09/09/2022 - ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE OF LIFE

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Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus…   2 Timothy 1.1

To be part of the ministry of the Lord Jesus, the King of kings, is to occupy the highest position in this life (Revelation 17.14). Nothing compares to who we are in Christ. Just as on Earth the ministers responsible for government decisions have the instruction of the highest person in that nation, we have that of the Creator. It’s good to remember that we are under authority, but we are also authorities (Matthew 8.9). Believe!

Regardless of your call in the Lord’s work, His will for you is to see you acting in it, according to His guidelines, until He puts you on another mission. We are no small thing, so we need to continually seek God’s direction and of course, always use the Name that is above all names for His glory (Philippians 2.5-11). Give all praise to the Most High!

What is your position? Rejoice in it and fulfill it according to the grace given to you (Romans 12.3). It’s wonderful to be in our position, performing the task assigned by God with simpleness of heart and faith. Faithful servants will be promoted to other positions when He sees fit. Don’t rebel against God’s decrees, nor go after experiences whose origin is unknown and why they come to you. Simply honor and love God!

Paul identified himself as Christ’s apostle, not as the enlightened preacher who was answered in his prayers. For him, dying was actually to gain (Philippians 1.21). Are you in the work for your own interests, such as a job or the easiness of doing wrong? The only legitimate reason for us to represent Jesus is the call that the Most High has given us. If it is not the Father’s will that leads you to be in ministry, repent!

The apostle said that his calling was according to the promise of life. That is the most noble cause! In fact, that should be the reason for our actions in the church and our daily decisions. The promise of eternal life in Heaven when Jesus returns should weigh on you to carry out the Lord’s purpose. Be alert to the fact that the devil will show himself as a devouring lion. Many are already in his clutches (1 Peter 5:8)!

The promise of life is in Christ, not in the church or in any man. Don’t be carried away by anyone’s talk! Remember: in the day of reckoning, even the intention of your heart will be shown (Romans 2.15,16). In God’s work, there cannot be the “love” of a mother, who seeks the “best” for her children. Now, parents on the other hand, must not treat their children as if they were someone else’s children. In short, remember: the church is not anyone’s personal farm, but God’s field (1 Corinthians 3.9). Always be a servant and not the master!

According to the word given by the Creator, when man sinned, salvation would include us. The promise of life has begun to be fulfilled in each of us, for we have been inserted in the vicarious work of Jesus. We can now call the Lord Father and live as His Word teaches. At the Messiah’s return, we will receive glorified bodies, and that will be forever (1 Corinthians 15.51-53). Hallelujah!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares