“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” John 17:1

In a recent Sunday School lesson we learned that there was a specific timeline in which Jesus was to fulfill the task of redemption.  Here in John 17:1, Jesus tells the Father that, “the hour is come.” Jesus did fulfill the will of the Father on the cross. This plan for the salvation for all mankind was laid before the foundation of the earth, to be completed in His “hour.”

Believers of Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26). This label was given to those believers for the way they lived and practiced their faith. They were known for what they did in their “hour.” We too have an “hour” of time to fulfill the call of God upon every believer, “Christian,” today. Now is our time. Now is our “hour” to walk as Christ.

It is our turn to…

1. Believe as Christians

   Jesus asked Martha a question in John 11:26 that we should be asking ourselves, “Believest thou this?” To be a Christian one must first believe on Jesus for their salvation. This is only the beginning of our faith that grows with time and with the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).

2. Walk as Christians

   In our daily lives we are to be like Christ. Every day we need to pray, to read God’s Word, be kind to others and show the life of Christ. (Phil. 1:27)

3. Talk as Christians

   The way we talk reveals the company that we keep. If we walk in the ways of those who speak bad words or profanity, there is the possibility of one of those words slipping from your tongue. May our company be that of Christ and that His words that flow from our heart. Kind words, loving words, helping words, and encouraging. The words of Jesus should flow from the mouth of a Christian. (Luk 6:45)

4. Love as Christians

   As believers we make up the family of God. A Christians we show forth the love of Christ to the saved and to the lost. It is the hallmark of our spiritual family is to demonstrate Godly love. (John 13:35)

   5. Forgive as Christians

   The forgiveness that was given to us by Christ for our sin is reason enough for us to forgive others. The heart of a Christian is to bring forgiveness not destruction. A Christian’s desire is to be one of restoration. Bringing the wayward one back into the fold is our call from God. (Gal 6:1, Matt 18:15)

5. Give as Christians

   A giving spirit is a blessed spirit. We were given the greatest gift, eternal life, how can we continue as Christ and not give. Blessings come from giving (Acts 20:35). It is by our giving that we can reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

6. Go as Christians

   We have all been given the command to go and to tell the good news (Matt 16:15). Going and living is a wonderful thing from each Christian, yet it is in the telling that gets the job done. Romans 10:14 tell is that the lost world needs to “hear” and that they need to hear from a “preacher”. That’s You!

Amid all of the turmoil of this day and this “hour.’ Let us shine the light of Jesus.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Mt 5:16