Not for nothing

Friends,

Jesus came with a purpose and a mission. He was sent to do a perfect work, perfectly. He was sent to do a complete work, completely:

Luke 4:18 [NKJV]
The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

This is Jesus, the Lamb of God, the King of all kings ... Announcing for all to hear why He stepped off of His throne to walk this earth. It was not to live for Himself or to bask in the comfort of His deity. It was to take action and to live out His mission with zeal and passion.

If we are being formed into His image, then our mission and purpose is the same. We are not saved to live for ourselves or to simply do what is right in our own eyes. We are not saved to smugly continue a life of sin.

No.

We are saved to minister with energy and enthusiasm in whatever calling God has for us each day.

Be encouraged, Jose

Remain resolute

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)

The Lord demands that we put our whole hope and trust in Him and nothing else. Knowing fully well the fierce and subtle onslaught of the adversary on our claim to salvation in the segment of time, we are to stand firm and hold steadfastly on not the traditions of man, but on the word that has been revealed to us by His Spirit and the scriptures. In casting our burden upon Him, we set ourselves up for peace, which must precede any divine increase and growth in our lives.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NKJV)

Having done all things, let us remain resolute, stand firm and see the goodness of the Lord as we continue to abound in every good word and work to His glory.

Be Encouraged,

Afolabi

Like one alive!

Friends,

We who have been born again in Christ Jesus have a special privilege ... the privilege of the dead.

If you were dead, no one would expect you to pour your heart and soul into your career. Nor would anyone expect you to give up your Sabbath rest for a work function. And there would be no demand that you forsake the body of believers for a family reunion (where we get to relive the dysfunctions of our childhood).

The dead do not praise the LORD,
Nor any who go down into silence.
But we will bless the LORD
From this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 115:17-18, NKJV

Our new life in Christ means that we are dead to this world. Our life as mere mortals has ended, and with it the need to appease the world with our silence.

Brothers and sisters, we are alive in Christ. So let's end the silence of the dead, and walk and talk like one who has breathe. Let us use our voice to bring forth the praise and good news of Jesus!

Be encouraged, Jose

The one debt

Friends,

What do you owe the world?

Some would say that we must focus our attention on conservation and the protection of the planet. Others would say that our obligation is to the poor and downtrodden. And still others would demand that we reach out to the victims of violence and abuse.

Our Lord would not have us turn our backs on the poor or oppressed. Nor would He sanction the abuse of the world over which He has given us dominion.

But does that mean that we owe the world anything but the Gospel of truth?

Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

There are many layers to this simple sentence. Paul admonishes us to be good stewards financially, so that we remain free from the bondage of debt. He admonishes you and me to not enter into agreements lightly, so that we do not put ourselves in a position to be exploited for sin's sake.

But most importantly, we are admonished to remember that the LORD is above every man and institution. Our allegiance must be to Him and Him alone. We do not owe our boss, our planet, or even our government superhuman efforts. We are not obligated to give up our Sabbath rest for them. And certainly, we must not sin in an effort to fulfill their demands.

We do owe them the Gospel. The Gospel is to be spread to every corner of this world, so that every man has the opportunity to repent. The LORD has obligated you and me to preach the Gospel. This is our one true debt, for this is how we show them our love, and the love of Christ Jesus.

Be encouraged, Jose

Stronger than looks

Friends,

There is nothing that the world wants more than for you and I to be silent. An important weapon in their arsenal is intimidation. And, unfortunately, it can be very effective. But it doesn't need to be ...

Ezekiel 2:6
And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. [NKJV]

God has provided the means of salvation for every man, woman and child. He has called you and me to sow those seeds with our words and actions.

Be encouraged, Jose

By Faith

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith
Romans 1:16-17 NKJV

Apostle Paul in his days was accosted by many, some came to hear him speak, some with a different intent, but the power of the word of God goes to work in any heart that is open to it and is able to receive it. Being unashamed to speak the word and act the word in a hostile world is an hallmark of a believer in the 21st century. You may or will be detested and scorned for your hard-line postures most times, but because your agenda is not to prove self but to love and woo all to salvation and love of Christ. To as many that are able to receive and believe the truth of the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed in them giving them the secret of successful living.... The just shall live by faith, not by what we are able to amass or our strength, or what we have. Everything, including life is a passing vapor which is visible one time and invisible the next moment.

Live your life on faith. In it is power and revelation to full life. Faith in the Creator who is able and true forever more.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi