More Than Words

The Law of the Spirit: More than Words

Pastor Anthony J. Shetley - Point of Life Church

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Words; Actions; Experience;

WORDS

What do you mean when you say, I am a Christian?” Does it mean you associate yourself with the general beliefs of the church? Does it mean you hold to a particular denomination’s doctrinal statement? Maybe, you mean that you have said a sinner’s prayer or/and have been baptized. To say you are a Christian is in and of itself a statement of faith. How has or how does your faith affect your life?

In a 2018-2019 survey taken by the Pew Research Center, 65% of adults in America identified themselves as Christians.

That is to say that, at least 6 out of every 10 people you encounter socially is a Christian. Does 65% of America really represent the social experience of Heaven?

· Jesus said, “The meek will inherit the earth.” This means 65% of Americans are meek, humble, and selfless.

· The Bible states, “Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” This means 65% of America’s society lives a fully dedicated life unto God.

· John writes, “He who is righteous, is righteous as He (Christ) is righteous.” This means 65% of Americans live by the standards of Christ.

If you are a Christian, you must boldly declare it. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! But real faith is more than words. Real Faith requires action.

ACTIONS

What separates the righteous from the unrighteous? It definitely is not words. It is a birth! Jesus definitively stated, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”

When a person takes the action of repentance, the Savior, Jesus Christ, takes an action of mercy and grace. He baptizes one with the Holy Spirit! Everyone who receives Christ, receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God who takes residence in the inward man. He gives life to the soul! This is a strait gate which, according to the words of our Lord, only few find, and possibly fewer enter into it.

So, what does it mean to be a Christian? It means to be born again! It means to be saved out from under the power and control of sin! It means God takes up residence in your life! It means that you are no longer of the world; you no longer follow the course of this world. It means you are a citizen of Heaven, and the life you live now is according to the will of God.

Life as lived by the Christian find’s definition in holy scripture. Colossians 3:1-4

Colossians 3:1–4 NASB95

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

The Christian life comes from above. It seeks the things from above. It desires the things above, not the things of the world.

· In verse 5 the scripture instructs us to “Put to death what belongs to our earthly nature.”

· Verse 7, We are instructed to “Rid ourselves” of sinful practices.

· Verse 12, We are referenced as people who have been chosen by God.

· Verse 15, We are exhorted to let Christ’s peace rule in our heart.

· In verse 16, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Col. 3:16)

This describes the life of the Christian! This describes the membership of the church belonging to Christ! This describes the populace of the eternal Kingdom of God wherein only righteousness dwells.

This describes the life of the Holy Spirit which dwells in the heart of those who have received Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

EXPERIENCE

Everything about life is governed by laws, e.g., laws of nature, the laws of physics, ect.

The law of the body says, “You are what you eat.” Our eating habits and activity habits have a direct influence upon our health and quality of life.

The law of the Spirit states, “The one who hungers and thirst for righteousness will be filled.”

Today, the church is anemic, because it is filled with spiritually anemic “so-called” Christians.

At this moment, I implore you on Christ’s behalf, make your profession of faith real and genuine. If you are a Christian, then be a Christian! If you are a member of the church, then be a member of the church! If you have an inheritance in God’s eternal Kingdom, then separate yourself from the world!

Matthew 12:33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.

Take your place in the Kingdom of God! Let God fill you, live through you, and work through you by the power of the Holy Spirit.