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The John the Baptist Generation #returnofChrist

BeamI’ve been posting about our end-time ministry as the “John the Baptist Generation”.  There were some interesting prophecies about John that I believe can be applied to us.

“…because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:78-79

Our generation must be a light in the darkness.  There has never been a darker time in the modern world.  Unless you’re living with your head in the sand, this is an undeniable truth.

We need to understand what being the light entails.  It’s obvious that light gets the attention in the dark.  There’s no getting around that.  We’re not called to just blend into the background.

This is because a light stands in direct opposition to the darkness.  There cannot be any two kingdoms that are more opposite than us and the world.

We are not a part of this society.  We live here, work here, and have to interact with those around us.  We need to be loving, productive, and contributing to the welfare of our community.  But the fact is we don’t BELONG here.

You are all sons of the light and sons of the day.  We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.  So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
1Thessalonians 5:5-6

The word night speaks of a segment of time – but we are eternal.  Because we live in the eternal realm, we are of the day.

Dark speaks of a place – but we are seated with Christ in heavenly places; that’s the kingdom of light.  This is not our time and place.

We need to be what we’re called to be.  It’s not our destiny to blend in and become part of the whole.  It’s our calling to show there’s a different way to live.

John the Baptist is an example to us of how to minister to the world while living in the Kingdom of God.  It’s time for us to live up to this calling.  The world is desperate to hear the message that has been entrusted to us.  We need to stop chasing their dreams and live for Christ with an urgency that reflects the times we live in.

This generation of the church must grow up so that we can function as we must at this time in history.  Be equipped with the spiritual weaponry.  Be listening and hearing a Word from God.  Then continue to walk in that word.  Finally, if we do these things we will be the light that will draw people to Christ.  We are the John the Baptist Generation.

Questions: How much light is the church producing right now?  How can that light be increased?

© Nick Zaccardi 2013

 
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Posted by on November 13, 2013 in Return of Christ, Revival, The Church

 

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Following at a Distance

Jesus was arrested, just before the crucifixion.  Then He was taken to the high priest for questioning.  At this point in the narrative Luke makes an interesting comment about Peter.

Luke 22:54
Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.

This is the same Peter who said he would die with Christ, if necessary.  The one who was always so outspoken about his faith in the Lord.  Yet, here he is seen shrinking back into the shadows.

This begs the question about our walk with Jesus.  We are always so quick to point out that we follow Christ.  What does that mean to you?  The real question is, “How closely are you following?”  Peter was following Him, but far enough away so that it wasn’t obvious that he was with the Lord.

So often we don’t want it to be seen that we are different from the world.  We want to blend in with society.  We don’t want to get too radical in our Christian walk.  Is that the way it’s supposed to be?

I believe that if we’re going to follow Christ, then we must live openly for Him.  Even the most casual observer should be able to recognize that there is a difference in how we go about our daily routines.

People aren’t shy at all about using foul language, or other ungodly activity.  Christians, on the other hand, are so worried about “offending” anyone.  We should not be afraid of praying or talking about Christ in public.  We need to stop following Him at a distance.

 
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Posted by on June 18, 2012 in Daily Thoughts

 

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