Fellowship of the Unashamed

"I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded, I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions, are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let go, or slow up until I have preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes; give till I drop; preach till everyone knows; and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, because my banner will have been clear."

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I find that so inspiring. The parts that I put in bold-face are my favorites.
My mom printed it off this morning, and read it to us when we had Bible study.
I remember a preacher reading that one Sunday. I had forgotten how good it was!!

I think I might hang it up in my room~ It would be a good thing to wake up and read every morning! I like knowing that my past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and that my future is secure.

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I am reading "More than a Carpenter", in the morning for my bible study. I was reading something in it one morning, and it said-

"Christianity is not a religion. Religion is humans trying to work their way to God through good works. Christianity is God coming to men and women through Jesus Christ."...


I honestly had never thought of religion in that since before.

I had always thought, and called Christianity a religion; I hadn't really thought twice about it.

another thought from the book::~

"The very name of Jesus seems to bother people. It embarrasses them, makes them angry, or makes them want to change the subject. You can talk about God, and people don't necessarily get upset, but mention Jesus, and people want to stop the conversation.

Why don't the names of Buddha, Muhammad, or Confucius offend people the way the name of Jesus does?"

I don't know the answer to this question. Maybe it is because Jesus is so much more personal than all the other "gods". I seriously doubt you can pray to Buddha, and you immediately feel "his" presence with you.


Josh McDowell had a very interesting story. He tried religion. He went to church every time the doors opened. Religion never did anything for Him. He tried other things that he thought would bring purpose to his life. Nothing ever did.

Religion isn't something that will bring purpose to your life. I don't think anything will be able to fill that certain place in your life, except Jesus Christ.

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Do you think that Christianity is considered a religion? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only thing that can bring true purpose to your life? Please let me know what you think about this...


4 comments:

Emily Grace said...

That is powerful. so powerful. Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing. =D
Christianity is considered a religion to most people--only those who are in a relationship with Christ actually disagree with that statement because Christianity is so much more to them.
Yes, I do believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who can bring true purpose to my life. He is my savior, redeemer, father, and friend. =D
Great post, Lydia!

Love in Christ,
Emily

Meredith said...

I will have to print this out too!
and who wrote More than a Carpenter?

I definately truly believe that Christianity is not a religion.
God doesn't wan't a religion. He doesn't want people who pray because it's a practice, or read the bible because they should.
He want's people to pray because they love Him, and read the bible because they want to get to know Him.

And I always wondered why people take the Lord's name in vain by saying "OMG" or "My Lord".
But no one every says "Oh my Buddha". It just goes to show the enemy knows His name is most high, and he's trying to degrade it.

Thanks for the wonderful post!

Monica said...

Oh I'm sorry! I put it on my blog too. Great minds think alike! :o)

Unknown said...

I love that video. It is so powerful. Christianity is most certainly more than religion...its a whole life, a relationship! Christ is the only one that gives purpose in my life.

Thanks for posting this and being on fire for Christ.

Love, Jennifer