TRUE IDENTITY | Edwin Christiaan

The apostle Paul said, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more!” 1. Corinthians 9:19 NKJV

Being free from all men also means that you continue to serve God whether people honor you or despise you, whether they slander you or praise you. Whether they call you an impostor when you are honest, or whether they ignore you, even though you are well-known. (See 2. Corinthians 6:8-9)

In other words, our identity is not dependent on how people value us, but it is in Christ who truly loves us for who we are! That’s why it says that “nothing can ever separate us from God’s love!” Romans 8:38 NLT Yes! Nothing, NOBODY!

Because, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Romans 8:31 NLT

DREAMING BIG? | Edwin Christiaan

 

Nowhere in the Bible does it say, that we are supposed to “dream big” for God and demand of Him to use us big league in the area of leading others. Why? Because those God has chosen to be His children, He works in them, giving them the desire and the power to do WHAT PLEASES HIM! (See Philippians 2:13)

Yes! God works in His children, transforming them by changing the way they think and in doing so, they learn to know His will, which is good and pleasing and perfect! (See Romans 12:2) 

God’s children then become like His Son, Jesus Christ, who did not come to this earth to be served, but to serve others! (See Romans 8:29, Matthews 20:28)

As Jesus taught His disciples: “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Mark 9:35 NLT

And, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant!” Mark 10:43 NLT

THE REAL DEAL | Edwin Christiaan

The Bible says that when a great wave of persecution began sweeping over the first church, many of the believers were dragged out of their homes and thrown into prison and others were scattered throughout the regions. But despite the persecution, they continued to preach the Good News about Jesus Christ wherever they went! (See Acts 8:1-4)

That tells me, that these Christians were the real deal, and not those Jesus referred to as ‘those who hear the Gospel and immediately receive it with joy, but then fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word!’ (See Mark 4:16-17)

CHURCH OBSESSION WITH GETTING RICH | Edwin Christiaan

 

The church is full of people who long to be rich. The prosperity preachers tell them that Jesus was rich while here on earth, and that God wants nothing more than to lavish His children with an abundance of material blessings! These preachers falsely teach that in order for you to get rich, you must tithe and sow large money seeds to them.

But what you see happening, is that the people despite of giving all their money, are not getting rich! Instead, as the Bible says, they fall into the temptation of gambling their money away, getting into debt and because of it, they are now being trapped by this foolish and harmful desire of getting rich, that plunge them into financial ruin and destruction (see 1. Timothy 6:9-10).

Jesus Christ was not rich while He was living on this earth! During His public ministry, Jesus and His disciples depended entirely on the hospitality of others as they ministered from town to town. He told His disciples:

“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.” Matthew 10:9-10 NLT

And Jesus said about Himself,

“Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” Luke 9:58 NLT

Jesus did not come to make you financially rich, but He will take care of your needs, as He said,

“For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” Matthew 6:8 NLT

Therefore,

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need!” Matthew 6:33 NLT

That’s why the apostle Paul, a disciple of Jesus Christ, taught that,

“True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.  After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.  So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” 1. Timothy 6:6-8 NLT

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:19 NLT

YOU ARE URGED TO STAY AWAY | Edwin Christiaan

The Bible says: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1. Corinthians 15:33 NLT

This means, being in relationships with people that God did not mean for you to be in, is bad! The consequences of having relationships with unrepentant people can be devastating and painful and open the doors to all sorts of curses in our lives, which includes always being sick and having financial problems! It will not lead us to the heart of Jesus Christ and His blessings, but on the contrary, away from God into confusion, loss of peace with God, and ultimately corrupting our good behavior! Being in bad relationships almost always bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking and malice (see Ephesians 4:31).

That is why the Scriptures warns us to stay away from people who are unloving and unforgiving; who slander others and have no self-control and are cruel and have no interest in what is good. We must stay away from those who betray their friends, are reckless, puffed up with pride, and who love pleasure rather than God. These are the kind of people who will act as if they are religious, but they will reject God’s power that could make them godly (see 2. Timothy 3:2-5)!

We also need to watch out and stay away from people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith, by teaching things that are contrary to what the Bible, the Word of God, teaches us. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord, they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people (see Romans 16:17-18).

And, we are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian and yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with such people (see 1. Corinthians 5:11)!

NEW E-BOOK RELEASE AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM!

We are excited to announce that today, Edwin’s new book entitled, “DID GOD CHOOSE YOU? For many are called, but few are chosen” will be available on Amazon Kindle as e-book! Download here: http://amzn.to/2auxvEI 

Later this week, the print version will also be published!

In this new book, Edwin explains what it means to be a true child of God based on a wealth of scriptures. It is one of the most encouraging books you will ever read!

So don’t hesitate, download it right now to your tablet or phone, and begin reading this easy to understand book!

"FINALLY A BOOK THAT DEFINES TRUE CHRISTIANITY!"