"Is There Any Difference Between Believers and Those in the World in 2010?"

" . . . That ye may know how that THE LORD DOTH PUT A DIFFERENCE (separation; distinction; setting apart) BETWEEN THE EGYPTIANS and ISRAEL". Exodus 11:7b KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

ONE GROUP LIVED IN DARKNESS, WHILE THE OTHER ONE RADIATED LIGHT

There was a distinct difference in the book of Exodus between the people in the world system and the people of God. Those who served the true and living God stood out in stark contrast from those who served other gods. They did not have to advertise by wearing a sign board or passing out gospel tracts in the main plaza of the Egyptian capital. One group lived in darkness, while the other one radiated light. Anybody who had any kind of discernment could tell there was a difference.

AS A COMPLETE STRANGER, I COULD JUST WALK UP TO THEM, AND SAY, "HI. HALLELUJAH. I KNOW THE SAME JESUS YOU DO", AND THERE WOULD BE AN AUTOMATIC, SPONTANEOUS AND POSITIVE RESPONSE

I remember the first time I ever went to Mombasa, Kenya. Most of the people in that ancient city walking the streets looked depressed, with no purpose in life, and had absolutely no joy. In the midst of the crowd, it was easy to spot born again, Spirit filled, victorious believers in Christ. They did not have to say a word. No introduction was necessary. There was a certain dynamic which automatically, without any special effort, emitted from them. As a complete stranger, I could just walk up to them, and say, "Hi. Hallelujah. I know the same Jesus you do", and there would be an automatic, spontaneous and positive response. We were "one in Christ".

EVEN OUR LEADERS, WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE OUR RIGHTEOUS EXAMPLES, CANNOT GET THEIR PERSONAL LIVES STRAIGHTENED OUT

Today, sadly, I seriously wonder if there is that much difference in our world between believers in Christ and those in the world. Unfortunately, there are as many or more divorces among those in the church than among unbelievers. Hardly anybody thinks much about it anymore when internationally-known evangelists announce that they are getting divorced. Even our leaders, who are supposed to be our righteous examples, cannot get their personal lives straightened out. Divorce among servants and handmaidens of the Lord has reached epidemic proportions. Why is there no difference?

WHY IS THERE NO DIFFERENCE?

Statistics of unmarried teen pregnancies in the church are no different from those in the world. Corrupt government officials in many countries do not grant necessary business permits unless they receive bribes on the side. Likewise, the heads of some religious organizations only open doors of opportunity for visiting ministers if they promise to give them their tithes and offerings from any speaking engagements which are arranged. If they do not, then the door for ministry is closed. Why is there no difference?

THESE SAME PEOPLE "ACT HOLY-HOLY" IN CHURCH ON SUNDAYS, WITH THEIR PLASTIC SMILES AND EMPTY RELIGIOUS PLATITUDES

Foul language and conversations laced with profanities are often common place in the business world during the week, then these same people "act holy-holy" in church on Sundays, with their plastic smiles and empty religious platitudes. Then they wonder why people do not want to go to their churches which are full of hypocrites and phonies. Why is there no difference?

WHERE ARE THE CRUSADES WHERE SINNERS "PRAY THROUGH" UNTIL THEY TOUCH THE THRONE OF GOD?

Today we have "easy believism". When one repeats "the sinner's prayer", and is given some literature for a new convert to read, that person is told he is born again. I know that it is faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ which counts, and it is not emotion that will get one into the kingdom. But what has happened to "old-fashioned repentance", when church altars were known as "mourner's benches"? Where are the crusades where sinners "pray through" until they touch the throne of God? How can churches call themselves "Pentecostal", when a majority of the congregation has never been baptized into the Holy Spirit? Are these some of the reasons why there is no difference between believers and the world today?

THERE HAS TO BE "A DESIRE NOT TO FIT IN", AND ALLOW THE WORLD "TO SQUEEZE US INTO ITS MOLD"

Thank God for those who are "different". There is "a price to pay of consecration" to be different. It involves "dying to self". There has to be "a desire not to fit in", and allow the world "to squeeze us into its mold". If one talks and walks like the world, and there is nothing about us which is different, then perhaps we are not any different, and need to examine our hearts to see if our lives are pleasing to the Lord.