How Have You Done With Your Christian Life?

   We are quickly approaching the end of 2011. Have you asked yourself "What kind of Christian have I been?" Some are baptized believers but they have not grown in the Lord. Their hearts and minds are still in the world. On the other hand there are Christians who have grown up in the faith and they seek to do God's will as revealed in Scripture. Which one are you? The Bible tells you to "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13:5) Let us grow in the faith until we can honestly say that we are submitting to the will of God. The book of First Peter addresses the man­ner of life of a Christian. Through reading and examining this little book we are able to see how we have done with our Christian life. Christians are those who have been cleansed by the precious blood of Je­sus and they must stay clean and holy in their daily living. Christians are to walk both in hope and in holiness. Peter used the little word "As" to help us see how we have done with our Christian life.

   How have you done with your Christianity as an obedient child of God? Peter said Christians are to live, “As obedient children, not fashioning  yourselves  according  to  the former

lusts in your ignorance." (1 Peter 1:14) Christians are to live as children of obedience to God. Christians know the requirements of the gospel. Therefore, they should fashion themselves after God, their heavenly Father. God is holy. "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16) Christians must live a life that is holy and godly.

   How have you done with your Christianity in your desire for God's word? Christians must, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2) As the baby craves milk Christians must crave the word of God. God's word is nourishment for our souls. The word of God nourishes the soul as milk sustains the body. This word must be sincere or pure from all guile, so that none are deceived who cleave to it. The word of God causes you to grown in faith, love and holiness. It is God's desire that "We all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) Do you have an ap­petite for God's word?

   How have you done with your Christianity by looking at this life as only temporary? Christians are strangers in this world, just passing through. "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." (1 Peter 2:11) Our citizenship is in heaven. "For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20) Christians are in this world only as sojourners. Let us not become too attached to the world and to the things that are therein. As we understand the temporary nature of this life, as we mature spiritually and better understand God's love, our conviction to obey Him immediately and continually grows and becomes more steadfast.

   How have you done with your Christianity in living as a free person, yet as a servant? Christians are free people who are bond servants of Christ. Christians are to live "As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God." (1 Peter 2:16) Our life should be as free people without any pretext for wickedness; but at all times let us live as servants of God. Slaves were given food and clothing. "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1 Timothy 6:8) Do you claim the name but not the heart of Christianity? The heart of a Christian is the heart of a servant. This "servant heart" is developed as we willingly submit our wills to God's will as it is revealed in the Bible.

   How have you done with your Christianity in living as brethren? God expects Christians to live and love as brethren.  Peter wrote, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." (1 Peter 3:8) Christians should be united in spirit, sympathizing with one another and loving each other as brethren. Christians are members of the same household. The whole of God's law is summed up in love. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:8-10) Do you love as brethren?

   How have you done with your Christianity in living as good stewards of God's grace? Christians must be faithful stewards of that which is granted to them by God's grace. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10) Christians are to be faithful stewards of the power and gifts granted by God's undeserved favor. Are you using the talents wherewith His love and mercy has entrusted you? Are you a good trustee of God's many-sided grace? Whatever gifts or endowments you possess they are not your own. They are the Lord's property. These gifts are to be employed in His work and to promote His glory.

   How have you done with your Christianity in living as one willing to suffer for the name of Jesus? If you face difficult times rejoice that you would be counted worthy to suffer as a Christian. "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (1 Peter 4:16) Jesus is never ashamed of the Christian and His people should never be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. The challenge given to Solomon is likewise fitting for us. "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." (1 Chronicles 28:9) Never allow yourself to be ashamed of Christ, His name or His church.

   Peter, by inspiration of God, has given us precious and powerful teaching on the manner of life Christians should live. Satan tries to get Christians to live life displeasing to God. Christ wants us to "walk as children of light." To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus as the Christ (Mark 16:16), repent of all sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:36) and be baptized for remission of sins. (Acts 2:38) After baptism remain faithful to God. (Revelation 2:10) May God bless you as you live for Jesus "as" He would have you live.

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

1. Prayer List: UAB Hospital Birmingham: Digger Kimbro (grandson of Reese & Lydia Ann Raybon) and Health South Rehab, Montgomery: Leroy Waller. In Need Of Prayer: Mike Bagents, Dee Barker, Jerry Barr, Teresa Boutwell, Alma Box, Mark Box (knee surgery), Brenda Burkett, Mellisa Coggins (daughter of Felice Kendrick), Bonnie Croley, Marie Curlee, Nancy Faulkenberry, Ron Fisher, Bryan Harville, Billy Heartsill, Jason Holladay family, David Jones, Larue Kelsoe, Felice Kendrick, Patrica Kennemore, Alice Little, Callie Lowe, Larry Lucas, Ricky McGough, Annie McKee, Taylor Merry, Charlotte Miller, Jeff Miller, Dorman Murff, Barbara Parker, Tina Pouncey, Betty Pruitt, Jack Queener (brother of Becky McCreary), Joan Radcliff, John Reynolds, Olivia Reynolds, Lillie K. Rice, Jimmy Riley, Ricky Roberts, Katie Sanders, Mary Sasser, Nathan Simmons, Joe Smith, Janie Smith, Lily Smith, Eleanor Stabler, Sarah Stidham, Frank Thomas, Kayla Thomas, Leisha Till, Charlotte Todd, Jim Watts (nephew of Neomia Collins), Calvin Webb and Florida Wilson. Crowne Health Care: Helen Autrey, Dorothy Buck, Jewel Cauthen, Gladys Childs, Betty Findley, Kathy Johnson, Sarah Knight, Glenn Phillips, and Annie Ruth Tetter. 

2. Thank You Note: Dear Church Family, Thank you for the flowers, cards, and prayers during my stay in the hospital. In Christian Love, Mary Arnold

3. Crowne Health Care: As is our custom there will not be a class at Crowne Health Care on the Saturday following Christmas (December 31^st).

4. Children’s Devo: There will be a Children’s Devo after Sunday evening services on December 18^th.  The young boys will present the devotional and all children will complete some service related activities.  Our major project will be collecting gifts for some families in our community. There is a sheet on the bulletin board with specific items that we would like to get. Every family is encouraged to help with this project if possible. Also, each child should bring a wrapped ornament to participate in the gift swap. The children need to wear a white or red shirt Sunday night. They will be making a very special surprise at the children’s devo. “Children” means birth to 12^th grade.

5. Christmas Gifts: Just so everyone will know the project to provide gifts for some children is NOT just a youth project. We are asking adults to help with this effort. You have time this afternoon to purchase and wrap a gift. The children’s information is on the bulletin board. Wrap the gift with the child’s name on it.  

6. Bridal Shower/Dinner: There will be a bridal shower/dinner for Dennis Phillips Jr. and Haley McDonald on Thursday night, December 22^nd at 6:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Everyone is invited to participate and to bring a cover dish.

7. Exposure Youth Camp 2011: Exposure Youth Camp is December 27-30, 2011. It takes place in the Embassy Suites Hotel and Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Darrell will take the youth group from Walnut Street. Pray that all will go well with the trip. 

8. Party at Crowne Health: Thank you to all who helped in any way with the very successful party for the folks at Crowne Health. You did a great joy, as usual. A special Thank You to Virginia Lowery for arranging things!

9. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week are: December 21^st Missy Alford and Johnny Cole, December 22^nd Margaret Phillips and Eli Powell, December 23^rd Wayne Garlock and Debbie Johnson, and December 24^th Leroy Waller.

10. Secret Pal Christmas Party: A big “Thank You” to Ann Smith for hosting the Secret Pal’s Christmas Party. It was an enjoyable time for all who participated.

11. Good Job: Keith and Catherine Holder have been doing some extra cleaning both inside and outside of the building lately. Thank you for your good work. It is amazing what can be accomplished when people see things that need doing and get the job done.

12. Sign-Up Sheets 2012: The sign-up sheets for 2012 are on the bulletin board. Please volunteer to help during 2012. Thanks!

God Be Thanked For Reconciliation

   Paul said, “…Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Corinthians 6:9-11) Let us never forget the vile depths of sin from whence we have been redeemed, lest we forget the beauty of God’s invitation for us to be reconciled to Him.

   The following is a poem written by Owen Cosgrove:

Sin cried out, “I’m sorry!”

Grace answered, “I forgive.”

Wrong said, “I deserve to die.”

Love said, “Repent and live.”

Guilt said, “I am torn inside.”

Truth said, “Confess and be made free.”

Life said, “I am heavy laden.”

The Lord said, “Come unto Me.”

The weary said, “Where can I go

With evil’s burden sore?”

God said, “My child, obey My word,

And live forevermore.”

   The burden of sin, past or present, can be a weight that is strenuous to bear.  But be assured, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).  However, to be heir to this promise, we all must first be added to Christ’s church (Acts 2:47).  This will occur after one has believed in Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16), repented of his sins, and been baptized to have those sins forgiven (Acts 2:38).  All are invited to obey the will of God and to be saved by the blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

- - - - Darrell Powell

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551