Tag: Scripture

Paul’s solid credentials for ministry

2 Corinthians 11:21-30

If you were to question every person who ever lived, that served God with a fully committed and dedicated heart, how their journey was, I can guarantee, with 100 percent certainty, they’d tell you it wasn’t easy. It wasn’t God’s intentions for life to be hard for His most prized creation, but the repercussions of sin caused all sorts of things to fall out of alignment with God’s original plan. The devil hates mankind so much, because we have the opportunity to be in a position he once held, as a heavenly resident, but his eternal destination is set for the lake that burns with eternal fire, because of his pride, arrogance, disobedience, and rebellion against God. His sole desire is to keep as many people as he can from growing in the knowledge of God, so that they’ll miss the opportunity of spending an eternity with God, as he will.

Scripture tells us on many occasions, that suffering comes with a life of service to Christ, so it’s not a surprise that satan attacks the church as oft as he does. Those who suffer for Christ sake, will also be glorified with the resurrected Savior as well. One individual whom I know found this out first-hand is, the apostle Paul. Paul was unique, in that he saw life from two perspectives. He originally sided with those who persecuted the church, and sought to destroy all that the Saints stood for, until he had a personal encounter with the Savior, who changed his entire being. Paul went from willfully killing the children of God, to boldly defending them. His spiritual journey was one of intense persecution, humiliation, and shame, yet he persevered so that the truth of the Gospel of Christ could be spread throughout the land.

The text mentions many of the perils Paul encountered during his faith walk, some of which would have caused the average believer to throw in the towel, but Paul endured, because he knew the importance of staying in the will of God, so that the churches could grow, and the body of Christ would be strengthened daily. Paul placed God’s will before his own, and his life proved it. No matter what state he found himself in, whether in prison, shipwrecked, or being stoned, Paul allowed nothing to stop him from fulfilling his purpose in Kingdom business.

Have you given up on your spiritual assignment, because you ran into opposition? Did the ugly looks on other’s faces keep you from presenting God’s Word? When God sets you up on the righteous path, He’ll also prepare you for the inevitable opposition. Paul was strong in the faith, because he knew how he was persistent in his former life of evil acts. He decided to use that same passion and desire he once had, for the good of the body of Christ. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. God has everything you need to be effective in ministry. Don’t move on your own strength and wisdom, but trust in God, and He’ll help you as you go through seasons of suffering and persecution. “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” (1 Peter 2:20).

Walk in love,

Ell

Fulfilling the royal law

James 2:8-13

The most common theme that can be found in every book of the Bible is love. God is love, and His love is spread throughout every page of Scripture. The men who were inspired by God to write each line of Scripture were indeed aware of the kind of love that only comes from God Almighty. When God created, He intended for all things to cohabitate the earth in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, things changed drastically after sin and the great flood, which brought changes in the atmosphere, and fear throughout the animal kingdom. But the one thing that remained constant, was, and is God’s love.

Men are to love each other, as they would love themselves. Imagine that! What would this world look like, if everyone treated each other as if they were Christ? In my opinion, things would be quite different than they are now, and love would fill the earth in abundance. But it seems the longer we live, the worse man’s behavior becomes. James helps us understand that the law of love is royal, and fulfilling it is proven in how you treat other people. This letter from James was directed to Christians, and was intended to clarify, or distinguish what love represents, from what it doesn’t support. According to history, it was customary among Greek writers to use the word, royal, of anything that was of general concern, noble, grand, or useful. In this text, James uses it of the law of love, which came from God, and was emphasized by Christ as being suitable and necessary of all men.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God, but without love, it’s impossible to receive Him. Paul encourages us that in everything we do, do it in love, because love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Seek peace,

Ell