Called To Serve!

Romans 1:1" Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God."
In our need for self gratification, it is easy for us to get lost in regards to the mission which we have been called to.God called us into His ministry, that we might be His servants to do His will, building His kingdom. It is not about who we are ,but whose we are. The title we wear means nothing, it is the work that we have been called to do that will change the world.

Here we have Paul, now with all that he accomplished he says he is a servant of Jesus Christ. In fact he often refered to himself as a bond servant or slave for Christ. He never refered to himself as Rev. Paul or Pastor Paul or even the apostle Paul, he was just a servant of the Lord. Paul realized it wasn't about him, or the position he had, but it was simply about Christ and Him crucified. He was just a unworthy vessel, called to be an apostle, separated for the purpose of spreading the good news of the gospel. Paul used every opportunity he had to proclaim the salvation of the Lord. Rather in bonds or free his message was the same, Jesus christ and Him crucified. He had to preach the gospel, for he was a prisoner of the gospel. He new it was the gospel that saved him, kept him, protected him, and provided all that he needed. He knew it was the power of God unto salvation.

It is not about us being saved. The world don't care what position or titles we hold. The sinner can't be saved because we have fancy degrees in various religious studies that allow us to call ourselves these fancy names and hold important positions.The only thing that we have that matters, the only thing we have that can save a lost soul, is the good news about Jesus Christ. Let us just be called servants for the Lord, and hear the word "well done my good and faithful servant".

Call And Choosen

1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light".

Now we are the children of God, we don't know what we will be but we do know when he appears we will be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. Rather we like it, or believe it there is a way a child of the living God is suppose to live. We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light,  chosen to be holy, and our lives should sing praises to the one who saved us.

We have been called out by God, choosen to bear fruit and fruit that will last. But the only way to lead a lost soul to Christ is if we are living a life that shows others the way. Our life is one of sacrifice and service. We should live a life that bears witness to the truth of our testimony to a dying world, that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God who taketh away the sin of the world. That He died on a cross rose the third day morning with all power in heaven and earth in His hands. This is the truth we proclaim and it is the truth that our lives should reflect. We should not be walking in the dark, without shining the light we proclaim to be born of.  We should not be living a lost life if we proclaim to know THE WAY. The world may tell you what you can or cannot do , but the word of God tells us we are a chosen generation, chosen to lead lost souls to the salvation of the Lord. If God called us to it , you can believe He has equipped us to do it.

Many have allowed the beliefs of this world, to dictate how they should live. We have to be careful not to be so focused on showing everybody that we are saved, that we forget to show the world there is a savior. Jesus saves and when we live the life we have been called to live, a lost world will know that He saves. Let us focus on living a life worthy of the name which we bear that others may come to know what we know, that Jesus saves....

For His Glory

Ephesians 2:10 " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. "

We who profess to be born again. Those who my the confession of their own faith claim to be born of the spirit of God, are thus claiming to be Christ like. These are not words to be just thrown around lightly. We must remember the world is looking, there are others who are reading the word of God in the life that you are living. We who profess Christ are ambassadors to Christ.

Now this I snot to say we are to live a life perfect and sin free, but our short comings should be the acceptation and not the rule. If we believe that Christ rose with all power there should be some evidence of this in the life that others see us living. People should see love for others in our life. Ours should be a life of prayer which offers hope to those lost in darkness. Just as many of us resemble our earthly parents, there should also be some resemblance to our heavenly Father seen in us.

The text says we are  His workmanship; The work of God, the creator and maker of all things. We have been created in Christ, in Him who there is no sin we have now been created in him unto good works. We are to be the example which God ordained , and thus we should walk or live in the profession of our faith.  Jesus rose with all power let us live like we believe this truth.

My sins His Salvation

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him".

Jesus Christ death; the message is unbelievable, a message of redemption, which is a substitution for sin. This is one of the great verses proclaiming the unbelievable love of God. It is impossible for man to grasp the fact that God made Christ to be sin for us, yet that is exactly what the scripture says. He who knew no sin made to be sin, because the sole that sins shall surely die, so for man to live Christ had to die.

Why was this act necessary? Because man needed more than just righteousness to stand perfect before God. To stand righteous before God is not enough, because man has already sinned. Man already stands guilty of breaking God's law, and the judgement and condemnation of death has already taken effect upon man. So the condemnation and judgement of sin had to be taken care of. God did this by laying all the sins of man upon Christ, all the guilt and condemnation of sin, God placed it all on Christ and allowed Him bear it all Himself. God's purpose for this was that we through Christ death, might be made righteousness of God in Christ. When a person believes in Jesus Christ, I mean really believes, God takes that man's faith and He counts it as righteousness. The man is not righteous, but God considers the man's faith in Christ as righteousness. God does this because he loves man so much, that he sent His only begotten Son to die that we might have a right to life. Jesus secured righteousness for man. He came into the world to die for man. He came and arose from death and thus conquered death for man. His resurrected life could stand for the resurrected life of the believer.

The truth is this, God loves His Son Jesus Christ so much, that He honors any man who honors His Son by believing in Him and believing Him. When we sincerely trust Christ, God takes that faith and counts it as righteousness, thus He judges us , and treats us, as though we are innocent. We are not innocent, us and God both knows this, but God counts us as innocent because of our faith in Jesus Christ. In the eyes of God, our faith says we have died with Christ and rose a new creation in Christ who is the righteousness of God..

Light of The World

Isaiah 49:6"And he said, it is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth".

We have a call to duty, just as Israel did and Jesus did, and that duty is to share the truth about God with others, so they can have a relationship with God. God wants to restore his relationship with all people and nations. A relationship broken by sin and compounded by people's rebellion against him.

People seems to have one or two approaches for sharing our Christian faith with others. Some feel strongly, that they should live the Christian life to the best of their ability, and only talk about Jesus if asked. Although others might know them to be kind and considerate, but because they seldom speak about Jesus or the gospel, few will ever know about their faith in God. The other way is to share the gospel with our words as well as our lives. Working hard, trying to live in a way that is pleasing to God, and also looking for opportunities to talk about God, and what it takes to have a relationship with Him. Jesus said, this about the relationship between our lives and our words: "you  are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before man, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven."

We are called to be God's light in our world today. It's through our lives that people see what God is like and hopefully become attracted to him. But it is through our words that they hear what's true about God, For faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God and what it takes to have a right relationship with him. God's servants are to be the light that penetrates spiritual darkness and leads others to a relationship with Jesus. It is our dedication to this mission which glorifies God, and in the process help reconnect others to him. This is our call to duty, will you answer the call?

Denied When A witness Was needed

John 18:17 "Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter,art not thou also one of this man's disciples?He saith, I am not.

How many times has this happened to you, you're in a position to bear witness to Christ and you let the pressures of whst is around you to cause you to deny Him.Here we have a cowardly denial,of both the world and Peter.Peter was innocently questioned by the door keeper. Peter denied any association with Jesus. Peter made an attempt to be known as one of the crowd. He joined the crowd, standing around with the many, joining in their activities and conversation.
 

Too many today deny being associated with Christ. People see us in church or associating with other believers, and when we are asked, we deny any association to Christ. We deny him in the way we live our lives, our love for one another, in our ability and willingness to forgive one another, and give to one another. We deny him on our jobs, at school and in social functions. At the time when a witness is needed many deny Christ in an effort to fit in or be accepted by the crowd, or to hold to a loved one, to keep a position our for a self serving purpose. We deny Him by not learning His doctrine, and by not proclaiming His teachings, we may not verbally deny Him as Peter did, but we deny Him in our actions. The worlds religion allows man to be as he is, do what he wishes and still feel acceptable to God. Just think for a moment! How few religions, how few churches, how few preachers and teachers proclaim the true doctrine of Jesus Christ, and how many of us are willing to hear and accept the truth of His word. When we are confronted with the truth, we say "you are judging me". We hold to false fables that "God isn't through with me yet", although Jesus said from the cross "It is finished". So few are willing to sacrifice their love for the world and all they have to stand with Jesus, and so we deny Him when a witness is needed.

 

When we deny Christ we deny the lost the chance afforded us, to know Christ and have a chance at salvation. How can we truly say we love one another, yet deny each other Christ. How can we say that we love the Lord with all our heart ,soul and life, and yet let His blood be trampled under foot, for when a witness is needed, when we need to stand up and speak for Christ, we sometimes hide in the crowd and deny Him.

The Light Of Love

1John 2:10 "he that loveth his brother lives in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him."

Walking in Darkness is a choice, as you cannot  simultaneously remain in darkness and walk in the light. To hate our brother we are not only walking in darkness, we are also abiding in death. Your brother is not limited to your prayer partner, members of your fellowship, your culture or your class, they are not just those you like and agree with you. The brethren are the universal body of believers who profess the name of Christ. Believers from every tribe, nation, kindred, and people. Jesus said "for whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven, the same is my brother.

To Love is a commandment not an option." on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," That we love God with all our heart, soul , and mind; and that we love our neighbor as ourselves. How can you profess to love God and hate one that he shed his blood to save. It hurts God when we hate one another, so how can you love him and yet continue to hurt him. The love of God will keep us from those things that leads us to hate our brother; every command pertaining unto God and his people will be fulfilled in the lives of believers who walk in his love, those who live in his light.
Love is light, walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you. Love provides traction for our footing so that we do not stumble nor become a stumbling block to our brother's faith. We should have the kind of love for others that Christ had for us, we must be willing to lay down our life so that our weaker brother or sister can continue this journey without tripping over us. God's love is the light which lights our path along this journey, that we don't stray off the narrow road. So let us walk in the light, walk in God's love..

Have No Fear;

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am God: I will strengthen thee; I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

How do people handle going through life without God? We are living in very uncertain times. These days it is very hard for one to plan ahead. We have people in washington who can't seems to come together on what is best for the american people. One side pulling this way and the other side pulling that way, and we are left in the middle full of doubt and uncertainties.We just don't know, will we have a job or not, will we have a income, will we have a house to live in, what will we eat and what shall we wear. We just don't know what we should do, yes  these are some tough times. But we have comfort in Gods word.

God's promise to never leave or forsake us, is perhaps the best of all promises. In spite of our rebellious hearts toward God, with love he still tells us "I have chosen you and have not rejected you". Did we earn this love? Deserve it?, ask for it? No. God is committed totally to his children, even though our walk with him is inconsistent and shaky. What would we do without God?  We could try and take Solis relationships of all kinds. Rather we chase careers, money, material goods, sex, substance abuse and even religion, they offer us no real peace and certain tee. But the only one true God. He says " fear thou not, for I am with you. We have nothing to fear, for he offers his presence to support us in life, for he is with us, the Lord is our shepherd, He provides for us, He is our provision, our hope, our guide, our direction and his two wonderful sheep dogs goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life.

 With Gods presence in our life we are never at a loss. He is God, so let us be grateful to him, and thankful for him, in our worship and praise to him. Not just  with an empty shouts of joy, or with empty ritualistic hand praise, but by living a life before men, worthy of the name we bear. We are children of the most high God, He is our strength, so let us walk like it; He is our ever present help, so let us talk like it; and he upholds us with the right hand of his righteousness! so let us  live like it. Jesus the Christ, the righteous right hand of God, that hold up all who believes. Live victoriously in Christ..............

The Way That Is Right

Matthew 7:14 "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,which leadeth unto life,and few there be that find it".

Are you traveling on life's highway, or are you on the downward road to destruction? We must be careful not to be deceived. Simply believing on Jesus as Lord and savior is not enough to enter eternal life if you haven't accepted this belief as your way of life.
Many believe but some have yet to accept this truth as a way of living. Many of us know and believe eating unhealthy without exercise can be harmful to the body, yet still do it. Jesus said not all who cry Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of Heaven. So is simply believing enough? The bible say the devil believes and trembles,so our believing should bring about an action also. What does it mean to believe? Man believes with his mind, but God's word says to believe in thine heart. See our belief in Jesus must be in the heart so that it can change our heart. It is when we believe in our hearts that we can truly deny ourselves,and follow Christ on the narrow road.
It is when we believe in our heart that we can honestly and boldly confess with our  mouth that Jesus is Lord. Then we can live by a faith that will keep us when the cares of this world try to lead us down the broad road.

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In Obedience To God

Luke 6:27-28 "But I say unto you which hear,Love your enemies,do good to them that hate you, Bless them that curse you,and pray for them which despitefully use you".

Our love must be strong and purposeful in accepting mistreatment, as it shows our trust in the Lord and his ability to use the situation for his Glory. Jesus not only taught us our love must be strong and purposeful when mistreated, but we must also be merciful to others in our daily lives, as the Father daily pours out new mercy on us.

Jesus commands us to pray for and bless those that offend us. Our natural response is to strike back when mistreated, but Jesus teaches us to do the opposite. Jesus gave two illustrations to show the extent of how far our love for others should go, there is a blow to the face and stolen clothes, in such cases we are not retaliate. The purpose is to reach out in love instead of satisfying ourselves through revenge.
The standard of sacrificial love goes beyond what others might do or what we might feel we should, but it is what Jesus teaches us to do, it is what he did. The prime example of selfless giving is our heavenly Father himself, who showed kindness to all humanity regardless of how they treated him, as he gave his only begotten son that we might have everlasting life. When we love others the way Jesus instructed us to, we show the world the love of God.

Alive In Christ

Philippians 2:21 "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's".

The word of God tells us this life we now live in the flesh, we now live through Christ, it is not us who live but He now lives through us. He is the light which lighted every man. When we surrender our self to Him, we give up our right to say what we will or will not do.

We are His servant, He is the master we are His bond servants. It is not about our will, our wants or even who we are. It is not about our salvation but the Savior who saved us all. They are not our souls we were told to compell to come to the Lord. It is not up to us who is or is not worthy to hear the good news. Jesus said go out and proclaim it to ever creature. Just like we don't know who is going to hell, we also don't know who is going to heaven, regardless of how many tickets they have in their hand. Jesus told us to proclaim the gospel to every creature. It is not our church, or even our ministry, we are just ministers in the ministry of Christ. We are members of the Church of the living God.Jesus said" upon this rock I build MY Church", not your church or your ministry. We don't even have a say as to where in the body we want to be, for He says " God has placed each member, everyone of them in the body where it pleased Him".

When and only when we truly come to realize this is about Christ and Him crucified, when we come to the knowledge that God didn't leave any part of salvation up to us for He said " you didn't choose me, I chose you", cause we didn't have enough since to choose Jesus, we said give me Barabas. But we were chosen for His will, out of His goodness and to serve His purpose. So let us remember the true JOY of salvation "Jesus-Others-Yourself, and let us live in the rest and peace of the Lord.

My Everything

Romans 4:24 " But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead:"

It is great to worship the Lord on Sunday, but it is even greater when we serve Him Monday through Saturday. Many walk straight on Sunday but their walk seems crooked the rest of the week. The Lord is seeking dedicated servants, who will willfully follow Him.

It ought to be the great care of every one of us to follow the Lord fully.We must in a course of obedience to God's will and service to His honor follow Him universally,without dividing. Uprightly, without dissembling; cheerfully, without disputing; and constantly, without declining, and this is following him fully. A disciple of Christ is one that gives up himself to be wholly at Christ's disposing; to learn what he teaches, to believe what he reveals, to do what he commands, to avoid what he forbids, to suffer what is inflicted by him or for him, in expectation of that reward which he hath promised. Such a one is a disciple of Christ, and he, and none else, is a dedicated Christian.

This thing is solely about Jesus and Him alone. Everything that we are is because of Jesus; all that we have is from Jesus. He is everything that God had to say to man, all that He needed to give to man; and in him is everything man needs to say to God. Jesus is all in all.

Will You Stand With The Lord?

Exodus 32:26 "Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp,and said, Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him".

Much like Israel many today have rebelled against God's word, making gods of the riches of this world which they have begun to worship. They profess the Lord as long as His ways don't interfere with their desires. Here the people began to doubt the Lord and made themselves other gods to worship. Moses appeared among them, and in great wrath threw down their idol and rebuked Aaron. The people were awe-struck by the presence of the servant of the Lord, and sought their tents, except for a number who chose to be bold in their defiance. Moses, feeling that this great rebellion must be crushed and punished, called the faithful to his standard, and those who came were of the tribe of Levi.

All true men ought to decide, because there is a major conflict going on inside each of us. A battle that we must fight with daily, and all who remain nutrual will be subject to the wrath. The conflict; belief in God or Atheism; the truth of the scripture or falsehoods of mans imagination.The  gospel versus superstition; Christ versus self-righteousness; the commands of God or men pleasing; and holiness and right against sin and oppression.These are conflict which we face daily and sometime hourly, will you deny Christ at a time when a witness is needed for fear of standing alone. Will you make a decision from the heart and stand boldly with the Lord even if it means standing alone. Will you profess openly and loudly your alliance with the Lord?  When you do all to stand, will you still stand?