RE-GEN-ER-A-TION
[ri-jen-uh-rey-shuh n]
-noun
spiritual rebirth; religious revival.
I was reading Ephesians 5 this morning and I began thinking about recent conversations I had over heard. As Christians we are called to be set apart, yet we seem to gravitate towards world things. Christians become defensive and try to justify certain actions, when really if there is nothing wrong with it, why does it need defending?
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Prov.28:1
A certain glee overtakes the countenance of the carnal Christian, when they can relate to the world about a movie or certain fashions. Borderline has become the new trend in our generation. Standing as close to the world as possible, with out actually being in the world. This is what the Bible refers to as lukewarm, neither here nor there. While we might think of ourselves as different, the world only sees outward appearance and actions, and they can not see a difference.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
There should be a very distinct difference in our lives, compared to the world. In everything from our conversations to what we set before our minds, we should stand out like a light in a dark room.
Ephesians 5:3-5
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Even making close friends with people that do not have the same standards or beliefs, you run the risk of becoming guilty by association. If you throw a clean white sock in the mud, does the mud become white? No, but the sock gets dirty. The same is true with who you befriend.
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1Corinthians 15:33
To become close friends with someone of the world will influence you, and not the other way around. If someone fell down a cliff, you would not jump down to help them up, then you would both be stuck!
1Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Bring people up to your standards, don’t go down to theirs.
The same is true with entertainment. Worldly music and movies corrupt Christians. Even censored or filtered versions. If it needs to be filtered, does it need to be watched?
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1Corinthians 10:23
Even if you only watch or listen to the “clean” version, the world does not. So when you are associating one thing, they are remembering other stuff. Your name then becomes associated with the unclean version.
Ephesians 5:11-12 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
America is about to go through some heavy changes, and more than ever our generation must be alert, ahead, and set apart. We are being hit with what I call the “aloof epidemic.”, and only those who “rise above” avoid infection. The definition of regeneration is religious revival. Re:generation is the revival of the next generation, ready to make a difference and being willing to impact our culture for the Lord. Don’t be afraid to stand bold and set high standards for yourself. You cannot make a difference unless you are different.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:8
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