The Christian Message

Who art thou? (vs. 19)  Many people try to identify themselves by their race or gender. Sometimes they base their identity on the things they have done. But as believers, we should find our identity in Christ.  It is easy to try to identify with a group of people. For instance, I am an American, a student, a writer, a daughter, a fiancée, and a friend. But most importantly, I am a Christian.  Making life choices can be somewhat confusing, especially when we are told that we should act and think in a specific way because of the groups that we are associated with.  Sometimes I have to ask myself if other people see me the way that I see myself. It is no secret that I am a student, or that I have friends, or even that I write. But do my actions always reflect that I follow Christ? Can we state, like John, that we live for Christ alone? Press, Union Gospel; Press, Union Gospel. Bible Expositor and Illuminator (p. 12). Union Gospel Press. Kindle Edition. 

TWO LESSONS INTOLERANCE ( Luke 9:49-56 ) 9:49-56 John said to Jesus, "Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name; and stopped him because he does not follow with us." Jesus said to him, "Don't try to stop him, for he who is not against us is for us." When the days that he should be received up were on their way to being completed he fixed his face firmly to go to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. When they had gone on they went into a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; and they refused to receive them because his face was set in the direction of Jerusalem. When his disciples, James and John, learned of this they said, "Lord, would you like us to order fire to come down from heaven and destroy them?" He turned to them and rebuked them; and they went on to another village. Here we have two lessons intolerance. There were many exorcists in Palestine, all claiming to be able to cast out demons; and no doubt John regarded this ...