| What
Makes Us Different? Mankind is
created in the image of God (Gen 1:26) and we have an innate desire to come
before Him, to worship and honor Him, and to seek fellowship with Him. But notice the world around us; why are
there so many different beliefs, so many varied paths that man has chosen to
draw near to the Most High? This might
typically be a question that one who is struggling with their faith would
ask, but it causes us to consider as well…what makes us any different? Are we different? The Bible tells us we
should be (2 Cor. 6:14-18), and that others should see a difference in us
(1Pet. 4:2- 4)…but have you ever stopped to consider what it is that makes us
different? What defines us as the
Christians we see in Bible from those days long ago? 1.
We Believe in the ____________
Power of the Cross. (John 12:32)
a. We give our best to
appreciate why God chose the cross to unite us (Phil 2:7-8, 1 Cor.1:18-25)
Consider His love (John 3:14-17, 1 John 4:7) Think about the example (1 Pet.
2:21-24) b. We understand the necessity of the cross
(Rom. 5:6, Heb. 5:7-9, 2 Cor.5:21, Heb. 2:14-15) 2.
We Embrace Christ’s commandment of __________. a. Love is a major topic in the religious
world (John 3:16), but Christ makes a “new” commandment. (John 13:34-35) b.
Loving this way demands humility, forgiveness, and graciousness. (John
13:1-9, Col.3:13, Luke 23:34, 1 Cor.13:4, Rom. 5:8) Jesus says our love
defines us (1 John 4:20) 3. We are Bound by an ___________ Truth
a. Mankind continually alters
and updates their belief system, based on changes in culture or society b.
God does not change. Consider His life (Jer.10:10, Psalm 90:2), His
character (James 1:17, Mal. 3:6) His truth (Isa.40:6-8, Heb. 4:12) 4.
We realize that we are ______________ here. a.
Accept the challenge to live showing that this world is not your
permanent home. (1 Pet. 2:11, 2 Cor.5:8)
b. Remember where you are
headed, long for the day it comes. (Phil. 3:20-21; 1:21-23) There is glory to
come (Rom. 8:18) As we think about
how we can live differently, how we can honor our Creator and be set apart
for His glory, let’s give our best to understand all that God has shown us in
His word to help us. He will most assuredly come again (Rom. 14:11-12) and if
we are willing to be different than the world, we can have a home in eternal
glory with Him! |
