NOVEMBER RADIO MESSAGE
EN V O Y S FOR C H R IS !
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
A s believers we need to be con cerned about what our position should be when all about us there seems to be a crumbling system of so ciety and morality. The Lord Jesus Christ gives us the answer as He prays, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). It seems to be our custom, espe cially in evangelical circles to retreat from the world as far as possible. Yet such separation is not only impossible, it is definitely not God’s plan for us. Though we are in the world we are to have the integrity of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In the original text we do not know whether it means “the evil one” or “the evil thing,” however, I believe it can include both. We are not to become Satan’s vic tims as we were before deliverance through the precious blood of Christ. In addition we are not to become the victims of evil things or sinful habits. Jesus Christ saved us that we might be victor over all circumstances, indeed, that we might be “more than conquer ors through Him who loved us.” This was Paul’s message to the Philippian church, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world: Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither la boured in vain” (Phil. 2:15,16). Notice that we are to live the Chris tian life not apart from the world but in its very midst. We are to do this in a society that absolutely hates God. We are to live before the world so that
under no circumstances will they be able to point the finger at us in scorn and thereby b l a m e our Saviour. Though the world may never read their Bibles and never attend church, we, as believers, are illustrated, walk ing Bibles. We are so to live that we remind the world of the loveliness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the consistency of our lives, we are able to hold forth the Word of God. When people come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, their ethics and moral conduct need to change radically. This is why Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatso ever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31). The word “glory” is beautiful in the German text. It means whatever you do make sure that it is Lord-like. Be sure that it reminds the people of Jesus Christ. Our ultimate purpose in life is the reason why we are in the world as en voys of the Lord Jesus. We are to be His missionaries and witnesses. God’s will for you and for me is to live such a holy life before a sinful people that we may be to them as He would be Himself. In order to do this we will have to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our own personal Saviour. We will' also have to determine to put Him first in every aspect of our lives regardless of what sphere it might be. This is what the Apostle meant when, under the in spiration of the Holy Spirit he wrote, “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (I Cor. 10:33). Are you willing to live for the Lord Jesus Christ in ordfcr that someone else might be brought ,to Him? 10
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