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Sermon
of 12-07-02
Christmas is Not the Time to be a Genuine Imitation
Christian
by Dr. David Farmer, pastor
1 Cor. 3:16-17;
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
V:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
This story took place a few years back over here in Jefferson, TX during a tent camp meeting. The Adventist Book Center (ABC) was having their usual Sunday book sale. But before the book sale began - the ABC Manger wanted to give away a Bible. When the person who won the Bible name was announced, I was asked to take it over to them.
As I was taking it over to them I read what it said on the back of the Bible. They were boasting that this Bible was made of Genuine Imitation Buffalo Hide. I thought - what is a "Genuine Imitation"? Can something be a genuine fake?
Even though it is an oxymoron, the answer is yes, something can be a genuine fake. Well, folks, I wonder, can a person be a Genuine Imitation Christian?
I have here a receipt from a Golden Corral in Branson, MO. On one of our trips to Branson, Kathy and I ate at this Golden Corral and were shocked at the price. The two of us was almost $20.00. When we sat down I looked at the receipt and underwent another surprise! The receipt said we had received a senior citizens discounts. And this was two years back! The bad thing about it, Kathy and I are still trying which one of us received the discount, she or me? The point is we must have appeared to be something we were not. Which makes me wonder, can a person be a Genuine Imitation Christian?
And the answer here again is "yes!" What do I mean? Folks you can appear to be a Genuine Christian to this church. You can appear to be a Genuine Christian to your spouse, children, friends and enemies. But in truth, you may be nothing more than a fake.
Friends, I believe it time we quit living a lie. It's time we show the world that we are genuine. That we believe and practice what we preach. But what do we believe? Just what do we believe a Genuine Christian is? That's what I want to look at this morning. Let me begin by asking does it even matter how we live our life as a Christian?
Listen to Titus 1:16 from the NIV; "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
God says a Genuine Imitation Christian is detestable, disobedient and unfit. That is pretty clear to me.
Lets begin by looking at what time of this earth's history do we live? Listen to Rev. 14:6,7, 15;
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 14:7
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters....V:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe."
Friends, the Bible says we are living in the last days. It's time to go and tell the world to be ready for Jesus is about to come. Now, what happens in the lives of those who are waiting for Jesus to return? 1 John 3:2-3 NIV
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." The Bible says we are to purify ourselves. But how can we clean ourselves? 1 John 1:9;
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
The only way we can clean ourselves is asking Christ to clean us. Now someone here may be wondering but why should we seek to live pure life? Listen to 1 Peter 5:8;
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" Now Revelation 12:12;
"Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." The devil is after us folks. And that alone is reason to seek to live a pure life.
Someone here may be asking; Doesn't God's grace relieve us of the responsibility of changing our lifestyle? Does it? Look at Romans 6:1,2 NIV;
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2
By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Folks, God doesn't tolerate sin. But He will forgive us of sin. However is the path of life that God calls us to walk easy? Luke 14:33;
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."
The answer is no! Living right in this world is not easy. Never forget that Jesus says in Matthew 28:20;
"lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Philippians 4:13 says; "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Is it legalism when we seek to obey Jesus? John 15:10 NIV;
"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love."
Again I ask, is it legalistic to obey Jesus? Not according to Jesus Himself.
Next, are you getting ready for heaven? If so, then what is motivating you as a Genuine Christians to be translated to heaven? Listen to Hebrew 11:5;
"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."
Wanting to please God must be the only reason we are preparing for heaven. If you are preparing for heaven because you are afraid of burning then you need to reevaluate your motivate.
Next, does God help guide His people in getting ready? Psalm 32:8; "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
God will take us by the hand and lead and point us the right directions we should go. He will not leave us in the cold to have to fight our own battles. Friends, the bottom line is this; Genuine Imitation Christians will not be saved.
Only the ones that are working toward being pure and Holy will be taken with Christ when He comes. Only those that are equipped and prepared today for Christ 2nd Coming will be found as Genuine Christians. Friends, is it your desire to heed God's call for holy living during these last days? Is your desire to be a Genuine Christian today? Then take time daily to be with Jesus this Christmas Season.
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