Jesus Makes a Difference

Good Morning,
 
During a conversation this past week with a young Christian lady, she shared with me the dilemma of a close friend of hers.  The friend had recently given her heart to Jesus, and was describing the change He had made in her life.  She no longer went to the same places, or ran with the same friends.  Jesus had truly changed her behavior, and her character.  She had a different "want to" in her life.
 
Now what was her dilemma?  The young adults she attended church with, "Christians", lived the same way she lived before she meet Jesus.
 
In our Sunday school class we have been studying our foundering fathers, and the founding of our country.  But in doing this we also looked into some of the early history of the Christian church.  The following is from a letter sent to Diognetus in the second century, from an anonymous writer describing a Christian:
 
"Christians are not differentiated from other people by country, language, or customs; they do not live in cities of their own, or speak some strange dialect.  ...They live in both Greek and foreign cities... They follow local customs in clothing, food, and the other aspects of life. But at the same time, they demonstrate to us the unusual form of their own citizenship.
 
"They love everyone, but are persecuted by all.  They are put to death and gain life.  They are poor and yet make many rich.  They are dishonored and yet gain glory through dishonor. ... They are mocked and blessed in return.  They are treated outrageously and behave respectfully to others.
 
"When they do good, they are punished as evildoers; when punished, they rejoice as if being given new life.  They are attached by Jews...and are persecuted by Greeks; yet those who hate them cannot give any reason for their hostility."
 
"......present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds......."  Romans 12:1b and 2a   Continue to be sanctified by the truth of God's Word and be in the world but not of it. (See 1 John 2:15)
 
And when you do, you will be blessed beyond measure, have a Great Day, and remember that you are loved!!!

Henry