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Posts By : Melissa Barker

Believe And Worship John 9:38 August 7, 2016
August 10, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by

He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Him. John 9:38 ESV

The 38th verse shares the words and actions of a blind man who had received his sight by the works of Jesus.     “Lord I believe” …. and he worshiped Him.    The truth is that we were all blind before we experienced the work of Christ in our lives, maybe not physically but spiritually.   The question is how do you worship the One who gave you spiritual sight?  Let us imagine how this man who had received his sight physically might have worshiped.  The first thing he might have done was to admire the creation of all this world’s beauty.  The flowers that he could only smell before, now could be watched in awe.  THe sound of the wind through leaves on the trees now could be seen dancing on the limbs.  Perhaps his worship was the pleasure it brought God as observing a child discovering something for the first time.  How do you worship?  Has your Christina life become mundane, just a habit, or uneventful?  You may need the cataracts of the mundane and habit to be removed from your spiritual eyes.  Our focus needs to not be upon this world, but rather you many need to refocus on Christ.  What did you experience when you first became a Christian?  Perhaps the air you breathed seemed fresher, your rest of sleep sweeter, or the loads of life were lifted.  Maybe the thoughts on your mind were mostly of Christ and how much brighter He made life.  If you have lost this way of living and thinking, how do you regain this perspective and lifestyle?

BELIEVE!

Believe the promise:  For this I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights, nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-19 ESV

Believe the Truth:  Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.   1 John 4:4 ESV

Believe Forgiveness:  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us.  Ephesians 1:708 ESV

Let us believe and worship afresh the gift of spiritual sight that has been given to us!  If we see spiritually, we know we have reason to do so.

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David

 

Bearing Fruit to Glorify God … John 15:8 … July 31, 2016
August 3, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
      By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8 ESV
 
 
 
Glorifying God.
            We sing the  song, “In my Life Lord, be Glorified,” desiring God to do a work in our lives- A work that will magnify God making much of Him in each and everyday that we live.  I believe these two verses in Psalms could be a prayer every Christian prays.  Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.  I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:11-12 ESV     
 
 
 
Bearing Fruit 
    What does it require to bear spiritual fruit? It requires pruning by God, so that you might produce more fruit.  If I were a plant and could feel pain, I can not imagine enjoying the pruning process.  Yet the process is necessary in order to bear more fruit.  The process of pruning at times can be painful in the Christian’s life.  God’s desire for you as a Christian is to bear fruit and may require God cutting away your self trust or dependence to grow in faith in Him. Think about this, in difficult times we pray, focus, and seek more guidance than when things are going well.  Could this be a pruning process intended to cause us to abide more in the vine…. Jesus?  I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:1-2 ESV  People, many times, observe a Christian going through difficult times which provides the unique opportunity to show that God really is the one for which they live.  It can be the very testimony that God would use to draw someone to Himself.  The evidence of fruit in your life is the presence of the Spirit.   ” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control……” Galatians 5:22 ESV I believe this is how we glorify God by bearing these fruits of the Spirit.  Let me encourage you to desire the Lord be glorified in your life even if it requires pruning.   Sing boldly and with conviction , “In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified today.”
 
 
 
Proof Of Discipleship
    I heard an interesting fact this week.  The Bible uses the word “Christian” only 3 times but the word “disciple” over 260 times.  A disciple is a person who follows Jesus and is a student of his teaching.  The word disciple is predominately found in the four Gospels and Acts.  The Gospels give an account of the times in which Jesus walked upon the earth and Acts of early church history.  This gives us new insight in following Jesus; we are to be His Disciples following, learning, and living with the evidence that we are His by action and not merely by name.  We may be quick to call ourselves Christians, but more importantly we should desire to be called disciples. Give evidence of the fact we are Christians.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ESV  
 
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David
Praying in Difficult Times … Philippians 4:6 … July 17, 2016
July 20, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
     Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NKJV
 
     A few years  ago I saw a cartoon in which a little boy was on his knees by his bed preparing to pray asking, “God, where do I start ?”  That is a good question even if it came from a cartoon.  Has there ever been a time when you felt like that?  Everything that could go wrong ….did.   Life may seem so overwhelming that when approaching the throne of grace, you may not know how to express your feelings in words to God. Let me encourage you. That might be the time that you are able to pray the best. Note Romans 8:26….“For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.”   Remember, emotions and feeling may not always agree with what you know to be true. Truth is, as  Christian’s,  Jesus will never leave you….He promised.
 
PRAY KNOWING THAT HE HEARS YOU!  
     When overwhelmed by life, the question in our thoughts or from our lips may be, “God, where are you?”  In these times we can grow anxious with every fabric of our being.  Desperate ….. just  for just a whisper from God acknowledging that He hears you.   I believe it is in times like these that Satan taunts a person as a bully would a small or weak person who is unable to defend themselves.  But the truth is, GOD HEARS!!!  But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.  Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and HE HEARS my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage. Psalm 55: 16-18a ESV …… The Lord is near all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also HEARS their cry and saves them. Psalm 145: 18-19 ESV       
 
PRAY FROM YOUR HEART KNOWING HE IS WITH YOU! 
      I will give thanks to the Lord with my WHOLE HEART; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 ESV  Never forget all the wonderful things God has done for you.  When you recount all that God has done, it will give you strength to trust that he is with you.  This doesn’t mean you won’t have difficult times, but you will never be alone in those difficult times.  I have said these things to you, that you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.  John 16:3 ESV When you grasp this truth, it should cause you to remember why he came and the purpose you have in completing His perfect work.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of  the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  And behold,  I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the end of the age. Matthew 28: 19-20 ESV 
 
PRAY KNOWING GOD KNOWS!
     God knows what you need even before you ask, yet He tells you to “let your request be made known to Him.” Jesus said,  “For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8 ESV    God takes pleasure in meeting the needs of His children.  But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 147:11 ESV    We were created for God and by God and communication with Him was His idea.  So talk with Him in prayers of  praise,  thanksgiving, supplications, and worship.  He is worthy of this and so much more.  This way of thinking and praying will help you in difficult time.
 
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David
Difficult Times … 2 Timothy 3:1 … July 10, 2016
July 13, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of  difficulty. 2 Timothy 3:1 ESV
 
     When I was a young boy, I remember listening to adults talking about how we must be living in the last days.  How could things become any worse?  Jesus’s return will no doubt be very soon, and God’s judgement will come.   Every generation of Christians, I believe, have felt these sentiments when evaluating things in the light of scripture and holiness.  I remember Dr. Billy Graham say, when he was a much younger man, “I believed I will see the return of Jesus in my lifetime.” He still may as he is still living but you understand my point.  I understand there will be a final judgement someday, but we must remember there is a judgement that has already happened, and it was the reason Jesus, God’s Son, came the first time.  For God did not send his Son into the the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is CONDEMNED ALREADY,  because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.  John3:17-18 ESV   The final judgment will be the sentencing process for what has already been determined unless a person has received a pardon / substitute through Jesus by repenting and asking to be forgiven / pardoned of their crimes against God.  So, here I am, an adult and I think, His return no doubt will be very soon.  Why do I think this?  Because in light of the scriptures and Holiness, we have waxed much worse.  2 Timothy 3:2-5 sounds like a story from a news commentator who viewed the world situation last week and reported on it.  But the reality is, generations from now people may be saying when I was a little boy people thought Jesus’s return could be any day.  It is a dangerous way to think if it causes you to grow complacent in living daily with the anticipation of His return.  He is coming again because He said He would, and He does not lie.  He has done and will complete everything He said he would.  So how should we live as Christians until his return.
 
WITH ANTICIPATION:
     Let not your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms.  If it were not so , would I have told you the I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will COME AGAIN and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3 ESV  Wrap your mind around this…. YOU are going to LIVE with JESUS.  Meditate on this, Jesus, God’s Son knows you by name and has made it possible for you to be forgiven of all your crimes against God.  As a result God will pardon you because you have a Savior … His Son who took your sentence upon Himself when He died on the cross.  You are forgiven and ready to take up residence not to a prison but God’s house…. WOW!!!!
 
 
 
WITH MISSION:
             We tell the message just as the angel tells the message,  Fear not, for behold, I bring you GOOD NEWS of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 10-11 ESV  
         And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15 ESV 
     We have a mission and purpose for living… God is not finished with us yet; our room is not ready.  Our purpose in living is to invite as many as we can to come join in the celebration of God and His Son.  It is his will for us to do this until He returns and calls us home.
 
 
 
WITH DAILY FOCUS:
        There are times we focus so much on the future that we can become burdened in the present with things for which we have no control.  This is not how we are told to live. Jesus said, “ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things,  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 NKJV   
 
 
    Live each day with the anticipation of His return by sharing this message with everyone you possibly can, and live for the day that you are in, for you have not been guaranteed tomorrow.  —At least not on this earth.
 
  
 Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David
Called To Freedom … Galatians 5:13 … July 3, 2016
July 6, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  Galatians 5:13 ESV
 
     When God calls us, He called us to freedom….liberty.  He did this for a distinct purpose.  That purpose ….. to love.  Love- which you express by serving one another. Many times this call is confused by a life governed by rules. Rules that never do anything to complete our salvation nor has ever been able to do so.  When you start to live your life concentrating on the rules rather than service by love, you begin to travel a road which will never bring satisfaction.  You will begin keeping score as to how well you’re able to follow these rules compared to others.   When you keep score, your focus moves from glorifying God to your own abilities.  The flesh tends to measure success based on performance.  But God’s measure is based on the evidence of His Son in your life.  Rules tend to frustrate…the blood of Jesus liberates.  Rules cause you to grow weary….Love causes you to run and not grow weary.   These thoughts aren’t to imply you can live performing whatever actions you wish without consequence, for the Bible teaches you will reap what you sow.  Because of grace, we can love and serve freely doing everything in gratitude because of His precious redeeming blood.  So let us look at three principles of this call.
 
CALLED TO FREEDOM.   I have heard of someone seeking freedom, but as a Christian you were CALLED to it by God.  It is  freedom that comes as a result of mercy and grace not performance.  It is freedom to know that in Christ you have been forgiven of all your sins/crimes and the consequence of those sins/crimes against God. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2 ESV ….  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 ESV      
 
CALLED TO LIVE GODLY.     Sin is a prison to the soul and will keep the soul in bondage for the person who lives there.  The Bible records instructions by Jesus when forgiving or healing  a person. He said, Sin no more John 5:14 ESV  Sin will enslave you but there is freedom in Christ.
 
CALLED TO SERVE.     God called you not to be a spectator but a servant, a messenger of the good news of the gospel in Christ.  In the following verse take Paul’s name out and insert your name.   Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.  Romans 1:1 ESV  We have all been set apart to serve by sharing the gospel of the good news of Jesus.  Yes, we are to serve other Christians but the greatest service we can do for God is to share the gospel message of Christ.
May all that we do as Christians be motivated by this freedom call on our life.
  
                                                                                       Because of His Grace ~  David
Love… The Address Of The Heart … 1 Corinthians 13:13 … June 26, 2016
June 29, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
So now faith,hope,and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.                           
                                                                                1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV
 
 
        How would you describe love to a person?  Would you agree that love is not as easy to explain as it is to show by actions?  Have you ever heard it said of a couple,  “They are so in love.”  Wouldn’t this statement be due to their actions toward each other?  Love is the greatest attribute in the Christian life.  Without love everything else is worthless and of no real value.  Love is the only part of the Christian life that will go on forever.  Faith will cease when it gives way to sight, hope will cease when we have that which we’ve hoped for, but love will never cease. That is why in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 13 it states “The greatest of these is love.”   Love is where you are to abide or live.  It should be your address when someone is looking you up. The address known by all the town folks and especially your neighbors.   Think about this for a moment……Jesus had no place in which to call His own, yet people always knew where to find Him – thousands upon thousands of people.  His address was not a physical place; it was the address of His heart.   Just ask those who were in his presence. After visiting with Jesus, many went away never to be the same.  They were fed, healed, forgiven, and changed in ways that would effect them for all eternity.   Jesus loves and loved in all His actions…..all the way to the cross.  He showed us glimpses of His Father everyday that He lived upon this earth.  So how might we do the same in showing God’s love toward people.    
 
BE GENUINE:
     Let love be GENUINE. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Romans 12:9-10 ESV
This type of love is seen and is shown by actions rather than talk.  The old adage, “Actions speak louder than words” would apply here.  This is not a love that loves for what it can receive in return, but rather a love that honors God with much glory.   
 
MAKE LOVE THE PRIORITY
     Let ALL that you do be done in  love.  1Corinthians 16:14 ESV
We will do what we deem important in our life.  If we desire to love others more than anything else, we will do so.  Keep in mind loving can be hard work especially when dealing with someone that might be hard to love.  Remember how God loved us as an example of how we are to love others.  God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV
 
MAKE IT YOUR ADDRESS
     As the Father has loves me, so I have loved you. ABIDE in my love. John 15:9 ESV
Obviously this is not a physical address but the address of your heart.  It is where people know you live in your Christian walk.  How are you known by others in your daily living?  When talking about your church or looking for a church, do you seek or talk about what the church offers or where you can best serve?  This simple question may help in giving you insight to the address of your heart.  Remember this- it would have been far for comfortable for Jesus to stay in heaven.  But he came to earth to serve not be served.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  Mark 10:45 ESV    Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13 ESV  God is Love, and this fact will never be affected by man’s views or opinions.   His Son made this clear in the way He lived…….it was the address of His heart.  It was where He lived, and it is the same address we should have in our lives today when going by the name Christian. 
 
 
By His Grace ~ Pastor David
Heavenly Minded, It’s a Good Thing … Colossians 3:2 … June 12, 2016
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Set your mind on things above, not on the things on the earth.   Colossians 3:2

What dominates your thoughts? Fear? Do the “what if’s” of life rob you of present joys? Anger? Do you find yourself upset and reacting to circumstances beyond your control? Sadness? Have losses in your life caused you to feel like everyday is overcast with clouds of regret? Worries concerning finances? How will I ever make it to the first or end of the month? Criticism? Never satisfied with the people God placed in your life or the direction of your daily life. On the list could go of negative thoughts that can suck the life right out of daily living.

    I have heard it said, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good.” In fact, I know I’ve said it myself a time or two. I no longer believe this to be a true statement. I do not believe that we can be too heavenly minded when it comes to a life in Christ and Colossians 3:2 tells us clearly to, “Set your mind on things above”. Why is it so important for this to be your focus/mindset? Verse one gives us a clear answer, “Where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. You are to seek those things which are above,” and seeking requires focus. There is so much that can dominate your focus/mind that will ultimately rob you of peace and joy. So how do we start to develop this mindset?

1. SET A GOAL

     One thing I know for sure; if you do not set goals in your Christian pilgrimage, you will grow stagnate. Paul gave us this insight, Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the GOAL for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 ESV 

     What is the goal you have set as a Christian in living strong? Goals are intended to help us organize, evaluate, and to move forward. Someone once told me if you reach your goals easily, you haven’t set your goals high enough. The greatest goal you can set in the Christian life is to be like Jesus. Trust me, that is a high enough goal.

2. BE THANKFUL IN EVERYTHING

     Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with THANKFULNESS in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 ESV

3. PRAY

     Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV … Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

4. GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS

     Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS. Whatever you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

There really is no great secret in having a mind of peace. When you worry, it brings great stress to your body. When you rest, it renews your mind. Let your mind rest upon Jesus and all that He has done for you and is yet to do. When your world may come crashing down around you, look to heaven; for all that is really important is there.

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David

No Condemnation, Only Salvation … John 3:17 … June 5, 2016
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For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3 :17
      Everything we are as Christians is because of the cross, the empty tomb, and the risen Savior.  God sent Jesus to redeem us and to set us free from the penalty of sin.  We must always remember that the story of Christianity isn’t about condemnation but salvation.  Everyone, that believes in Him and repents of sin, will be forgiven and becomes part of the family of God by spiritual adoption.  What a privilege it is to be called a child of God!  This is only possible because Jesus was willing to die on the cross and defeat sin/death by rising from the dead.  In doing so Jesus brought God His Father glory and honor.  Jesus’s desire to honor His Father by being obedient unto death continually brings Him glory today, for God is glorified in every person that experiences His salvation.  This makes life extremely important; for all who go by the name ”Christian,” acknowledges the risen Savior and his power to save. We are the continuation of this redemptive story.   So how should this story be told by your life?
    First, by giving a clear message that His coming was not to condemn but to save.  Condemnation was already a reality.  Jesus didn’t need to come reminding us of that fact but rather to give us hope.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.  Luke 19:10 ESV ….. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 ESV
Second, by teaching the world of His salvation.  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.  Acts4:12 ESV ….  Jesus said to him, “ I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6 ESV
Third, by living with anticipation of his return.  In my Father’s house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  John 14:2-3 ESV
       Other religions have made many claims, but only Christianity can boast of the eternal living God.  You can visit the graves of those who many have followed, but there is no grave for the Christian to visit…….only a empty tomb.  Thank you God for no condemnation and for salvation that overcomes the world … even death.  May my life be a continuation of this story until His return.
Because His Grace ~ Pastor David
Truth is Freeing Indeed … John 8:31-31… May 22, 2016
June 1, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by

   

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him,”If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.             
John 8:31-32  ESV
     It is one thing to believe in Jesus intellectually  yet quite another to live for Him.  In verse 31 Jesus spoke to the Jews who believed in Him, but by verse 59 they had picked up stones to stone Him.  He also said in verse 31 …...“If you abide in my word” (ESV)  “hold to my teachings” (NIV) “remain faithful to my teachings”(NLT) “continue in My word”(HCSB),……”You are truly my disciples”. I know we are not saved / redeemed by our works but by His grace and mercy. Ephesians 2:8-9. However how a person lives, tells you much about what they believe. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works. “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well.  Even the demons believe-and shudder!  James 2: 18-19 ESV  As a thought, how much do you love the Lord?  I know people have different love languages but every love language always involves action.  When you say, “I Love Jesus,” do your actions match your speech?  The life in Christ has a reward attached to it now  not only when we go to be with Him.  It is knowing His truth and that His truth will set you free.  Many will say that Truth is objective, and there is no absolute truth.  If you believe that, then you are absolutely right that there is no absolute truth. But wait, what makes the statement, “there is no absolute truth” true if there is no absolute truth?  Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)  Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17  People all over the world worship someone or something so what makes God /Jesus / Holy Spirit different?  God created the world and everything in it. Jesus, God’s Son, came  to save us from sin and set us free. The Holy Spirit indwells us enabling us to do that which we could never accomplish on our own.  So what is the truth that sets you free?  
1. It is knowing God though His Son Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit by the confession and repenting of your sin.  
2. It is living a life that bears the evidence that you belong to Jesus.  You will never be perfect, but you are forgiven and can anticipate the fact that one day you will be with Him because He came for you.                                                                                    
This truth, if accepted and received, is very freeing ……very freeing indeed.
 
Because of His Grace~ Pastor David
The Symphony of the Christian Life … Romans 6:1 … May 15, 2016
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        Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for rightness. Romans 6:13 ESV

Sanctification: The state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion. (Webster Collegiate Dictionary)

Christians cannot sin successfully……sin yes, successfully no. The Holy Spirit will not allow this because of the sanctifying process He is completing in you. Your body is to be an instrument used to bring God glory, This is referring to your hands, mouth, feet, and every part of your being. Let me present this to you in another light for the sake of illustration. When I think of instruments outside of this context, I think of musical instruments. If your life was made of musical instruments, what would be the melody and lyrics of your life? Think how powerful music can be to those listening or playing it. A musician doesn’t just wake up one day able to play with great ability. It is the result of a lifetime of effort, and teachers pouring themselves into the life of the musician enabling them to perform. So it is in the sanctification process…….the Holy Spirit teaches us a new melody in life more beautiful than we could ever produce left to ourselves. Yes, it takes practice and effort, but the ability and accomplishment only happen because of the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Lives taught by the Holy Spirit should sing out faithfulness, perseverance, love, mercy, and holiness, which are just a few of the many instruments that make up the symphony of the Christian life. The sour note of sin played on the instrument of life will be more recognizable to the one who practices the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Just as a great conductor of a symphony will point out the improper note, so will the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. So where do we begin?

First, commit not to live willfully in sin. “Do not present your members to sin.” In other words, “give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27 ESV Satan is more than willing to bring temptations of sin to you …. don’t make it easy for him in your life.

Second, recognize who you are in Christ…… Alive “Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.”  “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 ESV

Thirdly, be an instrument in God’s symphony of life. “and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” As an instrument in the hand of a master performer, may your life be lead by the master conductor producing the beautiful music of the Christian life for all the world to hear.

Just a closing thought …..if you are not playing the music of the Christian life, could you be in the wrong symphony? This would be a horrible thought when it is all played back to you someday, standing before the One who created the music of life, realizing you really didn’t know the composer.

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David