Rejecting the ministry might seem the logical step–it did for some in Corinth who disdained Paul, and it was for Diotrephes who refused to receive the apostle John;likewise, the havoc of our time has caused many to reject the biblically revealed way the Church of God is organized and administered;However, the Bible shows how that one who has been ordained can also be a good minister of Jesus Christ.
Dave Harris
Last Resort?
Do you turn to faith as your last resort—only when you are desperate and without any other resource at hand?
Is this when you begin to think about God?
You know, it is really odd, but faith is so often referred to as something someone has when everything else has been stripped away. But is that really what biblical faith is about?
Jesus Christ expressed stern disapproval of His disciples for their lack of faith on more than one occasion (compare Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 16:8). A poignant example is that of Peter, who, when bid by Jesus to come to Him on the turbulent sea, for a time was able to do so but was quickly overcome with fear. Jesus rebuked him, saying, “‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31).
Peter did not then have enough faith, and even the little that he did possess failed. Yet, as the Church of God began to flourish following its establishment on the Day of Pentecost, Peter—as well as the other disciples—boldly stepped forward as the ministers of Jesus Christ in the face of imprisonment, beatings and relentless persecution. They grew in faith!
During this time, seven men were chosen to serve as deacons. One of those individuals was Stephen, “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). What follows is the account of Stephen’s testimony against false accusers and his martyrdom!
Stephen trusted God completely—even to the point of surrendering his own life! This is the same kind of faith we read about in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, and it is certainly the unwavering faith exemplified by Jesus Christ.
We are told that it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)! The record of the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—resonates with the examples of godly men and women who did please God, and they did so through great faith!
If we are to have seeing eyes and hearing ears, then now is the time for us to be strengthening our faith. And if we truly understand, then we know that the faith that we are to have is not even our own but that of Jesus Christ!
When our trials come—as they do—will we be full of faith, or are we going to have to rely on the little faith—the faith of last resort?
Preaching
Do you understand the biblical purpose for having ministers who preach–both their role and ours? It is important, absolutely crucial and even imperative that we do recognize the role of preaching in the Church of God!
The Work Ahead
We are to work with vision–with a sense of the job that is before us! It is this perspective that will propel us to accomplish the work God has for His Church in the coming years–a time without parallel since the world began!
Our Calling
Jesus Christ was rejected by His nation, by those who were leaders of religion in Judah and even, at first, by His own family. However, there were some whom He chose who came to know that He was indeed the Son of God and Savior of the world!
Consider who actually is able to understand this truth:
“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight’” (Matthew 11:25-26; compare 1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
As it was in the time of Christ, so it is now—Jesus Christ is being denied and spurned! While nominal Christians appropriate His name, almost none of them are willing to obey Him.
In answer to those who falsely assume that they are Christians, Jesus stated:
“‘And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”’” (Matthew 7:23).
Our calling is one that is intimately and inextricably bound up in obedience to the marvelous laws of God. In fact, the Word of God reveals that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16), and it further states concerning those who desire to love the Father and His Son:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
Who then really does accept and believe in Jesus Christ? Who can truly say that they know God? Can you—because you are now living a life of obedience to God? Are you rejecting this world and its false god along with deceiving ministers who practice lawlessness? Are you growing in the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit, and are you becoming more and more like Jesus Christ (compare 2 Peter 3:18)?
While we should all be firmly grounded in our calling, we, nonetheless, must remain vigilant. Just how thankful are we to be among the precious few who have been called by God Himself to be in the first resurrection—the “better resurrection”—as firstfruits in the Family of God?
The Church
The Word of God reminds us to be on guard against falling away! A vital key to help us in this challenge is to understand the purpose for God’s Church and to know that we are truly members of the spiritual body of Jesus Christ.
Your Future Life
The truth of God’s word does reveal the future for all of mankind – even in terms of eternity. We can know and anticipate this future based on the promises God has given to those who obey Him!
The Nations
The Bible speaks about and defines nations – all from God’s perspective. While the nation of Israel is of a particular note, the ultimate truth for mankind is that the promises of God’s salvation transcend physical boundaries to include all people.
Before Time Began
God is the creator, and He had formed His great Master Plan that involves the salvation of mankind. By keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, the Church of God is foreshadowing the establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth – knowledge that is not relevant to the rest of mankind.
A Memorial
The Feast of Trumpets is a MEMORIAL–a celebration and reminder that we are to hold in remembrance. Not unlike other parts of God’s Holy Day Master Plan, this Feast Day is an observance of what will happen in the future!