Authentic Christianity

[Walter and Deborah]

Wednesday 7-21-21 AV 11, 5781 4th. day of the weekly cycle, 31st. Summer Day

Our Daily Bread Today 21 July 2021 Devotional – Authentic Christianity
July 20, 2021 OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL


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Our Daily Bread Today 21 July 2021 Devotional Message By David H. Roper (Our Daily Bread Ministries)

Click To Read Previous ODB Devotional Messages

Topic: Authentic Christianity

Today’s Scripture: Matthew 5:3–10

Key Verse: Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. – Matthew 5:12

Bible in a Year: Psalms 29–30; Acts 23:1–15

INSIGHT: In his classic work Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote of “the utter deceitfulness of sin,” which “is always offering happiness, and . . . always leads to unhappiness.” In contrast, he noted that the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–10) show us the path to true happiness. The characteristics Jesus describes here—the poor in spirit, the mournful, those hungry for righteousness, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted—define the true believer in Christ. Lloyd-Jones asserted that these traits aren’t naturally possessed by any of us. Such a way of living comes only by God’s grace and can be put into practice only by those in whom God’s Spirit resides. The “Beatitudes lifestyle” is entirely, radically dependent on the Holy Spirit. God will transform our lives so that those around us can’t help but notice the joy within us.

Our Daily Bread Today 21 July 2021 Devotional Message for Wednesday
I applied for a position in a Christian organization years ago and was presented with a list of legalistic rules having to do with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and certain forms of entertainment. “We expect Christian behavior from our employees” was the explanation. I could agree with this list because I, for reasons mostly unrelated to my faith, didn’t do those things. But my argumentative side thought, Why don’t they have a list about not being arrogant, insensitive, harsh, spiritually indifferent, and critical? None of these were addressed.

Following Jesus can’t be defined by a list of rules. It’s a subtle quality of life that’s difficult to quantify but can best be described as “beautiful.”

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–10 sum up that beauty: Those who are indwelt by and dependent on the Spirit of Jesus are humble and self-effacing. They’re deeply touched by the suffering of others. They’re gentle and kind. They long for goodness in themselves and in others. They’re merciful to those who struggle and fail. They’re single-minded in their love for Jesus. They’re peaceful and leave behind a legacy of peace. They’re kind to those who misuse them, returning good for evil. And they’re blessed, a word that means “happy” in the deepest sense.

This kind of life attracts the attention of others and belongs to those who come to Jesus and ask Him for it.

Reflect & Pray
Which of the attributes from Matthew 5 do you especially need in your life? How can you grow in this?

Spirit of God, please produce these characteristics from the Beatitudes in my life.

Our Daily Bread Today 21 July 2021 Devotional Message. Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread.

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Love always, Walter and Debbie

[Riverwalker]

I am always taken aback by such sayings as "Authentic Christianity" or "True Christian"  Because to my mind  Christianity is 100% authentic or it is not Christianity, just a counterfeit. and every Christian is a "true Christian" or they are not a Christian

But the desire to inspire us to make sure WE are part of that reality is very important! Thank you

[Sower]

2 hours ago, Walter and Deborah said:

Following Jesus can’t be defined by a list of rules. It’s a subtle quality of life that’s difficult to quantify but can best be described as “beautiful.”

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–10 sum up that beauty: Those who are indwelt by and dependent on the Spirit of Jesus are humble and self-effacing. They’re deeply touched by the suffering of others. They’re gentle and kind. They long for goodness in themselves and in others. They’re merciful to those who struggle and fail. They’re single-minded in their love for Jesus. They’re peaceful and leave behind a legacy of peace. They’re kind to those who misuse them, returning good for evil. And they’re blessed, a word that means “happy” in the deepest sense.

Law vs Grace.
Outer vs Inner.
Well done
vs
Well said.
Spirit vs Flesh
Light vs darkness.
Not I but Christ.

Thanks Walter

1 hour ago, Riverwalker said:

I am always taken aback by such sayings as "Authentic Christianity" or "True Christian"  Because to my mind  Christianity is 100% authentic or it is not Christianity, just a counterfeit. and every Christian is a "true Christian" or they are not a Christian

But the desire to inspire us to make sure WE are part of that reality is very important! Thank you

I agree.
I think perhaps the Title would better be understood if it was  'Evidence of' or Results of Authentic Christianity.
May cause us to examine ourselves, and see how our Christian "walk" verifies our talk. Or not.
No such thing as a partial birth with God. You're saved or you ain't. Alive or dead.
A born again believer may have much fruit, or little. But there will be some fruit. (John 15)
As the vine tender (The Father) prunes us (branches) to produce more fruit. (evidence)

 

[Starise]

The "authentic Christian" has ups and downs, slips up on a regular basis yet still always hopes for God to finish His work in them and works toward that end. We have this inner drive to please God by offering ourselves to Him. Authenticity in a Christian sometimes has warts. The authentic person is a real person. The real person who is a Christian is undergoing a continual process.

Life isn't skippy yippy yi yay all through the day. The process of pruning hurts. The person who doesn't think they might still need a pruning or two sometimes better watch out because I hear a pair of large shears behind you.