OPEN BIBLE New Brunswick
Bible institute GOD’S PURPOSE
OUR PASSION
BULLETIN
VOL. 56 NO. 1 JANUARY 2015
FOCUS
BY ROBERT BOOKER
Is That You? By what are you known? Most people are known for some characteristic, physical feature, idiosyncrasy, or by a nickname. Still today, after all these decades, my friends from another era call me by a childhood nickname (which shall remain unpublished!). As I seriously considered the spiritual ramifications of this subject, the Lord brought to mind Scriptures that indicate for what His true children should be known. Christians are known by their fruit. For example, in Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus is warning against false teachers and, speaking of “good” and “evil” fruit, He says, “...by their fruits ye shall know them.” Evidently, not only are false teachers to be discovered by what they produce and how they live, but true children of God are also characterized by their actions. That fact makes how we live of utmost importance. I need to ask myself if my actions are producing “good” fruit. Am I correctly and consciously representing my Saviour well? Christians are known by their name. Acts 11 records that the new believers in Antioch were called “Christians”. The term “Christians” means “followers of Christ.” While the world today uses this term freely and in many wrong and even derogatory ways, we should not be reluctant to use it for its purest biblical
definition. I am grateful for what my Saviour has done for me and happy to be called by His name. Paul declared in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:...”. We are known by our words. Jesus said to the Pharisees in Matthew 12:37, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified... [or] condemned.” The Psalmist realized the necessity of careful words in chapter 141:3 when he asked the Lord to watch over his mouth. One translation uses the word “control” for “set a watch.” We not only should be known for not using certain words, but we should be known for all the positive accomplishments given by godly speech, for example, the spreading of the Gospel, encouraging one another, teaching the Scriptures, etc.
your trust in Christ for His saving grace, then you need to give Him your life and be known as a Christian. For many who read this article, the challenge is to be sure our lives represent Christ well in love, words and deeds.
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CHAPEL SPEAKERS
Followers of Christ should be known by their love. Jesus Himself told His followers they would be known as His disciples if they loved one another (John 13:35). A good question to ask is this: Am I exhibiting true Christ-like love toward my brothers and sisters in Christ? According to Jesus, the two greatest commandments are to love God and love those around us (Matthew 22:34-40).
January 13
Brent Clark Grafton Baptist Church
January 20
Greg MacWilliam Parkside Ranch
So I ask the question again. By what are you known? If you have never placed
January 28-30
JANUARY 2015
January 27 Jerry VanderVeen Gospel Mission of South America Various Missionaries One Hope Canada 1