"Have you ever noticed that the World is Watching You?"By Rev. Raymond Rippenkroeger
Posted October 11, 07
References:1 John 4: 4, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (NIV)
1 Timothy 1: 7; 1 John 1: 5 to 2: 6; John 3: 16.
I am truly amazed how so many Christians have been wondering why the "unsaved" people of the world do not want to listen to what is said about needing Jesus Christ.; that they do not want to come to Church or received Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.
People view "only on Sunday" Christians as hypocrites, bigots, judgmental, opinionated, holier-than-thou, fanatics or "religious" people. The type that say one thing, but do another; those that only behave "holy" or Christian on Sunday, while the rest of the week they are like "non-believers" in daily activities or conversations.
Bickering, denominational churches divided in doctrine, that can't get along, and clashing church members that don't speak or fellowship with those of other denominations. Even worse is when Christians are seen treating one another within the church as the World treats each other; judgmental, bigoted, slanderous, gossiping, lying, blatantly opinionated that don't care what others think or feel. Lowest of all, however, are those that believe they are better than those around them, that have a higher position in the ministry than someone else that exaggerates their own importance.
How can we expect the world that watches us to want to be with us, let alone come to the saving grace of Christ? This may seem negative, or harsh, but people should be rushing to church and to Christians for knowledge of God's gifts. Instead, they watch as Christians stumble and fall, putting people off from Christianity and Christ. Before I came to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior in November 1980, the divisive, outward appearance is why I initially stayed away. We need to refocus our attention from why people aren't coming, to what keeps people from wanting to come.
The divisive, hypocritical words and actions have to stop. Pastors, Ministers, and Evangelists who try to push their own agenda, or amass a huge church or following can begin to spiral around money, money, money, money. They don't study the fullness of the Word of God to know what it says about the key subjects (Scriptures) that tend to cause division amongst the churches or church members. There is an unbelievable arrogance of "These are the only things I will allow or accept in my church;" or when discussion of Scripture is stifled because it could require change, even radical change, to the way things have always been. Change is feared, and new ideas are often over looked in favor of the tried-and-true. Remember, Spiritual Leader, it is God's church. The Holy Spirit does the leading, and prayer (communion) should be of the utmost importance. "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4: 4), that "God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind" (1 Tim. 1: 7).
Church members must show love and humility ALL of the time, to ALL of the members, regardless of whether they are young, old, new members, seasoned members, and even those of different thought. Christians need to be a Christ-ian at home, work, the store, or the mall throughout the week--Monday through Sunday! Sunday is not a "Show Out day" or just a day of atonement to feel better about what you did in the past week, or even Sunday morning before you arrived at church.
I am so thankful for those that call themselves Believers or that are "religious," because if it were not for them we would be really behind on "saved souls." I truly want ALL of those claiming to be saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit to follow the Lord God Almighty's commandments and let the world see Jesus talking, walking, working, and loving every one, everywhere, at all times through them! 1 John 1: 5 to 2: 6 tell us, "If we claim" to be Christian, then according to Chapters 2 and 3 we are commanded by God in how we should live before Man and God.
If someone thinks that the course of their life is not how the Scriptures describe how it should be, then it may be a good time for them to reflect on how they act before God and in the presence of all other people--men, women, and children alike. Furthermore, it's important to remember that God often reminded people they would Reap what they Sowed; acting against the will of God could bring about serious, undesired consequences.
I am guilty of some of these things myself and so this message is for me as well. God as put it on my heart for many years, and I have spoken to many people about this one-on-one in part or in whole. The Spirit has been moving upon my own and I had to write this. You can try to slip past the leading of the Spirit, but God will always win out.
I have been given the spiritual gift of love; even toward those people I would not have been able to years ago. I must obey God's calling to share this gift and to express, utilize, or use it. I know how wonderful, holy, magnificent, mighty, majestic, and almighty our heavenly Father is. I reverence Him with all my spirit; with humility I bow down before even His name. I am unworthy of anything He blesses me with and I am ashamed how I do not do all I am commanded to do, even the little things. But, the Lord God our Savior and our Redeemer loves me; He loves you enough to be so merciful that He gave us His only begotten Son to show us the Way and to be crucified on the Cross (praise you Lord Jesus!) so that the price of all my sins would be paid for. Hallelujah!
I pray that you will, this day, turn your eyes, heart, and spirit up unto the Lord our God and repent of your unacceptable ways, so that the "unsaved" will desire, and see, the wonderful gift of God and come running to receive it. The Lord Jesus (praise Him) will reward you and allow the harvest to be good and plentiful from now on.
I love you who may be reading this and to those whom may it be shared with. I hope that these words will help you grow in Christ and let the world see Christ-ians (littles Christs). It is always my desire to help you, help the world, to God's blessings and that the Lord is pleased with what He sees.
If you have any questions, comments, or prayers, and praise reports just let me known through this website.
John 3: 16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believes in Him, shall not die, but have everlasting life." Amen. Make the decision today and do not let another day pass by without your eternal salvation.
Rev. Raymond J. Rippenkroeger ( Rev. Ray )
Labels: rev. ray rippenkroeger, reverend raymond the world is watching you sermon realization ministries
