VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING

I was Just Thinking About – VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING.

This morning I was proof reading a chapter of a soon to be published book on the subject: Christian Living – Intentional or Accidental? I thought you might like to read some of the thoughts shared. In context, I have written: The question to ponder is apt: Are you living the intentional Christian life, or a life that is more accidental and haphazard?

Years ago an emphasis for Christian living was referenced as The Victorious Christian Life. The strong influence was promoted by, The Torchbearers and the Keswick Movement (both operated out of Great Britain). Part of the emphasis was to learn to live above the circumstances rather than to be bogged down by them. The goal of Torchbearers (founded by Major Ian Thomas) was to provide practical Christian education designed to develop personal spiritual growth. It also had in view the preparation of people for a functional and effective life through the Church. To accomplish the goals entailed development and increase of one’s knowledge of the Bible. 

The Keswick Movement had a twofold emphasis upon justification and sanctification. The early influence of the Movement was based upon the teachings of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Other Christian leaders became involved in the Keswick Movement, such as the missionary, Hudson Taylor of the China Inland Mission and the writer, Oswald Chambers.

The emphasis of both groups that resonated most with me was the need for holiness in one’s life. In my earliest acquaintance with both groups, three verses captured my attention and focus. 

The first was Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  This was often connected to Romans 12:1-2 and the need for one to learn and implement the concept of presenting one’s own self to the Lord to become living sacrifice offered to Him.

The second verse that resonated and influenced my focus was II Chronicles 20:15, “Do not fear or be dismayed…for the battle is not yours but God's.” It related to the need for one to implement Hebrews 12:2 and to, “Keep on looking to Jesus…” and not the baggage that often accompanies one’s life and the circumstances by which one is often surrounded.

 The third verse was Hebrews 12:14, “Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” This was connected to I Peter 1:15-16 and serves as a constant reminder and requirement, “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.”  This emphasis was and has to be with the lifestyle choices one makes and the relationships one chooses to develop.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

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