As followers of Jesus Christ, it’s not enough that we proclaim our faith; we also need to live as He lived, to act and talk in a way that glorifies Him. Why? So we can lead more people to place their trust in Him for their salvation. With His help, we can do all that despite our personal failings.
- 1 John 2:6 (NKJV) “He who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk just as He walked.”
- 1 Juan 2:6 (RVR1960) «El que dice que permanece en él, debe andar como él anduvo.»
Message By Ward Pimley
You’ve heard that popular saying: “Walk the walk; don’t just talk the talk.”
You know what it means: It means to be “authentic,” to be the “real deal,” to live out your life, your everyday life, in the same manner, according to the same guidelines, that you say you do. 1 John 2:6 NLT says it this way: “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
As followers of Jesus Christ, we proclaim to the world that we believe in Him, that we listen to Him, and so we also ought to live as He lived.
Since that’s an impossibility — we are not perfect as He is — we need to add the caveat that we *try* to live our lives as He showed us how to live, but that in our failings, when we humbly come to Him and repent of our faults, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins. (1 John 1:9)†
CHRISTIANITY’S GIFT TO MANKIND
THAT IS THE REAL GIFT we Christians offer the world.
That’s why we’re different, and it is in that promise, that relationship with Almighty God, that we are given the greatest gift possible — eternal life in Paradise with God (Luke 23:43; 1 John 2:25).
Do you know the Lord? Do you really *know* Him? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? If you do, you will enjoy the promise that God, who cannot lie, has made — eternal life with Him.
If you do not have a personal relationship with Him, there’s another promise that God, who cannot lie, holds out to you — eternal life without Him.
If you choose to live in this world with Him, you will spend eternity with Him. If you choose to live in this world without Him, you will spend eternity without Him,
Which future do *you* want?
~PRAYER~
If you want the peace, the joy, and the abundant life that God promises (John 10:10), then humbly and sincerely recite this prayer (or use your own words expressing the same thought):
FATHER IN HEAVEN, I am a sinner in need of Your forgiving grace. I believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and that He lived a sinless life to become a sacrifice for my sinful heart and then suffered and died on the Cross to bear the wrath that I deserve. Lord, this gift of atonement is so wonderful – I want it for myself. Please forgive me, Lord God, and send Your Holy Spirit into my heart. Become my Savior, but even more than my Savior, come into my heart and be my Lord. With a grateful and believing heart, I pray.
AMEN
IF YOU GENUINELY PRAYED THAT PRAYER (OR ONE LIKE IT), WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
Now that you claim the mantel of God’s adopted child (John 1:12; Romans 8:14), walk as He walked (Galatians 5:25; 1 John 2:6).
As you enter your new life as a disciple of Jesus Christ, please make it a priority to:
- Open your Bible daily and read His inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21),
- Pray daily to the loving Father (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12), and
- Live for Him daily in your personal walk (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
YOU’LL BE BLESSED IF YOU DO (REVELATION 1:3).
†Unless otherwise marked, Bible references are to the NIV Bible (2011 copyright).
Ward's Words | BY WARD PIMLEY 