Tag Archives: Jesus

What Is Your Part?

Posted on by
Reply

Graceway MediaOne of my favorite sections of Scripture is found in Ephesians 4.11-16. Within these six verses we can see our part in the body of Christ.  As Christians, we will find the most joy when we are living according to God’s plan and purpose.

In verses 4.11-12, we see that God has put leaders in place within the local body of believers whose purpose is to equip the membership.  They are to educate disciples of Christ to do the work of ministry. It is easy to go to church to watch others do “church;” however, part of gathering together is for equipping to do the work of ministry. So, what is your part in ministry? You do have a part whether you know it or not. Make sure you are educated on how to best live out your calling from God.

Verse 4.13 tells us the goal is to “attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” We are being equipped for “unity of faith,” knowledge of Christ, toward Christian maturity which is Christ our standard.  Notice Paul says, “the stature of the fullness of Christ.” For the longest time we had a poster on the wall to measure how tall my son had grown each month. Christ is our measurement.  We are to be growing in sanctification to look more like the One who lives within our hearts. So, how do you measure up? As long as we are incarcerated in human flesh we will struggle; however, if we set as our goal to constantly be growing in maturity and stature, we will never settle for who we are now.

Paul continues in 4.14-16 explaining why everything in 4.11-13 is so important. First, we will be grounded in doctrine and not confused by deceitful schemes.  Second, this will help us speak the truth in love to those who are deceived or are deceiving. Third, knowing doctrine will help us grow in Christ. Finally, Paul says that as each member grows, the entire church body is built up.  It will be stronger in unity, faith, worship, purpose, and fulfilling God’s vision for the church–making disciples. So, how is your understanding of doctrine? How steady are you in the face of opposition? How strong is your church with you in your current condition?

These verses have always given me a reality check.  I hope they will be a spiritual check-up for you as well.

I used to have a friend who had a saying, “If every church member were just like me, what kind of church would this church be?” What is your answer?

Stop Beating Yourself Up!

Posted on by
Reply

If you are like most people, you have already begun working toward fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions.  Most of our resolutions lead us toward being a better person this year than last.  I would like to share a little bit of my background hoping that it will help you achieve your personal goals.

From the age of eighteen until I was twenty-four, I made a mess of my life. If there was a bad decision to be made, I would choose it every time. I had been raised in church, became a Christian at age nine, tried to be a leader in the youth group, and was growing in my knowledge of Scripture and the Christian life. However, just after graduation, I started making foolish choices. Eventually, I found myself so far away from God that I couldn’t find my way back.

In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15.11-32), Jesus makes it clear that all we have to do is show our repentance, that is turn away from sin, by returning to God. He is always ready to restore us to a right relationship with Him, continue our Christ-like development, and use us for His glory. It is that simple.

I was too smart for all that. I knew I had been too wicked for God’s grace, and therefore, couldn’t accept God’s forgiveness, love, mercy, and grace. I couldn’t accept God’s gifts because I couldn’t forgive myself. I was beating myself up for my own sinful behaviors. I couldn’t hear what the Bible was saying about God because I was too busy trying to fix myself. Needless to say, I was miserable! No matter how frustrated I was with my backslidden life or how determined I was to make myself live the Christian life I continued down the wrong path. I was convinced that I was a hopeless case. I didn’t know it, but that was right where God wanted me—consciously aware of my inability to change on my own.

I realized that relief wasn’t going to come by my ability to control myself. In my own flesh I was always going to make the wrong decision.  My frustration was caused by trying to live up to the standards I thought was expected of Christians. However, in confessing my inadequacy to live out the Christian life on my own, God was then able to live through me. The only way I was going to be truly restored was to come to God broken and contrite. It was then that I was showered in God’s grace and restored into a right relationship with Him. Immediately, I realized I could never let guilt hold me back from enjoying my relationship with God.

Now when I fall short of God’s plan, I am quick to run to the throne of grace, admit my failure, thank God for His forgiveness, and joyfully move on with my life all the wiser. If guilt has driven a wedge between you and God, it is time to run to God, confess your sin and guilt, then enjoy His forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love. Trust me, as someone who has been there, living a life resting in what Jesus has done brings about your best life now!

Glorifying God in Gray Areas

Posted on by
Reply

I have had people ask me on numerous occasions for advice on different topics that are not found in the Bible.  They are wanting to make the right decision; however, the Bible doesn’t specifically answer whether they should take another job, get married, move out-of-state, or which college to attend.  They want to obey and glorify God in their decision, but they just aren’t sure what they should do.

In His article, “Glorifying God in Gray Areas,” John MacArthur gives us seven sound questions to ask before making any decision.  If asked and answered with a heart longing to obey God, these questions will lead us to choose wisely.

If the issue you are wondering about is not specifically addressed in the Bible, then it’s helpful to ask these questions from 1 Corinthians to help you in deciding what to do. Asking these questions (and others like them) will help you make a wise decision based on sound biblical principles.

1. Will it benefit me spiritually? First Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”

2. Will it put me in bondage? First Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” Any questionable practice that can be habit-forming is not wise to pursue. 

3. Will it defile God’s temple? First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”We should not do anything with our bodies that would dishonor the Lord.

4. Will it cause others to stumble? First Corinthians 8:8-9 says, “Food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” One should refrain from using his freedom in an area which might cause others to sin. For “by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore,” Paul said, “if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble.”

5. Will it help the cause of evangelism? First Corinthians 10:32-33 says, “Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.” We must think of the effect any practice might have on our testimony to the lost.

6. Will it violate my conscience? First Corinthians 10:25-29 contains three references to abstaining from a certain practice “for conscience’ sake.” And Romans 14:23 says, “He who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” If we are not sure whether an action is pleasing to God, we should not do it. That way our conscience will remain clear and our relationship to God will not be hindered.

7. Will it bring glory to God? First Corinthians 10:31 summarizes all these principles by saying, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

You can find more articles by John MacArthur on his website Grace to You.