Reflections On The Christian Life
By Pastor Paul Klusewicz
October 19, 2008

Romans 5:1-2 (NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

In this world you will have troubles, disagreements, disappointments, and all kinds of trials. Please always remember in Jesus Christ you have the victory and you have been “justified” by God; the word justification implies “just as if I never sinned” and we know that Jesus Christ took on every last sin of ours when He died on the Cross.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

In Christ alone we have peace; let’s always make sure we place our complete faith and trust in God and God alone.

Colossians 3:15-16 (NIV) “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

We are called to be people who know the Word of God and even if we need to put the Word to the test we always should know that God’s Word prevails; it should be first and foremost in our hearts and our lives. As a Christian, this life should always be Christ and Christ alone. The Christian Faith is not a philosophy; it is a Holy Spirit filled experience.

Colossians 1:27 (NIV) “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

As God states in the passage Christians are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” We are being called to be movers and shakers in this world-to be agents of change for Jesus Christ. We are to be an involved people who are relevant to our relatives, friends, coworkers, and communities. We can be people of influence as business men and women, teachers, township committee people, school board members, and volunteers in various township needs. We also should be aware of what is happening in the world, what’s going on in the arts, and even what’s playing at the movies. We are to be an involved people, “in the world, but not of it” and if we as Christians remove ourselves who does that leave to reach out to a lost and dying world; I’ll tell you who it leaves-it leaves the “Enemy”, the Devil.

1Peter 3:15 (NIV) “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Strive to be a consistent Christian in word and in deed. Most of the time Christianity is more taught than caught. People watch the way we Christians live, talk and act. So let us make sure our lives are in line with the Word of God and we are providing a true example of Christ to people. We are called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ and if we are living our lives as “luke warm” Christians this will reflect outward to our friends, coworkers, neighbors, bosses and even the strangers we meet along the way. An insightful question to ask yourself is “How am I living my life?” remembering that we have an accountability to the one true God. It’s absolutely and preferably okay to be real as a Christian; it’s fine to be fun loving and truly enjoy life, but remember we have a commission to reach out to people, to pray for people and to minister to people. And let our church be a place of healing and encouragement by the power of Jesus Christ.

Stop allowing chaos to rule in your life; stop inviting madness and anger to take hold of you; move beyond your control issues and let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.

John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

God is in control both inside and outside of the church. Christ is the common denominator for us twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. In all situations surrender yourself to the Lord and allow the Lord to take charge. Be thankful, be praiseful, be spirit filled.

Colossians 3:17 (NIV) “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Be the best you can be for the Lord; set goals for the Lord and accomplish things for the Lord.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

You are special to God! Shine for God! Make a difference for the Lord! Jump and shout and worship the Lord in all His fullness!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” AMEN!