Are You Prepared To Be Completely Devoted and Sacrificed As An Offering?
Philippians 2:17
If I am being offered as a libation in conjunction with the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am pleased and find joy in the company of all of you. Philippians 2:17
Are you prepared to selflessly devote your life to the service and advancement of another believer's work, to wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to the ministry and faith of others? Alternatively, do you express reluctance, stating, "I am currently unwilling to fully devote myself, and I am resistant to receiving divine guidance on how to fulfill my duty to God." I desire to personally select the location for my self-sacrifice. I desire to be observed by specific individuals who will acknowledge my accomplishments with praise.
Adhering to God's path of service may be easier if one is esteemed as a hero, but it becomes significantly more challenging when God's plan necessitates assuming a submissive role, akin to becoming a "doormat" beneath the feet of others. Perhaps God's intention is to instruct you in the art of humbling oneself... The reference is Philippians 4:12. Are you prepared to undergo a sacrifice similar to that? Are you prepared to become insignificantly minuscule, to the extent that no one recollects your existence, even while contemplating people whom you have assisted? Are you prepared to offer yourself selflessly and completely, without seeking personal gain or assistance, but rather to serve others? Certain saints are unable to perform humble tasks while keeping a saintly demeanor, as they perceive such service to be beneath their sense of worth.
The Call’s Powerful Attraction
1st Corinthians 9:16
Take care not to ignore God's summons. It is required of every redeemed person to bear witness to their own salvation. That is only an example that can be utilized when preaching; it is not the same as the call to preach. Paul was speaking of the searing pains that the call to proclaim the gospel had caused him to experience in this passage. Never attempt to apply what Paul spoke regarding the obligation to preach to people who are calling people to salvation from God. Since salvation is all God's sovereign act, there is nothing simpler than it: "Look to Me, and be saved." (Isaiah 45:22). Never does our Lord set the same requirements for salvation as he does for discipleship. We are destined for redemption via Christ's Cross. However, discipleship comes with a choice: "If someone... (Luke 14:26).
Paul talks about how we are made into servants of Jesus Christ and that no one ever asks for our permission to do or go where we do. To please Himself, God makes us into shattered bread and poured-out wine. Hearing God's call is what it means to be "separated to the gospel" (Romans 1:1). A suffering that is worthy of the name of Christ is produced once someone starts to heed that summons. All aspirations, all lifelong desires, and all perspectives are abruptly erased and destroyed. There is only one item left: "...separated to the gospel." When that call comes to a soul, woe be to anyone who attempts to follow any other path. The mission of the Bible Training College is to help each of you determine whether God has a man or woman here who genuinely cares about sharing the gospel and to discover if God has called you for this work. Once you feel the call of God, be wary of other calls.
The Divine Summons
1st Corinthians 1:17
Paul asserts that the divine summons is to proclaim the gospel. However, it is important to bear in mind the specific definition that Paul assigns to "the gospel," which refers to the actual process of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Our preaching is focused on emphasizing sanctification as the ultimate objective. Paul use personal experiences solely as illustrative examples, rather than as conclusive evidence. Our duty is not to speak about salvation or sanctification, but rather to exalt Jesus Christ (see to John 12:32). It is unjust to claim that Jesus Christ worked to redeem me and make me a saint. Jesus Christ worked diligently to achieve redemption for the entire world and to present it in a state of complete restoration and perfection before God's throne. The manifestation of redemption by our ability to undergo it demonstrates the potency of its existence, however this experience is an incidental outcome rather than the primary objective of redemption. Were God to possess human form, He would undoubtedly get weary of the incessant pleas we make for our deliverance and spiritual purification. We constantly impose demands on His efforts throughout the day, seeking personal favors or seeking liberation from undesirable circumstances. Once we grasp the fundamental essence of the message of God, we will cease to trouble Him with little personal grievances.
Paul's sole fervor in life was to disseminate the word of God. He embraced heartache, disillusionment, and adversity just because they reinforced his unwavering commitment to the message of God.
Are You Able to Perceive Your True Calling?
Romans 1:1
Our primary vocation is not to be individuals who are morally pure, but rather to be messengers who proclaim the good news of God. The crucial aspect is the acknowledgment of the gospel of God as the enduring truth. Reality does not consist on human virtue, holiness, paradise, or hell. Rather, it is characterized by redemption. The imperative to comprehend this is the utmost essential requirement of the Christian laborer in the present era. As employees, we must become accustomed to the realization that redemption is the sole truth. Personal sanctity is a consequence of salvation, rather than its origin. If we place our reliance in human goodness we shall go under when trial arrives.
Paul did not claim personal agency in his separation, but rather attributed everything to God, stating "when it pleased God, who separated me..." The reference is to Galatians 1:15. Paul had a limited fascination with his own character. Only by directing our attention on our individual sanctity can we remain distant from the complete actualization of redemption. Christian workers fail when they prioritize their personal pursuit of purity over their pursuit of knowing God. "I refuse to face the harsh truth of redemption for the repulsive aspects of human existence that I am currently surrounded by. Instead, I desire any action that God can take to enhance my self-worth." Speaking in such a manner indicates that I have yet to experience the profound impact of the gospel of God on my life. There is no audacious disregard for God in it. Divine intervention is unattainable as long as my focus remains solely on my personal attributes. Paul lacked self-awareness. He was completely and fearlessly devoted, fully committed, and chosen by God for a specific mission— to spread the message of God's gospel (see to Romans 9:3).
The Predicament of Obedience
1 Samuel 3:15
Divine communication seldom occurs in grandiose forms, but rather in subtle ways that are prone to misinterpretation. Subsequently, we inquire, "Could that be the voice of God?" Isaiah stated that the Lord communicated with him by the forceful influence of his circumstances, referred to as "a strong hand" (Isaiah 8:11). Our lives are only affected by God Himself, and nothing else. Are we able to perceive His influence, or do we view events as mere happenstances?
Develop the practice of uttering the words, "Communicate, Almighty," and existence will transform into a tale of love and adventure (1 Samuel 3:9). Whenever you feel overwhelmed by your surroundings, utter the words, "Speak, Lord," and allocate a period of time to attentively listen. Chastening serves a purpose beyond discipline; its aim is to get me to utter the words, "Speak, Lord." Recall a moment in your past when you experienced direct communication from God. Can you recall the exact words spoken by Him? Was it Luke 11:13, or was it 1 Thessalonians 5:23? As we engage in active listening, our auditory perception becomes heightened, akin to Jesus, enabling us to perceive God's presence consistently.
Should I disclose to my acquaintance "Eli" the divine revelations that have been shown to me? This is the point at which the predicament of obedience confronts us. We defy God by assuming the role of inexperienced deities and believing that we must protect 'Eli,' who symbolizes the most virtuous individuals we are acquainted with. Samuel was not instructed by God to convey the message to Eli; he had to make that decision independently. Receiving God's word may cause emotional pain for your loved one, but attempting to shield them from suffering will create a barrier between your spiritual self and God. By taking action to save someone's right hand from being severed or their right eye from being forcibly removed, you assume the responsibility and the consequences associated with such intervention. This concept is derived from the biblical passage in Matthew 5:29-30.
Do not seek guidance from others over matters that God has entrusted to your own judgment. When seeking guidance, you will consistently align yourself with Satan. "...I did not immediately consult with other individuals..." The reference is to Galatians 1:16.
How Can Someone Display Such A Profound Lack of Knowledge and Understanding?
Acts 26:15
“The Lord communicated to me in a powerful manner...” The reference is Isaiah 8:11. There is no way to avoid the consequences when our Lord communicates. He consistently arrives with his authoritative presence and firmly grasps our comprehension. Have you received direct divine revelation? If it has occurred, you cannot overlook the profound and persistent manner in which it has communicated with you. Divine communication occurs in the language that is most familiar to you— not through auditory perception, but rather through the circumstances that surround you.
God must dismantle our unwavering faith in our personal beliefs. When we confidently assert, “I am aware of what I ought to do,” we are abruptly confronted with the overpowering voice of God, which exposes the profound extent of our lack of knowledge. We demonstrate our lack of knowledge about Him in the manner in which we choose to devote ourselves to Him. We worship Jesus with a disposition that is contrary to His, and harm Him through our efforts to protect Him. We advocate His assertions with the malevolent essence of the devil; our utterances may appear acceptable, but the underlying disposition is that of a foe. “He reproached them and stated, ‘You are unaware of the nature of the spirit that resides within you.’” The reference is from Luke 9:55. The manifestation of our Lord’s essence in His disciples is elucidated in 1 Corinthians 13.
Have I been engaging in the persecution of Jesus by my fervent insistence on serving Him according to my own preferences? If I experience a sense of fulfilling my obligation, but also causing harm to Him in the course of doing so, I may confidently conclude that this was not my true duty. I will not aim to cultivate a submissive and reserved demeanor, but rather a sense of self-contentment. We assume that any disagreeable task is our responsibility. Does that have any resemblance to the essence of our divine ruler— “I take great pleasure in carrying out Your desires, O my God...” (Psalm 40:8).
Make Room for the Presence of God
Galatians 1:15
As devout followers of God, it is imperative that we cultivate the ability to create space for Him in our lives— to grant God the necessary freedom and flexibility. We meticulously plan, calculate, and anticipate specific outcomes, yet we neglect to allow space for God to intervene according to His own will. Could we experience astonishment if God were to manifest Himself in our gathering or during our sermon in a manner that deviates from our anticipated expectations? Avoid seeking God's arrival in a specific manner, but actively seek His presence. To create space for Him, one must anticipate His arrival, without specifying the manner in which He will appear. Regardless of our familiarity with God, the crucial lesson to grasp is that He has the potential to intervene unexpectedly at any given moment. We often disregard the element of surprise, while God consistently operates in no other manner. Unexpectedly, God intersects with our existence at a time of His choosing.
Maintain a perpetual connection with God in your life, enabling His remarkable power to manifest unexpectedly at any given moment. Maintain a perpetual attitude of anticipation, allowing space for God to intervene according to His own discretion.
God’s All-Powerful Intent
Acts 26:16
Paul experienced a vision while traveling to Damascus, but it was more than just a fleeting emotional experience; it contained very specific instructions for him. In Acts 26:19, Paul said, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." "Your whole life is to be overpowered or subdued by Me; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but Mine," Our Lord essentially told Paul. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go," the Lord further declares to us. (John 15:16).
If we are spiritual beings at all, we get visions of what Jesus wants us to be when we are born again. It is imperative that I acquire the skill of not being "disobedient to the heavenly vision" or questioning its attainability. Merely acknowledging that God has redeemed the world or even knowing that the Holy Spirit has the power to bring all that Jesus accomplished into my life is insufficient. I have to be on the basis of a close relationship with Him. Paul did not receive a doctrine or a message to preach. He was introduced to Jesus Christ in a dramatic, intimate, and powerful way. Acts 26:16, which promises to "make you a minister and a witness," is incredibly powerful. If there were no personal relationship, there would be nothing. Paul's devotion was to a person, not an idea. He truly belonged to Jesus Christ. He lived for nothing else and saw nothing else. According to 1 Corinthians 2:2, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
Metamorphosed Through Observation
2nd Corinthians 3:18
The most prominent attribute a Christian may demonstrate is an absolute transparency in the presence of God, enabling their life to serve as a reflection for others. Through the infusion of the Spirit, our beings undergo a profound metamorphosis, and as we contemplate the divine presence, we are transmuted into reflective surfaces. One can easily discern when someone has experienced the divine presence of the Lord, since their inner spirit perceives a reflection of the Lord's own nature. Be cautious of anything that could blemish or diminish the reflection within you. It is typically a positive thing that will leave a mark on it— something positive, although not the optimal choice.
Our foremost principle is to focus on maintaining a receptive attitude towards God in our lives. Set aside all other things, such as employment, clothing, and food. The multitude of tasks hinders our ability to focus on God. In order to remain connected with Him, it is essential to ensure that our lives are consistently imbued with spirituality. Allow external matters to fluctuate freely; permit others to critique us as they want; but, ensure that nothing obscures the existence that is concealed within Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Ensure that a fast-paced way of life does not disrupt the state of remaining steadfast in one's connection with Him. Enabling this is a straightforward task, but we must be cautious and take measures to prevent any negative consequences. One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian journey is acquiring the skill of consistently perceiving and appreciating the magnificence of the Lord, as if looking into a mirror.
Am I Seeking Guidance from God?
Isaiah 45:22
Do we anticipate divine intervention and salvation through God's blessings? He states, "Direct your gaze towards me, and experience deliverance...." The primary challenge in the realm of spirituality lies in maintaining focus on God, and it is the abundance of His blessings that intensifies this challenge. Difficulties often prompt us to turn to God, while His favors often distract us from focusing on Him. The fundamental teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is to concentrate and limit all of your concerns and priorities so that your thoughts, emotions, and physical actions are directed solely towards Jesus Christ. "Direct your gaze towards me...."
Most individuals had a preconceived notion of the ideal characteristics that a Christian should possess. However, when we compare this idealized image with the behavior and actions of other Christians, it sometimes obstructs our ability to direct our attention towards God. This does not constitute salvation— it lacks sufficient simplicity. Essentially, he asserts that by looking to him, one can achieve salvation, rather than implying that salvation will occur at some point in the future. If we focus our attention on Him, we shall discover the object of our search. Our attention diverts from God and we become impatient with Him, despite His persistent message to us: "Direct your gaze towards Me, and find salvation...." All of our challenges, hardships, and concerns about the future completely disappear when we turn to God.
Rouse yourself from sleep and direct your gaze towards God. Place your confidence in Him. Regardless of the multitude of challenges that may confront you, resolve to dismiss them and direct your focus towards Him. "Direct your gaze towards me...." You attain salvation instantly upon seeing.
Optical Perception and Absence of Light
Genesis 15:12
Abram was overcome by a profound slumber as the sun descended, and he was suddenly gripped by a sense of terror and intense obscurity. Genesis 15:12
When God grants a vision to a Christian, it is akin to placing them in the protective shelter of His hand's shadow (Isaiah 49:2). The saint's obligation is to remain motionless and attentively listen. Excessive illumination might give rise to a metaphorical "darkness," which is the opportune moment to engage in attentive listening. The narrative of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 serves as a compelling illustration of heeding purportedly sound counsel amidst a period of obscurity, instead of patiently for divine illumination. When God bestows upon you a divine revelation and subsequently, a period of obscurity ensues, exercise patience. If you patiently abide by God's timing, He will manifest the vision He has bestowed upon you in your life. Do not attempt to assist in the fulfillment of God's message. Abram endured a period of thirteen years characterized by quiet, during which his self-reliance was completely dismantled. He surpassed the stage of depending on his own intuition. The years of silence were characterized by strict self-control, rather than being a manifestation of divine disapproval. There is no necessity to feign happiness and self-assurance; only rely on God and remain steadfast in Him (see to Isaiah 50:10-11).
Do I have any trust in the physical body? Have I acquired the ability to transcend any reliance on my own abilities and the trust I place in others who are connected to a higher power? Do I place my faith in literature and religious rituals, or do I find solace in other sources of happiness and fulfillment in my life? Or have I entrusted my faith in God Himself, rather than in His bestowed favors? "I am the omnipotent deity..."El-Shaddai is referred to as the All-Powerful God in Genesis 17:1. We are all being disciplined in order to ascertain the existence of God. Once we truly perceive the existence of God, human beings appear insignificant in comparison, becoming into mere illusions of reality. The individual who is firmly rooted in God remains unaffected by the actions or words of other saints.
My Lord and My God
St John 20:28
"Jesus requested a beverage from her," The reference is from the book of John, chapter 4, verse 7. How many of us anticipate Jesus Christ to fulfill our desires, when we should be fulfilling His! We ought to dedicate our life wholeheartedly, devoting our entire selves, rather than relying on Him to fulfill our desires. "You will serve as testimonies to my existence..." (Acts 1:8). This entails leading lives characterized by unwavering and unrestricted dedication to the Lord Jesus, which will bring fulfillment to Him regardless of the places He may direct us to.
Exercise caution towards anything that challenges or undermines your unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ. The primary obstacle to genuine commitment to Jesus is the work we render on His behalf. Serving Him is a simpler task than fully dedicating our lives to Him. The objective of God's divine summons is to fulfill His contentment, rather than only expecting us to perform tasks on His behalf. We are not dispatched to engage in combat on behalf of God, but rather to be utilized by God in His conflicts. Do we prioritize service over our devotion to Jesus Christ Himself?
The Summoning of Primal Existence
Galatians 1:15-16
The divine summons does not include a certain manner of serving the Almighty. My direct experience with the divine essence will influence my comprehension of His divine summons and assist me in discerning my authentic aspirations to serve Him. The divine summons emanates from the inherent essence of God, while the subsequent actions and duties that manifest in my existence are congruent with my own inherent essence. The apostle Paul proclaimed the divine calling to live in harmony with nature, saying, "When it pleased God...to manifest His Son within me, so that I may proclaim Him [that is, sincerely and earnestly represent Him] among the non-Jewish people...."
Service is the abundant outpouring that emanates from a life brimming with love and dedication. However, properly speaking, there is no justification for such. I embody service in my relationships, which is a manifestation of my deep connection with the divine nature. Service seamlessly integrates into my daily existence. God establishes a harmonious connection between Himself and me, enabling me to comprehend His divine summons, and subsequently I willingly devote myself to His service driven by an unwavering affection. Service to God is the intentional act of offering love from a disposition that has recognized and responded to God's summons. Service is a manifestation of my inherent disposition, and God's summons is a manifestation of His inherent disposition. Thus, upon embracing His essence and heeding His summons, His celestial voice reverberates within both His essence and mine, merging the two into a unified being devoted to serving. The manifestation of the Son of God occurs within me, and as a result of my deep reverence for Him, service becomes an integral part of my daily existence.
The Divine Essence of Nature
Isaiah 6:8
I perceived the auditory manifestation of the divine being, proclaiming: "To whom shall I dispatch, and who will undertake the mission on behalf of our collective entity?" Isaiah 6:8
When discussing the divine summons, we frequently overlook the main aspect: the inherent characteristics of the One issuing the call. Various obligations and responsibilities are demanding our attention today. Certain calls will receive responses, while others will go unnoticed. The call is the manifestation of the inherent characteristics of the individual who initiates it, and our ability to perceive and acknowledge the call is contingent upon possessing those same characteristics within ourselves. The call of God is the manifestation of God's inherent essence, rather than our own. The threads of God's call are intricately woven through our lives by divine providence, and it is only our responsibility to discern them. Divine communication occurs when God directly addresses us regarding a certain matter, rendering it futile to solicit the viewpoints of others. We should maintain utmost confidentiality in our interactions with the divine summons, limiting them solely to ourselves and God.
The divine summons is independent of my inherent characteristics; my individual inclinations and disposition hold no significance. If I continue to focus solely on my own attributes and contemplate my aptitude, I will remain oblivious to the divine summons. However, once God establishes a proper connection between Himself and me, I will find myself in a state similar to that of Isaiah. Isaiah's profound connection with God was a result of the intense ordeal he had recently experienced, allowing him to deeply internalize God's calling. Most of us are only capable of perceiving our own voices. We are unable to perceive any auditory communication from God. However, being led to the point where we can perceive the divine summons results in a profound transformation.
Are You Adorned in White?
Romans 6:4
We were interred beside Him...so that, just as Christ was resurrected...likewise, we too should live in a renewed manner. The quote is from Romans 6:4.
Full sanctification is only achieved through the process of a "white funeral," which involves the burial of one's previous way of life. Without experiencing the pivotal moment of death, the attainment of sanctification will remain an unattainable aspiration. There should be a "white funeral," symbolizing a death that leads to a single resurrection, specifically into the life of Jesus Christ. No challenge can overcome a life of this nature. Its sole goal is to bear witness to God, demonstrating a state of unity with Him.
Are you truly approaching the end of your life? While you may have frequently contemplated them, have you truly encountered them firsthand? It is impossible for you to experience death or attend your own funeral while feeling enthusiastic. Death signifies the cessation of existence. In order to align with God's will, it is imperative that you relinquish your fervent pursuit of being a Christian. We consciously avoid visiting the graveyard and persistently deny the inevitability of our own mortality. It will not occur by exertion, but through surrendering to death. The process can be described as a gradual decline, akin to being symbolically immersed in the concept of death as mentioned in Romans 6:3.
Have you already conducted the ceremonial burial for your innocence, or are you hypocritically deluding yourself? Have you experienced a specific moment in your life that you now consider to be your final day? Do you have a specific moment in your life that fills you with humility and immense appreciation, where you can sincerely declare, "Yes, it was during my 'white funeral' that I entered into a covenant with God."
"The sanctification of individuals is the divine desire." The reference is to 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Upon attaining a genuine understanding that this is the divine intention, you will naturally embark upon the process of sanctification. Are you prepared to undergo the experience of a "white funeral" at this moment? Do you concur with Him that today is your final day on the planet? The occurrence of consensus is contingent upon your actions.
Seclusion in the Presence of God
Mark 4:34
Our seclusion in His presence. Jesus does not consistently provide us with detailed explanations; rather, He imparts knowledge to us according to our capacity for comprehension. The experiences of others serve as models for us, nevertheless, it is incumbent upon us to scrutinize our own inner beings as per God's mandate. The process is laborious— to the extent that it requires an infinite amount of time for God to shape an individual to align with His intentions. Only after granting permission to God can we be utilized, as He reveals the profound and concealed aspects of our own character. Our lack of self-knowledge is quite remarkable! We often fail to acknowledge the presence of envy, sloth, or pride within ourselves when we observe it. However, Jesus will disclose to us all the things that we have harbored within prior to the commencement of His divine favor. How many of us have developed the bravery to introspect?
We must discard the notion that we possess a comprehensive understanding of ourselves. That is consistently the final remnants of one's dignity to dissipate. God is the sole entity that comprehends us. Pride is the most detrimental affliction in our spiritual existence. Once we get insight into our true nature as perceived by God, we shall no longer express feelings of unworthiness. We will comprehend that this is self-evident. However, as long as there remains any uncertainty regarding our worthiness, God will persist in isolating us until we are in solitude with Him. If there is any trace of vanity or conceit present, Jesus is unable to impart any knowledge to us. He will grant us the opportunity to undergo heartbreak or the disillusionment we experience when our intellectual arrogance is injured. He will expose several misguided loves or wants, things that we never anticipated He would need to confront us with privately. We are frequently presented with several things, often with little impact. However, as God isolates us from those individuals, their true intentions will become evident.
The Consequences of My Devotion to God on Others
Luke 23:26
By adhering to God's commands, the burden of the consequences falls more heavily on others rather than on ourselves, initiating the onset of suffering. When we have a deep affection for our Lord, obeying Him does not require any sacrifice—it brings us joy. However, for those who do not have affection for Him, our compliance entails a significant expense. Complying with God's commands will result in the disruption of other individuals' intentions. They will mock us, questioning the authenticity of our Christianity. If we adhere to God's commands, we may not be able to alleviate the suffering. We must provide for the payment of the expense.
When the consequences of our compliance start to inconvenience others, our innate arrogance becomes deeply rooted, and we adamantly declare, "I will never receive anything from anyone." However, we are obligated to do so, else we would be defying God's commands. We are not entitled to believe that the nature of our interactions with others should deviate in any way from the connections that the Lord Himself had (see to Luke 8:1-3).
Insufficient advancement in our spiritual journey occurs when we attempt to shoulder all the expenses on our own. Regrettably, we are unable to do so. Our obedience to God has an immediate impact on others due to our deep involvement in His universal goals. Will we maintain unwavering loyalty in our adherence to God's commands and be prepared to endure the shame of rejecting self-reliance? Alternatively, will we adopt a contrasting approach and assert, "I will refrain from inflicting suffering upon others"? It is within our power to defy God if we so desire, which may provide instant respite to the current circumstances, but it will cause deep sorrow to our divine ruler. Nevertheless, if we adhere to God's commands, He will provide for those who have endured the repercussions of our compliance. We must unconditionally comply and entrust all the repercussions to Him.
Be cautious of the tendency to stipulate to God the specific outcomes that you would accept as a prerequisite for your compliance with His commands.
Enhanced Vision
Acts 26:17-18
This verse epitomizes the authentic core of the teachings of a follower of Jesus Christ in the entire New Testament.
The initial act of divine sovereignty is encapsulated in the phrase, "...so that they may obtain absolution from transgressions..." When an individual experiences failure in their personal Christian life, it is typically due to a lack of receiving any form of support or guidance. The sole indication of an individual's salvation is their reception of a gift from Jesus Christ. Our duty as servants of God is to enlighten individuals, enabling them to transition from a state of darkness to one of illumination. However, it is important to clarify that what is being referred to is not salvation, but rather conversion - a process that requires the active participation of an individual who has become aware of their own existence. I believe it is not an exaggeration to remark that the majority of those who identify as Christians exhibit such behavior. Although their eyes are open, they have not gotten anything. Conversion and regeneration are distinct processes. This point is often overlooked in our current preaching practices. Upon experiencing rebirth, an individual recognizes that it is solely due to the bestowal of a divine gift from the Almighty, rather than being a result of their own volition. Individuals may express vows and commitments, demonstrating strong resolve to adhere to them, although it is crucial to note that these actions alone do not constitute salvation. Salvation refers to the state in which we are capable of receiving something from God, specifically, the remission of sins, based on the authority of Jesus Christ.
Subsequently, God's second profound act of divine favor is the bestowal of "...an inheritance among those who are sanctified...". During the process of sanctification, the individual who has experienced spiritual rebirth consciously relinquishes their personal autonomy to Jesus Christ, fully aligning themselves with God's mission to serve others.
Cognitive Introspection
1 Thessalonians 5:23
"The entirety of your essence..." The profound and enigmatic operation of the Holy Spirit takes place within the inaccessible depths of our innermost being. Refer to Psalm 139 for reading. The psalmist suggests that the Lord is the deity associated with the early mornings, late nights, mountain summits, and the sea. However, my deity, my innermost being possesses horizons that extend beyond those of early beginnings, blackness that surpasses the nights of the earth, peaks that tower over any mountain summits, and depths that exceed those of any natural sea. May you, the deity who reigns over all, become my divine patron. I am unable to attain great heights or profound depths; there exist motivations that elude me, and goals that I am unable to fulfill. Oh Lord, examine me thoroughly.Empty quotation marks.
Do we have faith in the ability of God to strengthen and safeguard our cognitive processes to a greater extent than we are capable of? The verse from 1 John 1:7 states that the blood of Jesus Christ, being His Son, purifies us from all wrongdoing. If this verse implies purification solely at the level of our awareness, may we humbly seek divine mercy. An someone who has been desensitized by wrongdoing will claim to be completely unaware of it. However, the purification from wrongdoing that we undergo will extend to the highest and lowest points of our inner being if we choose to "live in accordance with the truth, just as He does" (1 John 1:7).
The identical Spirit that nourished the existence of Jesus Christ will nourish the existence of our spirit. Our spirit, soul, and body can only be preserved in a state of pure uprightness until the return of Jesus, and no longer condemned in God's sight, when we are safeguarded by God via the miraculous sacredness of the Holy Spirit.
We should regularly engage in deep contemplation of these profound and expansive realities of God.
Is my act of giving up something of value still ongoing and active?
Genesis 22:9
This occurrence exemplifies the fallacy in our belief that the ultimate desire of the divine being is the act of sacrificing one's life. The divine will is for us to engage in sacrificial acts of self-immolation, like to the actions of Jesus, when we willingly offer our lives. Do not say, "Lord, I am prepared to accompany You...until death" (Luke 22:33). However, I am prepared to associate myself with Your demise in order to offer my life as a sacrifice to God.
It appears that we believe God desires us to relinquish certain things. Abraham was cleansed of this mistake by God, and a similar process is occurring in our own lives. God instructs us to relinquish possessions not merely for the purpose of relinquishing them, but rather for the sake of attaining the one valuable pursuit, which is a life in His presence. The issue at hand involves removing the constraints that impede our life. The bands are promptly loosened via association with the death of Jesus. Subsequently, we establish a connection with God, through which we have the opportunity to devote our life to Him as an act of sacrifice.
Offering your life to God in exchange for death holds no significance to Him. He desires for you to become a "living sacrifice" by surrendering all of your sanctified strengths to Him, as outlined in Romans 12:1. This is what is deemed acceptable to the divine.