Living With Purpose – Move Forward

Belonging to the body of Christ comes with responsibility. The early church was a picture of God’s plan from the very beginning; being united in love with him and each other. “All the believers were of one heart and mind, and felt that what they owned was not their own, they shared everything they had” (Acts 4: 32 NLT). Especially the Gospel of Jesus.

The Jewish leaders did not recognized the promise of God being fulfilled in their time and persecution began to intensify as this new band of believers began to grow

Once when the Apostles of Jesus were arrested, Gamaliel, a Pharisee prophesied when he made this statement before the High Jewish council “My advice is leave these men alone. If these men are teaching and doing these things on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourself fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39 NLT).

The truth had set the followers of Jesus free and nothing could stop the spread of the Gospel – The Good News. God had offered himself as a sacrifice which took away the sins of the world. Lives were being changed with this message being boldly carried forward. We too, must continue the good fight of faith, going forward sharing the Good News until our time is done!

“So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lords work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT)

“Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you” (1 Peter 4:14 NLT)

“Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT)

“I know all the things that you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me” (Revelation 3: 8 NLT)

Peace and Blessings!

Living With Purpose – Guard Your Heart

The life of faith, growing together in love and reaching the lost with the message of salvation has never been an easy task. The early church began in unity and harmony, but suffered much. It survived through tremendous persecution and from those who tried to undermine it from within.

For those with unshakable faith, even to the point of death, we have the blessing of their faithful witness. Each generation has continued to bring the message of salvation, which we have received to this day.

Our relationship with each other is so precious to God that protecting it is our primary mission. Nothing speaks louder about our faith than our actions and attitudes toward one another. We have all have the ability to interpret body language through our visual senses. While a smile can let down our guard, a glare will cause us to be wary, but deceptive attitudes in the heart are the most destructive.

When we judge others based on outward appearances or circumstances in their lives, we are actually bringing judgment on ourselves. Our Father has no favorites. “Judgment begins in the house of the Lord” (1 Peter 4:17). Only Jesus is worthy of judging our actions and attitudes, but many relationships have been destroyed by this sin. (James 4:11-12)

The easiest way to tell if unforgiveness lives in your heart is when the person who has offended you is constantly on your mind or the mention of their name causes anger. Forgiveness begins with you. As an act of your will, forgive the person. To know that forgiveness has taken place, there is no pain or anger when you think of that person.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving on another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)