Integrity- People of God

The words Christian or Christianity have been hijacked by this world system. They have redefined these terms to mean a political view, old wives’ tales or a loyalty to the traditions of men and they have placed these above the word of God. The word Christian or Christianity has lost its resemblance to its original context as terms pertaining to; believing in, belongingto or being obedient to Jesus Christ. 

Some people hear the word Christian now and they are confused as to what it really means to those who call themselves Christians and yet they do not obey or follow Christ’s teaching. The word Christian is now being used to get people to do what is popular, what gives them an advantage orto line up with the tales and lies that have been told. Some people are now offended by the word Christian, because people who have identified themselves as one have acted with hatred, entitlement and violence. None of which Christ displayed in His life.

2 timothy 4:3-4 ​For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 

Mark 7:13 ​making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 ​But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! NKJ

Christian was not a term given by God, He called us children of God, sons and daughters of the Most-High King. The name Christian was given to the followers of Christ by the people in Antioch. God called us children, that in itself defines who we are and our relationship with God our Father. There should benothing ambiguous or confusing about our relationship as a child of God and being in the family and household of God. We are Beloved children and are taught and nurtured by our Father so that we may resemble His likeness. 

Acts 11:26b​ And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Galatians 3:26-28 – ​or you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. NKJ

The Satan is subtle, shrewd, elusive and deceptive, he has caused many to believe his lies and cause them to put more trust and loyalty into their finances, nationality and ethnicity than they do in the word of God.  We all have been taught the same thing by a fallen world system that says we should contend and compete for high positions and influence. This is done through a process that systematically sets up the downfall of some while giving status and influence to others. Some men proclaim they are of God and speak with eloquent words and yet they speak lies and promote hate without showing the love and compassion God has for the people. 

2 Corinthians 11:3,13-15 ​​But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Every person has been given a hand from which they must live and as a result of their choices and actions in life they willbecome the person they choose to be. Some people want to blame God for giving them a bad hand and placing them in poor circumstances. It may appear as though they have a bad life because they are hated for their ethnicity or social status but God has also given them the tools and the means to be successful in the kingdom of God on the earth. 

God has dealt each one of us the hand that we have, however dismal it may appear and He has also given us the ability to win with the hand that we have been given. God has given to every follower of Christ the Holy Spirit who will teach, instruct and lead us in all truth and God’s abundant life.

Jeremiah 29:11-12​​For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. NKJ

God’s truth is a rare commodity in that it has been hidden from the eyes of fallen humanity by the dark prince of this age, Satan, who has blinded their eyes to the light and the truth of God’s gospel. We all have been taught to believe these lies and were in darkness until God expose the lies and then we can examine them with the light of His truth through His word. 

2 Corinthians 4:3-4  ​but even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,  whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. NKJ

Few people take the time to question their own belief systems regarding their ethnicity or their socioeconomic status to see if what they believe line up with God’s truth. When followers of Christ receive the Holy Spirit, God begins to reveal truths in His word and then a decision must be made. This is where those who call themselves Christians and true followers of Christ will part ways. 

Those who call themselves Christians but still ignore God’s word to follow after their own self-interests to protect their social status and privilege are not true Christian and Christ isnot their Lord. Followers of Christ will allow the Holy Spirit to press in and crush their old ways and change their way of thinking so to be transformed into the image of Jesus, becoming true followers of Christ. 

Matthew 7:21​ Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. NKJ

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. NKJ