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Resolution Of Life Or Death

The upcoming year brings resolutions along with hope that things will be better in the months ahead.  I think this can be beautiful.  What if we all make a resolution to live out our faith… and we actually keep it?

A common reason people are turned off to Christianity is not always because the facts or science behind it: it's US.

Sadly, this is all too true.  People give up on the idea of a perfect, loving God because, well, we don't do a very good job representing Him.  We think it's okay to tell that little white lie, to have that one extra drink, to be unfaithful to our spouse just once, and a countless number of other things.  The worst part about it?  We try and act like we are glorifying God the whole time.  Not only will this dramatically hurt the people we are close to, but what about the people watching?

I feel like we are all under the impression that no one notices us.  For example, I Facebook/insta stalk people all the time, but I assume no one ever creeps on my profile.  I'm pretty sure anyone with social media has done the same thing at least once.  The point is, people notice what other people do without us even realizing it.  Not only can the people you see on a regular basis be influenced by how you're acting in public, but that coworker you invited to church 5 years ago can see the not-so-classy picture you just posted on instagram.  Is that the example you want to set?  That person looking at your picture, or even your friend that went to that party with you last weekend, is not going to be convinced in your faith when you're living a lifestyle you proclaim is sinful.

We all mess up.  We all sin, and we all take advantage of the God that literally has given us life.  The last thing we should do is act like we don't mess up-why would Christ die for a bunch of perfect people?  Every person sins, but every person has the opportunity to be born again and walk with Christ.

While we do mess up, it's important to attempt to mold our life to look as much like Christ as we can.  And in doing so, let's show others that through Christ, we ARE able to walk away from sin.  THIS IS SO IMPORTANT.  Over and over and over we are told two things "Live for God" and "Share the Gospel".  This isn't a simple suggestion, THIS IS MANDATORY!!

Let's look at what happens without Christ.  Before we do, think of that family member or friend that doesn't know Christ.  Is this what you want for them?  If that person is you, know that Christ died so that you (yes, YOU!) can be freed from your sin and from death.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child--both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die. (Ezekiel 18:4)

Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. (Matthew 25:46)

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)


We all will experience an earthly death.  However, in the same way that no one can escape from death on earth, no one can escape from judgement either.  Going into the new year, PLEASE do not let salvation be just another Sunday School lesson.  Telling people about Christ's love and forgiveness can make the difference between someone burning and suffering for eternity, or that same person never experiencing the tiniest amount of pain again during eternity with our Lord.  

This might sound harsh, but it's a harshness that should stay at the front of our minds at all times.  If it ever loses it's sting, then we are forgetting it's importance. Christ DIED for us, the hard part is already done!  

This year let's not say we love the Lord on Sundays, but live in sin the rest of the week.  Let's remember people want to know what it means to be a Christian, so let's show them how amazing living in God's love really is!

More than that?  LETS TELL THEM!  Go out and tell someone that not only are they worth loving, but the most amazing being in existence has already given His LIFE for them!

Remember the verses above?  While they had the harshness of a sinful life, they also told what life in Christ is. Here are some more verses of hope as we enter the new year:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. (John 6:40)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die". (John 11:25)


But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

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