When He Shall Appear
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 John 2:28)
There are many glorious promises associated with the great promise that Christ Himself shall once again appear in person here on planet Earth. For example, Paul says: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
Similarly, the apostle Peter promises: “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4). The writer of Hebrews first reminds us of His former appearance on Earth: “But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26). Then the promise is: “Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (v. 28).
Perhaps the most wonderful promise associated with His second appearing is given through the apostle John: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).
Therefore, when He shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory; we shall receive an unfading crown of glory; we shall be like Him, and without sin unto salvation. These promises even now constitute an incentive for each believer to purify himself even as He is pure.
But there is also the sobering warning in our text associated with the soon-coming time when He shall appear. We should abide in Him (that is, continue in Him, hour after hour), careful that whatever we do, wherever we go, we are in no danger of being ashamed before Him when He shall appear! HMM
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 John 2:28)
There are many glorious promises associated with the great promise that Christ Himself shall once again appear in person here on planet Earth. For example, Paul says: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
Similarly, the apostle Peter promises: “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4). The writer of Hebrews first reminds us of His former appearance on Earth: “But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26). Then the promise is: “Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (v. 28).
Perhaps the most wonderful promise associated with His second appearing is given through the apostle John: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).
Therefore, when He shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory; we shall receive an unfading crown of glory; we shall be like Him, and without sin unto salvation. These promises even now constitute an incentive for each believer to purify himself even as He is pure.
But there is also the sobering warning in our text associated with the soon-coming time when He shall appear. We should abide in Him (that is, continue in Him, hour after hour), careful that whatever we do, wherever we go, we are in no danger of being ashamed before Him when He shall appear! HMM
Alive into Heaven
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11)
This remarkable event—the translation of Elijah alive into heaven, without dying—was altogether miraculous, but it really happened! Among other things, it assures us that heaven is a real place in this created universe, for Elijah is still there in his physical body, still alive, to this very day.
The prophet Enoch, who had also served God in a time of deep apostasy, had likewise been taken into heaven without dying (that is, into the “third heaven,” beyond the starry heaven, where God’s throne is), as recorded in Genesis 5:24 and Hebrews 11:5. Enoch’s prophecies, addressed to the entire world of mankind, were given at approximately the midpoint of the period from Adam to Abraham, whereas those of Elijah, addressed only to Israel, were given at essentially the midpoint of the time from Abraham to Christ. Both were caught up alive into heaven before their ministries were finished. It is possible that they will return again to Earth as God’s “two witnesses” who will prophesy to both Jews and Gentiles in the last days (note Malachi 4:5-6; Revelation 11:3-12), then finally to be slain and resurrected.
In any case, there will also be one entire generation of believers who will—like Enoch and Elijah—be caught up alive into heaven. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven…and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
This could very well be our generation! And “when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). HMM
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11)
This remarkable event—the translation of Elijah alive into heaven, without dying—was altogether miraculous, but it really happened! Among other things, it assures us that heaven is a real place in this created universe, for Elijah is still there in his physical body, still alive, to this very day.
The prophet Enoch, who had also served God in a time of deep apostasy, had likewise been taken into heaven without dying (that is, into the “third heaven,” beyond the starry heaven, where God’s throne is), as recorded in Genesis 5:24 and Hebrews 11:5. Enoch’s prophecies, addressed to the entire world of mankind, were given at approximately the midpoint of the period from Adam to Abraham, whereas those of Elijah, addressed only to Israel, were given at essentially the midpoint of the time from Abraham to Christ. Both were caught up alive into heaven before their ministries were finished. It is possible that they will return again to Earth as God’s “two witnesses” who will prophesy to both Jews and Gentiles in the last days (note Malachi 4:5-6; Revelation 11:3-12), then finally to be slain and resurrected.
In any case, there will also be one entire generation of believers who will—like Enoch and Elijah—be caught up alive into heaven. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven…and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
This could very well be our generation! And “when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). HMM
Feeding on Truth or Wind
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)
Although there are many promises in Scripture to the effect that the Lord will provide material sustenance to those who are faithful to Him (Matthew 6:33), this particular verse evidently refers to an even more blessed promise. The word translated “verily” is better rendered by “truth,” so the latter part of the verse could best be given as: “thou shalt be fed on the truth.” That is, the spiritual life of the one who trusts in Christ will be fed and sustained by truth.
In contrast, the unbeliever feeds on that which is not true. The one “who hath formed a god” (Isaiah 44:10) for himself will soon taste bitterness on his tongue. “He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Isaiah 44:20). Those who trust in human deliverance will be like Israel depending on Egypt and Assyria. “Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation” (Hosea 12:1). The diet of false prophets is more bitter still. “Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall” (Jeremiah 23:15).
Wind and ashes, wormwood and gall; such is the spiritual food of those who reject the truth of the Word of God.
To the believer, however, the Scriptures are as much a daily need for the soul as bread for the body. As Job said long ago: “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Moses testified as follows: “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). HMM
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)
Although there are many promises in Scripture to the effect that the Lord will provide material sustenance to those who are faithful to Him (Matthew 6:33), this particular verse evidently refers to an even more blessed promise. The word translated “verily” is better rendered by “truth,” so the latter part of the verse could best be given as: “thou shalt be fed on the truth.” That is, the spiritual life of the one who trusts in Christ will be fed and sustained by truth.
In contrast, the unbeliever feeds on that which is not true. The one “who hath formed a god” (Isaiah 44:10) for himself will soon taste bitterness on his tongue. “He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Isaiah 44:20). Those who trust in human deliverance will be like Israel depending on Egypt and Assyria. “Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation” (Hosea 12:1). The diet of false prophets is more bitter still. “Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall” (Jeremiah 23:15).
Wind and ashes, wormwood and gall; such is the spiritual food of those who reject the truth of the Word of God.
To the believer, however, the Scriptures are as much a daily need for the soul as bread for the body. As Job said long ago: “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Moses testified as follows: “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). HMM
Preciousness
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
The verses leading up to our text explain why we are so special in God’s eyes. We find the key in verse 7, which literally reads, “For you, therefore that believe is the preciousness,” since the Greek word is a noun and not an adjective. But what is this preciousness? The word means honor or honorableness, and in slightly different forms is so translated in 1 Peter 1:7 and 3:7. But whose honor or worthiness is being discussed in this passage?
Peter answers both of these questions in the immediate context. Speaking of the Lord, he calls Him “precious…a chief corner stone, elect, precious” (1 Peter 2:4, 6). Christ, in God’s eyes, is precious. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Why is He precious? For His purity, love, desire for God’s will, etc.—all the ways (and more) in which we are not precious.
If we choose to remain in disobedient unbelief (1 Peter 2:7), the stone is made “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word” (v. 8). Christ, God’s beloved Son, and His atoning blood are so precious to God that there is a limit to His patience toward those who reject them. God will not allow His Son to be “disallowed” or disobeyed without penalty. Worthlessness is the state of those who reject, and judgment awaits them.
If we disbelieve, we have no hope, but “he that believeth on him shall not be confounded [literally, ‘shall positively not be disappointed’]” (v. 6). Our faith is well-founded. If we place our trust in Him, His preciousness is transferred to us. When God the Father looks at one who truly believes, He sees not only Christ’s sinlessness, He sees His preciousness. JDM
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
The verses leading up to our text explain why we are so special in God’s eyes. We find the key in verse 7, which literally reads, “For you, therefore that believe is the preciousness,” since the Greek word is a noun and not an adjective. But what is this preciousness? The word means honor or honorableness, and in slightly different forms is so translated in 1 Peter 1:7 and 3:7. But whose honor or worthiness is being discussed in this passage?
Peter answers both of these questions in the immediate context. Speaking of the Lord, he calls Him “precious…a chief corner stone, elect, precious” (1 Peter 2:4, 6). Christ, in God’s eyes, is precious. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Why is He precious? For His purity, love, desire for God’s will, etc.—all the ways (and more) in which we are not precious.
If we choose to remain in disobedient unbelief (1 Peter 2:7), the stone is made “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word” (v. 8). Christ, God’s beloved Son, and His atoning blood are so precious to God that there is a limit to His patience toward those who reject them. God will not allow His Son to be “disallowed” or disobeyed without penalty. Worthlessness is the state of those who reject, and judgment awaits them.
If we disbelieve, we have no hope, but “he that believeth on him shall not be confounded [literally, ‘shall positively not be disappointed’]” (v. 6). Our faith is well-founded. If we place our trust in Him, His preciousness is transferred to us. When God the Father looks at one who truly believes, He sees not only Christ’s sinlessness, He sees His preciousness. JDM
Use Your Gift! - by Greg Laurie -
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
-1 Corinthians 14:1
Remember when you were a kid and couldn't wait to see if your parents got you the Christmas presents you wanted? You went searching because all kids know where their parents hide the Christmas gifts.
You knew how to carefully peel back the wrapping and tape without ripping anything. Then, you would peek inside. Afterward you cautiously put it all back again. You could hardly wait until Christmas day to open your gift.
As Christians, that should be our attitude toward the gifts of the Spirit. In fact, the Bible tells us to "desire spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV), which means to especially want and cultivate them.
However, if we do not want these gifts, discover these gifts, and use these gifts, we could be quenching the Holy Spirit.
The Bible warns, "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies" (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 NKJV). Or literally, don't depreciate prophetic utterance or spurn the gifts.
To quench something means to extinguish it like putting out a campfire. When you break camp, for example, you extinguish the fire by pouring water on it and shoveling dirt over it. You quench the fire.
In the same way, if the Holy Spirit is working in your life and has gifts He wants you to discover and use, you can quench the Spirit by saying, "I don't want any of that."
In fact, this could even be a sin because James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (NKJV).
Also, the Bible specifically tells us that we should "come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:7 NKJV).
So, let's desire spiritual gifts and pray that God will send them.
So We Can Help Each Other - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.-1 Corinthians 12:7
Have you ever received a gift you didn't like?
At one time or another, we have all received gifts that we didn't like very much. But if you're a follower of Jesus Christ, the gift God has for you is a perfect gift that you'll never want to return.
Therefore, you need to receive the gift and then develop and use that gift for the glory of God. This happens through the church.
I thank God for the church. I know we're not perfect, but we're still the best thing going. There's nothing like the church. And let's remember that Jesus started the church.
In a technical sense, it's an organization, but it's actually a family. As believers, as members of the family, we each have a role. Even when we can't meet in person, we need the church, and the church needs us. It's here that we discover and develop our spiritual gifts that we can use for God's glory.
However, there's a difference between spiritual gifts and natural abilities. We are all born with certain abilities. Some people are naturally athletic while others are artistic or have musical talent.
Some people are good at details or good at crunching numbers, but everyone is born with certain abilities and talents that God gave them. Although, there's a difference between God-given talents and spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Here's what the Bible says in Romans: "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well" (12:4-6 NLT).
We are not all the same. Aren't you glad of that? And we all have a part to play through the church with our spiritual gifts.
Waxing Old
�Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.� (Isaiah 51:6)
This verse is typical of many Scriptures that contrast this present decaying, dying order of things (characterizing a world under God�s curse) with the things that are not dying and that will survive into the new order when the curse is removed (Revelation 22:3). Even the present �heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,� Jesus said (Matthew 24:35). God, the Creator, who imposed the curse because of man�s sin, is not Himself subject to it. �They shall perish, but thou shalt endure:�as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end� (Psalm 102:26-27).
As the text for the day assures us, God�s salvation and righteousness shall never be changed, even when Earth and heaven flee away. The same contrasts exist in the biological realm. �The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever� (Isaiah 40:8).
Human nature exhibits a similar phenomenon. �Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;�they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint� (Isaiah 40:30-31).
This principle, in fact, applies to the entire creation. �Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption [literally �decay�] into the glorious liberty of the children of God� (Romans 8:21). HMM
�Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.� (Isaiah 51:6)
This verse is typical of many Scriptures that contrast this present decaying, dying order of things (characterizing a world under God�s curse) with the things that are not dying and that will survive into the new order when the curse is removed (Revelation 22:3). Even the present �heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,� Jesus said (Matthew 24:35). God, the Creator, who imposed the curse because of man�s sin, is not Himself subject to it. �They shall perish, but thou shalt endure:�as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end� (Psalm 102:26-27).
As the text for the day assures us, God�s salvation and righteousness shall never be changed, even when Earth and heaven flee away. The same contrasts exist in the biological realm. �The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever� (Isaiah 40:8).
Human nature exhibits a similar phenomenon. �Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;�they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint� (Isaiah 40:30-31).
This principle, in fact, applies to the entire creation. �Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption [literally �decay�] into the glorious liberty of the children of God� (Romans 8:21). HMM
Be Honest with Yourself - by Greg Laurie -
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. -Romans 12:3
Some people love to talk about how well-educated they are or how successful they are or how wealthy they are. If you are having a discussion, whatever your story is, they will top your story. They know more than you do, and on and on it goes. They think they're God's gift to humanity.
But, as someone has pointed out, cemeteries are full of indispensable people. We're not as great as we think we are.
The apostle Paul cautions us about this in Romans 12. He says, "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us" (verse 3 NLT).
In other words, think clearly. Start with an honest self-evaluation. Have a balanced, realistic view of yourself.
The problem is that we sometimes envy the spiritual gifts that God gives to someone else. Maybe God has called you to preach, but you really want to be a musician and a worship leader. Or maybe you're a worship leader and really want to be a preacher.
Perhaps you're working behind the scenes, but you really want to lead the class. Or you're leading the class but really want to be working behind the scenes.
If God gave you a gift, then develop and use your gift. It's disobedient not to use it. Don't think you're better than you are. On the other hand, don't think you're worse than you are. Instead, see yourself honestly.
He has given you a spiritual gift. So, receive the gift, thank God for the gift, and start developing the gift. And be content and thankful with the spiritual gift that God has given to you.
Heartfelt Prayer
�Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.� (Lamentations 3:41)
It is so easy to let our prayers become routine and repetitious, and we need to remember that God listens more closely to our hearts than the phrases from our lips. The Lord Jesus cautioned us about this: �But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him� (Matthew 6:7-8).
Many people will lift their hands to pray or prostrate themselves on the ground. Some will stand; some will kneel. Some shout, some pray silently, some even leap and dance. Some will write out their prayers and then read them to an audience; others will pray eloquently and at great length. But the thing that counts far more than posture or eloquence is our attitude of heart. We must lift up our hearts to the Lord, not just our hands or our voices. Then He will hear in heaven!
We need to feel as the psalmist felt: �As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God� (Psalm 42:1). Our hearts need first to be right, of course�pure and true in His sight. �Call on the Lord out of a pure heart� (2 Timothy 2:22). �If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me� (Psalm 66:18). �Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith� (Hebrews 10:22).
Our prayers must also come from a believing heart. �Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.� Otherwise, �let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord� (James 1:6-7). With these conditions met, the Christian is ready to pray, but then he must pray from deep within his pure, true, believing heart, and God will answer. �The effectual fervent [one word in the Greek, energeo] prayer of a righteous man availeth much� (James 5:16). HMM
�Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.� (Lamentations 3:41)
It is so easy to let our prayers become routine and repetitious, and we need to remember that God listens more closely to our hearts than the phrases from our lips. The Lord Jesus cautioned us about this: �But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him� (Matthew 6:7-8).
Many people will lift their hands to pray or prostrate themselves on the ground. Some will stand; some will kneel. Some shout, some pray silently, some even leap and dance. Some will write out their prayers and then read them to an audience; others will pray eloquently and at great length. But the thing that counts far more than posture or eloquence is our attitude of heart. We must lift up our hearts to the Lord, not just our hands or our voices. Then He will hear in heaven!
We need to feel as the psalmist felt: �As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God� (Psalm 42:1). Our hearts need first to be right, of course�pure and true in His sight. �Call on the Lord out of a pure heart� (2 Timothy 2:22). �If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me� (Psalm 66:18). �Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith� (Hebrews 10:22).
Our prayers must also come from a believing heart. �Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.� Otherwise, �let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord� (James 1:6-7). With these conditions met, the Christian is ready to pray, but then he must pray from deep within his pure, true, believing heart, and God will answer. �The effectual fervent [one word in the Greek, energeo] prayer of a righteous man availeth much� (James 5:16). HMM
Find Your Place at the Table - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. -1 Corinthians 12:1
All too often I think we overly mystify the Holy Spirit Himself, and as a result, we overly mystify the gifts of the Spirit.
Although it's a very simple thing. First, we ask God to fill us with His Spirit. Then we ask Him to reveal to us what our gifts are.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" (1 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV).
This is still a problem today. There's a lot of ignorance about spiritual gifts.
Whether this is because we neglect our spiritual gifts or don't understand them, we miss out on them. Maybe one reason is that we've seen excess in this area, causing us to recoil.
People sometimes do rather strange things in the name of the Holy Spirit. So we say, "Well, I don't want that in my life."
Yet, every believer has been given gifts of the Spirit if he or she is filled with the Spirit.
Jesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13 NKJV).
God goes out of His way to find the most unexpected instruments to use for His glory. That includes you. He has given you spiritual gifts. Maybe you've never discovered them, so you need to start praying about what they are.
Make an effort, and see what you can do for God's glory. Because the church needs you, and you need the church. We're a family, though not a perfect one.
So, find your place, and when you do you'll find that church will change radically for you.
The Christian's Calling
�I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.� (Ephesians 4:1)
The Christian�s calling in Christ is a high calling. Since we are encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of this calling, it behooves us to make careful study of it, lest our lifestyle bring reproach to the One who has called us. Consider the following sampling of the uses of this important word.
First, the calling is �of God� and irrevocable (Romans 11:29). We are called �by his grace� (Galatians 1:15) and �into the grace of Christ� (Galatians 1:6). We are called �out of darkness� and �into his marvellous light� (1 Peter 2:9). Furthermore, we are �called to be saints� (Romans 1:7). He has �called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace� (2 Timothy 1:9). We are �partakers of the heavenly calling� (Hebrews 3:1), and in response, we should �press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus� (Philippians 3:14).
The New Testament writers as well mention many things to which we are called. We are �called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord� (1 Corinthians 1:9). We are �called unto liberty� (Galatians 5:13) and are now free to �serve one another,� even though it means accepting the call to suffering. �For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps� (1 Peter 2:21). The �eternal life, whereunto thou art also called� may not come easily, for it involves the �good fight of faith� (1 Timothy 6:12). We are called �to glory and virtue� (2 Peter 1:3), even �his eternal glory by Christ Jesus� (1 Peter 5:10), for we are �called the sons of God� (1 John 3:1). �Give diligence to make your calling and election sure� (2 Peter 1:10). JDM
�I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.� (Ephesians 4:1)
The Christian�s calling in Christ is a high calling. Since we are encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of this calling, it behooves us to make careful study of it, lest our lifestyle bring reproach to the One who has called us. Consider the following sampling of the uses of this important word.
First, the calling is �of God� and irrevocable (Romans 11:29). We are called �by his grace� (Galatians 1:15) and �into the grace of Christ� (Galatians 1:6). We are called �out of darkness� and �into his marvellous light� (1 Peter 2:9). Furthermore, we are �called to be saints� (Romans 1:7). He has �called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace� (2 Timothy 1:9). We are �partakers of the heavenly calling� (Hebrews 3:1), and in response, we should �press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus� (Philippians 3:14).
The New Testament writers as well mention many things to which we are called. We are �called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord� (1 Corinthians 1:9). We are �called unto liberty� (Galatians 5:13) and are now free to �serve one another,� even though it means accepting the call to suffering. �For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps� (1 Peter 2:21). The �eternal life, whereunto thou art also called� may not come easily, for it involves the �good fight of faith� (1 Timothy 6:12). We are called �to glory and virtue� (2 Peter 1:3), even �his eternal glory by Christ Jesus� (1 Peter 5:10), for we are �called the sons of God� (1 John 3:1). �Give diligence to make your calling and election sure� (2 Peter 1:10). JDM
The Gift of Prophecy - by Greg Laurie -
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. -Romans 12:6
I'm a little suspicious of someone who claims to be a prophet of God because sometimes I've seen abuse in this area, especially during crises. The Bible also warns there will be false prophets in the last days.
However, there is a spiritual gift of prophecy where someone speaks for God, and God speaks through them.
In Romans 12 the apostle Paul shares a partial list of spiritual gifts, and prophecy is the first spiritual gift that he identifies.
Prophecy has been defined in different ways both in the Old and New Testaments. For example, it can mean to speak for another as a representative of God. However, the prophet always must be held accountable to the Scriptures.
In the Old Testament, God raised up certain prophets including Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Jonah. In some instances, these prophets foretold the future. Daniel foretold the future in graphic detail. So did Isaiah and Ezekiel.
The New Testament mentions prophets as well, such as Agabus. In Acts 21:10-11 we read that he predicted the future for the apostle Paul.
Also, we should note certain phrases that Paul used in his mention of these spiritual gifts:
So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:6-8 NLT, emphasis added)
Every follower of Christ has a spiritual gift. Whatever our gift may be, we need to start developing it and using it for the glory of God.
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