Essential Church: The People of God

The Church allows for genuine friendships, edifying relationships, and voluntary accountability.

Romans 16:1-6 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

In the close of Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome, Paul request the help is given to Phebe a faithful sister in the family of God. He also wishes them to greet Priscilla, Aquila, the church in their house, Epaenetus, and Mary. All of these people had an impact on the life of the Apostle Paul as they ministered together in a local church at some point. Together they served the Lord through good times and bad. I imagine that there were days when one of them felt like quitting, and that was the day when the other didn’t. They encouraged and edified one another to keep being faithful in the Christian life.

One of the reasons church is essential is because God has given us a ministry of edification to every believer in the local church. The fulfilling of the great commission was not intended to be a solo flight. We need other believers, and they need us. I know that with people come problems, but where people are gathered together in the name of Christ more can be accomplished for God’s glory. Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. You see, it might be cleaner just to keep your “faith” private and not involve a community of local believers, but you cannot possibly accomplish all God requires for the local church. It is a body made up of many members. We must not be so proud as to think we can make it on our own. Having fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that you can meet together to encourage, minster together in evangelism is one of life greatest blessings. There is a special bond in Christ that brings a hodge-podge of people together and makes them closer than family in many ways. We also have a responsibility before God to provoke each other.

Hebrews was written to a group of converted Jews who were considering defecting out of Christianity. It was difficult, unpopular, and they had almost had enough. The writer of Hebrews didn’t encourage an inward focus, but an outward focus of drawing closer to God and meeting together as a church to encourage one another through the difficulty. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Part of our mindset as Christians must be set on helping others. Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. When we neglect the local church, we forfeit our opportunity to influence and be influenced by the people of God. In order to fulfill the scripture, we must provoke (prod/encourage) each other in our assembly to a greater love for God and good works for God.

Lifting weights, working-out, running, diet, exercise of any kind is always easier when you have someone to help. Walking through the dark is easier when someone is holding your hand. A difficult task or chore doesn’t seem as bad when someone else is their working with you. I have been door knocking by myself and it is not as easy as when I have a partner to go with me. When we have others to help bear the burdens of life and minister along side the work of the Lord is easier and more effective. Why? Because we are working according to God’s design. We are working through the Essential Church.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Essential Church: The Protection of Godly Leaders

Acts 20:28-29 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.


1. The Proper Focus of Godly Leaders
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock”
As Paul looks to leave the church at Ephesus, he reminds us of one of the many essentials of the local church in the life of the believer-godly leadership. Here Paul commands the leaders to “take heed” meaning “to pay close attention” or “to be on guard” concerning themselves and all the flock. The “flock” is a reference to the local assembly of believers that have gathered together for the common purpose of worshipping God and sharing the gospel, a.k.a. the “local church.” As a pastor, I have the responsibility to watch out for the welfare of the flock. As a member of our local church, our members have the privilege of godly leadership to help protect them from sin and false doctrine.

2. The Placement of Godly Leaders
“over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers”
The Holy Ghost has placed pastors in leadership of the flock. The imagery of a shepherd reminds us that sheep are not driven, but they are led. If the pastor is to fulfill his responsibility biblically, he must lead people by example into godliness. A man barking orders while never demonstrating how to live a Christian life cannot biblically lead people.

People must also learn to follow godly leadership. They are there because God has placed them there. Many times we don’t understand. Perhaps, you wish they would lead a different way. You believe you could do a better job. We need to remember that God has sovereign placed them there for your protection.

3. The Purpose of Godly Leaders
“made you overseers, to feed the church of God,”
Biblically, we know that a pastor cannot control your life. He is not the final authority. Each of us have a personal responsibility before God for the way we live our life, but a godly church leadership is a gift from God to the flock of God to help protect them from going astray.

4. The Protection of Godly Leaders
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”
Paul warns of the danger that will come when he leaves. False teachers were waiting in the wings. These “wolves” would come in and tear apart the flock. The Pastors responsibility is to protect the sheep from the wolves. Following the example of the Good Shepherd, the pastor should be willing to lay down his life for the good of the sheep. False teachers are not concerned with purity of doctrine, or glorifying God, they are self-seeking deceivers that lead people away from the truth of God’s word. Some of them may have a hint of truth, but just enough to be believable. Perhaps some wolves are bold to spread their false doctrine. No matter what their approach, the Pastors job is to carefully watch the flock and warn of impending danger.

The world, flesh, and false teachers care nothing for our welfare. They are only concerned about themselves. We need the local church and the leadership of a pastor to help point out the deceit of false doctrine and the dangers of the world.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

This is just one more reason why Church is essential.

Disclaimer: This is not to say that pastors are perfect, because we are not. You must wisely compare what your pastor says with the word of God. If your pastor doesn’t agree with the Bible then you may need to find a different flock with a shepherd that will lead you and protect you by following the Great Shepherd.

Essential Church: The Place To Grow

The local New Testament Church is essential to the life of a Christian for many reasons. On e of those reasons is Spiritual growth. While it is true that a person can grow in their relationship with God outside of the local church, if they neglect the local church they will also neglect the overall wellness of their spiritual being.

1. In Ephesians 4:7-11, Paul explains what Christ gave to each saved person in order to glorify in the setting of the local church.

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
-God gave grace that enables us to use the ministry gift that Christ gave us.

Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
-This is the imagery of a conquering king bringing home gift and spoils for the conquered nation and passing them out during a triumphal entry on his way back to the palace.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
-These are specific gifted people that God gave as a gift to the local assembly (church) of believers.

2. In Ephesians 4:12-14, Paul explains why these gifts and people where given to the local church.

Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
-This is why God gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the believers in local congregations.
-“Perfecting of the saints” = “Maturing or Growing – Why?
-“For the work of the ministry” – “Those people help us to grow so that we can serve God.” –Why?
-“For the edifying of the body of Christ.” = “So that the Church grows and is built”
Remember, building the church is what Christ is doing. We want to be involved in Christ’s work.

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

This growing-working-building cycle should continue until everyone is like Christ. If we are following the Great Commission, this cycle will continue until Christ returns or until we are promoted to heaven.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Here is the key verse for this point of why the church is essential to the life of the believers. If we fail to utilize the gifted people that God has given to us as a local assembly of believers we will, at best, be stunted in our spiritual growth.

God has given us the support, accountability, and diversity of people in the local church to help ground us in what is true so that we can grow and are not tossed around or carried away be every new thing that comes by. He wants us to learn and grow so that we are grounded in the truth and won’t be deceived by the sleight or craftiness of deceitful men.

So many people are involved in false doctrine and extra-biblical activity because they never matured and they never matured because the never availed themselves to the gifted, essential church.

Essential Church: The Pillar Of Truth

The Pillar and Ground of the Truth

1Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Paul believed that he would shortly come to visit Timothy in Ephesus, but if he was detained he wanted Timothy to know how to direct himself and the members of the church should behave. He also tells Timothy that the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. Herein lies our second reason why church is essential to the life of the believer.

#2 God has entrusted the church to keep the truth so that others might see.

What does Paul mean by the church being the pillar and ground of the truth? First, we must understand Paul’s use of the word “truth.” Not only did Paul use the word truth in contrast with lying, deceit, and evil, but he also use it synonymously with the content of the faith in the New Testament.

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Local churches have been given the responsibility to:

1. Proclaim the truth
We consider this in reason #1. It is the great commission Christ gave to the apostles.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The idea that the church is dead or irrelevant is building momentum daily. Many have been turned off to churches that seem irrelevant or fail to connect with real life. However, the answer to this real problem is not to throw out the Church. We cannot, because this is God’s design. To leave the local church concept is to disobey the command and model of scripture. To privatize or familiarize (house church with just my family) church is unbiblical, not to mention dangerous in that we need the accountability and the encouragement of other brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. Protect the truth

The Church is responsible to protect to the church. We must maintain God’s Word and the interpretation thereof in order that false doctrine does not overtake true Christianity.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

3. Pass the truth.

The church is God’s chosen vehicle to passing on the truth. In this vehicle, people are used to share the message of salvation with others. God could have chosen to proclaim the truth through clouds, chicken eggs, or facebook, but he didn’t. He chose us. What a privilege. The responsibility is to pass it on. If we as a local church fail to pass on the truth, the next generation will never know it.

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

It is our Biblical mandate to share the truth from one person to the next.

“Pillar”

This word would have painted a vivid picture in the minds of those who lived in Ephesus. The temple of Diana was located there and it showcased 127 beautiful pillars. The idea is that the local church is there to uphold the truth so that the entire world can see the truth. Remember Samson and how he pushed over the pillars and the entire building collapse on top of the Phiistines (Judges 16:29). This is an example of the how essential the pillar and ground is. The definition of the word “ground” in this context is uncertain, but is believed to be synonymous with the word “pillar.” God has entrusted the local assembly of believers with the truth.

If the world is ever to know Christ (Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.), if Christians are ever to be like Christ (John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy word: they word is truth.), there must be a church proclaiming the truth. The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth.

Essential Church -Part 2 -When will the building be done?

Secondly, we want to know if the building of the Church will ever be completed?

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Here we have the Great Commission. Jesus Christ gives the marching orders to the church. He tells them to go, and as they go they are to shared the gospel, baptize, and teach believers to observe the commands of Christ. Jesus promises his presence with the church unto the end of the world. I believe this indicated to us when Christ building project will be over. The event that will end the “Church Age” is the Rapture.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. The Rapture the day of presentation that is mentioned in the following verse: Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. The individual believer is promised in that Christ will continue to work in his life, to make him more like Christ (sanctification), until the very same day. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Paul explains to the Ephesians the work of the Church is to be done until we become like Christ, which will only happen in eternity. Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Until Christ returns, or until I go to heaven, the Bible commands my participation in the building of local New Testament churches on this planet. This is not drudgery. This is a privilege. 1 Corinthians 3:9a For we are labourers together with God…

You see, God doesn’t need our help, but he gives us the privilege to work with him. Picture a 7-year old walking into the garage when his dad is changing the oil. Dad asks, “Would you like to help?” The boys replies, “Sure.” Here is the question, is the boy going to truly be a help, or will he more than likely slow dad down. He is going to slow him down, but that is okay. Dad doesn’t mine. He wants to involve his son and help him to learn. It is the child’s privilege to help his dad with the car. So it is our privilege to help our heavenly Father with the building of the local church. Church is essential if you want to work where God is working. One day the work will be over and we will no longer be able to help. I remember countless times running from my dad when there was work to do. Now that I am gone from my father’s house, I would love the opportunity to help him do anything I could, mow the lawn, change the oil, rake the leaves. I miss the opportunities to help him. As Christians, we will miss the opportunities to serve God through the local church, but once in heaven there will be no more opportunities to serve God in the Church.

Essential Church: The Program of God

Many people are leaving their church as they reach young adulthood. Statistics say that more than half of those who leave are not leaving because they are rebelling against God, although they are and don’t know it. They are not leaving because their mad at someone. They simply can’t find a reason to stay. They feel disconnected, unneeded, and perhaps they sense more connection with another group in their life such as: co-workers, college buddies, sports team, etc. Some of them don’t intend on staying away forever, they just want a little break, but the reality is that weeks turn into months, turn into years, and the little break because an extended vacation. I remember a girl who used to attend our youth group. At the time she was the godliest girl in the group. She decided that she just wanted a little time away from any responsibility home, school, church, it didn’t matter. She just wanted a break. Sadly, several years later she is still on her break. I don’t believe she left because she hated God or because she wanted to be rebel against everything she knew was right, but I do believe that church became unessential to her for some reason. I understand that if young people were more doctrinally grounded in God’s word they would have a greater commitment to the local church, but that is part of the problem. They are not grounded in the teachings of scripture and therefore they get tossed to and fro while they try to find meaning in young adulthood.

Teenagers and young adults, my desire for writing this is two-fold. First, as a pastor I want to know God’s reasons for wanting us to be a part of a local church. I believe the Bible contains the answer for this. Secondly, I would like for you to develop the Biblical conviction that church is essential to your life.

In life we will outgrow many things, clothes, shoes, 2^nd grade desk, nap time, sippy cups, diapers, training wheels, happy meals, but we will never get so big that we outgrow church. Let’s consider why this is true.

Church is essential because:

#1 Christ is building the church

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

While Jesus Christ was ministering on earth, he began to build the Church. The word “rock” is not a reference to Peter. It is a illustration of Jesus Christ. All throughout the Old Testament this word “rock” or “petra” is used in reference to God, never to describe a man. Even in the New Testament, the word “rock” is used to describe Jesus Christ. Christ said in this verse that he will build his church and the devil or any other evil work will not stop it. I think of a few questions when I read this. Where is the building of this church taking place? And, Will the building ever stop? Well, the building started in Jerusalem. Remember Acts 2. The believers are gathered in that upper room on Pentecost and they are empowered by the Holy Spirit and some three thousand people are added to the church. They were not only added to the sum total of all believers in the world, but they were added to that local group of believers that Christ start to build while he was on earth Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. They heard the truth of the gospel and then they connected themselves with Christ’s work. In the remaining part of Acts 2, we see how these believers gathered together around the teaching of the apostles (Old Testament), how they encouraged one another, and evangelized their area. In just a short while, God would allow persecution of this church to aid spreading them to God was at work building churches all over the world. It all started in Jerusalem, but soon is would spread all over and turn the world upside down. Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Today the building continues in many parts of the world. This is not a man’s doing. It is Jesus Christ still working, doing what he promised. This work cannot be stopped. It is empowered from Heaven and nothing can withstand it advance.

The following is a passage that shows one of the Jews first attempts and stopping Christ’s work of building the Church. Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, gave a great prophetic statement without even knowing it. He basically confirmed what Christ promised in Matthew 16:18. Read and be amazed at how his statements have come to past.

Acts 5:34-42 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

I believe “Church” is essential because it is where a current building project of Jesus Christ. He died for me. He sacrificed so much so that I could be restored to God, my sins could be forgiven, and that I could have a home in heaven. I want to demonstrate my love and devotion to him by being a part of the work that he started and is still doing. Some people go to church. I like to think of it as going to build a church. Working as a partner is a big deal. I want to be where the action is. I want to be right in the thick of everything God is doing in this world. If that is your attitude too, then Church is Essential, because local churches is where God is and where he is working.

Tomorrow, I will work to answer the second question I posed: “Will the building ever stop?”

You Look Like Your Daddy

My grandpa called and wanted to buy 100 of the "Just Like My Daddy" books. He is convinced that everyone in the whole world will want to read them. Perhaps it's because the book uses his son, grandson, and great-grandson as illustrations in every chapter. He had only one request, and no it had nothing to do with fixing typos. He wanted me to add one more chapter on the following subject. If anyone would like to proofread this and copy/paste it in a email to me @ centralbaptistocala@gmail.com I would be grateful.

You Look Like Your Dad

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

As a little boy growing up in the small town Sullivan, Missouri, I heard it a lot. In the grocery store, at the state park, at church, wherever I went people would say, “You must be a Lahmann?” At the age of of nine I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult. However, now that I'm almost thirty I am very proud to be a Lahmann. People would also say, “I don't know who your momma is, but I know who your daddy is.” It seemed that everywhere I went in that town people knew me before I knew them. They didn't necessarily know me personally, but they could see my family resemblance before I ever got close enough to shake their hand. It's funny people do the same thing with my son. The day he was born, which was fourteen days late, he came out ten pounds two ounces. The doctors said, “We know who this kid belongs to.” It was obvious he was already taking after his two hundred and fifty pound father. I put on a few pounds during the pregnancy. His resemblance is still being argued but because of his size and his bald head, people automatically say, “He looks just like his dad.” He is a Lahmann there is no doubt about it.

In the Bible, Jesus identifies the father of the Pharisees by their resemblance. The way they act has told the world who their father was. Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. The Bible tells us we can see who a person belongs to by what they produce in their life. The Pharisees were rightly identified as children of the Devil because of their lying, deceptive, sinful lifestyle. They looked good outwardly but inwardly they were sinful. Their hearts were full of sin, but they were counting on their good deeds to gain them favor with God. No one has ever gained favor with God by doing something. Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Every man is born resembling the devil. We are all born bent toward sinning. Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

We all need to be adopted into God's family in order to begin to resemble God and not the devil. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins from God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have no hope of ever resembling God. However, when we are saved, God adopts us into his family and empowers us with his Holy Spirit. Then he gives us spiritual blessings, according to Ephesians 1:3, that enable us to begin to look like him. Phlippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: When a person is saved they now have God's power and help to live a life free from sin and the ability to live and look like their new Father.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

There is this little smirk that Elijah makes and every time he does it, I laugh. It's a little grin he does when he is sort of embarrassed, but wanting to laugh and smile at the same time. He holds his lips tightly together, looks up at you out of the corner of his eyes and slightly smiles. It reminds my of my dad every time. There is no denying it, he looks like a Lahmann. But Christian, we look like our family. We say we are saved. We tell people that we believe Jesus Christ makes a real difference in our life, but then why do we not want to act like him? Why are we so drawn to look and act like the unsaved who are simply emulating their father. If you are saved, you have the great privilege of resembling your Father today.