Tag: apostles
Judgment for the generations!
Scripture reading for December 27th: Job 31-33, Psalm 102, Revelation 19
Revelation 19: 1-4 “After this I heard what seemed to be a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just; for He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of His servants.” Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God Who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!”
God had called in Revelation 18:30 for rejoicing in heaven from the saints, apostles and prophets over God’s just judgment of Babylon. Chapter 19 begins with a great multitude in heaven loudly shouting “Hallelujah!” and praising God for the judgments and the righteous vengeance of God on those who failed to repent but shed the blood of saints, apostles and prophets. All heaven worshiped God Almighty in hearty agreement saying “Amen!” All the redeemed of earth and heaven long for God to bring mercy to the lost and while on earth, are called to share the Good News. But there is also a longing for the removal of sin and corruption from the earth and those who, refusing mercy, perpetrate the rebellion. Only our Omniscient God can justly judge and righteously repay. He too would rather show mercy. We worship Him for His amazing patience and mercy but also for His righteous judgments!
Psalm 102:12-13 “But You, O Lord, are enthroned forever; You are remembered throughout all generations. You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.”
Prayer: Hallelujah! Amen! Thank You Lord for Your great mercy towards me and all the saints, apostles, and prophets! We are all saved by Your amazing grace by the gift of Jesus Christ and His shed blood. You have wiped away our sins and given us a mission to share the Good News. Thank You for Your promise of final righteous judgments at the appointed time. Let every generation bring You glory!
Job 31:9-12 “”If my heart has been enticed toward a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor’s door, then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down on her. For that would be a heinous crime; that would be an iniquity to be punished by judges; that would be a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, it would burn to the root of all my increase.””
Gifts to equip the Body!
Scripture reading for September 25th: Ephesians 4:1-16
It was God’s amazing love that birthed the church from both Jew and Gentile. Paul prayed that the church at Ephesus might be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit and that Christ might dwell in their hearts by faith. He prayed that this amazing love would establish them and unify them in spite of any previous differences. As he prayed, he knew and confessed that Christ was able to do more than he could even ask or think about! (Ephesians 3:20-21)
God’s plan to save Jew and Gentile through the Gospel was made known to the church. God then raised up an army of those who would equip the church for the works of service that God required to advance His plan. These gift-people included apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The purpose of these gifts to the church was to equip the body of Christ. God wanted each member of His body to come into unity of purpose and have a full understanding of the Son of God.
When a person is first born again, that person is like an infant baby. They must be fed and cared for so that they can grow properly. Good food with a balance of proper nutrition must be given the infant. They need milk in order to grow. (1st Peter 2:2) In the church at Ephesus, as in other churches, there were some false teachers who might try to persuade these new infants to eat from junk food that they were serving. These false doctrines would toss them about and prevent them from growing up as mature believers in the faith. (Ephesians 4:14) As each appointed part of Christ’s body did their part, the church would grow up to be like their head, Christ.
The church today needs God’s gift people more than ever. There are many opportunities for infants in Christ to be tossed about by winds of doctrine and deceitful counterfeits. Church leaders must use discernment and preach the Word. Evangelists must preach the Gospel of Christ and birth infants. Apostles must plant churches and take the Gospel where it has not be preached. Prophets must expound the Word of God, keeping the church in God’s grace. Pastors and teachers must make disciples and care for Christ’s sheep by feeding and shepherding them. When all work together, Godly growth into the fullness of Christ results!
Personal relationships and ministry!
Scripture reading for August 3rd: Romans 16:8-27
Paul concludes his letter of introduction with some personal notes of greeting showing that although he had never visited the church at Rome, he had many connections. The community of faith is like a family with relationship connections everywhere. Ministry happens through relationship and when someone is born again, they come into a circle of new relationships.
The first woman mentioned was a sister in the Lord, Phoebe. She was called a ‘servant of the church in Cenchrea’. (Romans 16:1) The word for ‘servant’ is ‘deacon’. Phoebe was a friend of Paul’s who probably took his letter to the church in Rome from Corinth.
Priscilla and Aquila were a husband and wife whom Paul met in Corinth. Priscilla and Aquila were originally from Italy and left Rome because of persecution from Claudius, the Roman emperor who ordered all Jews to leave. (Acts 18:1-3) They had evidently returned to Italy and were part of the church there. Paul had been a tent maker with them and worked with them in sharing the Gospel in Corinth. These two had risked their lives for Paul. (Romans 16:3-5) A church was meeting at their house in Rome!
Andronicus and Junias, were relatives of Paul’s who were imprisoned with Paul at some point. Paul indicated that they were outstanding among the apostles and saved before he was. (Romans 16:7) This is the only mention in Scripture of a woman who was part of the early apostles!
Paul listed at least 8 women who were his friends and workers for the Lord. He also listed 19 men by name that he knew in Rome and commended them to the church there. He spoke of them in very personal ways as ‘dear friends’ and ‘like a mother’. He called them ‘saints’ and asked that the church greet them for him with a holy kiss of affection.
Paul warned the church there to be on guard against those who would cause divisions in the relationships that they enjoyed. Each church must be watchful because Satan loves to cause strife and division. (Romans 16:17-19) These who cause strife use smooth talk and flattery to deceive naive people. Paul’s warning was part of his pastor’s heart and years of experience in spiritual warfare. Personal relationship with Jesus Christ forms the basis of our salvation. Personal relationships in the body of Christ are essential for ministry. God knows each person by name!