Representing Jesus Christ

Representing Jesus Christ

Topic: THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE OF JESUS RESIDING IN OUR LIFE

In the very earliest days of the faith in the book of Acts, the believers were first called 'christian.' (Acts 11:26)

It seems however that in those days the designation was meant to be far from flattering, even though un-beknownst to those doing the taunting it was indeed something to aspire to. For the title meant "little Christ."

THE TERM “CHRISTIAN” IS OFTEN LOOSELY APPLIED. INDEED, UNDERSTANDING WHAT AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY TRULY LOOKS LIKE IS CRUCIAL TO OUR DAILY WALK.

Today the name "christian" is so common, over-used, and 'claimed' that it has lost nearly all of its impact and meaning. The mormons, the catholics and the JW's claim they are christian.

If authentic Christianity isn’t just about religious affiliation or moral behavior, then what is it about?

We can fool ourselves and become comfortable, and relay to much in the routine and take our walk with God for granted.

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

How can a Christian be recognized

Our identity is manifested by what we live for!

If we only try to contain our words and actions to show that we are great Christians, but under stress or anger the truth in our heart comes out, then the picture we have painted of ourselves is a lie.

God gives us His Spirit when we are saved, but salvation is only the beginning of being a Christian.

We need to pursue the truth of the Lord so that we can be the person that God has called us to be. He took us out of the world because He loves us, but He’s also got a job for each and every one of us, and we won’t be prepared to do that unless we know Him, unless we study the Bible and know His truth.

If we don’t, the old way of life will take over again, and our old habits and actions will be more dominant than our desire to live for Christ.

So, the more we study the Scriptures and pray and worship God, the closer to God’s heart we become, and the further away from the world we get.

Ask Yourself.

Am I real? I seem to love Jesus. I seem to trust him. I seem to bear the marks of a changed life. But, the thought crept in, so too did Judas.

What should a Christian look like? –Or- “What does authentic Christianity look like?”

A CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO LOOK LESS LIKE THE WORLD AND MORE LIKE CHRIST

2 Cor. 5:17 (NIV):

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

IT’S MORE THAN HOW WE DRESS, OR TYPE OF CLOTHING         

        How does our lives represent Christ

AT THE HEART OF AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY, AT IS A DEEP, ABIDING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.

It’s not merely about adhering to religious rituals or attending church services; it’s about knowing Christ personally.

As Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

To this end, authentic Christians live in daily communion with Christ, drawing strength, wisdom, and love from Him.

A CHRISTIAN LIFE IS CHARACTERIZED BY FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS AND EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST.

It involves living according to the principles of love, forgiveness, compassion, and faith.

They seek to live a life of integrity, honesty, and humility, treating others with respect and kindness.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves

Sharing the good news of salvation and serving others is also an important aspect of a Christian’s life.

Ultimately, a Christian life is centered around faith in God and striving to live in a way that honors Him.

AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IS ALSO GROUNDED IN THE WORD OF GOD.

Christians strive to cultivate a strong relationship with God through prayer, worship, and reading the Bible.

It’s important for all of us to fully grasp that the Bible is not just a guidebook; it is the living and active Word of God, shaping our thoughts, actions, and worldview.

Christians who are truly trying to be authentic in their walk must immerse themselves in Scripture, allowing it to correct and direct them.

AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IS MARKED BY A GENUINE LOVE FOR GOD AND FOR OTHERS.

This love goes beyond sentimentality; it is self-sacrificial and active, seeking the good of others even at a cost to oneself.

It’s the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 – a love that is patient, kind, and enduring.

AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IS THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF GOD’S GRACE.

This grace doesn’t just save; it transforms, making the believer a new creation in Christ.

AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IS THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS, MISSION FOCUS AND PERSEVERANCE.

This pursuit of holiness is not about legalism but about a sincere desire to honor God in every aspect of life and staying on mission

AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IS CHARACTERIZED BY PERSEVERANCE.

Christian life is not free from trials and suffering, and that Christians endure by relying on the strength that God provides.

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

This perseverance is a testament to the genuine faith that sustains believers through all circumstances.

AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IS A DYNAMIC AND LIFE-CHANGING FAITH ROOTED IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST, GROUNDED IN SCRIPTURE, MARKED BY LOVE, TRANSFORMED BY GRACE, AND ENGAGED IN GOD’S MISSION.  

It’s a faith that endures trials, pursues holiness, and points others to the hope found in Jesus.

AND AS WE CONTINUE TO KNOW THE LORD, HE REVEALS HIMSELF TO US MORE AND MORE SO THAT WE CAN BE LIKE HIM!

And when we become like Him, then people will look at us and know that we are Christians because we will look like Him. Our countenance will be peaceful and our eyes will sparkle with the joy of the Lord. Our words will speak of the things of God, and they will bring hope and peace to those around us. Our actions will resemble those of Christ

Everything that we say and do will reveal the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit in us. We will be filled with love and joy, peace and temperance, longsuffering and patience, faith and meekness, goodness and kindness.

These virtues will be evident in everything we do and say. They will define us! They will be genuine!

They will come from the heart! And they will be what people see when they look at us!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.—Galatians 5:22-23

Representing Christ a Great Responsibility

The way we live our lives is important.

People are watching us, looking for some fault that will justify their rejection of the God we serve.

Examples of Christians who have represented Jesus

Fanny Crosby

(1820 – 1915) changed the world and the nature of Christian worship with her 8,000 hymns and Gospel songs.

Her blindness motivated her to write to win “1 million souls for Jesus.”  Jesus used her to do this.

Here are some of her most beloved songs:

“Safe in the Arms of Jesus,”

“Rescue the Perishing,”

“Blessed Assurance,”

 “Savior, More Than Life to Me,”

Corrie ten Boom:

Survived Nazi concentration camps and became a renowned evangelist, demonstrating that hope in Jesus can overcome even the most horrific injustices. 

Mother Teresa:

Known for her compassion and selfless service to the poor and suffering. 

Tim Tebow

Gained fame as an outstanding football player with a powerful testimony for Jesus.

He spread the Gospel message in a unique way, by displaying Bible verses on his EYE BLACK.

His posting of John 3:16 generated 90 million searches on google, and when he switched to Proverbs 3:5-6, 3.4 million searched it.

But his testimony brought a backlash; the NCAA banned messages on eye paint in 2010, and the media labeled this the “The Tebow Rule.” From this point on, Tim faced consistently negative press from the media.

When he went to his knees on the field in silent prayer, the press coined the term “Tebowing” and used every opportunity they could to poke fun at his Christian lifestyle and magnify his shortcomings. Despite all of this hostility, Tebow has remained faithful and full of the joy of the Lord.

“Let’s just love God, and let’s love people and let’s bring people together,” he continued. “How many people can we love in the name of Jesus? How many people can we help in the name of Jesus?

That’s the goal. Nothing else is the goal. Nothing else matters. That’s what matters, plain and simple. And I feel like that’s my passion, and I feel like it’s my purpose, too.”

Jesus desires to live inside our heart, mind, and soul.

        Do people see him actively displayed in your Life?

        Do people feel him through your life?

        ARE YOU REPRESENTING JESUS CHRIST OR THE REAL YOU?

Is your life sending out mixed messages because our testimony and lifestyle is in conflict

Remember Representing Christ a Great Responsibility