Name Tags: You are… Believers
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)*
To say we're believers seems obvious. Believing is the key to salvation!
'If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved' (Romans 10:9, NIV).
However, the brother of Christ is blunt: Unless we’re new saints with Jesus-cleaned hearts, professing words REQUIRE THE PROOF of works.
'You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?' (James 2:19-20, NKJV).
Therein, WHAT WE DO, based on our beliefs (and the WHOLE-heartedness of our beliefs)… rules our lives here, now, and eternally.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Consider a few 'must' and 'must not' Do’s… regarding believers in Jesus Christ:
Believers must PROVE their faith by their works: 'But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?' (James 2:20).
Believers must show hospitality: 'Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality' (Romans 12:13).
Believers must encourage each other: 'It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it' (3 John 1:3).
Believers must stand up in confidence: 'Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position' (James 1:9).
Believers must be wary of faith frauds: 'This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves' (Galatians 2:4).
Believers must stand strong against Satan’s schemes: 'Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings' (1 Peter 5:9).
Believers must never be naysayers: 'But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment... And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell' (Matthew 5:22).
Believers must never show favoritism. 'My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism' (James 2:1).
Believers must never copy the world: 'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God' (Romans 12:2).
Believers must never condemn each other: ‘So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:10).
Believers must never sue each other: ‘When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers!’ (1 Corinthians 6:1).
Believers must not grieve as others do: 'Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope' (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Believers in Jesus MUST follow Him: in word, deed, faith, love, values, and lifestyle. Don't let posh pastors become your models. Don't follow them more than you follow Him--which necessitates that you know Him WELL.
He gave us the Bible for that purpose. Study It as your most important Script.
Name Tags: You Are… Believers (Part 11)
* Many verses with rules and advice for believers: https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?search=believer&version=NLT&searchtype=all
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.