pass without making memories.

Eddie has a B.A. in Christian Counseling. He holds a Certification from the American Association of Christian Counseling in Pastoral Counseling and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree. For questions or comments  or prayers please contact him at eddieturner2502@gmail.com