“Convinced”
I am so envious of preachers like Tony Evans and their ability to "turn a phrase" in a memorable way. How'd you like the Tony Evans' quote we learned Sunday? For those who missed Sunday, or who may have forgotten, Tony said - "If someone asked you who you are, and nowhere in the conversation did the name of Jesus or The Kingdom of God come up, you are a confused Christian. As a member of The Kingdom, your identity is tied to Christ. There should be no way to talk about you and not talk about him."
I will admit that I have been a "confused Christian", as Tony Evans defines this phrase, at times in my life. Maybe some of you have been too. I don't believe that our "confusion" is because we don't know that we belong to Jesus, or that we don't know that we are citizens of The Kingdom of God. Our "confusion" probably stems from a reluctance to talk about these things to others. We have no trouble talking to strangers about the weather, or our favorite football team. Why are we reluctant to talk about what most of us would agree was the most important thing in our life?
I am thankful that we have people at TOCC who are NOT "confused Christians". These men and women have no trouble identifying themselves with Jesus. These men and women are grateful for God's love and grace, and are convinced that God wants everyone to know about His love and grace.
I pray that, like these men and women, I will become less and less "confused" as I become more and more convinced of "who I am" in Christ. Will you join me in that prayer?
~Shepherd Ambrose Ramsey