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Keeping Up Appearances — 14 Comments

  1. This is another example of allowing the “Word” to become flesh. This moves us from profession to demonstration. This is the power available to all believers to daily put on Christ. This is also the power in and through Jesus Christ, is the most effective tool the Holy Spirit need in evangelism – believers living like Jesus. This will bring us in conformity with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit to complete the good work He has began in us. (John 1:14; John 6:51-56 & Philippians 1:6)

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  2. We read in the Gospels that the disciples doubted that Christ has indeed risen from the dead. The first messengers they received were women (Mary Magdalene and such). Of course they didn’t even let her finish telling the good news when they interrupted her with their unbelief. The second messengers Christ sent them was the two disciples who were on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35.) They didn't believe them either. Even Peter couldn’t entertain the idea Christ is risen and alive. Finally, in frustration, Christ himself appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of their hearts (Mark 16:14.) The question must be asked: how can these disciples lose faith after eye-witnessing who Christ is and what He did? They have seen Him heal the sick, restore sight to the blind, cast out demons and even raise the dead. What happened to their faith?

    They were that close to Christ and still lost their faith and gave in to doubt. It's a solemn warning for you and me. We must watch and pray constantly. Going to church once-a-week on a Sabbath is not going to suffice. Yesterday’s revival and reformation will not sustain us today. We need daily revival and reformation for a daily survival. This is a matter of life and death. We’re working against our Nature, the enemy and this World. That’s a three-dimensional frictional force we’re dealing with at the same time. Take nothing for granted—most importantly your salvation. Pray, Pray, Pray! Read the Word daily (at least a chapter) and divorce yourself from the World, especially from its so-called “entertainments” that feeds the “bad wolf” with 2 and 3 hour-long movies (even sermons don’t last that long.) Protect your mind (it’s the Holy of Holies where Holy Spirit resides.) I don’t know about you but now I understand why the apostle Paul said protect (work out) your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12.)

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  3. [Moderator note: please use first and last names when commenting on this site. Thanks!]

    Ms. Lopez. I loved this article. Jesus is lifted up. It is so great!! I always enjoy your articles the best! That's not to say that I don't enjoy the others but, praise the Lord for the talent He has given you. I am going to share this one with those around me today. I needed it too. So u were the answer to my prayer this morning. God bless ya!
    denise

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  4. From Steps to Christ (page 81:)

    “If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures. Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." And He explains Himself by saying, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:53, 63. Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy: it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.”

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  5. My wife and I uses to watch a T.V. show call Keeping up appearance it is very funny. We laugh at the lady trying to impress others, those with money and power and prestige. But her family is a mess.It's best to be yourself. Some people will like you and others wont. But the good news is Jesus Loves us and we don't have to put on (airs) Jesus Loves us Just as we are. What does the Lord require, to do good,show kindness,Love one another.

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  6. Reminds me of the fig tree Christ cursed. Looked good from far but a disappointment on closer inspection. As Christians we must shine for JESUS and be consistent in our walk as well. Thanks for the inspiration, GOD bless.

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  7. ... but wasn't it so even in the days of prophet Samuel, when the people were getting ready to anoint Eliab. They looked at the outward appearance of Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”(1 Sam 16:6)

    The LORD however interjected and said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7)

    Isn't true that man always starts and looks on the outside but God starts from the inside-out?

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  8. Thanks Lillianne for the insightful post.
    When I was young, and even now, my mother was/is more concerned about appearances than anything. It has had an influence on others that isn't always positive. I think it is important to look nice, but caring and loving others is far more important.
    Some people need attention so badly that they will make themselves to look very good and talk a lot. When you get to know that person, you can see there isn't real substance.

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    • I agree with what you said Jane. I know a bunch off people that is obvious how fake they are and how empty inside when you are around them. They always look at themselves to look impressive and to be noticed but if you happen not to agree with them you become their enemy. I believe they are called hypocrites by Jesus. God forbade that we become so blinded of our spiritual need to be in the situation of the Laodicean and not see clearly our empty ness. God bless!

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  9. Jane, we need to go back to Monday's lesson and apply our knowledge of filtering to judgementalism. Inge had a good thought. When we think of filter, all we need to know is: Spreeding the Good News is the best filter.

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  10. What a wonderful lesson to read on this beautiful Sabbath morning. I cannot wait to share this with some people who I know will appreciate this. Beauty will fade (outside), but character remains forever (inside). Thank you for a simple reminder in things that are so very important. I am a better person today, just because I am reminded of something that I need to take a closer look at in my life.

    (3)
  11. The main issue with "Keeping up appearances" is that it is somebody else's problem. I would never do a thing like that. Don't we love lying to ourselves!

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  12. Sister Lopez,

    Thanks for expressing these thoughts. This message is what I needed to read today. I've shared your post and pray others will be touched by your words as I have been.

    Mechelle

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