Classified Ads

Isn’t it funny how some folks advertise things. Unintentionally, we say things in ways that we don’t intend and the result is both humor and an ineffective announcement. The truth is that our lives advertise what we believe in.

A. Jesus said in John 13 that people will know that we belong to Jesus if we love one another. Our love advertises our commitment to Jesus.

B. In one of those interesting texts in Acts 4:13, Peter and John have been dragged before the Jewish ruling council. They are questioned about the healing of the lame man. Peter answers with great boldness telling these religious rulers about Jesus. And the rulers note that these men had been with Jesus. Their demeanor, their words, their actions speak of time with Jesus. Our lives advertise what we believe in.

C. In another text in Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead, because their lives advertise untruthfulness. They want the apostles to believe something which is untrue. And for their false advertising, they are struck dead. Our lives advertise what we believe in.

D. In Acts 9, Dorcas dies and is mourned by so many because her life had advertised the kindness of God. Peter by the power of God raised her from the dead. Our lives advertise what we believe in.

E. In Galatians 2, Peter eats with the Gentiles. He will eat all kinds of food, but when the Jews show up, Peter withdraws from the table of the Gentiles. His influence is so profound that he even leads Barnabas astray. Paul recognized the hypocrisy of Peter’s actions and called him to task reminding him that he could not demonstrate freedom and intolerance in the same action. Our lives advertise what we believe in.

So what does your life advertise?

What do you believe in and what do people see in your life?

A. Does your life show that you spend more time with the Good Book or the Grateful Dead?

B. Does your life show that you spend more time with Jesus or with the Simpsons?

C. Does your life reveal that spiritual things or physical things are more important?

D. Does your life advertise the truth or deception?

E. In 2 Corinthians 3:3, Paul writes: “You show that you are a letter from Christ…” Paul is speaking about the Corinthians life demonstrating the faithfulness of his ministry among them. But Paul always pointed people to Jesus. So their lives advertised Christ. Are we sending mixed messages in our lives or is the quality of life pointing others to Jesus? Our lives advertise what we believe in. Prayer.

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