Monday, July 27, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, July 27, 2020

Let us Be Like Jesus
When I was a teenager and was striving to play basketball, I remember coming to the realistic conclusion that no matter how I leaped, swooped, scored or dribbled, I would never be like the Benton Harbor High School superstars.  They won the Class A State Championship in basketball in 1964 and 1965. They were taller, bigger, faster and stronger. Although we all were classmates and graduated together there was something special about that team, they stood out and everyone knew it.

Just like those players that we admired; God's people are also special. We are peculiar, holy, chosen, and royal (1 Peter 2:9). The Bible says that we are not to be conformed to the world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).  It further says that we are to come out from the world and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17).  Jesus told His disciples that although they were in the world, they were not of the world.

Jesus is returning for a group of people who have been unspotted from the world.  If we want to be ready for the Master’s use, we must cleanse ourselves from wickedness and evil (2 Timothy 2:20, 21). God wants people who are willing to be changed in His presence (2 Corinthians 2:18)

This week let us strive to be more like Him and less like the world.  Let us put off our old worldly selves, attitudes, and ways of thinking. We should put on the new man in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-25) who is described being like God in true righteousness, holiness and speaking truth.  Let us practice the words of God and let them mold us into His image.

1 Peter 2:9
King James Version
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Romans 12:2
New International Version
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 6:17
New International Version
17 Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

2 Timothy 2:20, 21
New International Version
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 
21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

2 Corinthians 2:18
Amplified Bible
18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:22-23
New International Version
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.



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