Since 2017, God’s Graffiti Youth Conference has been blessing youth in the Upper Cumberland by hosting a free event of games, fellowship, food, prizes, worship, and the Word of God to attendees ages 10 to 21. When hearing a name like God’s Graffiti some may raise an eyebrow or have curiosity about the meaning of this event. The meaning of the name God’s Graffiti originated from Daniel 5:5 of King Belshazzar’s party being interrupted by God writing upon the wall of the king’s palace regarding his days of evil being numbered. The Word of God should bring repentance for sins when publicly written for all to see. Instead of remaining in sin or brushing off God’s Word, everyone should take notice of His Word written to help bring people from all walks of life into right standing with God. Another verse this conference is founded upon is Deuteronomy 11:18. This verse reminds everyone, especially Christians, to place the Word of God upon every part of their life and live by it. In essence, God’s Graffiti is a conference that encourages all youth who attend to have a public writing of God’s Word upon their lives. This youth conference encourages ages 10 to 21 to start, renew, or strengthen a personal relationship with God. Although this youth conference is hosted at Abundant Grace Church, it is a multi-denominational event that is built upon the foundational beliefs of Jesus Christ as the common teaching ground. When the youth of the region understand there are other Christian youth they can begin to fellowship knowing they are not alone in serving God. Another part of this conference is to bless the youth of the region with games, prizes, and food at each service all absolutely free to the youth and church leaders who attend. It is because of the support from local businesses, churches, and individuals who have donated and continue to donate money and resources that make this event possible for this region. T-shirts and other memorabilia are available for purchase but are not required at the event. For this year, the conference is Friday, August 2nd, starting at 6 pm, and Saturday, August 3rd, starting at 10 am lasting all day with a second service at 2 pm. The location is Abundant Grace Church at 740 Crosslin Street in Sparta, TN. Each year there are pastors and youth leaders from local churches who minister at these services representing the churches involved with this event. Once youth start, renew, or are strengthened in a relationship with God, they can begin to attend local churches for discipleship to further their relationship with God. The vision God has for the people of the Upper Cumberland is to know Him, His Word, and to serve in His kingdom with one another. This event allows Christian adults to serve together while teaching younger generations about the love and Word of God. If you, your pastor, or your church is interested in partnering with or attending God’s Graffiti Youth Conference, please contact the leadership of God’s Graffiti at godsgraffiticonference@gmail.com. For more information about God’s Graffiti Youth Conference visit gods-graffiti.com. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
No matter a person’s background, there are storms that may arise within a person’s life. These storms can be produced from natural events that happen, an attack from a spiritual enemy, or at times the consequence of that person’s previous choices. Since every person is different the options of handling these storms will vary depending on experience, knowledge, and other variables that have been gathered within that person’s life. Christians should find shelter in the Word of God (Psalm 91:1-2) and within the presence of God (Psalm 119:114). Those who do not have a relationship with God should seek God to be their refuge and fortress (Proverbs 30:5). No matter the storm God is the answer (Psalm 32:7; Psalm 18:2). Regardless of the elements of the storm, the Word of God should be spoken. It is usually in the storms of life that people turn to alcohol, porn, drugs, lying, violence, gossip, or other sinful things that only stir the storm reaping more destruction. The answer is Jesus Christ Who is found within the Word of God. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the example for Christians everywhere of not only how to live but how to speak to the storms of life. When a great storm of wind arose creating waves to beat into the ship that Jesus and His disciples were on, the disciples became afraid (Mark 4:37). Although the storm was creating such havoc on the ship and bringing fear, Jesus was in the ship asleep (Mark 4:38). The difference between Jesus and His disciples was the peace of God. The disciples did not have a personal relationship with God the Father at this time but Jesus did. Knowing God makes all the difference when the storms of life arise and beat against a person’s mind, heart, emotions, or other aspects of one’s life. It is in those moments Christians must be like Jesus to arise and speak to the storms of life making peace (Mark 4:39). When God’s people do not follow Jesus’ example it leads to the Word of God not coming to pass within that person’s life. Some people will then choose to mock the Word of God and say it does not work even though they stopped the Word from being fruitful in their lives. The answer to a storm is not more chaos but peace. If this type of behavior should not take place why would Jesus not only speak to the storm but also rebuke His disciples for not doing the same (Mark 4:40)? True peace comes from God. It is a fruit of His Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When the storms of life are raging speak to the storms by speaking the Word of God that brings peace and resolution. Faith is required when speaking the Word of God in seeing the effects it can bring to one’s life (Mark 4:40). Faith the size of a mustard seed can allow a believer to speak to a mountain and cast it into the sea (Matthew 17:20). After Jesus rebukes the storm and causes peace to come, He then turns to His disciples and asks why they lack faith (Mark 4:40). Jesus expects His people to have faith to speak the Word in their own lives. Each person should know Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord, and Master, but also use their faith in Him and God’s Word to speak to the storms of life to bring peace. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, many churches use services to gather people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour timeframe. Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Jesus gave commands not made suggestions to the people listening to Him preach. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. The twelfth basic training principle is to read the Word of God. As previously discussed, Jesus’ custom or routine was to be in the place of worship, but Jesus also read from the Word of God while being there (Luke 4:17-19). It is important to read the Word of God while at church and not base one’s faith on opinions or feel-good stories. Christians are not to only read the Word of God while at church but to be in the Word every day to be strengthened, encouraged, corrected, and trained (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s people cannot know His will if they do not understand His doctrine (John 7:16-19). Due to the Jews not having a focus on the Word of God, they did not realize Jesus was discussing the plans God had for Him (John 7:33-36). When Christians focus more on the Word of God rather than culture or being relevant there is a deeper spiritual understanding. Only being a surface-level Christian benefits no one. Jesus also discusses the Word of God being the truth that sanctifies God’s people from the world and to be more like Him (John 17:17). The thirteenth and last basic training principle is to have their names written in heaven. Jesus sends 70 disciples out with spiritual power and authority and they come back amazed at demons being submitted to the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17). Jesus tells them to not rejoice at this fact but rejoice at the fact of having their name written in heaven (Luke 10:19-20). This signifies the importance of not the works that are from religiosity but the relationship people must have with God through Jesus Christ. The only method to enter into Heaven is to have one’s name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). This same verse describes nothing defiled, profane, or unclean will enter into Heaven. Christians must not only turn away from unclean, unholy, and profane things but this style of living as well. Jesus describes those who conquer or are victorious as being in clean garments reflecting the ones He will acknowledge to God the Father as written in His Book of Life (Revelation 3:5). Knowing Christians do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities (Ephesians 6:12), what is this victory over? It is over the sinful lifestyle, aka desires of the flesh to sin, that Christians contend with propagated by self and the spiritual enemies of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul describes some of the fellow believers that have been examples of this within some of his epistles (Philippians 4:3-5). For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, Jesus gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians to obey the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The ninth basic training principle is to not be offended. Jesus describes His followers as blessed when they are not offended because of Him (Matthew 11:1-6). In such a world of offense, Christians can fall into this slippery slope causing themselves to disobey Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Offense is the act of displeasing by character, words, or conduct. When offense rises it reflects the stubbornness within that person to either forgive a wrong or be unwilling to adapt to the truth that has been presented. Either scenario leaves the offended person dealing with the situation when the world teaches the one who offended should be dealt with severely. “Great peace have they which love the Word of God and nothing will offend them” (Psalm 119:165). When Christians get offended this reflects they do not have the love for the Word of God they declare they have. Offense is pride being confronted. The Bible describes God as a resister of those who are in pride (James 4:6). Jesus told His disciples to not be offended (John 16:1-4). The tenth basic training principle is to love God with everything they have. Jesus tells everyone listening that God gave the commandment to love Him with all of the heart, with all of the soul, with all of the mind, and with all of the strength that each person possesses (Mark 12:30). This leaves nothing out for Christians to wonder how much to love God. When He is loved this much nothing else should be hindering a relationship with Him. Nothing is worth putting in front of God in the order of importance in one’s life. When the world is still a desire something has been left off of loving God in every area listed by Jesus. By comparison, a Christian’s love for God should make their love for everyone else look like hate (Luke 14:26). Christians are not to hate anyone. Still, just the idea of having such a love for God that the love they have for everyone else looks like hate is a concept not many people grasp. The eleventh basic training principle is to go to church in person. Jesus displayed the routine of worshiping God in person at the house of God (Luke 4:16). In modern society, streaming and online church services have risen to high popularity. This is a blessing for those who are sick, shut-in, or have legitimate reasons for not being able to get out. Online church has replaced the in-person anointing leaving Christians weaker and less impacted by being in the presence of God. The Bible warns of such activity for people to not do away with gathering within the assembly of believers, also known as the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). How can a person rejoice by getting online to worship God? The Bible says, “I was glad when they said unto me let us go INTO the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1). Nothing can replace going to the house of God faithfully when services are happening (Acts 2:42-47). A person cannot maintain a marriage covenant by only being online for an hour each week with their spouse. So, why do so many Christians think being online for an hour each Sunday constitutes maintaining a covenant with a holy God? May Christians be faithful to God’s house. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Jesus gave commands not made suggestions to the people listening to Him preach. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. Continuing with the sixth basic training principle, have self-discipline. Christians should be self-disciplined enough to not focus on storing up treasures here on the earth but have a true focus on the eternal kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19-21). This would also include not being distracted by earthly things to lose focus of their eternal citizenship. Each Christian must determine what is within them as the driving force for their life. If it is of God there is a light reflecting the inner man has the discipline and relationship with God as opposed to trying to balance between the eternal and the temporal (Matthew 6:22-24). Having self-discipline is also an indication that a Christian is bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Self-discipline, also known as self-control, is described by the word temperance within various translations of the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23). When Christians lack this fruit it represents they are not bearing the lifestyle or character God says is necessary as a Christian. The seventh basic training principle is to know Who Jesus is. Jesus asks His disciples who other people say He is and they answer with various speculations from the people (Matthew 16:13-14). Then Jesus asks the hard question of Who do they say He is with Peter being able to answer correctly of His connection to God and as the Messiah (Matthew 16:15-17). Without a true relationship with Jesus Christ Christians will not know Who Jesus is. People may learn about Him or the things that are written to describe Him but a relationship allows a personal connection that can only come through intimacy. Without a personal relationship with Jesus, a person cannot enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:23). The eighth basic training principle is to sacrifice the desires of the heart to obey God and His Word. Jesus describes those who attempt to preserve or protect a temporal life on earth will destroy it but those who are willing to sacrifice everything for His name and the Gospel will preserve their life (Mark 8:35-38). Christians must be willing to sacrifice anything for God by laying their lives on the altar of God (Romans 12:1-2). With so much of culture today breeding the exact opposite within the hearts and minds of the people, Christians can have this basic training principle left out of their lifestyle. Nothing is more important than God or the things within His kingdom. It is those who obey God and His Word that enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). Religiosity will have the form but a relationship with Jesus will have the heart proven with action by faith (James 2:14-18). May Christians seek to live more by the commands of Jesus rather than the culture of the world. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, many churches use services to gather people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour timeframe. Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. The third basic training principle is to deny oneself (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). Deny oneself is defined as abstaining, disowning, losing sight of oneself and own interests, affirming no connection with. Jesus tells His disciples that if a person is going to be a follower or Christian they must first put away their sinfulness and who they used to be. Christians who submit to Jesus’ teachings will crucify their sinful desires and live in Him (Galatians 2:20). This is denying oneself to be the new creation God has made them to be. Another part of denying self is to not be consumed by the world or the culture of the world. If those who declare love for God are consumed by the world they do not love God (1 John 2:15; James 4:4). God’s people must be consumed by a passion and love for Him because He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Sin displays a desire for self and a desire for self reflects God is not the focus of one’s life (John 14:15; Romans 1:26-27; Proverbs 11:2). The fourth basic training principle is to carry their cross (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). The King James version states to “take up his cross” which is defined as to lift, to raise, to bear, or to carry. Jesus further states that whoever does not carry their cross and follow Him cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:27). Each person having a cross is not a wooden object that must be carried throughout town, but the name or mark of being a Christian. Those who do not carry the mark of Jesus are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:38). Carrying a cross is the emphasis of Jesus being the Lord and Master of one’s life not just their Savior from Hell. The fifth basic training principle is to follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). Follow is defined as being in the same way with, to accompany as a disciple. With two words some denied themselves and followed Jesus (Luke 5:27-28; Matthew 4:19; John 1:43; Mark 2:14; Matthew 9:9). For many in today’s time, they will not follow Jesus but follow their sinful desires or motives into a future that grows darker and darker due to the amount of God they shut out of their life. Jesus did not come to bring death but life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Only those who follow Him will have this benefit of Jesus Christ. All Christians must live by these principles according to the Word of God. John the Baptist gave words to live by, Jesus must increase and self must decrease (John 3:30). For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
For many churches, services are to gather the people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour timeframe. Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Jesus gave commands not made suggestions to the people listening to Him preach. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. The first basic training principle is to confess Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-12). Jesus tells His disciples that anyone who confesses Him before men, He will confess before the Father in Heaven (Matthew 10:32). To confess means to make a covenant with and to acknowledge Jesus’ position in one’s life. Part of this confession is not only with the mouth but by a lifestyle that honors Jesus, the Word of God, and reflects a true relationship with God (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). Jesus also says that anyone who denies Him before men He will deny before the Father (Matthew 10:33). To deny means to contradict, reject, disavow, refuse to acknowledge. When people contradict or refuse to acknowledge Jesus within their lives, even when they label themselves as Christians, they deny Jesus as the Lord and Master of their lives. When Christians take upon the name of being a follower of the Anointed One or the Messiah (the definition of Christian) they should represent Him in His doctrine and standard of living as opposed to how they desire to live (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Part of this confession of Jesus before men is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18). Christians should make disciples by sharing the Gospel and living out the Word of God for others to see and follow. The second basic training principle is enduring to the end (Matthew 10:16-22). Jesus knows that the spiritual enemies of God’s people will desire to bring quit, discouragement, and a lack of faith into the lives of Christians. Christians must endure to the end to be saved (Matthew 10:22). Endure means to remain faithful or not flee. Victory belongs to God’s people unless they quit or allow discouragement to overtake them. Even when everything around Christians is getting harder to stand and lawlessness is everywhere, they still must stand for the truth and God’s Word to endure unto salvation (Matthew 24:3-13). This may sound easy when reading a text but it is harder when lived out in real time. Christians must remember all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26). The remnant that endures to the end is who Jesus will gather in the last days as obedient servants to their master (Luke 12:41-48). Christians must endure and not allow the deception of the enemy to keep them from the promises God has for His people or keep them from having a testimony of God’s faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). May God’s people go back to the basics of the Christian faith and be stronger in what Jesus commands them to do. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
This old saying has more of a biblical background than many people realize. Jacob knew how to create his flock by making a deal with Laban, whose flock Jacob was in charge of keeping (Genesis 30:29-33). Jacob begins to place branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees where the flocks mated (Genesis 30:37). The lambs born during this event were streaked, speckled, and spotted, so Jacob was able to keep them according to his deal with Laban (Genesis 30:39-40). The idea of becoming what one beholds is not only present when being around people, but what one beholds gets within that person and typically gives birth to whatever that something is. When people are around lawless, rebellious, or religious people it will breed lawlessness, rebellion, and religiosity. When people are around clean, holy, and biblical people it will breed cleanliness, holiness, and a living epistle of the Word of God. Bad people corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). When seeking to live for God, people must surround themselves with others who walk with God. Religious people who have a form of godliness but deny the power of God in their lives can only produce people of the same caliber (2 Timothy 3:5). The fruit of one’s life is the revealing agent of who they truly are in character (Matthew 7:16, 20). This, among many other reasons, is why every person needs to find a local church with a local pastor God has called them to not just attend but to be part of the body of believers there. People will make sacrifices for their kids or themselves to the college they dream of, save money for the vehicle they dream of, or work hard to get the position at work they dream of, but many will not invest in ensuring they surround themselves with godly people to remain godly in an ungodly world. With the world so full of ungodliness and anti-Christ agendas, Christians need to have uncompromised, the Word of God living, bold people of God to be around so their faith in God and belief in His Word does not diminish. When people behold a lukewarm social gathering, they will adapt themselves to that gathering. When people behold a hiding sin in the closet leader, they will begin to hide sin in their closet. But when people behold an imperfect, quick-to-repent, Bible-speaking, and Bible-believing leader, they will follow suit (1 Timothy 3:1-13). This type of leader should be found within the home, on the job, within the government, and especially within the church. Christians do not need a person to become another idol or cool trendsetter, they need a holy man or woman of God to lead them in the paths of righteousness that will help not only their eternity but their present state of living (Hebrews 13:7). Pastor Titus Maraifu from Africa has said, “To be great one must rub elbows with greatness”. To apply it here, a person becomes what they behold. Christians must behold the holy God they declare they serve (1 Peter 1:16). They should allow the Holy Spirit to be within them making the changes and leading them throughout their lives. Beholding the Holy Spirit will make that person holy (Romans 8:14; John 16:13; Galatians 5:16). May Christians no longer behold the world, its culture, and anti-Christ doctrines but may Christians everywhere behold God through a relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s Word, and His Spirit to be the people of God He has planned for them to be. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
There are so many churches within the United States and this region. Although there may be so many churches, or at least social gatherings, not every church is making true Christians. The purpose of a church is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the entirety of the Word of God (Matthew 4:4; Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Matthew 28:19-20). When churches fail to train God’s people to be soldiers in His army, those people are set up for failure against a very deceptive and determined enemy (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Genesis 3:1; Ephesians 6:11). True churches build true Christians by preparing them for war (2 Timothy 2:3-4). Not a war of people against people but a war of spirit against spirit (Ephesians 6:12). The spirit of a Christian against the spirit of the demonic army. Within the natural military time, effort, finances, and a lot of discipline are used to train soldiers to fight for that nation. Why do so many Christians lack the training to stand for the kingdom of God? The answer is the difference between churches being social gatherings as opposed to true churches building true Christians. Cities, towns, and regions do not need more churches, they need churches to be true churches that train the army of God how to stand against the enemy of their soul, the enemy of God’s Word, and the enemy of God’s kingdom (Ephesians 6:11-18). Until Christians can be the soldiers they are meant to be, they will not endure the battle against their spiritual enemy (James 1:12; Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 10:36). It is not too late. It is not too late for Christians to find true churches training the soldiers of God. It is not too late for pastors to begin to lead their churches in the paths of righteousness and disciple them in this training. It is not too late for various churches to unite, not within one building, but under the same mindset, vision, and purpose, to build God’s army to conquer the opposition against the people of God (1 Corinthians 1:10; Romans 12:4-5). Until God’s people stand as the Bible declares, the spiritual enemies will continue to have victory and mock God. The Bible covers spiritual warfare too much for churches and Christians to not understand how to combat the spiritual enemies they face within their lives. The lives of Christians depend on the training received within the churches they attend (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Corinthians 15:58). The eternity of so many people depends on the discipleship received within the churches of how to live for God that is according to His standards. When churches do not build soldiers of God but focus on gathering people Christianity becomes weak within the homes of the people, within the region, within the local churches, and within the nation. Churches must return to the Word of God and the holiness it requires for God’s people as opposed to being relevant, intentional, and lukewarm (Revelation 3:16). The great falling away is taking place among the many people who are gathered rather than discipled (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Hebrews 3:12-14). As long as the presence of God is still found on the earth, it is not too late. May every Christian desire to walk with God daily. May every church desire to disciple God’s people making them strong soldiers of God. May every pastor preach the unadulterated Word of God providing strength, boldness, peace, supply, and holiness for and in the people of God. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
In the middle of various denominations, preaching styles, and slight differences in doctrine, every person should have a personal relationship with Jesus. Some beliefs can lead to heresy or not align with the Word of God which should not be followed, but this important relationship with Jesus Christ should be within the heart of true Christians. Without a relationship with Jesus Christ, no one can enter into Heaven (John 14:6; Romans 6:23). With a personal relationship with Jesus, every Christian should be led by God’s Holy Spirit, keeping them accurate in doctrine and having revelations of who God is through His Word (John 15:1-10; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 1:7). Many traditions emphasize a correct action but with the wrong motive. Going to church is not a relationship with Jesus, although going to church is a Christian discipline (Hebrews 10:24-25). Believing that God exists is not a relationship with God, although one must believe that He exists to have a relationship with Him (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:9-10). Having a family that goes to church does not mean everyone in that family has a relationship with Jesus Christ (Luke 12:51-53; Matthew 10:35-37). When churches, pastors, and Christians remove their focus from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ where is the focus being moved to? For some, it may be a social gathering that discusses a couple of Bible verses but no effort is placed on starting or maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:2). For some, it may be a method of keeping up appearances with other people who attend to display how much money they have and what clothes they wear or to gossip about others within the area (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:13; James 3:5-6). This is not what the church is designed to accomplish nor why the church is to gather together. The church is to help every believer or non-believer who walks within the doors to start or maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ with the end goal of spending eternity in Heaven with God the Father (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:11-16). The church is not only the building but the believers who are gathered within the building to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Jesus Christ came to earth to be born, to give His life, and be resurrected on the third day to give every person the choice to be born again and to know God by having a personal relationship with Him (John 3:16-21). Christianity is centered on this important point. If the entirety of the Christian faith is summed up in this relationship why do so many Christians not emphasize this point? Having a relationship with Jesus will lead people to be clean, holy, and bear the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). Some people are not ready for this due to having a stronger desire to live life according to the world’s methods and not the standard Jesus requires (James 4:4). This type of mindset reflects a personal relationship with Jesus is not the focus or desire of this person making them, not a Christian (Matthew 7:21-23). Being a Christian is defined as being like Jesus or being like the Anointed One (1 John 5:1-5). A person will only be like someone else when they spend time with them. How is your personal relationship with Jesus? For more information about having a personal relationship with Jesus or about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
April 2024
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