Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 46

February 15;       I Corinthians 16:13;       46/260(II);       ‘A Christian’s Attitude’

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

The world, alienated from the Lord, not knowing a thing about Jesus or Christians, often think that Christians are weak.  How wrong can you be?   Throughout history, Christians have faithfully served the Lord, enduring incredible persecutions.  Multitudes of Jesus’ followers have willingly given their lives for Jesus.  Missionaries would pack their belongings in coffins as they headed off to do the Lord’s work.  The only way they would return, would be in that coffin.  The Apostle Paul, in this verse, gives us a short list of the attitude of a Christian.  ‘Watch,’ that surely does not mean to stand on the sidelines seeing what goes on and doing nothing.  It means to look around at what you see and purpose in your heart that you will make every effort you can to change the circumstances for others by the power of prayer and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  ‘Stand fast in the faith.’  Find scriptures to counter what you see, confidently ask the Lord to intervene into areas that need changing and then stand in faith until the answers to your prayers manifest.  ‘Be brave.’ We are not ashamed of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Purpose in your heart that you will not be afraid to share the gospel with others and to pray for them while others may watch.  In love, let others know where you stand on subjects they may disagree with you about. Do not be defensive, you have a right to your biblical beliefs.  ‘Be strong.’  It does not matter if others disagree, or try to get you to agree with them.  God’s Word is true.  Live the character of Jesus, know the Word, manifest the Holy Spirit’s power.  We are world changers.