7 Characteristics of Modern Christians

Gail, author of 1-minute Bible Love Notes makes 7 Observations from 43 years of walking with the Lord. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #GailBurtonPurath #Devotions

Today (July 18, 2018) is my 67th birthday and this month is Bible Love Note's 7th birthday, so please allow me to depart from my usual format.

I'd like to share some of my observations after 40 years of Christian ministry, leading Bible studies, teaching Bible seminars, working with Christian women’s groups, doing overseas Christian work, editing devotions, writing a blog, doing ministry on social media, and being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

1. Christians aren’t the same, and it’s a good thing.
I love the diversity of the Body of Christ: "every nation, tribe, people and language" (Revelation 7:9). 

It is my prayer that I will fully appreciate and enjoy how Jesus is honored in different cultures and different denominations.

2. Some Christians are growing and some are perpetual babies.
Those who mature in Christ are regularly studying Scripture and letting it shape their lives (1 Thessalonians 1:4-6). Immature believers aren't serious about growing in their faith (Hebrews 5:11-13).

It is my prayer that I will always be deliberate about my walk with the Lord, always seeking to know Christ better.

3. Christians view Scripture differently.
Some Christians form their beliefs based on Scripture, just like the noble Bereans (Acts 17:11). Some hold fast to half-truth errors even when Scripture refutes them (2 Timothy 4:3).

There are many popular beliefs in Christian circles that are simply worldly philosophies repackaged using Christian words. They do serious damage to our walk with the Lord. The only remedy is a deeper respect for God’s Word and a commitment to check all teachings, no matter how popular, against the words of Scripture. 

It is my prayer that I will not be taken captive by human philosophies that contradict God's Word (Colossians 2:8).



Gail, author of 1-minute Bible Love Notes makes 7 Observations from 43 years of walking with the Lord. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #GailBurtonPurath #Devotions
4. Christians don’t disagree the same.
Some state their opinions kindly and humbly (Colossians 4:6). Others state their views rudely (Proverbs 15:18). 

It is my prayer that I will hold my tongue unless I can share my views in love (Ephesians 4:14-15).

5. Christians don’t view culture the same.
Some stand on Biblical principles, no matter how unpopular (Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:2). Some change their beliefs to accommodate culture (Proverbs 29:25; Psalms 12:8; John 12:43).

Culture tests Christians daily. Will we stand up for the "hard" parts of the Gospel or buckle under the pressure? The pressure comes not only from the world but also from compromised Christians. 

It is my prayer that I will stand firm so one day Jesus may say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).

6. Christians view Jesus differently.
Some know Him and realize He spoke about sin and judgment as well as grace and love (John 15:18). Some don’t know Him and think His purpose was to make people feel good about themselves (2 Corinthians 11:14). 

Misunderstandings about God’s character are the source of many false teachings. 

It is my prayer to genuinely know Christ even if involves hardship and persecution (Philippians 3:10).

7. Christians don't have the same committment. 
God's love is wonderful and it should inspire deep committment. Some Christians, motivated by His great love, are focused on glorifying God no matter the cost. Some are focused on personal gain, health, wealth, and comfort.

Everyone loves the benefits of Christian faith – and there are many. But genuine believers also submit to the responsibilities and difficulties of faith (John 14:21).

My prayer for this coming year is that my devotions will not only encourage others to love Jesus more fully, but they will also encourage me to love Him more fully.

I feel incredibly blessed by my readers who give me the opportunity each weekday to share truths from God's wonderful Word! Thank you!  Gail
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For 1-minute devotions related to each point:
1. Did You Know Your Brother is a Songwriter? 
2. Solid Food Faith.
3. Don’t Believe Anything that Contradicts Scripture. 
Half-Truths Many Christians Believe and I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel.
4. 3 Aspects of Gracious Speech and Ad hominem.
  
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Gail, author of 1-minute Bible Love Notes makes 7 Observations from 43 years of walking with the Lord.


13 comments:

  1. Happy birthday Gail!! I am so appreciative of your friendship for the past 7 years since I started blogging in August of the same year as you!! You are the kind of Christian who has been steadfast in your commitment to Jesus through the years. I am so thankful for you and the influence you have had in my life!

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  2. Well said!Thank you, for writing and sharing. I want to keep knowing Him more and growing deeper in Him, daily. Godspeed

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  3. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GAIL! May God continue to bless you richly in your walk with Him! Thank you for serving Him so faithfully for 40 years in so many different ways! I am so blessed by your Love Notes each morning!
    Your sister in Christ, Rosemarie

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  4. *** Happy Birthday ***
    I appreciate ALL that you give to us!
    Prayers and blessing to you.

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  5. Hi Gail! Happy birthday! It is my desire that God continue to bless your life with health and your days be full of vigor, so continue your journey in ministry by living a purposeful life in what God designed for you! Congratulations! Thank you for your work and dedication these years where they have been a blessing to many in need including my self. God bless you, hugs!

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  6. Happy Birthday, Gail!
    You are a blessing to me EVERY DAY - and I pray the Lord will pour out His blessing upon you in return.
    Peace,
    ~Annie

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  7. Happy Birthday Gail! Thank you so much for sharing your love notes with us,you are a real blessing!xx

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  8. Thanks for all you have done. The work that we do is not in vain when we do it in the Lord. We shall be rewarded. May the Almighty bless you.

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  9. Thank you for holding fast to and not being ashamed of the truth. You are courageous. My family and I are blessed by your work.

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  10. I love this! reminds me when we look at the mirror... seeing yourself clearly so we could fix what we see not right (removing the plank in our eyes).

    I would like to ask for your permission so I could use this as a material on our devotion.

    Personally, you've been a channel of God's blessing through this blog.

    May the good Lord bless and keep you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cassandro,
      I'm so glad the Bible Love Notes have been a blessing to you.

      You are welcome to use any Bible Love Note for devotions in your small group or Bible study. However, if you plan to duplicate the devotion, please request permission and I will give you the guidelines.

      I cannot give permission to republish the devotions in book/booklet form nor can I give permission for you to publish them online. However, you can always give a link to the devotion if you have an online site.

      Let me know if this answers your questions.
      God bless you,
      Gail

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