#imitators of christ

[thomastanker02]

Jesus proclaimed that those who deny him here on Earth, he will also deny before his Father in Heaven.

Persecution on this Earth for Jesus’ name is inevitable. Jesus not only warned us of this, but experienced it himself. There were multiple attempts to stone him, kill him, catch him in his words, and he was ridiculed relentlessly for his teachings from the Father.

And that was all before his death.

And yet, Jesus never denied his Father. Despite all his hardship, despite the persecutions that you and I could hardly comprehend the full extent of, h remained loyal to his Father. He didn’t even care if it meant his death, he just as not going blend in with the world.

We are called, as imitators of Christ, to have that same fortitude.

No matter what the world throws at us, they can never take away our faith. The world can take what you own, and even the people you love, but it can never take what you believe in.

I don’t mean to accuse, or judge, but if we deny Christ, we are nothing but cowards. Only a coward denies the one who saved him from eternal damnation. How can we deny the God who died on our behalf, and saved from horrors beyond our wildest imagination?

How can we reject the God of love, truth, and goodness? It would mean that we choose what is evil, corrupt, and leads to eternal damnation.

The Bible says to be ready when somebody asks about the reason for our joy (1 Peter 3:15). How can we be real Christians is for deny somebody the chance to know God? By denying him, we deny God another soul and Heaven, and lead that person and ourselves on the road through the wide gate.

“It’s a Monday, why are you so happy?”

“Oh, no reason”.

God says that it’s not his will that anyone perishes, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). If we are to by lights of the world, we should be willing to explain why we are shining so brightly.

It’s time that we weight our options. What’s more important, blending in with a perishing world, or being righteous before the God of the universe?

Ya, I think so too.

God bless, Jesus loves you ✝️❤️

[merged-by-love]

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1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

[massivetyphooncollective]

Seven Sources of Joy

Seven Sources of Joy John Piper In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. (2 Corinthians 7:4) What is extraordinary about Paul is how unbelievably durable his joy was when things weren’t going well. Where did this come from? First of all it was taught by Jesus: “Blessed are you when men hate you . . . Be glad in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:22–23). Troubles for Jesus compound your interest in heaven — which last a lot longer than earth. Second, it comes from the Holy Spirit, not our own efforts or imagination or family upbringing. “The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy” (Galatians 5:22). “You received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1Thessalonians 1:6). Third, it comes from belonging to the kingdom of God. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Fourth, it comes through faith, that is, from believing God. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13). “I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith” (Philippians 1:25). Fifth, it comes from seeing and knowing Jesus as Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Sixth, it comes from fellow believers who work hard to help us focus on these sources of joy, rather than deceitful circumstances. “We are workers with you for your joy” (2 Corinthians 1:24). Seventh, it comes from the sanctifying effects of tribulations. “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Romans 5:3–4). If we are not yet like Paul, he calls us to be. “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). And for most of us this is a call to earnest prayer. It is a supernatural life. http://solidjoys.desiringgod.org/en/devotionals/seven-sources-of-joy

[youmatterinfo]

Imitators of Christ

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[youmatterinfo]

Imitators of Christ

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[ecbaby28]

To Know God is to Know His Word

I’m thankful, grateful and blessed that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. It was the best decision that I have ever made in my life and that decision has brought me so much peace and unspeakable joy. But it also has brought me some challenges and struggles that I didn’t expect or was prepared for early on in my relationship with Him even though His Word told me that there would be. The Christian…

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[thejourneybacktogod]

Day 29 - "Imitation"

I have been to couple stores in Downtown Kingston in the past and have seen different clothing items that seem so right for the buck. Shirts by Ecko, shoes by Nike, jeans by Tommy Hilfiger and more. Most of these stores selling these goods had some decent prices in comparison to back up in Halfway Tree where the prices are outrageous. However with proper scrutiny and analysis I recognized that most of the items that were sold were fake! These stores were selling imitation good or knock-offs which wouldn't last as long as the real thing. I got caught once and bought a white "Nike" sneakers only for the thing to last a month after a couple wears.

1 Corinthians 11:1 says,"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." A simple yet profound scripture written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians of Corinth simply asking them to be an imitation. In the world's eye, imitations are seen as cheap, worthless and of no value in comparison to the real or authentic thing. However the one true imitation we can truly consider valuable is when we choose to imitate Christ. Through out Jesus' time on earth He set an example for His disciples to follow urging them to follow His actions - setting an example for Christian living. "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." - John 13:13-17. There are other examples in the scriptures where Jesus' actions were followed by His request to follow His examples.

1 Peter 2:21 says, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." The basic role of a Christian is to imitate and to follow Christ's actions in everything we do. That is what the name Christian even means - follower of Christ. Paul in the earlier passage wanted to be an example to the Christians in Corinth for them to follow. He asked them to follow him as he himself followed Christ. Our role in this world is to draw men unto God by the things we say or do. They are to see the Christ in us. We know that popular verse of letting our light shine before men so they may see and glorify our Father in heaven. Today the simple task is for us to be the best Jesus knock-offs we can be. In a world where imitations are of little or no value, let us consider the most expensive imitation - being just like Him.

[newdmagazine-blog]

Meditative Musings: Wait...You're a Christian?

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved and and given Himself for us…”    Ephesians 5:1

“So we are Christ’s ambassadors…”    2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT

Don’t lie.  You know you’ve had those moments where someone you’ve known for eons drops some scripture on you out of the blue and you do that mental double-take with a “Say WHAT??” and a raised eyebrow.  You can’t BELIEVE that so-and-so knows Jesus!  Nothing about them has ever stood out to you as even the least bit Christ-like.  As Christians, we can hear that and chuckle.  But I cringe to think what non-believers think when they have the same experience...

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