Image of Christ

[Amazing Grace Ministry]

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Through today's discussion I wish to set before you a question, which I want you to faithfully answer, not to me or to others, but to yourselves and see if that is what Jesus wants. (You will find the question at the end of this message)

At one time or the other, I am sure we all have at least once been told that we look, act or speak like so and so person. And if that person whom we are referred to is famous, deep inside us we feel very happy. Sometimes, we see people boasting that they come from a particular place, class, university, or a certain church.

We all seem to have forgotten that we have a very special identity as the Bible says in Genesis ch1 v26-27.  We are made in the image of God. Out of all the creations in the world, only mankind had the special privilege of being created in the image of God. Is there anything more we need to be proud of?

The image of God is not limited to our physical body, but also extends to our spiritual nature. Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy (I Peter ch1v16)

Jesus very clearly mentioned in his sermon on the mount, what Christians are and should be to the world. Let us read, Matthew ch5v13 says "Ye are the salt of the earth" and in v 14 "Ye are the light of the world". Again in v16 Jesus said "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven".

Wait a minute, this verse doesn't mean that we are to boast about our good works. Never. God wants us to do our good works in a secret manner (without any publicity). You see, every time Jesus performed a miracle, he asked the person who received the healing not to mention it to anybody. (Mat ch8v4, Mark ch7v36, Luke ch5v14). In the same way, when you are good, you don't have to blow the trumpet, brag or plainly mention it to others. People will automatically perceive the change in you, and the word will spread automatically.

In Acts ch4, we read about the apostles Peter and John, preaching in the temple about the resurrection of Jesus (v2). And we hear how the Sadducees and captain of the temple arrested them and brought them before the high priest. In v8-12, we read how Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit boldly spoke about the resurrection and salvation in Christ.

If you will remember, this is the same Peter, who a few days ago, denied Jesus Christ thrice. We now see a marvelous transformation in him, through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

In v13, we read that the rulers "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus Act ch4v13"

The last time during the crucifixion, the servants had to asked Peter whether he was one of Jesus disciples. But today, they needn't ask, it was very clear, for the light was shining forth out of Peter, the light which declared Jesus to the world, and they perceived that "they had been with Jesus". What a glorious tesitmony!

My question to you is: Are you shining? Are you leading others to Christ? Are you like the salt, spreading the flavor of Christ, through your thoughts, acts and deeds?

Beware for the Bible says "if the salt have lost his savor; wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men".

May the spirit of the Lord guide you,

Amazing Grace Ministry