| You must realize that you can’t be just a little bit Christian, just like you can’t be just a little bit pregnant! You must go all the way with God – or not at all. He doesn’t want fence-sitters. He doesn’t want you to be lukewarm or wishy-washy. You must make up your mind. God says, "You’re either for me or you’re against me." You must get off the fence post and take a stand! "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelations 3:15-16. You either exhibit the character of the Lord and His unconditional love or you don’t. Which is it? What would your closest friends say about that? What would those of the world say about that? What would other believers say about that? Would they say that you do exhibit the character and unconditional love of the Lord, or you do not? Not forgiving a brother or sister who has repented of sin, no matter what that sin was . . . is NOT exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Forgiving a brother or sister who has repented of sin, no matter what that sin was . . . IS exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Estranging yourself and excommunicating others, and cutting off relationships (especially within your own family), no matter what the reason . . . is NOT exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Forgiving and loving no matter what, and reaching out to others (especially those in your own family), no matter what they’ve done to you . . . IS exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Being judgmental and critical of others, no matter what they are doing . . . is NOT exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Having mercy, acceptance, and love for others, no matter what they are doing . . . IS exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Putting your trust in people and setting them on a "pedestal," no matter how wonderful you think they are . . . Is NOT exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Accepting people as and where they are and forgiving them in advance for where they may fall short, and putting your trust wholly and only in God . . . IS exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Separating ourselves from other believers based on doctrinal differences and traditions of men, etc. . . . is NOT exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. Accepting membership in the Body of Christ as those the Lord has joined together, and understanding the Lord has put His believers together in the unity of His Spirit, and living this belief . . . IS exhibiting the character and unconditional love of the Lord. These are just a few examples the Lord brought to my mind; I’m sure there are many more. These are some that the Lord is walking me through right now. I’m sure you are walking through some of these, too, or others of your own. I hope I’ve stepped on a few of your toes with this message, for I’ve stepped on some of my own. This isn’t a message for babies or spiritual wimps. It is a message for the Body of Christ. If you are a baby or a spiritual wimp it will be harder to take. Ask the Lord to help you receive this word. Ask the Lord to help you look within yourself and see yourself as He sees you. Ask the Lord to show you the areas in which you need to repent and then ask Him to help you do it. I have done the same. He will help! "Search me, O God, and know my heart . . . See if there is any offensive way in me" . . . Psalm 139:23-24 By Shari Gunter |
| Why the Lost Aren’t Getting Saved and Why the Saved Have No Power |