illusions.

"personality is a dangerous illusion."

That line struck me today when I was sitting in the auditorium, watching the AY Drama 12 students take the stage with absurd, intriguing and brilliant theatre. The context of the line came from one of the absurd pieces where it was said by the priest (i think) where he is a representative of the church in the eyes of society, but within the play, he had hidden secrets, doing drugs and only putting out that proper image when in the light.

This bugs me a lot, when we as Christians, representatives are Christ are two-faced. Yes, i understand that we are not perfect, but its the worst when we know of it yet we choose to continue to still do it. By doing so, we smear the name of Christ. Christ was known as love, accepting, non-judgemental, and wise. He was known for much more than that, and we have to continue to live that out. We are called to be light of the world, and the way of Christ is not the ways of this world. By following him and living out a life glorifying Him, we will stand out, and if the people around you can't see that in you, there's a problem.

What bothers me the most is that when we misrepresent Christ, it can easily hinder those around you from coming to hear this great news. Seeing and thinking, "oh there's nothing special about them, they do exactly what we do", there's no reason for them to be interested why you live how you live. When representing Christ, we don't have to be all verbal, and voice everything out, i've learnt that actions speak equally if not louder.

We're not perfect, and I'm not saying I'm the perfect example and representative either, but as long as try, we understand, we learn and we execute, then God will be pleased. Let him use you as his instrument to fulfill his will and your purpose.

²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

role modelling.

Role model. As followers of Christ, we need to be good representatives of him, constantly reflecting Him. I've never really looked at myself as a role model, but the past year, there have been people that have told me that they look up to me. It was a shock. Why would you look up to me out of all people? What is it about that you admire? Why me?

Although i continue to question myself, over and over, knowing that there are people that look up to me, its different. Because there are people looking up to me, i have to put on my A-game like never before. I try my best to set that good example for them, in hopes that those who look up to me will learn and be influenced to do the same.

But it was today when I felt the pressure of being this role model. I want to set that example for others, especially for those younger than me, but today i felt like, for me to do that, i had to be perfect and have no flaws. I love it when I have people that support me, and that i can support, where there's a two way accountability, but sometimes its hard when you tell others to not give up (for instance), and then the next second talk about giving up. We can't be two faced, and we can't go against our word. But at the same time, you are dealing with your own struggles and you want to give up, yet today i felt like i couldn't share with anyone because it would make me look bad as a role model. So how do you balance that?

I do realize that being a role model doesn't mean perfection, but its hard to set a good example when you don't live up to what you say/do? Does that make sense?

Christ is the perfect example we should all be looking up to. We are humans, we fail and we stumble. There isn't anything wrong with looking up to one another, but we have to know that none of us are perfect. Set your eyes on Christ, the greatest example.

¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 

1 Timothy 4:12 

Road to Calvary (IV)

Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and was lead to crucifixion. After Peter's denial, he is brought to Pilate, as he's questioned, but as the Son of God, he did not deny, and told the truth that no one believed. That he was the Son of God. Pilate looked through his records, and it was true, he hasn't committed any crime and did no deserve any form of punishment since our God is pure and sinless. He asked the crowd what they wanted, between Jesus and Barabbus (who was a robber), yet the crowd still wanted to bring down Christ. So Pilate gave in and gave them what they wanted (John 18:28-40).

¹ Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. ² The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe ³ and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.

⁴ Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” ⁵ When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”

⁶ As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”

But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”

⁷ The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

⁸ When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, ⁹ and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

¹² From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”

¹³ When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). ¹⁴ It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon.

“Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.

¹⁵ But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

¹⁶ Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

John 19:1-16

Just as described, Jesus was ridiculed. He was spat on, he was made fun of, and insulted, with a crown of thorns and the purple robe (v. 1-3).

After the bit at the end of John 18, we see Pilate's growth here. He brings Jesus back out to the crowd, saying that he has found NO guilt in him, that he shouldn't be crucified. He's defending Christ! (v.4). Yet the people continue to order for Christ to be crucified. Have you ever thought, "wow if only i was born in that time, i would be able to see this great amazing God", but if you really think about it, what if you were one of thousands that were ordering Christ to be crucified. Can you imagine being in that moment, whether you were apart of the crowd or were against it. Seeing our Saviour beaten, torn, battered. The pain he must go through for us, out of love and grace.

Pilate goes crazy. He drags God back and tells him that he has to power to free him, but this one line that Jesus said was extremely powerful. “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” (v.11). Christ acknowledged what Pilate was trying to do, but it also shows God's power. He knows that no matter what anyone may try to do, God's plan will rule and will reign. It was Christ's purpose to be the final sacrifice for us, and His will shall be done. Pilate continues to try and save Christ, and the crowd says that if you release him, you are not a friend of Caesar's.

I had no idea it was going to be like this, but every single post, i continue to see links between the characters as well as us everyday. Judas represented the sinner in us, we will betray and fall short of God's glory. We may also be like Peter, two faced, denying Christ for our own benefit, out of pride or for our reputation. And once again, we can relate to Pilate. The crowd continues to shout at Pilate, and its exactly like the world today. Casear is the "king of The World" and the people are the people OF the World. And we are constantly being told what to do by the media, what standards we should have, how we should live, and it is up to us whether to decide to follow and give in or stand against. Although in the end Pilate gave in and followed the orders of the people, he still had a spark in him that wanted to do the good.

Like I mentioned earlier, that God's plan is so much more perfect and so much more powerful. Although Pilate did want to save Jesus from his death, but I feel like its possible that God made sure that Pilate wouldn't stand against. That he would eventually give in, and bring Jesus to his death because the plan will and must be carried out.

Where do you stand? As Easter weekend starts, instead of thinking about the chocolate you'll get, and maybe a visit from the Easter bunny, take some time to reflect on the pain and the journey Christ went through on his final days on earth. He lived out the truth. He fought for the truth. He was arrested for the truth. He died for the truth. He stood by the truth. He was the truth.

Jesus Christ is the greatest example we should live by that has ever walked on this earth. May he be glorified today and forevermore.

10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:10

Road to Calvary (II)

After Jesus' prayer for himself, his disciples, and for us, he is betrayed by Judas as he knew and expected.

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

John 18:1-11

We've heard this story several times, and we've always learnt and have known Judas as the "bad guy". But when I was thinking about this passage today, and reading it over, i think that Judas truly represents all of us. We have all betrayed Jesus, we have all gone against him, behind his back, and have fallen short of his glory.

And its okay, we are human, we are sinners and we cannot be perfect and holy. But as Christ followers, we have to strive for this holiness, for this righteousness to become like and imitate God. If we say we are followers yet still indulge in the things of this world, thats being two-faced and it doesn't present a good representation of Christ. In this world we are called to be light, and everyone is looking at us. Your actions, and speech as Christians can easily make impressions on others, whether it may be positive, negative, accurate or inaccurate.

The last two verses real stuck out to me. When Simon uses a sword and slices off the servant's ear. Thinking about it now, and thinking about how impulsive he was, I think many times as Christians, as we start to build our faith, after we pass the early stages, we can easily develop as "Holier Than Thou" attitude, and I think we easily judge others very quickly as well. Like Simon, instead of cutting off an ear, we'd say "oh we're better than that person", "oh he's does this, when he shouldn't be doing it", but we really should be looking at ourselves. Everyone is equal in sin. Jesus says to him, "shall i not drink the cup my father gives me?". I found this as a really odd statement, why would he say such a thing? I think he's trying to say that because Jesus knows it is apart of God's plan for him to die, he needs to obey and follow it, (drinking the cup) and execute and fulfill his purpose.

One last thing i noticed was how calm Jesus was. Although he knew his plan for him, he was calm. For us, i think we often are scared and would panic because we don't know his plan for us, but Jesus' plan was death. Yet he had such great faith in God, ready for whatever he has in store for him.

As this final week before Easter arrives, continue to reflect and think about, how you are representing Christ, after understanding and knowing what kind of person he is.

¹⁰The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. ¹¹In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹²Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Romans 6:10-12

Renewal.

I've been picked up. Yes the past few days have been dark, and I was slipping up in the quicksand of sin, but i was renewed today. It all sparked from a friend who emailed me, with comfort, encouragement and support. She sent me Psalm 42 which i found extremely comforting, and when i read it in her email, i was moved, i felt something inside of me. I know for a fact that God placed her in my life and he was speaking to me through her. I cannot thank her or my God enough for that. After getting her message, i was moved to dive into his Word and i tried something new. I walked out to the park and spent a good hour in his Word, in worship and in prayer. During that time I went through three chapters of Psalms. Psalm 37, Psalm 40 andPsalm 42.

Going through the passages, i found comfort and peace in it. I couldnt exactly pinpoint what it was, but there were a few verses that stood out to me.

Psalm 37:23-24

^{23 23} The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
²⁴ Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.

We will all stumble, in sin, falling short of God's glory, but with his almighty hand and love, he will make sure we stand back up and continue to walk by him. He's holding onto our hand, making sure we're safe and are not left behind. Its a great feeling knowing that someone is specifically watching out for you,

Psalm 37:39-40

³⁹ The LORD rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
⁴⁰ The LORD helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.

My fortress in times of trouble is my God. He will keep me still, calm my heart and give me peace in times of distress, and mess. He is the rock I hold onto. He rescues me from the wicked and shelters me under his loving and caring arms.

Psalm 40:2-3

² He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
³ He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40 came from my devotional, about how God lifts us out of trouble and that's exactly how i felt today. He's given me a new life, he has renewed me and given me a new slate. He's given me a new song, literally! I found this song after we sang it at church the other day, "You Alone Can Rescue" by Matt Redman. What a great reminder to how only God alone will sustain and lift us out of all darkness. The last part of verse 3 i think sums up evangelism. As Christians, we are Christ representatives and through our lives, hopefully many will see what God has done and will place their trust in the Lord as well. I myself know that there are a few people that look up to me, and it only motivates me more to set and be that example to not lead others astray.

Psalm 40:11-12

¹¹ LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
¹² For troubles surround me—
too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
I have lost all courage.

"I have lost all courage." This is on the NLT version, it didnt show up on my bible during my reading today. Thats exactly how i felt this week. Like all was lost, nothing could fix this, that "my sins were piled up so high", having "troubles surround me", but God is good and will always protect me.

Psalm 42:1-3

¹ As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
² I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
³ Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
“Where is this God of yours?”

This was the passage my friend sent me. Throughout the entire passage, one line was repeated many many times, "Where is your God?". In times of trouble, we may ask that, others may ask us that. Where is your God? If you're Christian and you believe in this great God, where is he when you're struggling and are trudging through? The answer? Right next to me. There are times where he feels distant, and im sure thats exactly what i felt this week, but I think that its during these times where the true test of faith comes into play. When he feels distant (but really isnt), will you fall away from him? Its through these times you learn and you are strengthened. It is truly when we go to seek Christ is when we find true joy and peace in the love of our Father.

Ezekiel 37:23

²³ They will never again pollute themselves with their idols and vile images and rebellion, for I will save them from their sinful backsliding. I will cleanse them. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.

This was the theme verse for TC (Teens Conference) this year. I find it really powerful. We will NEVER pollute ourselves of sin, of doubt, of guilt, of temptation, of pain, of struggle, of trouble, with our own thoughts, of sin, of pride, of idols, of sexual immorality, because God WILL save us. We are CLEANSED. This is who we have to be as a follower of God.

I feel renewed.

I feel risen.

What else can I say but PTL.

verse of the day: Psalm 42:8

⁸ But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life.

Hospitality

Hospitality, the friendly reception and treatment of guest and strangers (Dictionary.com). This is one of the many spiritual gifts God may have granted you with. Do you have this gift? I think that whether or not we have this character or not, we as Christ-followers need to learn to have and practice this trait. Following God's footsteps. He welcomed all sinners, tax payers, prostitutes, strangers, he never excluded anyone. He demonstrated hospitality to the point he gave up his life on the cross, not only for his disciples, his family, his friends, but for those who were against him, those who didnt know him, those who followed him, but even more importantly, those in generations to come.

Are you able to show hospitality to others? When a newcomer walks in, do you make them feel welcomed and accepted? Or do you tend to stay in your comfort zone without your bubble of friends/life? Is this an act of selfishness? "Selfishness will kill what God is trying to do within you." Maybe this newcomer will do something greater in your life for you.

Think about it from their perspective as well. Im sure you've been in their shoes, in a new environment, not knowing anyone. Just wanting to feel accepted, loved, and welcomed. If you know exactly how they feel, why cant you be that person for them?

I challenge you to practice hospitality. Think of others before yourself.

Prove It!

Sunday School this week was a challenge. I think as Christians, there are many things we tend to avoid, but are yet so essential to our faith. Evangelism, standing up for our faith. As Christians, can we explain why we believe? This is what our teacher challenged us with. If you came across this question/statement, how would you answer it?

Prove That God Exists.

I remember when he asked us that question, as well as "is there a God", i cringed, i really didnt want to answer it. I felt so inable to answer it, i didnt feel equipped enough to answer it, to figure out all the facts, to disprove the big bang theory, or whatever other scientific facts, but the truth is we have to face this question. The world has this mindset that things arent true unless proven, thats what science is all about! But how do we prove something we cant see? How are we to answer this if it comes along our way one day? Think about it.

We went around the room sharing our ideas, and a university student was the person we were trying to convince, and many people gave interesting things that i was most interested to hear.

SCIENCE FACTS:

- If it was tilted an angle too much to the left or to the right, we would either burn or freeze.

- Scientists talk about how life was formed from amoebas to sea creatures to land creature, but how do you go from absolutely NOTHING to something without a greater and stronger force?

- Big bang theory, that planets are red shifted, that they are moving away, therefore at one point in time, they must have been close together, but what gave it that umph of energy to create that bang?

OTHER FACTS:

- there has to be a greater purpose in life, why are we living, without God, there is no true purpose on earth

- the bible has been sustained for so long, its almost impossible. If someone didnt believe then they could have destroyed and burned it, and yet it has been passed on and is still living and breathing for thousands of years

These were all things people shared and we discussed, are they strong, are they convincing, that's up to you.

Afterwards, the university student pointed out two answers she liked.

First, she said the answer that "if we could prove that God existed, then we wouldn't have a choice to believe or not". That is very true, if God was proven, everyone would realize the truth and turn to him right? That was very thought provoking for me.

Second, which i think i've talked about previously somewhere, is the comparison between other religions. That if you look at many other religions, they are all self-oriented, doing deeds to gain something, may it be self-fulfilment, or happiness. But if you look at Christianity, its the other way around, we have all be presented with the gift of the gospel and eternal life, its up to us to accept that gift or not. And also, you see that Christianity is the only faith that is inviting and welcoming. You dont see Buddhism holding events inviting people to be Buddhist as well. We are Christians are sharing and want others to hear the good news as well.

After all the talk, we came to a final conclusion, that i think is pretty solid. The best proof for this answer is you. The Christians. The Christ-followers. Are your deeds and your words proclaiming and glorifying Christ? If you are, others will see God working in you and through and that is the greatest proof that he lives, he reigns, and that he is the way, the truth and the life.

Are YOU the living proof to answer this question?

Sharpening Skates

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

proverbs 27:17

Tonight at AGAPE we went skating, and i really thought it went better than expected. But i think tonight i really realized and saw friendship again. True acceptance, love, and support. Although i didnt do much skating, i really started to observe others. And seeing them help each other out, seeing them take a step out of their comfort zone and talk to others and mesh with others. I guess you could say i was really proud, surprised, and impressed.

First, i know myself, i still tend to restrict myself from opening up to others, being selfish, but seeing others do that is an inspiration and it pushes me to be like them to follow their footsteps. Just as Jesus did as well. I was proud because I remember when we started out, in our cliques and our groups. Its great to see the growth and how far we've gotten. Praise God.

Like the verse says. Iron sharpens iron, and man sharpens another. Its through this fellowship, this community, we continue to support each other, continue to grow and thrive. We build each other up and i honestly dont know what i'd do without AGAPE or where i'd be now without them. They've sharpened me for sure and im more than blessed to have God place them in my life.

Amen. PTL.

impact.

⁷ Show yourself in all respects to bea model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸ andsound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

titus 2:7-8

I watched The Vow last night, and the opening bit talked about impact. how moments of impact make up the experiences and ultimately make up who we are and our lives.

I have to say this week was all about impact for me. I've been able to open up a lot more lately, and just share with my friends about my struggles, my pains and my obstacles. And i think community is extremely important in our faith. To have people to talk to, to have people to share with, be transparent with.

"The Christian community is a community of confession, accountability, encouragement, and rebuke" - Tim Chester

And talking with these people, they started talking about me, and they told me that they looked up to me. I was blown away. I have no clue, and i was just not expecting it. I keep thinking, why would they pick me out of everyone they know, what about me is so "worth" looking up to? It amazes me, and i've never thought that i could have impacted others in such a powerful way, as a influence (positively im hoping) and as a role model. It motivates me to push forward in my faith and to continue to set that example for them. I dont want to wavier and lead them the wrong way.

At the same time, talking to other people, digging deeper, its transforming. To be honest, im quick to judge, but lately being transparent, seeing others on a deeper level, i realize how mature they are, that i'd never thought they had. Im so happy that they have perspectives and think that way. I pray for them every day and im glad that they're right with God.

I hope that in life i can be someone people can turn to and talk to. Someone friendly and welcoming, ready to listen, talk, question, advise (well hopefully). I hope people can put their trust in me and i hope that i can be of help.

Impact. You are a person, you are a piece in someone's life. How great your impact is, that is your decision. Positive or negative, that is based completely from your actions and behaviour.

Luke 16:1-13

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

¹ Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. ² So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’

³ “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— ⁴ I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’

⁵ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

⁶ “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.

“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’

⁷ “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’

“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.

“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’

⁸ “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. ⁹ I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

¹⁰ “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. ¹¹ So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? ¹² And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

¹³ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Going through this, i've read it a few times, trying to fully understand it. Here's what im getting out of it.

To summarize, basically, a "master" has caught his servant (manager) abusing his position, by "wasting his possessions". After being kicked off and fired, he needed to reassemble his life. He decided to call those who are in debt with his master. By telling those in debt that they now owe a smaller amount, i assume that he helped pay his master back.

A few things that stuck out:

- v.3: "im ASHAMED to beg" - when i read this, i immediately thought of pride. That clearly this manager cared about his status and didnt want to lower himself.

- v.8: "the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light." - shrewd meaning clever. The world is full of pride, and we all tend to be selfish and want the most for ourselves, and we'll use any sneaky tactic to boost ourselves up. Where as Christians, the people of the light are less selfish, are able to put others before themselves.

- v. 13: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” - two masters. I guess this echoes the message at retreat, and that verse that has been on my mind lately. That the cost of discipleship is EVERYTHING. I personally know that there are parts of me that is still holding onto different sins and im just not willing/ready to let go yet. We have to learn to fully commit and devote ourselves to our relationship with Christ and not let anything get in the way between that.

Today "living as people of light" just stuck out to me. And its interesting to see it hinted at too in verse 8. I really think we need to continue to grow and live as reflections of Christ. Of his love, grace, and mercy. We cant be flashing lights, sometimes on, sometimes off, we have to be strong radiating lights to the world, to those around us. And we must set an example as representatives of Christ. Its difficult to follow through, but we have to try.

Clearing The Air: Salvation ≠ Works

Many people think like this, and i think its needed to clear it up and get it out once and for all. Salvation does not come from good works. God does not list down every good or bad work, and then weigh it and then decide if you are "worthy". That isnt how it works. Many MANY people think that doing these good works gets you into heaven. Many people do good works just to feel good about themselves.

But as followers of Christ, thats not really how it works. I've learnt that its more of the other way around. We've confessed, repented, and believed, and through our faith we have been saved. Believing that God sent his only son to die for us, that he took our sin and died, but more importantly rose again. He's the reason we live, and because of this sacrificial act, we're thankful and we're grateful. Thats why we choose to live out his name and reflect his nature and character, through those good works.

Let us continue to spread and share the good news and God's love through our speech and our actions. Lead and influence by example.