Embassy in Christ Blog

with your work of faith, labor of love and enduring hope

It is so refreshing to see that the Word of God is truly alive and active (Heb. 6:12) and always relevant to whatever context we experience as we journey through life! Many times, I find the call and thrust to reach the world for Christ so over whelming and hard. Yes, we are supposed to keep speaking the language of faith – In God. But in all honesty it sometimes feels as if there is way too much missing for us to obtain proper traction especially in this part of the world – the US.

Just recently, I was looking through the first letter of Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians and my face lit up as hope began to flood my heart again! The very young church in Thessalonica, Macedonia was greatly commended for their work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope! They took the word of God to heart so much that they became imitators of the missionaries (Paul, Silas and Timothy) and began to spread the gospel through all of Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea..) , Achaia and all over! 1 Thess. 1:2-8

I then began to wonder what made this church of relatively new believers so effective so quickly. The missionaries were no longer needed for spreading the gospel. All the church needed was to be undergirded and encouraged as they went forth!

Well, here are really important things I found. I truly now believe that if we all adhered to these things that we too will begin to see the saving gospel of Christ effectively propagate through our live, our families, communities, cities and nations. Here they are:

1. The Word of the gospel of Christ was preached – Not fables, or doctrines of man but the living word of God!
2. The gospel was proclaimed with power! 1 Cor. 4:20, Rom 1:16, 1 Cor. 2:1-4
3. The gospel was proclaimed in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Darkness can only be dispelled in the presence of God! Gen. 1:2-3, 2 Cor.3:17
4. The gospel was proclaimed with conviction! Truth faith was released as the word came forth. Rom 10:17
5. The gospel was received with Joy despite the afflictions and difficulties. They dealt with sorrow from the death of loved ones, Greek opposition and false teachings and also saw the challenges the missionaries faced. James 1:2-4
6. The gospel was manifested in the lives of those proclaiming the gospel. There was proof of the gospel in the lives of the people. 1 Thess 1:5
7. The gospel was contagious and there was replication as people became imitators of those manifesting the effects of the gospel. They were examples to believers everywhere. 1 Thess 1:6-8

How much of an example am I? How much of an example are you?

We do need to first personally align ourselves to what we have seen in the young Macedonia church and quit the things that hinder the propagation of the gospel of Christ.

There is no other way mankind can be saved without really coming to the saving liberation of the knowledge of truth – that Christ (Son of God) died for our sin(s) so that we can join with Him in his death – through faith and also live with Him eternally through His resurrection from the dead.

Spread the Word!

What it takes to endure to the end

Throughout history, we have had so many servants of the Lord, who have made indelible marks on the causes of Christ on the earth.  A good number of these servants endured severe opposition but still carried out their respective missions until the very end.  These were people who indeed kept their faith all the way through.  What about us?  Today, believers give up at the slightest sign of discouragement.  But what is it that we need to do in order to stand?  After all, we live in a generation with increasing knowledge and revelation with really great teachers, preachers and encouragers.

Let us think about our Lord and savior, Jesus who endured such humiliation from the hands of the very ones he created.  He sank so low in order to accomplish His assignment!  He served as an example for us who believe in Him and we understand that we can also partake of the fullness of the victory He has won as we ourselves prepare to also give up everything for the same cause.   The cause is to rescue and redeem people from eternal destruction in hell transferring them to the kingdom of God in Heaven.  This is a basis for developing a faith that endures until the end.  It is very difficult for believers who only focus on themselves to make it all the way because of their narrow focus.

During the course of his ministry, the apostle Paul said the following:

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.”  Philippians 1:21-22 (NASB95) 

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”  Acts 20:24 (NASB95)

Every one of us has been placed on this earth to fulfill a portion of the mandate of God to redeem the earth.  God has worked to restore all mankind back to the original place of eternal glory in Him.  Man is to remain fruitful as Heaven continues to rule over a restored earth.  In order to keep the faith we must all keep our eyes on the big picture.

We are in the last days!  This could well be the generation that sees the return of Christ.  We also know that there is a lot of evil on the earth and even the elect of God have been deceived by false prophets.  The bible warns us not to entangle ourselves with worldliness and to ensure we truly endure to the end and avoid falling away for many will depart from the faith.  Matthew 24:4-13, 2 Tim 2:3-5.

Here are some things to do:

Really give your life to Christ - This will cause you to die to self and be alive in Christ.  Prayerfully study Colossians 3:1-17

Understand your covenant with God – Hebrews 9:15

See the big picture and maintain Focus - You are a member of the body of Christ.  Not designed to function alone. Philippians 3:7-14, Hebrews 12:2

Position yourself in Christ - John 15:5-6

Don’t waiver - Being double minded will cause you to lose. James 1:5-8, 1 Kings 18:21

Stand your ground - Don’t give up territory you have gained for the Lord Ephesians 6:10,14

Don’t give up!  – He brought you this far and will take you all the way regardless of any difficulties you may face.  Luke 18:1-8

We have a crowd of witnesses in the stands of heaven cheering us on.  It would not be long before we get to enjoy the marriage supper of the lamb and the restoration of all things.

Stay strong!

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