The purpose of the Law

Galatians 3:19-29

This lesson stems from the previous one, and furthers our understanding of the law. Men who continue to abide by the law (of Scripture) have positioned themselves under a heavy burden, because the law was added because of man’s transgression, but only enforced until Christ came and fulfilled it. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them” (Galatians 3:10-12). If one chooses to continue in the law, then he must practice all the things it consists of. This not only includes the ten commandments, but all the rituals, feasts, sacrifices, and all things written in the book of the law. In addition to this fact, no man can be justified by the law in the sight of God, because the just shall live by faith, and the law is not faith. But to those who are still convinced that they should keep the law, are required to do, and live in all things written in it.

I’m grateful that Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law, so that we could be promised the blessing of Abraham as well. All blessings, including the Spirit baptism come through redemption and atonement. Believers are free to live in love, and are not bound by laws and traditions. Just because we are at liberty to love, we are not to abuse that privilege and participate in things contrary to holiness. The apostle Paul helps the church understand how we are to operate under the New Covenant of love when he wrote to the Roman believers, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:9-21).

Walk in love,

Ell

The value of the Law

Romans 7:7-12

The purpose of laws is to set boundaries and limits in place, in order to uphold, or keep certain standards set by the law giver. Man makes laws to govern how towns, cities, states, and countries should function and what to abide by. There are thousands of laws the U.S. Congress has set in place, that Americans are to adhere to. As times change, laws are changed and updated as well. There are about 20,000 laws just governing the use and ownership of guns. Can you imagine attempting to learn and remember the gun laws alone? You’d wreck your brain. Laws in themselves aren’t bad, but their intent is to expose, and reveal unjust and unruly acts that should be avoided to maintain a certain code of behavior or ethics.

Before Jesus fulfilled His earthly assignment, God set laws in place for His people to follow. Back then, men were living in sin, and weren’t aware of it until the law revealed God’s perspective on their behavior and actions. The apostle Paul added that he never knew sin, until the law made it known to him. In his own words, Paul stated, “for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet”. (vs. 7). When Jesus died, and fulfilled the law, we were delivered from it as well, and were then able to serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. In other words, the law reflected the Gospel, and could only be fulfilled by the Gospel, but we now serve God alone, and not a looooooong list of rules in the old literal sense of forms and rituals. We now live in the true spiritual meaning of love and obedience.

Living for God, under the law, was like going to school and trying to remember all the lessons you studied before the exam was presented. This wasn’t living, but merely surviving. Under the New Covenant, Jesus did what man was unable to do; fulfill all the law. Instead of trying to learn and remember a whole list of rules and laws, we need only to operate in love, and God will always give us what we need to pass our exams. When we live and allow God’s Spirit to direct our paths, we will automatically be equipped to properly handle ourselves in any and every situation we face. God will not tempt, nor lead us to sin, but He’ll make us aware of its presence, and show us how to avoid it. Sin has the power to control and manipulate us into doing all sorts of evil things, but through the power of God, we can expose evil, and overcome every obstacle the enemy places in our path.

Don’t allow yourselves to become slaves to sin, but yield yourselves to God, and let His love guide you along the path that leads to life everlasting. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:1-2). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

Walk in love,

Ell

The Shepherd lays down His life

John 10:11-18

There’s a song that was written back in the day by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell called, “Ain’t Nothing like the Real Thing”. The essence of this song centers around enjoying the presence of the actual person they love, rather than thinking on memories, or gazing at pictures. When you love someone, you prefer to be in their presence as much as you can, because real love cares, protects, is patient, kind, reliable, not easily provoked, unselfish, humble, mature, and endures the times and seasons. Many use the term love out of context, and base it only on feelings and emotions. Emotions and feelings can change like the winds of the air, and the waves of the sea, but love in its true element embodies all the traits found in the very God of all creation.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The love of God was also exhibited through His Son, Jesus, when He assumed the role of the Good Shepherd over God’s precious sheep. The Good Shepherd represents love in all aspects, as He tends to the sheep in His care, whereas a hireling, or temp worker only cares enough to get a paycheck, and cares very little for the lives of the flock he’s responsible to watch over. When trouble comes, the hireling will run and hide, and allow the vulnerable sleep to be taken or slaughtered. On the other hand, the Good Shepherd will defend His sheep, and ensure that no harm will come to them. The Good Shepherd (Jesus) had a personal relationship with His sheep, and they even recognized His voice. The love between the Good Shepherd and His sheep was so strong, that He even laid down His life, so that eternal salvation could be made available, not only to the sheep He watched over, but for all the other sheep around the world.

Jesus died so that we could live, but many don’t appreciate the great sacrifice He made so that our sins could be forgiven. Imagine giving away your last dime to help someone, and they walked away without even saying thanks. Or picture volunteering to do something that nearly costed you your very life to save someone, yet that acted as if you owed them that favor. You’d be pissed beyond belief…at least I would. Believers should show more appreciation for the great sacrifice Jesus offered to all mankind, not only for the holiday once a year, but in our everyday living. The way we live, proves to God how much we truly love Him. You can make your mouth say anything, but your actions reveal what’s hidden in your heart.

Walk in love,

Ell

God-given tasks for workers

Ecclesiastes 3:9-17

Work is important in all aspects of life. Whether working to make a living for yourself or family, working to get through school, or whatever you do that involves time and consistent effort, one thing’s for certain, work is a necessity in this era. The average person works to earn wages, that are used to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Work was easy in the beginning, as Adam maintained and kept the Garden of Eden in optimal condition. God provided everything he needed, and all he was expected to do was, remain obedient to God’s commands, and enjoy the finest life ever lived. After he sinned, things changed drastically. Work then became strenuous, and mandatory in order to benefit from the necessities offered in life.

Although we must work in order to maintain a natural balance, we must not forget that our priority works involve Kingdom business. When God made man, He deposited in each of us a special gift, talent, and special ability, that He expects us to utilize for His purposes only. Just as police officers and security guards are equipped with certain gear and equipment to perform certain duties, those items aren’t meant for personal or private use, but for purposes related to fulfilling their assignments. Believers are tasked with the commandment of soul-winning, because up to this point on the timeline of creation, things are about to get a lot interesting. Millions around the world are filling seats in movie theaters to watch the Avengers: Endgame movie. This particular film sums up the previous 21 films Marvel has released over the years, and is backed by unprecedented hype. While those movies are fictitious, and purposed to entertain fans, while making the directors and producers filthy rich, in reality, Christ will soon return, to begin the end game for this evil and perverse world.

The church is the mouthpiece for Christ, and our representation of Him can either help save others, or push them further away from the truth. It’s important for the body of Christ to first know their place in God, so that they can properly utilize all the spiritual gear and equipment available to stand against the wiles of satan, fight the good fight of faith, and remain steadfast, unmovable, and always progressing in the works of the Lord.

All the works we do on this earth, whether good or bad, will be judged. While we yet live, we should put our hands to the plow, and don’t look back, until Christ comes to take us away. But don’t think of yourself only, consider your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors who can have a better life in Christ, rather than making moves based on their own understanding. It is my desire that everyone give their heart to God, so that they can live a purposeful life now, and won’t suffer the second death that was assigned only for satan and his angels.

Walk in love,

Ell

Call and Commissioning

Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:6-8

The term, power, holds a number of meanings defined by modern dictionaries. Some define it as the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events, the ability to do something or act in a particular way, especially as a faculty or quality, or a right or authority that is given or delegated to a person or body. Others deem it to mean physical strength and force exerted by something or someone, or energy that is produced by mechanical, electrical, or other means and used to operate a device. Similar to these definitions, ancient scholars defined power as delegated influence:—authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. As Jesus spake to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee, after His resurrection, He said to them, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (vs. 18). God restored all power to His Son after He carried out the plan of man’s redemption. Before Christ left heaven to come to the earth, His power was equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but as a man, His power was limited. As He now reigns in Heaven, next to His Father, all of His glory has been restored.

The power that Christ reigns in, was left available to His disciples, by way of the Holy Spirit. This power is unlike any other, in that it is inherent and capable of reproducing itself like a dynamo. In other words, it’s always readily available, always effective, and never runs out. The purpose for such an amazing power being made available to believers is that only through such a great force, can our witnessing be effective, and we have the ability to stand against the powerful evil forces that roam the earth, seeking to kill, steal, and destroy all the Christian stands for. Just like the disciples, all believers were commissioned to be witnesses unto Christ to all the world. We are also commanded to teach God’s Word to all men until the end of time. There are no vacations or time taken off in the Kingdom of God. We are to be instant in season, and out of season. We are to always be ready to teach others all the things Jesus taught while on the earth. No man or woman has the right to change, or limit any of the teachings of Jesus found in Scripture. It’s sad how some actually pick and choose certain parts of the Bible to teach from, only to keep large memberships, and healthy offerings coming in. But we are to teach, not leaving anything out, no matter who’s feelings may get hurt, or who may turn against us.

The Word of God was written to give us knowledge of our existence, understanding of our sin and its consequences, wisdom of repentance and restoration, and the knowledge of understanding that the body of Christ is under contract to fulfill every jot and tittle of the New Testament from Matthew 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. Just as many are passionate about fulfilling a certain career goal, believers should carry a fervent passion to spread the goodness of God’s Word all over the world. We desire to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, etc., but in the end, maintaining a certain profession means little, if your works exclude God’s purpose in them. There’s nothing wrong with striving to become a doctor or lawyer, but be sure that your motives are only so that God can get glory from your life from that position.

Everything we do in word or deed we are to do all of it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17). Even as we exercise our gifts, we should not present them for show, nor to gain a reputation for ourselves. Instead, we use our gifts to edify and build up our fellow believers, and to positively influence others to taste and see how good our God is. God called us to carry on the works of His Son, and commissioned us to continue until He returns. Keep yourself busy in the works of the Lord, and don’t allow anything or anyone to block you from fulfilling your assignment. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Walk in love,

Ell

Matthias chosen to replace Judas

Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

Losing something of value oftentimes leaves a void that can’t always be filled easily. When a spouse or loved one dies, those who remain aren’t so quick to replace the one they lost with another, mostly because the one who passed on meant more to them than someone whom they’ve yet to love, trust, and respect. There are even times when finding a job after losing a good one can become a hassle, because you’d grown accustomed to your previous position, and possibly those you worked with. Although it stings, at times, to lose things of potential value, the void should eventually be filled, so that you can proceed where you left off. I’m not recommending men who’ve lost their wives, nor widows to marry immediately after their spouse passes, but that they should find something, or someone positive to fill the void that could keep them from progressing in life.

Our text picks up immediately after Jesus ascended into the clouds, and returned to the throne He had previously left to come to the earth. After gazing for a while at the clouds that received Jesus out of their sight, like deer in headlights, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and assembled into an upper room, where they lived during those days. While gathered there, the disciples, along with the women that followed Christ, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his four brothers, continued with one accord with prayer and supplication. Just because Jesus was gone, didn’t mean they should walk with their heads hung low. Instead, they decided to remain of one mind, and pray to God for wisdom, guidance, and direction.

The first business meeting of this early church that included about 120 names, involved the disciples seeking to replace the void in their apostolic rank that Judas left vacant. The qualifications to becoming the next disciple were few, yet very restricted. The up-and-coming apostle had to be one who was in the company of the disciples all the time, and witnessed the life of Jesus and His ministry, beginning from the baptism of John, unto the same day that He was taken up from them. He would then be ordained to be a witness with the disciples, and of the resurrection of Jesus. The disciples narrowed down the search to two men; Joseph called Barsabas, and Matthias. When facing a tough decision, the best thing to do is follow the disciples’ example, and let God decide. God’s choice to become the next disciple was Matthias. Stepping into the role of a disciple of Christ, wasn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s obvious why the qualifications were so strict, because the man who was to take Judas’ seat had to be one who was able to endure persecution, rejection, and possible death. Living a godly life makes us targets for those who faithfully abide in works of darkness. We don’t love the world, and this is why the world hates us, just as it hated Jesus. But we who are the new millennium disciples have to maintain the same boldness the original twelve disciples held while taking the Gospel of Christ Jesus to the next level after His death.

Jesus left the disciples some powerful words, of which Matthias probably missed, but could’ve benefited from when He said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning” (John 15:18-27).

Arm yourself with God’s spiritual armor, and fight the good fight of faith with persistence, so that when the time comes, God will say unto you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthee 25:21).

Walk in love,

Ell

Reaching new people

Acts 18:5-11

After their brief prison ministry in Philippi, the apostle Paul and his crew continued spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the lands. His ministry was preached from Philippi to Thessalonica, then from Berea and Athens to Corinth. Every stop Paul made, he was met with opposition, yet some he convinced to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Surprisingly most of Paul’s objections came from the Jews, the same people who rejected the resurrected Jesus. Regardless of how much truth Paul preached to those he came in the presence of, some mocked, other’s interest was piqued, while many actually clave unto him, and believed. When we set out to witness for the Lord, we must be prepared to face anything, including persecution and rejection, but through our suffering will come salvation. God will never let the work of a believer go in vain, but He’ll always make their end very good, and abundant.

There comes a time in the life of every believer when they get to a point where it becomes frustrating, trying to convince those who know to do better, but refuse the message of the Gospel continually. The more the Jews resisted the Word of God, the more Paul’s spirit was pressed. All that was left for the Jews in Corinth to do was blaspheme, because they obviously had no arguments against Jesus being the Messiah. They had reached the point of having sold themselves to rebellion, thus temporarily pushing Paul to the point where Christ was in Matthew 23:37-39, when He pronounced desolation upon them. Paul freed himself from the responsibility of the rebellious Jews, then set his focus on witnessing to the Gentiles. When you reach the point where it seems pointless to even mention the Word of God to some, because of their constant rejection, wash your hands of that responsibility, then give it all to God. Gather yourself together, then focus your attention on those who’ve been awaiting a good word for a good while.

Despite being openly rejected and criticized, Paul continued going to the synagogues and proclaiming God’s Word to all who attended. In the body of Christ, we never give up on people, but we also are mindful not to waste precious energy and effort trying to turn a rock into a marshmallow. We do all we can to win the lost, as the Spirit leads, then allow God to take over after our efforts change direction.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jailer and household baptized

Acts 16:25-34

In my previous lesson, I ended it by asking, do you take advantage of the opportunities you’re given to tell others about the Lord? Witnessing to those who are lost won’t always be an easy task, and there will be times when your words will have no effect on those you try to reach, but God will provide situations and circumstances that will set you up to win those souls that may, at times, be hard to reach.

After inspiring Lydia and her entire family with the Word of God on their first tour of Europe, Paul and his crew began to draw much attention from the locals. As the men of God headed towards proseucha (A place of prayer and worship where there was no synagogue. A spacious, uncovered type of amphitheater) to pray, they were met by a young woman who was possessed with a “spirit of divination”, who made her masters rich with her soothsaying. The spirit of divination is equivalent to the spirit of python, or Apollo. According to Dake’s annotated reference Bible, there’s a fable where Pythos was a huge serpent that had an oracle on Mt. Parnassus, which was famous for predicting future events. Apollo slew this serpent, and was called Pythius, becoming celebrated as the foreteller of events. It was also believed that those who pretended to foretell events were influenced by the spirit of Apollo Pythius. At his temple could be found a priestess called Pythoness. It’s through her, messages were delivered. Interesting, yet odd fable, yet many of the Romans held strong belief in it, and prospered monetarily from it as well.

Although many of the events foretold by these soothsayers were false pretenses given to make money, the woman who followed Paul actually spoke truth when she said in verse 17, “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation”. There’s one thing the devil cannot deny (yet he definitely twists and alters it) is, the truth of God, and His Word. This woman continued following Paul and the men with him for days, until Paul realized the purpose of satan, turned to the demon (not the girl), then commanded it to come out. And it did. Uh oohhh! What did Paul just do?! Not only did he cast an evil spirit from a girl, which should have merited him praise and respect, but it angered the men who made money from the girl’s foretelling. Sin makes men stupid. When the people should have been grateful to God for a woman’s deliverance, they turned hostile at the fact that their dishonest gain was cut off. The angry mob forced Paul and his men into the marketplace to be judged by the Roman army commanders. As more and more people rose up against the men of God, the commanders were forced to beat them and throw them in prison. I can hear a verse to an old song that says, “… nobody told me, that the road would be easy…”. Standing for righteousness caused God’s men persecution and shame, but that wasn’t the end of the story. We may suffer a little while for righteousness sake, but if we endure until the end, our opportunity to win others to Christ will become available.

While in jail, rather than whine, moan, and complain about their current predicament, Paul and Silas prayed and sang songs loud enough for the other prisoners to hear them. They were neither embarrassed, nor ashamed because they knew God was still in control. As they worshiped, a great earthquake shook the entire prison, which caused all the doors to open, and everyone’s chains to be loosed. The jailer knew for sure that the men had escaped the prison after such a great earthquake, so he prepared to kill himself, because his responsibility was to keep the prisoners secured, or he’d suffer the death penalty. Before the man followed through with his rash suicide, Paul spoke out and said, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all here” (vs. 28). What a relief it was to hear that the men who had every opportunity to flee unjust bondage, decided to stay and await their underserved punishment. The jailer was instantly changed, as he fell down before Paul and Silas, then asked what must he do to be saved.

God has a way of bringing lost souls directly into your path, but you must remain humble, and be willing to share God’s goodness with them, even if they had done you wrong. After being converted, the jailer took the men, washed the wounds from their stripes, then was baptized; “he and all his”. He even invited the men to his house, fed them, and rejoiced, believing in God, along with all his family. Isn’t it amazing how the love of God can change the heart of a man in an instant? Not only was the jailer saved, but his entire household was as well. God wants everyone saved and delivered from sin, because the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Walk in love,

Ell

Lydia and household baptized

Acts 16:11-15

Love is the driving force that moves all believers to continue in the works of Christ. God Himself loved the world so, until He gave His only begotten Son to save it. Now that we are saved, and have been freed from an eternal death sentence, we are obligated to spread the Gospel of Christ to all the world, so that they too can experience the fullness of God’s love, joy, and power in the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul was literally on fire for God, as he took off sharing God’s goodness after his humbling experience on the road to Damascus. He, along with other men of the faith, traveled from place to place, spreading the Word, and winning lost souls for the Kingdom of God. Just as he had a strong passion in his former life when he persecuted the people of God habitually, his new life was filled with a stronger desire to cover God’s children, and persuade all he could to follow the ways of holiness. On his first trip to Europe to spread the Gospel, Paul and his men went out of the city by a river side, and noticed that prayer was being made, so they sat in the company of those gathered, and began to minister to them. This was probably before the crowd had gathered together for worship. A woman named Lydia overheard the men ministering, and yielded her heart to the words they spoke. God can open the heart and mind of any man or woman who is honest, and willing to submit themselves to His Word, but there are many who’s hearts are hardened, and refuse to allow the power of God’s Word to permeate through them. Lydia and her entire household came, was baptized, then invited Paul and his followers to abide in her house and commune with her.

When was the last time you led someone to the Lord? Do you actively look for opportunities to spread the goodness of the Gospel to those in your family, at work, or in the community? Take full advantage of the time you’re allowed on the earth, and seek to win all you can. There will be some you won’t be able to reach, but don’t fret, because God has a way to draw all men unto Himself. Walk in love, and let God guide your steps along the righteous path to glory.

Walk in love,

Ell

Body building for baptized believers

1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Colossians 3:12-17

Why do people workout, and why is exercise considered a necessary requirement for the human body? According to Dr. Mary L. Gavin, exercise benefits every part of the body, including the mind, and causes the body to make chemicals that can help a person to feel good. Exercise can also help people sleep better. It’s been known to help some people who have mild depression and low self-esteem. Working out can give people a real sense of accomplishment and pride at having achieved a certain goal. People who exercise burn more calories and look more toned than those who don’t. In fact, exercise can help keep your body at a healthy weight. The heart isn’t the only muscle to benefit from regular exercise. The other muscles in your body enjoy exercise too. When you use your muscles, they become stronger. You don’t have to lift weights to make your muscles and bones stronger, because different types of exercise strengthen different muscle groups. But the most important benefit of regular exercise is, it can improve your quality of life.

Building and developing the physical body is indeed a great benefit, but maintaining a balanced spiritual exercise plan can offer benefits that far exceed what the natural body could ever achieve. The human body is made up of members including the head, arms, legs, feet, eyes, ears, and countless other parts God considered necessary to make the body function properly. When all those body parts are strong and healthy, a person can function at optimal levels, with a small possibility of sickness or fatigue to slow them down. The body of Christ consists of many members who were blessed with varying gifts to help keep the spiritual body strong and developed. The apostle Paul mentions to the Corinthian church that by one Spirit, were we all baptized into one body. It matters not whether you’re Jewish, Greek, Chinese, Puerto Rican, African, or from Mars (kidding), all members of the church are in the same body. In the same way all parts of the physical body require equal levels of exercise to remain in good balance, the body of Christ must also maintain levels of balance among all its members.

Believers make each other stronger when they exercise their gifts effectively. We learn in Romans chapter twelve, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:4-10). The more we love, the more effective our gifts will be. Some have been gifted to teach, while others were granted the gift of helps. Although these two gifts operate on different platforms, they are equally important to the kingdom of God. Just as the eye and nose function differently, yet both are essential to the body.

Every man, woman, boy, and girl engrafted into the body of Christ, are valuable to God, and it’s vital that we show love toward each other, in the midst of a hateful and disobedient generation. While the world operates under the authorities of evil and wickedness, the body of believers should implement love in all their words and deeds. Those who have committed to following in the footsteps of Christ are obligated to seek those things which are above, and set their affections on them as well, mortify all sinful members, put off the old man, put on the new man, and let peace rule their lives. How can the church win the lost when they look, dress, and act the same as the world does? The body of Christ must exercise love and faith regularly, to ensure that we are strong enough to win the lost, while representing the Kingdom of God effectively.

Walk in love,

Ell