The promises of the Bible, do we believe them? You have to read this.

God always keeps his promises. It’s in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 1:19-20, NKJV. “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us”

God never takes back or changes His promises. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 89:34, TLB. “No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back one word of what I said.”

None of God’s promises ever fail. It’s in the Bible, Joshua 23:14, NIV. “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.”

We have been promised eternal life. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 2:25, NKJV. “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.

God can do the impossible. It’s in the Bible, Luke 18:27, NKJV. “But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

We have been promised new hearts and desires. It’s in the Bible, Ezekiel 36:26, NKJV. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

He has promised forgiveness. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 1:9, NKJV. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God promises our sins will be far removed from us. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 103:12, NKJV. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

We are promised that our sins will be buried. It’s in the Bible, Micah 7:19, NKJV. ” He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

He has promised the fruit of the Spirit. It’s in the Bible, Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

He has promised deliverance from fear. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 34:4, NKJV. “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

God has promised salvation for our children. It’s in the Bible, Isaiah 49:25, NKJV. “For I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.”

We are promised the Holy Spirit. It’s in the Bible, Luke 11:13, NKJV. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

All of our needs will be supplied. It’s in the Bible, Philippians 4:19, NKJV. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

God gave the best He had by giving us His only Son. It’s in the Bible, Romans 8:32, NKJV. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”

God does not hold back anything that is for your benefit or good. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 84:11, TLB. “For Jehovah God is our Light and our Protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk along his paths.”

He has promised wisdom. It’s in the Bible, James 1:5, NKJV. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

God has promised peace. It’s in the Bible, Isaiah 26:3, NKJV. “You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

God has promised victory over temptations. It’s in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

We have the promise of health and healing. It’s in the Bible, Jeremiah 30:17, NKJV. “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord“

God has promised protection from harm and danger. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 91:4-6, NKJV. “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.”

The Bible promises that the dead will live again. It’s in the Bible, John 5:28-29, NKJV. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

Jesus has promised that He will come again. It’s in the Bible, John 14:2-3, NKJV. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

He has promised an end to death, sorrow, and pain. It’s in the Bible, Revelation 21:4, NKJV. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Appearances can be deceiving….Do you see what God sees in others?

Don’t judge others by appearance. Remember that God looks beyond what we look like on the outside. It’s in the Bible, I Samuel 16:7, NIV. “The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Appearances can be deceiving; true character is shown by one’s life and actions. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 7:16-17, NKJV. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

The outward appearance of righteousness, is worthless if does not reflect accurately the  inner character. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 23:27-28, NKJV. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Don’t be like the world, the world focuses on what is attractive for the eyes and drawing attention to yourself. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 2:15-16, NKJV.  “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Our Christian influence and witness is affected by our appearance. It’s in the Bible, 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, NEB. “Woman again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hairstyles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.”

We should avoid anything that causes confusion over what we stand for. It’s in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

When Christ came, His physical appearance was not attractive. It’s in the Bible, Isaiah 53:2, NIV. “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” But although Jesus was not particularly attractive physically, His spiritual qualities—kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, tenderness, and undying love—were obvious to everyone He met and drew them to Him. He is our example.

Being a follower of Christ will make you different from those around you. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 5:13-14, NKJV. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”

We need to accessorize our inner character, not our outer attire. It’s in the Bible, 1 Peter 3:3-4, NKJV. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

The spiritual implications of our appearance include more than just the way we look and dress—the outward adornment through clothes and jewelry. Appearance includes lifestyle and the expensive homes and cars and gadgets we accumulate to impress others. These things lead to covetousness and greed. It’s in the Bible, Luke 12:15, NKJV. “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'”

The 10 Commandments, forgotten, but still relevant.

The law of God contains ten commandments. It’s in the Bible, Exodus 20:1-17, NIV. ” And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [1] You shall have no other gods before Me. [2] You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to thousands who love Me and keep My commandments. [3] You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name. [4] Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. [5] Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. [6] You shall not murder. [7] You shall not commit adultery. [8] You shall not steal. [9] You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. [10] You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.'”

God’s law is summed up in love – love for God, and love for others. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 22:37-40, NIV. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

When you love others, obeying the commandments is natural. Romans 13:9-10, NKJV. “For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,”and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

The law is unchanging. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 5:17-18, KJV. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

The law is eternal. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 111:7,8, NKJV. “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.”

God’s law offers direction, not justification. It’s in the Bible, Galatians 2:15-16, NIV. “A man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.”

It is our duty to obey God’s law. It’s in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV. “Here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

What is the connection between the law and sin? It’s in the Bible, I John 3:4, NIV. “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”

Is it necessary to keep all of the commandments? It’s in the Bible, James 2:10-11, NIV. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.”

Can we know God without keeping the commandments? It’s in the Bible, I John 2:4-6, NIV. “The man who says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”

What is the purpose of the law? It’s in the Bible, Romans 3:20, NIV. “Through the law we become conscious of sin.”

Are we saved by keeping the law? It’s in the Bible, Romans 3:27-31, NKJV. “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”

We keep the commandments to demonstrate our love for Christ. It’s in the Bible, John 14:15, NKJV. “If you love Me, keep my commandments.”

The law is not restrictive, but freedom. It’s in the Bible, James 1:25, NKJV. “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does”

Some facts about acceptance.

Christ invited everyone to come to Him. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 11:28, NKJV. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Will Jesus take me back? Will God accept me? It’s in the Bible, John 6:37, NKJV. “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

By His grace, God accepts us in Jesus Christ. It’s in the Bible, Ephesians 1:6, NKJV. “to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”

Jesus offers living water to everyone. It’s in the Bible, John 7:37-38, NKJV. “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

We may come to God with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It’s in the Bible, Isaiah 55:7, NKJV. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Christ doesn’t accept only the righteous and holy; He died for us while we were sinners. It’s in the Bible, Romans 5:8, NKJV. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. It’s in the Bible, Mark 2:17, NKJV. “When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

No matter what our past may have been, God accepts us unconditionally, but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. It’s in the Bible, Ezekiel 18:21-22. “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live.”

If we receive Christ, He gives us the right to be called children of God. It’s in the Bible, John 1:12, NKJV. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”

A close look at anger, and dealing with it Biblically.

A short-tempered man is a fool. It’s in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 7:9, TLB. “Don’t be quick-tempered—that is being a fool.” It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 19:11, TLB. “A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit.” It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 16:32, TLB “It is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army.”

Get over anger quickly. It’s in the Bible, Ephesians 4:26-27, TLB. “If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; For when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil.”

What does Jesus warn about anger? It’s in the Bible, Matthew 5:22, NKJV. ” But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

How does God relate to anger? It’s in the Bible, Psalm 103:8, NKJV “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.”

How does Love relate to anger? It’s in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:5, NIV. “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Don’t fight back when wronged. It’s in the Bible, I Peter 3:9, TLB “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.”

Anger produces strife. It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 30:33, NIV. “For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”

How should we react to someone’s anger? It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 15:1, NKJV. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”

Why do we forgive, rather than continue to be angry? Because God forgave us. It’s in the Bible, Ephesians 4:30-32, NKJV. ” And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

The 10 Commandments. Why they’re still relevant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The law of God contains ten commandments. It’s in the Bible, Exodus 20:1-17, NIV. ” And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [1] You shall have no other gods before Me. [2] You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to thousands who love Me and keep My commandments. [3] You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name. [4] Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. [5] Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. [6] You shall not murder. [7] You shall not commit adultery. [8] You shall not steal. [9] You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. [10] You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.'”

God’s law is summed up in love – love for God, and love for others. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 22:37-40, NIV. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

When you love others, obeying the commandments is natural. Romans 13:9-10, NKJV. “For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,”and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

The law is unchanging. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 5:17-18, KJV. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

The law is eternal. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 111:7,8, NKJV. “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.”

God’s law offers direction, not justification. It’s in the Bible, Galatians 2:15-16, NIV. “A man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.”

It is our duty to obey God’s law. It’s in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV. “Here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

What is the connection between the law and sin? It’s in the Bible, I John 3:4, NIV. “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”

Is it necessary to keep all of the commandments? It’s in the Bible, James 2:10-11, NIV. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.”

Can we know God without keeping the commandments? It’s in the Bible, I John 2:4-6, NIV. “The man who says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”

What is the purpose of the law? It’s in the Bible, Romans 3:20, NIV. “Through the law we become conscious of sin.”

Are we saved by keeping the law? It’s in the Bible, Romans 3:27-31, NKJV. “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”

We keep the commandments to demonstrate our love for Christ. It’s in the Bible, John 14:15, NKJV. “If you love Me, keep my commandments.”

The law is not restrictive, but freedom. It’s in the Bible, James 1:25, NKJV. “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does”

Why are so many people still being judged by their appearance?

Don’t judge others by appearance. Remember that God looks beyond what we look like on the outside. It’s in the Bible, I Samuel 16:7, NIV. “The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Appearances can be deceiving; true character is shown by one’s life and actions. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 7:16-17, NKJV. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

The outward appearance of righteousness, is worthless if does not reflect accurately the  inner character. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 23:27-28, NKJV. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Don’t be like the world, the world focuses on what is attractive for the eyes and drawing attention to yourself. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 2:15-16, NKJV.  “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Our Christian influence and witness is affected by our appearance. It’s in the Bible, 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, NEB. “Woman again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hairstyles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.”

We should avoid anything that causes confusion over what we stand for. It’s in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

When Christ came, His physical appearance was not attractive. It’s in the Bible, Isaiah 53:2, NIV. “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” But although Jesus was not particularly attractive physically, His spiritual qualities—kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, tenderness, and undying love—were obvious to everyone He met and drew them to Him. He is our example.

Being a follower of Christ will make you different from those around you. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 5:13-14, NKJV. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”

We need to accessorize our inner character, not our outer attire. It’s in the Bible, 1 Peter 3:3-4, NKJV. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

The spiritual implications of our appearance include more than just the way we look and dress—the outward adornment through clothes and jewelry. Appearance includes lifestyle and the expensive homes and cars and gadgets we accumulate to impress others. These things lead to covetousness and greed. It’s in the Bible, Luke 12:15, NKJV. “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'”

How do you see people, by their outward appearance, or their heart?

Don’t judge others by appearance. Remember that God looks beyond what we look like on the outside. It’s in the Bible, I Samuel 16:7, NIV. “The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Appearances can be deceiving; true character is shown by one’s life and actions. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 7:16-17, NKJV. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

The outward appearance of righteousness, is worthless if does not reflect accurately the  inner character. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 23:27-28, NKJV. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Don’t be like the world, the world focuses on what is attractive for the eyes and drawing attention to yourself. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 2:15-16, NKJV.  “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Our Christian influence and witness is affected by our appearance. It’s in the Bible, 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, NEB. “Woman again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hairstyles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.”

We should avoid anything that causes confusion over what we stand for. It’s in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

Being a follower of Christ will make you different from those around you. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 5:13-14, NKJV. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”

We need to accessorize our inner character, not our outer attire. It’s in the Bible, 1 Peter 3:3-4, NKJV. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

The spiritual implications of our appearance include more than just the way we look and dress—the outward adornment through clothes and jewelry. Appearance includes lifestyle and the expensive homes and cars and gadgets we accumulate to impress others. These things lead to covetousness and greed. It’s in the Bible, Luke 12:15, NKJV. “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'”

Being rejected for Jesus

Matthew 8:33-34 – Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region. (NKJV)

If you have been living for Jesus very long you’ve experienced what Jesus and His disciples experienced on this occasion. When Jesus showed up not everyone was excited. In fact, these people wanted Jesus to leave! Don’t allow the negative response of people to keep you from praying. My responsibility is to keep praying for my city and leave the results in God’s hands. While my desire is for everyone to be a follower of Christ, I realize that people will make their own decisions. I will keep praying and believing God for a spiritual awakening to take place in my town.