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Christ-Centered Living Consistency Example

Exemplify

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) The Apostle Paul was so passionate in his love relationship with Jesus that he could exhort the church of Corinth to follow his example. By following his example, they would be following the example of Christ because Paul was in alignment […]

Categories
Christ-Centered Living Consistency Example

Exemplify

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Cor 11:1 (NIV) One of my mentors is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Dr. Johnny Hunt. He often says, “The people in your community may not read the Bible, but they will read the gospel according to your life.” That statement […]

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Christ-Centered Living Peacemaking

Peacemaking

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matt 5:9 (NIV) The Bible opens with peace in the Garden of Eden and was interrupted when man sinned. Jesus made peace a reality again by sacrificing His life upon the cross to destroy the penalty of sin and death. In eternity, peace will be fully […]

Categories
Broken Christ-Centered Living

Brokenness

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matt 5:4 (NIV) Are you constantly broken over your sinfulness? Christ-centered living involves brokenness. In the language of the New Testament, there are nine different words used to describe sorrow. The Greek word Jesus uses here is the strongest of the nine. This level of mourning is equated with grieving over the death […]

Categories
Bankrupt Christ-Centered Living Humility

Christ-Centered Humility

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:3 (NIV) Christ-centered living involves humility. Recognizing your spiritual bankruptcy apart from God is imperative for the follower of Christ. You cannot come into the Kingdom of God without acknowledging your utter hopelessness outside of God’s provision. To be poor in spirit is […]

Categories
Christ-Centered Living Persecution

Christ-Centered Living (8)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:10 (NIV) It has been estimated that as many as 160,000 Christians are martyred each year worldwide. Godliness generates hostility. To live for Christ is to live in constant opposition to Satan and his crafty agenda to undermine God’s […]

Categories
Christ-Centered Living Peacemaking

Christ-Centered Living (7)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matt 5:9 (NIV) The Bible opens with peace in the Garden of Eden and was interrupted when man sinned. Jesus made peace a reality again by sacrificing His life upon the cross to destroy the penalty of sin and death. In eternity, peace will be fully […]

Categories
Christ-Centered Living Purity

Christ-Centered Living (6)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matt 5:8 (NIV) Christ-centered living involves purity. God’s standard of perfection is Christ. The purity of Christ is the bull’s-eye for the believer. To be pure in heart is to be right with God. You cannot have a right relationship with God without having a […]

Categories
Christ-Centered Living Mercy

Christ-Centered Living (5)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matt 5:7 (NIV) Christ-centered living involves being merciful. Has the Lord been merciful to you? Capture a snapshot of what shape you would be in right now had you not been a personal recipient of God’s mercy. God is not asking you to do anything He […]

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Christ-Centered Living Holy Ambition Hunger Maturing Righteousness Thirst

Christ-Centered Living (4)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matt 5:6 (NIV) Christ-centered living involves holy ambition. There is nothing more appealing to a starving person than food. For the follower of Christ, the spiritual appetite is a craving for righteousness. At salvation, you receive the righteousness of Christ and a resulting […]

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Bridled Christ-Centered Living Meek

Christ-Centered Living (3)

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matt 5:5 (NIV) Christ-centered living involves being bridled. Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control. You have the capacity to live a sinful lifestyle that will bring disrepute to Christianity and disdain to the character of Christ. The world, Satan, and your flesh have […]

Categories
Broken Christ-Centered Living

Christ-Centered Living (2)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matt 5:4 (NIV) Are you constantly broken over your sinfulness? Christ-centered living involves brokenness. In the language of the New Testament, there are nine different words used to describe sorrow. The Greek word Jesus uses here is the strongest of the nine. This level of mourning is equated with grieving over the death […]

Categories
Bankrupt Christ-Centered Living Humility

Christ-Centered Living (1)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:3 (NIV) Christ-centered living involves humility. Recognizing your spiritual bankruptcy apart from God is imperative for the follower of Christ. You cannot come into the Kingdom of God without acknowledging your utter hopelessness outside of God’s provision. To be poor in spirit is […]