JOINT EFFORT IN FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

   

God has commissioned us, His children, to preach the gospel to the entire world. However, He does not expect us to figure out how to do it ourselves. He has given us the tools and resources we need (the Holy Spirit, talents, gifts, the Bible, each other), including opportunities and the assurance of His very presence, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This charge has become known as the Great Commission.      

Here is God’s primary design for accomplishing the Great Commission: some plant the seed, others water it, God makes it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6, 9), others bring in the harvest, and we all rejoice together, including God Himself “So that the Sower and the reaper may be glad together” (John 4:36-38). “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7). “There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). 

For us to accomplish the Great Commission, God has sent us out in different capacities. He has sent us out:

∙       As His representatives, to share our faith through Word and deed with friends, family, and all those He places in our path. 

∙        As missionaries and preachers who sow, water, and reap the harvest after God has given the increase.   

∙       On other occasions, our roles alternate from time to time, based on the opportunities He gives us, which makes each one of us the person who sows in one instance, the person who waters in the next, or the person who reaps in another. So, we might not all be at the same place at the same time, doing the same thing, but God is coordinating our efforts and making it all work out in a way that gets the job done; it is a joint venture. 

This is the framework of the Great Commission; God saves us and commissions us to different tasks: we go and spread the Word, water it, God gives the increase, and we reap the harvest. We pray, encourage, support financially, and cheer each other on. The endpoint will be when we will all celebrate together; we each will have cause to celebrate because our obedience and efforts (giving, praying, sowing, watering, and reaping) will have paid off! Mission accomplished! Last but not least, there will be the awards ceremony in heaven, during which, with the angels cheering, God the Father will say to each one of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much” (Matthew 25:21). 

Dear friend, which part are you playing in this endeavor? How diligent have you been? Remember, it is not our responsibility to make the seed grow; that’s God’s job. We only need to sow the seed, water it, and reap the harvest when it is ready. We don’t have to be eloquent or say a lot. All Andrew did was to find Peter, his brother, and tell him, “We have found the Messiah.’ And brought him to Jesus (John 1:41b-42). Likewise, Phillip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote-Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph” (John 1:45).

So, don’t be afraid; go ahead and invite someone to Church or to a Bible study; he or she might come, and coming, might pay attention enough to hear God’s voice. How about praying and financially supporting the Great Commission? You can do it; it is rewarding. Try it! 

ARE YOU AN ATHEIST?

 

An atheist is an individual who does not believe in the existence of God. Many people claim to be atheists, and that is their right. Claiming to be an atheist is really a matter of choice; in other words, atheists choose to believe there is no God. Is their choice based on research study, experience, or hearsay?  

The Bible makes it clear, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen 1:1). If you claim to be an atheist, who do you think created the world? Have you ever given any thought to that?

The Bible says what may be known about God is plain to everyone, including you because God has made it so. The knowledge of His eternal power and divine nature have been available to mankind since the world's creation. His creation is enough proof that He exists (see Romans 1:19-20). Nobody will be excused for claiming there is no God. Everybody must answer to God, no matter what they believe about Him. 

In addition, the Bible says God's laws are written on our hearts, and our consciences bear witness to that fact (Romans 2:15). Are you ignoring your conscience? What do you hope to gain? Could it be that you wish to be released from accountability? Honestly, there is nothing to be gained from refusing to acknowledge the existence of God because He will still hold you accountable for your sins. 

God loves you very much; He sent His only Son to die in your place for your sins (see John 3:16); however, refusing to acknowledge Him indicates that you are turning your back on His love and forgiveness. God cannot do more for anyone than He has done through His Son. Consequently, you will have to pay for your sins, but unfortunately, it will be in hell. Is that what you want?  

If knowing the consequences of your unbelief doesn't help you change your mind about His existence, listen to what the Bible says about your condition. "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1, 3:1).   

You see, only a fool will ignore warning signs. If you came across a road sign that said, "Caution, sinkhole ahead," would you continue down that road, or would you make a U-turn and return to safety? I'd think you would turn around. Remember, God loves you but will not force you to acknowledge Him. I encourage you to respond to His love by believing in His Son, Jesus, and asking Him for forgiveness so that you can escape eternal punishment. Time is running out; do that today!  

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN?

People can usually recall specific events that mean something special to them, even when they don’t recall the exact date. They can remember and discuss those days vividly and meaningfully. These are days like when they first got their driver’s license, were in an accident, saw a particular movie, went through a bad snowstorm, or witnessed something terrible or beautiful. The reason for their ability to recall those incidents is the impact the incidents had on them.  

One such event should be the day you believed in the name of Jesus and prayed to be adopted into the family of God. It is an event that can never be forgotten because it is the day you moved from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light –when you decided to no longer live to serve yourself and the devil but rather to serve God. That event has synonyms like born-again, reborn, redemption, salvation, and saved. No matter how referenced, it is an experience one will never forget.  

So, do you remember a day like that in your life? I do! Have you ever asked Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your heart? You will remember if you have. If you haven’t, it is not too late; you can do that now. Please don’t postpone making this decision because life is unpredictable; at some point, it will be too late to make that decision: you could be too sick or even dead. Nobody knows what tomorrow holds; you might not be able to make this decision later, and no one else will be able to make it for you. While you could sign a document that authorizes another person to make medical decisions on your behalf, that authorization will not apply to where you spend eternity. The best time is now! Ask God to forgive your sins through the finished work of Jesus Christ, His Son.   

The Bible says we’ve all sinned, and our sins have separated us from God. Since none of us is capable of paying for our own sins, God sent His own Son in the flesh to die in our place (see John 3:16). So, the reason Jesus endured such pain, hostility, anguish, and death was so He could be our sin-bearer and restore our relationship with God the Father. Jesus already paid the penalty for your sins, so you don’t have to; you just need to accept it with gratitude. 

When you make this decision, God will forgive your sins and never again hold them against you, no matter how horrible. He confirms that by saying, “As far as the East is from the West, that’s how far He has removed our sins from us” (Psalm 103:12). He will indwell you with His Spirit to give you the assurance of His love and forgiveness.  

The Holy Spirit will be the deposit that guarantees what awaits you in the future: eternal life in heaven (see 2 Corinthians 5:5). He will instruct you on daily living through what you read in the Bible. This is just the beginning of a new life in Christ. This is where it all starts. Don’t wait for another second; it is that urgent!

God loves you, and there is no better way to express His love for you than what He has already done, allowing His Son to die in your place. There is no other way for you to experience His love except through Jesus because He says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Make this decision and you will never regret it; you will always remember it, and always be thankful for the peace, assurance, and hope that comes with it, even when the world appears to be falling apart.  

 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAGES and GIFTS

Wages are payments made by an employer to an employee for work done, whereas gifts are anything given to another voluntarily at no cost, with no work involved.

The Scriptures tell us: "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Which of these two appeals to you? Regarding our relationship with God, we can choose which of the two we'd rather have, wages or a gift. We all deserve death (the payment of hell) for our sins because God's holiness makes it impossible for us to have a relationship with Him. However, God offered us eternal life (heaven) as a gift, not as payment for anything good we've done. How could He do that? How can some go to hell and others to heaven?

Again, the Scriptures say, "This is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). In other words, Jesus took on the punishment those who believe in Him deserve: "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son" (John 3:18).

Sin will therefore be paid for: either by the sinner or the Savior, Jesus. If you'd rather pay for your own sins, do nothing different from what you are doing now, and in the end, God will ensure you receive the wages due you (hell). People sometimes joke about wanting to go or not minding going to hell, but hell is no joke; it is a place of torment.

Please think it over and choose wisely. On the other hand, if you want to accept God's free gift and escape hell, repent and place your faith in Jesus, who died in your place. Please pray the prayer below:

"Dear God, I know I'm a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."

Praying this prayer sincerely makes you a child of God; He has removed your sins from you as far as the east is from the west (see Psalm 103:12). You are now ready to enjoy the benefits of being His child. First, He has put His Holy Spirit into your heart as confirmation that you are his child. He will start communicating with you through the Bible. Read it, pray daily, and join a local Bible-believing church for fellowship and growth in your faith.

Make sure you obey what you read, and before you know it, your new life will be evident to you and others; you'll begin to hate what's evil and love what is right (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Seek opportunities to share your new life with others, so they may also come to understand and accept the gospel.

Dear reader, make sure Jesus' death has atoned for your sins because "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Otherwise, you will forfeit God's gift, and accept the payment for your own sins! 

THE SAFEST PLACE FOR A CHILD OF GOD

 

When disaster strikes, it is possible to avoid or reduce danger or injury, depending on your location.  For instance, during severe weather, the public is instructed and encouraged to stay indoors, away from windows, and hide in the basement if possible.

For us, the children of God, we mustn’t wait for disaster to strike before looking for cover; we must be in that safe place around the clock. Why, and where is that safe place? That safe place is the center of God’s will, and we need to be there because our enemy, the devil, tries to harm or cause us to disobey our Father every chance he gets.

So, where is the center of God’s will? The center of God’s will is wherever He has instructed you to be at any given time; in other words, living in obedience to Him. Yes, there could be dangers, difficulties, and heartache, but if He put you there, nowhere is more secure. His instructions are backed by His promises, like: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4); “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear” (Hebrews 13:5-6). And the Psalmist confidently says: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

With all these promises and assurances, we must gladly and obediently follow the Lord. And while we are in that safe place, we must keep on the whole armor of God to ensure victory over the enemy (see Ephesians 6:10-17).  

So, is God calling you to a difficult or seemingly impossible task? Claim His promises, trust His wisdom, protection, and provision, and go in His strength to fulfill your duty. When difficulties arise while you are in the center of God’s will, call on and trust Him for victory; He is the only one you can trust to carry you through life’s ups and downs.

 In the end, He will reward you for your obedience: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. … Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:21). Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

MAINTAIN YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST

A person's identity is who they are: what sets them apart. Who are you? Who do you claim to be? Do people know you, and does their knowledge of you match who you claim to be? Don't make room for them to assume who you are, and don't make room for them to guess, but if they do guess, make it possible for them to guess correctly. Just be who you are in Christ! 

For example, if you see an individual in a hospital with a stethoscope around their neck, you could assume they are in the medical profession. If you see an individual in a courtroom, wearing a robe, sitting behind the bench, holding a gavel, you could safely assume they're the judge.

In our natural world, everyone has parents. So, it is in the spiritual world. You either have God or Satan as your father. Do you call yourself a child of God? If you do, then be a child of God. When you meet people, do they notice something about you that causes them to assume or guess you are a Christian, or are they uncertain? If they don't think you are a child of God, you are left with only one other option: they must think you are a child of the devil. But if you are a Christian, you are presenting the wrong identity.

If you became a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, it should be evident to people around you. If you live a life of obedience to God, you will, in essence, be saying you love Him (see John 14:15). On the other hand, if you are living in disobedience, people can quickly assume you are not a Christian, even if you claim to be one. 

Jesus is not interested in lip service, and He made that clear to the disciples when He asked them, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not what I say?" (Luke 6:46). When Jesus was warning against false prophets, He said, "By their fruit you'll recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit" (Matthew 7:16-18).

If you are a child of God, the characteristics (fruit) you exhibit should clearly indicate that you are His child. There is no better way of demonstrating that you are a child of God than through obedience. The Bible says, "Be holy for I (God) am holy." In other words, we should exhibit His traits of holiness in the way we live.

Developing these traits is an ongoing effort. We will arrive at holiness after some time. According to the apostle Paul, we must work at it with fear and trembling (see Philippians 2:12). It takes meditation on God's Word:  allowing it to transform us into His nature by renewing our minds. Then we will shine, as the Scripture says, like stars in the universe (see Philippians 2:15). 

Observing the disciples' lives, the Jewish leaders could accurately conclude that they had been with Jesus. If we have been with Jesus, it should be evident to others. Claiming to be a Christian and yet living as an unbeliever is proof of an identity crisis. It means you are still determining who you are.

A Christian should not live comfortably in sin. So, if you claim to be a Christian but are living comfortably in sin, you must revisit God's plan of salvation to ensure you are born again. We need to turn our backs on worldliness and all appearances of evil. If we fall into sin, which we occasionally do, we should quickly repent, confess, and seek forgiveness. That is the mark of a Christian: the fear of evil and the concern for displeasing God (see 1 John 1:9). 

Are you experiencing an identity crisis? The cure for an identity crisis is putting on the armor of God and keeping it on (see Ephesians 6:11-18), 24/7. You can overcome this crisis by determining to live a God-pleasing life and then seeking the help of the Spirit to accomplish it.

THE SECOND STAGE OF SALVATION

  

Salvation is the deliverance from the power and effects of sin by God’s intervention through the death of His Son, Jesus. The Bible says we are all sinners and therefore separated from God. If this separation continues past this earthly life, it will become permanent, and we will spend eternity in hell. Jesus took our sins on Himself to bridge that separation and died in our place. Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus as their sin-bearer is forgiven (saved) and comes into a personal relationship with God. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (Romans 3:22). This, you might say, is the first stage of salvation.

One might ask, why is salvation in two stages? It’s in two parts because becoming a child of God begins a lifetime of becoming more like Christ. During this process, we have to continue to live in this world, struggle with our sinful nature, the devil, and the difficulties of this life, and win victories that will gradually transform us (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). But there’s coming a day when Jesus will usher us to our heavenly home. At this point, our salvation will be complete. There’ll no longer be sin, evil, temptations, pain, or suffering; they’ll all be gone forever, and we’ll be free to serve our God and Father without hindrance from the devil and his agents. We will reign with God forever.

So, what should we do while waiting for the culmination of our salvation? We should continue to grow spiritually and bear fruit. We should grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord, living holy, godly, and peaceful lives and looking forward to the Lord’s return (see 2 Peter 1:2; 3:11-14). We should also be mindful of the plight of the unsaved and do all we can to share the gospel with them because the Lord does not want them to perish, but to come to faith in Him and be saved, just as we’ve been.

What we do should not be the result of our abilities.  Instead, we should depend on God’s promises and all He has made available through His divine power (see 2 Peter 1:3-4).

When that day comes, we’ll have nothing to be ashamed of. Our new home will take our breath away; we will be at a loss for words. Even so, Lord Jesus, come! God will give us a grand entrance into His eternal kingdom (see 2 Peter 1:11). The amazing promises He has made should help us keep our eyes on the prize, including a new heaven and a new earth, streets of gold, walls of jasper, and gates of pearls; arriving at our new home will be the second and final stage of our salvation.