“Reflections on Faith, Salvation, and the Importance of Genuine Christian Living”

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Call to Genuine Christian Living

Keywords: Christian living, repentance, holiness, discipleship, love God and neighbor, spiritual formation, church renewal

The heart of the Christian life is not complicated — but it is costly. Scripture calls us to love God with everything we are and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This simple command exposes the pride, lawlessness, and self‑righteousness that have quietly taken root in the modern church.

This article is a call back to the center: repentance, humility, obedience, and genuine discipleship.

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Created in God’s Image, Humbled by Mortality, Dependent on His Deliverance

Scripture gives us a clear foundation for understanding ourselves and our calling:

• Genesis 1:27 — We are made in God’s image.
• Genesis 3:19 — We are mortal and accountable.
• Exodus 14:14 — God fights for His people; our role is to hold our peace.
• John 3 — We must be born again to truly obey.
• Matthew 22 — Love of God and neighbor is the greatest command.

Pull‑Quote:
“The Lord will fight for you; you shall hold your peace.” — Exodus 14:14

The message is unmistakable:
We are created by God, humbled by mortality, rescued by His power, and transformed by His Spirit so we can obey His commands.

Denominational labels, theological debates, and personal preferences cannot replace obedience.

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The Church’s Present Condition: A Hard but Necessary Diagnosis

Many of the church’s wounds today are self‑inflicted. Instead of holiness, we often choose convenience. Instead of humility, we choose pride. Instead of love, we choose gossip.

Common Failures the Church Must Confront

• Pride and self‑righteousness
• Gossip and busybody behavior
• Lawlessness disguised as grace
• Division and unforgiveness
• Feelings‑driven worship
• Cultural compromise
• Neglect of children’s spiritual formation

Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant stands as a warning:
Grace received but not extended becomes judgment.

Pull‑Quote:
“Receiving mercy while refusing to show mercy is spiritual hypocrisy.”

Biblical examples like Nebuchadnezzar and Paul remind us that pride is deadly — even for the religious.

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Ten Practical Steps Toward Genuine Christian Living

This call is not abstract. It is deeply practical, rooted in daily habits of repentance and obedience.

1. Examine Yourself First
   Repent daily. Confess honestly. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
2. Practice Silence and Trust
   When attacked or misunderstood, resist the urge to defend yourself.

Pull‑Quote:
“Shut up and let God fight.” — Jerry

3. Control the Tongue
   Be slow to speak, quick to listen, slow to anger. Cut off gossip immediately.
4. Correct Sin Privately
   Follow the Matthew 18 model. Restore, don’t embarrass.
5. Forgive as You’ve Been Forgiven
   Unforgiveness is spiritual poison.
6. Nail Your Desires to the Cross
   Let personal preferences and ambitions die so Christ can reign.
7. Recover Sacred Worship
   Return to prayer, fasting, Scripture, solitude, and faithful gathering.
8. Resist Cultural Compromise
   Be discerning about worship practices, entertainment, and especially your children’s formation.
9. Avoid Fruitless Debates
   Don’t waste time arguing with hardened unbelief. Invest in discipleship.
10. Expect Opposition
    The closer you walk with Christ, the more the world will resist you.

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A Final Word: Judgment Begins in the House of God

This message is not condemnation — it is mercy. God disciplines those He loves. The church must return to love of God and neighbor, repent of pride and gossip, and embrace humility and obedience.

If we do, the church will shine again with the beauty of Christ.

Pull‑Quote:
“Holiness is not optional. It is the natural fruit of loving God with all your heart.”

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