January 5, 2003Pm.   “Can Christ live in us every day (Part 2)?”  Gal. 2:20-21

By Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church

 Our Mission is to live our lives every day,

so that others can see Christ living in us.

(What is our mission as a church?)

 In the early days of rail travel, crossing guards warned travelers of approaching trains. These men were especially important at night. When trains came, they stood in the middle of the road, swinging a lantern to warn coach drivers of the impending danger. One night, there was a terrible accident at a particular crossing. A coach collided with a train, killing a family of six. An inquest by the railroad authorities subpoenaed Ben, the guard on duty that night. "Ben," the chairman of the review board asked, "were you on duty the night of the accident?" "Yes, sir, I was Ben replied nervously. "Did you know the train was coming?" "Yes, sir, I did." "Did you take your place in front of the crossing?" "Yes, sir, I did." "Did you have your lantern with you?" "Yes, sir, I did." Then the chairman thanked Ben and told him to step down. The inquest closed the case without knowing the cause of the accident. Speculation was that the coach driver was drunk or blind.

   Many years later, Ben lay on his deathbed, surrounded by his family. Softly he began to moan, "Those poor people. Those poor, poor people." His oldest son leaned down to hear his father. "Are you talking about the people in that coach, Dad?" "Yes. Those poor, poor people." "But, Dad! Don't you remember? There was an inquest. You were cleared; it wasn't your fault!" "They forgot to ask one question," Ben gasped. "What didn't they ask?" "They forgot to ask," Ben whispered, "if my lantern was lit." --Chris Wiley

The purpose of this sermon is to answer the question, Can Christ live in us everyday?  What is the mission of the church?

Scripture Text:  Gal. 2:20   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Can Christ live in us every day? How

1.  By Faith. 

2.  By the love of God for me

3.  By the sacrifice of the Lord for me. 

4.  By not frustrating the grace of God by disobedience.

5.  By living righteously.  Consistently living the faith. 

What does this look like in the church?  What is the purpose/mission of Christianity? What is the purpose/mission of the church?  The purpose is to allow Christ to be reincarnated through us. 

Phil 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,   15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

Mat. 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 Who are the shining stars of the Universe?  Who are the true stars of society?  Could Michael Jordan, who is reportedly worth 10 billion a year, be one of the brightest stars that has ever been?  When I was growing up the 6 million-dollar man was one of the brightest stars that have ever been?  The price of stardom has increased over the years.  That is probably due to inflation.  The true shining stars of society are not those who excel at sports or acting.  The brightest stars of society are those who are energized by the creator of the universe.  Just take a look at the night sky and you can see the stars still shining as they have done for thousands of years.  Just take a look around you at those believers in Christ as they have lived for the Lord being empowered by His Spirit if you want to see the brightest stars of the world. 

A story is told of two men who got into conversation on a boat when returning from India.  One was an English sportsman and the other was a missionary.  The sportsman said, "I've been in India for 25 years, and I never saw one of the natives converted."  "That's queer," answered the missionary, "did you ever see a tiger?"  "Hundreds of them," was the reply, "and I have shot dozens in the hunt."  "Well, I have been in India for many years," said the missionary, "but I have never seen a tiger.  But under the power of the Gospel of Christ, I have seen hundreds of the natives of India turn to the Savior!" You see, one loved hunting and was looking for tigers.  The other loved individuals who needed God and was looking ways to bring them to Jesus!  The Bible says, "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."  Dan. 12:3 <Knight's Illustrations>  252

1.      Have we fulfilled our purpose:  to be a sword, to be an arrow, and to be a light(Star):  to dispel the darkness, to invade the enemies fortress to set the captives free, to break the grip of sin on the lives of others.  The purpose of God is to bring people into a relationship with Him.  He wants to bring people back to him and to give salvation to all.  He chooses the stars of the universe to become his testimony of his power and presence in the world of darkness. The people of Israel were chosen by God to bring salvation to the world, and now the people of the new Israel have that same privilege and mission.  It is time to storm the gates of Hell with purpose and with power.  Set the captives free from their sin. 

Christians, it is your duty not only to be good, but to shine; and, of all the lights which you kindle on the face, joy will reach farthest out to sea, where troubled mariners are seeking the shore. Even in your deepest grieves, rejoice in God. As waves phosphoresce, let joys flash from the swing of the sorrows of your souls.  – Beecher

Are you Ready to Shine for the Lord?  How will we?  Let’s ask?