Name Brand!

“Name Brand” products seem to have a higher price tag than generics. Often generic brands are of equal value and so why not save some money? Our family enjoys many off brand foods because they seem to taste just as good, though there are a few “Name Brands” we may still buy either when on sale or because we do prefer them. I have been happy to have found a generic allergy medication because it has saved plenty of money compared to the prescription brand I used to get. We don’t buy a lot of “Name Brand” clothing because the lesser priced clothing seems to wear just fine. When it comes to these sorts of things, generics may be fine. However, there are other times when the enduring quality we need hinges on it being the REAL THING; the “Name Brand” we can be certain will LIVE UP TO ITS NAME! This should be recognized as no more true than when it comes to religion. We had best only accept “Name Brand” CHRISTIANITY because anything else will either be missing some ingredients or possess some additives.

“Name Brand” CHRISTIANITY does come at a higher price. First of all, it cost the blood of Jesus. ( Acts 20:28) Secondly, it costs us the surrendering of our life to follow Him. ( Matthew 16:24-26) It was at Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called CHRISTIANS because their association with CHRIST was clearly seen. ( Acts 11:26) Later we read of the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily to make sure what they were being taught was REALLY the truth. ( Acts 17:11)

As Paul began his letter to the church at Galatia, he admonished…
“(6) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are TURNING TO A DIFFERENT GOSPEL -- (7) NOT THAT THERE IS ANOTHER ONE, but there are some who trouble you and want to DISTORT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. (8) But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. (9) As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” ( Galatians 1:6-9 ESV)

Regardless of the trust they may have had in Paul, if he changed the message it was not to be accepted. Even an angel from heaven had no right to change the message. Only the REAL THING associated with CHRIST was to be accepted.

The message of Jesus and the way in which we are to live as CHRISTIANS is to be accepted as it has been recorded in the Scriptures. God’s Word must always be viewed as much more than suggestions or merely principles from which to pick and choose. The authority of God is to be acknowledged as being behind it ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17) and therefore we can depend on its wholesomeness for all of life. Accepting it as it is ( 1 Corinthians 4:6) will make certain our lives are being properly nourished and clothed.

Regardless of what we face in life, let us glorify God as we wear the name CHRISTIAN ( 1 Peter 4:16) because it is only in the Name of JESUS CHRIST that salvation can be found! ( Acts 4:11-12) Anything else will prove to be no bargain at all! May we be sure to settle for nothing less than life surrendered to Jesus and the truth of the Word as we live simply as CHRISTIANS wholeheartedly following in the Way of CHRIST!

Have a great day HAVING ACCEPTED ONLY THE REAL THING!
Carl

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