Influence and Reform

 

In Christian circles (especially in Protestant churches) we note that the 31 October is remembered as Reformation Day. However it is important to note that for Christians REFORMATION is an ongoing event in our lives and not just an historical occurrence. We should be asking God to change us every day and allowing the Spirit to help us influence the world for Jesus.

In light of this, I think the words of J. Gresham Machen are very apt for our Church today:

"For Christians to influence the world with the truth of God's Word requires the recovery of the great Reformation doctrine of vocation. Christians are called to God's service not only in church professions but also in every secular calling. The task of restoring truth to the culture depends largely on our laypeople."

We must move away from the tendency to assume that the clergy are the only ones who can represent Christ in the world. This is false doctrine. Every one of us, who identifies with Jesus Christ, is called to be a 'transformer.'

2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Open the windows

You walk into the room and the first thing you smell is must! The air is stale and your immediate reaction is to open all the windows. Soon the fresh air transforms the room and you begin to feel alive again. It is amazing how one simple act, can change the atmosphere of a place.

But, have you ever thought about this in connection with your spiritual life? Have you felt that your spiritual life has become stale and musty? Have you longed for a refreshing breeze to sweep through your spirit? If you have felt like this, then perhaps it is time to open the windows of your spiritual life. Perhaps it is time to invite the Spirit into your heart again.

It is our choice whether we simply exist in the room full of stale air, or we open the windows wide and invite God's refreshing LIFE to fill our lives again.

Malachi 3:10 - “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

2 Kings 7:2 - The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of heaven!” But Elisha replied, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!”

PRACTICAL SUGGESTION: Walk to one of the windows in the room you are currently sitting in. Open it and spend a minute asking the Spirit of God to fill you again. Feel the fresh air on your face as you wait for God to transform your heart. 

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3