Back in my college days I remember my ethics professor asking the question, "Who would you die for?" Most of the class responded with the typical answers; family, loved ones - even a few responded - friends. But know one responded; a righteous man or a good man and certainly not - a evil man.
But God demonstrated His own love for us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Just think on that for a moment - Christ died for us while we were still in our sin. Why would he do that? Simple, He loves us. (John 3:16) and He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
His sacrifice, if we accept it, justifies us before God, brings us eternal life and a relationship of sonship (Romans 8:15) - or heir.
Our obligation, according to Paul, is to be controlled by the Spirit of God because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14) "The Spirit then testifies with our spirit that we are God's children - if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." (Romans 8:15-16)
The Truth
He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Speak Boldly
In Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus, he describes himself — an ambassador in chains. Locked away in a prison, Paul refuses to allow his circumstances to dictate or alter his identity. He may be in chains, but he remains the Lord’s ambassador.
Can you imagine Paul chained up in that dungeon, throwing up his hand saying, That’s it; it’s over; I’m finished!?
Not on your life! Instead the apostle grows bolder as an ambassador; not intimidated or ashamed, because Paul isn’t chained in his Spirit, he’s only bound in the flesh. Remember how he concluded his letter to the Philippian Church? - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." So can we!
Don’t allow yourself to be defined by your past, or “chained” by your current circumstances. See beyond the physical with the Spirit and be an ambassador for Jesus Christ.
The Truth
Pray for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Can you imagine Paul chained up in that dungeon, throwing up his hand saying, That’s it; it’s over; I’m finished!?
Not on your life! Instead the apostle grows bolder as an ambassador; not intimidated or ashamed, because Paul isn’t chained in his Spirit, he’s only bound in the flesh. Remember how he concluded his letter to the Philippian Church? - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." So can we!
Don’t allow yourself to be defined by your past, or “chained” by your current circumstances. See beyond the physical with the Spirit and be an ambassador for Jesus Christ.
The Truth
Pray for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
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