I’m bringing a lesson on Positive Christian Living from…​

J.J. Turner in his book, Positive Christian Living, from the intro and chapter one entitled, aptly enough: "Positive Christian Living."

Intro — He begins by saying:

When a person becomes a Christian, he moves from a negative way of life to a positive way of life. Jesus made it very clear that He came so that we "may have LIFE and have it more abundantly" (cf. John 10:10). This is not speculation, but a divine promise. As a child of the King, life now has meaning and purpose. From beginning to end (i.e. from initial salvation to the heavenly home), Christianity centers in a positive Savior, based on a positive hope, revealed in a positive message, and encourages to positive attitudes and actions.

While all these facts are true about the positive nature of Christianity, it doesn’t automatically mean, however, that every Christian is living a dynamic, positive Christian life. This is evidenced by the tide of negativism in our midst.

Have you noticed how quickly many Christians in their conversations get around to the negatives? To listen to some Christians talk you would think that God has commanded, "Thou shalt be pessimistic" in His word.

How sad for members of the King’s family to live as though they are paupers. Tragic indeed is the son (lowercase "s") of God who walks around like "Sad Sack," with one negative remark after another falling from his lips. You would never guess that he has a joy unspeakable and a peace that passes all understanding promised to him by God. The point is this: he has never accepted it as a reality in his life.

Someone has said, "Many Christians have just enough Christianity to be miserable." We must realize, however, it is not that Christianity fails, but the Christian. The system is good. Man is the weak link!

In John 8:36 (ESV), Jesus says

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

It’s an insult to the Great Emancipator for free men to walk about in the chains of self-bondage. A bondage of fear, worry and negativism.

J.J. Turner says

"For a number of years I have been convinced that we will never make any great advancements in the Lord’s work until a change occurs in the attitudes of many Christians. We must change attitudes before we can change lives."

Chapter One — Positive Christian Living

"Why are Christians so miserable and negative?"

How would you answer this question asked by a skeptic? Do you agree with it? Have you ever met a negative Christ? Sure you have!

Nothing has done more to turn people away from Christianity than the negative attitudes of many Christians. "Why should I leave my happy life to become part of those unhappy people in the church?" How applicable is this question to our congregation? Are you a positive Christian? Am I?

Qualities of Positive Christian Living

  1. PCL begins with a denial of self as Jesus said in

    Matthew 16:24

    “…​If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…​"

    This is hard to do, but do it we must.

  2. PCL centers in knowing God. Jesus said in

    John 17:3

    "This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

  3. PCL means total commitment to Christ as Lord of your life

    Luke 6:46

    "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"

Rewards of Positive Christian Living

There are many reasons why a person should desire a life that is lived for God in a positive manner. Some major rewards are:

  1. It helps a person to be pleasing to the Lord.

  2. It brings happiness and peace of mind (cf. Matthew 5:1-8).

  3. A joy unspeakable is another reward (cf 1 Peter 1:8,9).

  4. It helps you defeat the devil (cf. James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11-18).

How to Develop a Positive Christian Life

  1. You must resolve in your heart that you want to live a positive Christian life.

  2. You must develop a plan to daily renew your mind (cf. Ephesians 4:23).

    One day at a time, while it is still called "today."

  3. [Spend time] meditating in God’s word (cf. Psalm 119:97-105).

What do we have to be positive about?

  1. Our God is alive (Genesis 1-2-3). In the beginning God created…​

  2. Our Savior

    Matthew 1:20,21

    But as [Joseph] considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

    Revelation 1:5

    and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

  3. Our Bible

    2 Timothy 3:16-17

    All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

  4. Our Salvation

    1 John 5:13

    I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

  5. Our Power

    Ephesians 3:20

    Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

  6. Our Reward

    Revelation 2:10

    Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

  7. The Church

    Matthew 16:13-18

    Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

  8. Our Hope

    Romans 8:24

    For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

Invitation

We are extending the invitation, now, to anyone who is subject to it. Come,…​ while we stand and sing.