More About the Type of Christian the World Needs

In today’s world, the call for Christians to step up and embody their faith is louder than ever. The essence of what it means to be a Christian isn’t just about attending church or following rules; it’s about living a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. This blog post explores the characteristics of the type of Christian the world needs today, drawing from scriptural insights and real-life applications.

The Importance of Seeking God

Every journey begins with a question: What are you seeking? In John 1:38, Jesus asks, “What do you seek?” This question resonates deeply with our spiritual lives. It prompts self-reflection about our desires, dreams, and motivations. When we seek God, we align our visions with His purpose, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our dreams and aspirations. Without this divine direction, we risk becoming stagnant in our faith, merely going through the motions without any real progress.

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Unity in the Body of Christ

Unity among believers is essential for effective ministry. When our focus shifts from personal ambitions to glorifying God, we foster an environment of cooperation and support. This unity is characterized by a shared mission: to see the world reconciled to the Father. When we celebrate each other’s successes, recognizing that it’s all about God’s glory, we cultivate a community that thrives on collaboration rather than competition.

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The Role of Dreams and Visions

Dreams and visions inspired by the Holy Spirit are vital for a vibrant faith. They provide direction and purpose, driving us toward our God-given destinies. However, it’s crucial to feed our minds with positive stories that inspire hope and faith. The narratives we choose to embrace shape our perspectives and influence our actions. By immersing ourselves in the stories of God’s faithfulness, we can cultivate a hopeful outlook on life.

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Overcoming Accusation

In Revelation 12:10-11, we learn about the accuser of the brethren who seeks to sow discord and mistrust among believers. Understanding the nature of these accusations is crucial for maintaining unity and love within the church. We must be discerning, recognizing when accusations arise from insecurity or self-righteousness rather than genuine concern. Instead of contributing to division, we should embody compassion and support for one another, fostering a community built on love.

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Fear and Courage

The fear of death, whether physical or metaphorical, often holds Christians back from fully engaging in their faith. It’s not just about the fear of dying; it encompasses fears of rejection, failure, and inadequacy. The type of Christians the world needs are those who, like the martyrs of old, are willing to step out in faith despite their fears. They understand that true life is found in Christ and that their worth is not defined by worldly success or acceptance.

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Becoming Overcomers

Revelation 21:5-8 emphasizes the promise of overcoming. The call to be an overcomer is a central theme in the Christian life. It’s about triumphing over fears and doubts, allowing the life of Christ to manifest in us. We are reminded that those who overcome will inherit all things. This inheritance is not just for the future; it’s a present reality that we can experience as we walk in faith and obedience.

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The Story of David

David’s life serves as a powerful example of courage and faithfulness. In 1 Samuel 17:37, he recalls how God delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear. This history of God’s faithfulness equipped him to face Goliath. Similarly, our past experiences with God can empower us to confront present challenges. By reflecting on how God has previously delivered us, we can gain the confidence to trust Him in our current circumstances.

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The Call to Action

As Christians, we are called to take initiative in our communities. We should not wait for permission to engage in acts of love and service. The world is in need of courageous Christians who actively seek to make a difference. It’s not enough to simply save ourselves; we must also be agents of change, bringing hope and healing to those around us.

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The Danger of Complacency

There is a warning in the scriptures about the consequences of cowardice. In Revelation, cowards are listed among those who will not inherit the Kingdom. This serves as a stark reminder that our faith must be accompanied by action. The world needs Christians who are bold in their faith, willing to stand up for truth, and unafraid to share the love of Christ.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the world needs Christians who are not only faithful but also courageous. We must seek God wholeheartedly, embrace unity, overcome fear, and actively engage in our communities. By doing so, we can truly reflect the love of Christ and make a lasting impact in a world that desperately needs it. Let us rise to the occasion and become the type of Christians the world needs today.

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More About the Type of Christian the World Needs

(Sermon Outline)

1. The first thing that Jesus said in the gospel of John is a question we all need to answer, “What do you seek.”
   1. Deeply connected to this question is the idea of dreams and visions, especially those inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided by the Word of God.
   1. The goal is the kingdom of God – the Lord’s prayer.
   1. Receiving and becoming a revelation of Jesus Christ.
   1. The power of stories and imagination in the direction of our life – bad stories obscure the image of God and the destiny He has on our lives.
   1. Here is a worthy vision the creates the type of Christians the world needs:
   1. Revelation 12:10–11 (NKJV) — 10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
   1. The fear of death
   1. An interesting Scripture: Revelation 21:5–8 (NKJV) — 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
2. An unashamed plug for Life Group – A story from the life of Jesus that highlights the these ideas.
   1. John 2:13–22 (NKJV) — 13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” 18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
3. Becoming a courageous Christian
   1. 1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV) — 37 Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
      1. A life of worship
      1. A history with God
      1. All believers have the same testimony as David, we just need to remember.
4. The goal of raising up Sons of God
   1. People who are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
   1. Breaking people out of the things that hold them back.
   1. Stephanie is studying counseling and mentioned that one of the goals is to empower people to live well rather than to create dependency.
   1. The only dependency is a bold dependency on the character, nature, faithfulness of God and our relationship with him.
   1. Courage is a fruit of the life of Christ in the soul of man.
   1. Knowing what the kingdom and what a Christian looks like is critical to becoming and discerning.  It sets the trajectory of our lives.
   1. How do we know in context?  By wresting with God.
5. We need courage
   1. Courage to break out of our comfort zones and activate the ministry God has given each of us.
   1. Courage to change and to grow
   1. Courage to take responsibility
   1. Courage to build relationships
   1. Courage to trust
   1. Courage to apologize
   1. Courage to forgive
   1. Courage to stand on convictions and share the truth in love.
   1. Courage to share Christ, the one conviction we can proclaim absolutely.
   1.  
6. The type of courageous Christians God is looking for today
   1. An example from Noah and Abraham.. “God does not deal despotically with His creatures.” If He sought no more than mindless submission to the divine will, He would have created robots, machines, or genetically programmed people who responded automatically to commands as dogs to Pavlov’s bell. God wants us to be mature, deliberative, to do His will because we understand or because we trust Him when we do not understand. He seeks from us something other and greater than obedience, namely responsibility. Noah’s end – drunk, disheveled, an embarrassment to his children – eloquently tells us that if you save yourself while doing nothing to save the world, you do not even save yourself…When it comes to rebuilding the ruins of catastrophe, you do not wait for permission. You take the risk and walk ahead. Faith is more than obedience. It is the courage to create.[1]
   1. He was only concerned about escaping the old world but did not engage in creating a new one.
   1. The type of Christians the world needs! 

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[1] Sacks, Jonathan. Genesis: The Book of Beginnings (Covenant & Conversation 1) (p. 48). Kindle Edition.