Christianity is often portrayed as keeping a list of do’s and don’ts instead of a relationship with a living Savior, Jesus Christ. Like many young people, I rejected the church.  It seemed to represent a club among those who don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t dance and stay apart  from those that do those things. After I became a Christian, I noticed a pull to associate with Christian friends and avoid the same people Christ came to earth to serve (Matt. 9:10-13). How can you swim against the strong current and resist the temptation to stay in your holy huddle?

Walk in Authority of Christ 
Christ’s death and resurrection provide the power for you to walk in His authority as you practice those character qualities  examined in an earlier blog. The Kingdom of God follows you through all church history from the time of Jesus’ preaching and miracles, at His death and resurrection, and for His believers today, during the church age.

Walk in New Covenant Lifestyle

In Matthew 26-28, Christ obeyed the Father by sacrificing His life through death on the cross, which instituted the New Covenant, which is alive like flesh, in contrast to the Old Covenant, which is dead like stone. God gives you a new heart and new spirit to wash away your sin so you can walk in unity with others (Ezekiel 11:19; 18:31; 36:26). Your ability to serve others comes from a relationship with Christ as He dwells in your hearts.

Walk  in Persecution and Betrayal
Those who walk in the authority of Christ by serving others will be betrayed like Him. The religious leaders plotted to have Jesus arrested and killed. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed Christ when he handed him over to the chief priests for 30 silver coins (Matt. 26:1-5; 14-16). It is all part of walking in Christ’s death and resurrection through New Covenant ministry (2 Cor. 4:7-12).

Meditate on the truth that God has given believers the Holy Spirit (heart of flesh) instead of a heart of stone. What difference does that make in a meeting today, in your relationships with your family and those you meet at work and in your neighborhood?


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