It is Time to “Christ Up”

 

It is Time to “Christ Up”

Galatians 2:20

Theme: turn to Christ daily for whatever you need to live out God’s interests.

It's time to "Christ" up! You have heard of the phrase, "Man up" before perhaps in the context of a unique challenge to a youth or even to a fully mature man who is presently behaving more like a boy. Basically, we are forcefully encouraged to meet certain expectations...satisfy requirements or secure the necessary strength to elevate our performance. Well with "Christ" up there is a standard...expectation, a requirement. "Christ" is that standard, and this does not involve more self-reliance!

The strength we must summon is not physical and carnal, but totally spiritual and transcendent. At this level "Christ" does the amazing through our spirit's and mostly by His Holy Spirit. The result is God is glorified through "Christ" and we elevate to "Christ Mode" instead of settling for merely what is humanly possible with self-reliance. We intentionally capitulate to our human spirit that was made alive by God, embrace the power of the holy Spirit, and submit our carnal flesh by yielding to divine outcomes instead of mere cultural ideas. We live out the meaning of being a "living sacrifice." Christ is manifested, magnified, and made visible for others to be attracted to Him also.

This idea is offered in Galatians 2:20 which says: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”. 

Critical Ideas to Capture:

1. “Crucified with Christ”: A believer's old sinful nature is dead, freed from any condemnation of God's law.
2. “Christ liveth in me”: The believer's life is now guided and empowered by Jesus Christ living within us through the incredible power of Holy Spirit, thus eliminating the need for self-reliance and personal isolation.
3. “Live by faith”: The daily life in the physical body ("the flesh") is sustained by faith in Jesus, not by following the law or earning salvation through our activities.

God highlights for us the incredible need to transition from self-reliance to living through Christ’s power. Beloved, it is time to “Christ Up” as we apply this idea to ‘Christian living.’ Make this all-important transition, change, and revolution!

What is self-reliance? The ability to depend on yourself for things instead of relying on others. The self-contained person is independent and autonomous — they take care of themselves.

Proofs of self-reliance are demonstrated through ‘fleshly’ resourcefulness, carnal flexibility, and independent decision-making, and displaying a desire to navigate challenges without relying on or involving others. Some of this is necessary and expected but this becomes dangerous as we promote ‘self-sufficiency’ independent of ‘Christ-reliance’!

What does God afford us is ‘Christ dependency”? Holy and transcendent living is not normal for fallen human beings but is only available to believers who are living sacrifices. Not merely saved individuals—though this should include every believer, but real subjects of the Kingdom of God. That is new wine, new life, new power, new purpose, new freedom, new hope, new significance, new fire, and new people reserved exclusively for the genuinely righteous lifestyle!

This is what holy and transcendent living is like:

Ephesians 5:18-20, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; ¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Galatians 5:21-26, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ²⁴ And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

The believers are deeply spiritual—enthusiastically Holy Spirit dominated! They are intimate with God and experience frequent connection with Him, consistent in life, and often surpass mere religious routines. They typically exhibit high levels of faith, humility, and holiness, prioritizing a direct, personal, and emotional relationship with God over mere formal, ecclesiastical, external, cultural displays of supposed faith. 

Beloved, transcendent living is rising above daily struggles and self-centeredness to experience God’s deeper purpose, joy, and connection to His Kingdom. It involves cultivating awareness of Him through His Word, nurturing agape love, and embracing moments of amazement as He fulfils His will through us. Such lifestyle transforms ordinary existence into a meaningful kingdom-focused journey.

The murky side of self-sufficiency often leads to exhaustion, long-lasting stress, worry, and isolation, as the irrational need to do everything alone causes us to view asking for help as a weakness. We can even regard asking God for guidance and power as an indication of weakness. Such an attitude or mindset can destroy fellowship with God, forfeit Christ’s Kingdom opportunities and dynamics, cripple relationships, hinder teamwork through the church, and cause believers to reject church or pastoral support, leading to emotional coldness and detachment and, in extreme cases, serious spiritual, physical, and mental health crises. 

What are some ways we are resorting to or even choosing self-reliance?

1.      Do we take personal responsibility for outcomes?

2.     Do we resort to the ‘flesh’ to take credit for results?

3.     Do we trust our instincts—feeling, personal ideas—instead of God and His Word?

4.     Are we maintaining emotional independence? You know…regulating our own emotions, validating our own worth, and not relying on God and His people for godly happiness and holiness.

5.     Are we actively solving problems rather than waiting on God for guidance and relying on His help?

These questions aid our self-evaluations before the Lord. It is okay to invite His help as we search our souls (Psalm 139:23-24).

Important factors of transcendent living to include:

• Shift your perspective to moving beyond the ‘ego-self’ or individual, mundane, and self-centered concerns.
• Stay still in God’s presence, being alert to the present opportunities, and noticing what He communicates (His will) to your heart and thoughts.
• Purpose to serve and get involved focusing on helping others, leaving a godly legacy, winning people to Christ, and contributing to God’s kingdom goals through your church.
• Accept and trust God with the way it is. We must intentionally let go of the need to control every outcome and instead trust God’s wisdom with the flow of life.
• Daily incorporate these concepts by applying God’s truth, moments of meditation on God and His Word, standing in awe of His incredible Person, and being watchful of daily life, relationships, fellowship opportunities and work.

Conclusion:

The pathway to realizing this “Christ up” mentality often involve surrendering to the Holy Spirit, forsaking the flesh as unacceptable on this transcendent level, cultivating real spiritual significance, gratitude towards the Lord, and connection with your church’s ministries.

 

The Source of Our Blessings

 “The Source of Our Blessings”

1 Chronicles 29:9-20

SUBJECT: STEWARDSHIP

THEME: Trust the Lord as your Source for all things.

RELEVANCE: recognizing the Lord as the real source of our blessings encourages us to endure the discomforts of financial reverses, become good stewards, and give generously to his work. Though the Lord may use a second job, a promotion, a relocation, a new company, another position or an entrepreneurial endeavor; it is imperative that we view Him as our complete Source first. This is one key to being more optimistic and hopeful during major financial reverses. We must trust Him to satisfy our needs. 

INTRODUCTION:

The Bible is filled from cover to cover with the goodness of God. Our heavenly Father is always giving, always loving, always generous toward His children especially as we walk in obedience. In Genesis, He gives the man and woman a perfect Garden of Eden. In Revelation, we read about our ultimate home, a perfect and eternal heaven. In all the books in between, we read how God delighted in blessing His people. At the outset of the New Testament, we read how God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as His ultimate gift of all spiritual blessings to us. The Scriptures reveal what God is like.

MESSAGE:

I.  God is the Source to Satisfy All Our Needs.

1 Chron. 29:11, Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

1 Chron. 29:14, But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. (Also see verse 16).

    — God truly is the Author of all of life; eternal life and many fortunes are included in His great plan. The sovereignty of God over all material affluence is stated clearly in 1 Chronicles 29:9–14. These words of King David also reflect the general attitude we should have toward God’s provisions.

    — If we were to summarize David’s statement while applying these concepts in three short sentences, we would likely say:

            1. The Lord is the real owner of everything.

            2. The Lord gives generously to His people—His children.

            3. We would be wise to give Him thanks and praise for what He has given us.

    — Jesus certainly held to this same conclusion when He taught His disciples to conclude their times of prayer by saying, “. . . For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matt. 6:13).

    — God owns everything, has all authority to dispense with it as He chooses, and is worthy of all praise for what He does forever. And let it be so!

A.  GOD DESIRES TO BESTOW MANY BLESSINGS UPON HIS CHILDREN.

    1.  Notice the Promises of Blessings to Israel.

When David reflected about going up to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, he sang,

Psalm 122:6-7, Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. [7] Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

He gave us a prayer that we can pray for all Believers, a prayer that is totally in line with God’s will for His people. Now notice the promise of God in the days of King Jehoshaphat: 2 Chron. 20:20, And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah prayed and were told by the prophet Jahaziel that the battle was not theirs, but God’s. They were called to action by having faith in God and his prophets before they go out to face their enemies. They were not to be afraid, and they would not have to fight on this occasion, as the Lord would fight for them. The next morning, Jehoshaphat rallied the people, urging them to believe in the Lord their God to be established and to believe his prophets to prosper. So, the people then went out to face the enemy, with singers leading the way and praising the Lord. As they sang, God defeated the enemy army, and when the people arrived at the battle site, they found all their enemies dead. Through an act of trust, God came through for His people again!

    2.  Notice the Promises of Blessings to Us as Christians.

The Scriptures are filled with verses that tell us of God’s goodness, His inexhaustible resources, and His desire to advance His people. God’s desire for you is victory (knowing and executing His purpose)—that you might have all you need to operate on His behalf and the capacity to enjoy doing so.  As you read the verses below, apply them to your life.

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 

Ephesians 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Philip. 4:19, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

We have received every spiritual blessing from God through Jesus Christ. Certainly, we are right to be thankful and appreciative people who readily admit our needs and our utter dependence upon Him for everything. God has already met our spiritual needs, and He is willing to meet our material needs as well as we trust Him. This is especially true for those who have sacrificed their needs to see His plans advance.

B.  GOD NATURALLY PROVIDES FOR HIS PEOPLE.

Psalm 34:8-10, O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. [9] O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. [10] The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. 

We are invited and encouraged to experience God’s goodness for ourselves; we must trust Him to bless us accordingly. We are also urged to revere (fear or respect) the Lord, assured that we will not be disappointed if we do. When we contrast the temporary hunger of young lions with the eternal provision for those who seek the Lord, we are further promised we will not be deprived of any good thing.

    1. Our Resources are Limited.

When we limit ourselves to our own ability and resources, we find that we run out of both ability and resources very quickly. The situation is marked by scarcity, shortages, and depletion due to multiple wants. It is no surprise that such depletion becomes our reality. Strictly speaking, our supplies are finite, and our services are essential for life and production, creating scarcity and forcing harder choices about their use. This idea applies to physical resources, as well as intangible ones like time and skills. Because our resources are finite, individuals, businesses, and societies must prioritize and make trade-offs, considering the opportunity cost of their decisions. It is how we function with serious limitations.

    2.  God’s Resources are Unlimited.

When we focus our faith on what God can do for us, we encounter an infinite supply that cannot be measured and therefore cannot be depleted. He has unlimited resources in Heaven and Earth, because He created it all. And God knows exactly how to supply our needs and some of our wants. His power, wisdom, and blessings are all unlimited. He has more than enough to meet any need we may have. God’s resources are 100 percent inflation-proof, depression-proof, and recession-proof.

Psalm 139:1-18 reflects on God’s complete knowledge of our situation, from our thoughts to every action. We are encouraged by God’s inescapable presence in heaven, hell, and all parts of the earth. Beloved, it is appropriate to conclude with praise for being “fearfully and wonderfully made,” with all of life’s days written in God’s book before they even happen.

The very nature of God gives us assurance of His abundant provisions: (Ps. 139:1-18). We can see God’s intimate knowledge, His inescapable presence, His power over darkness and light, and His creative authority and plan!

So, when it comes to All-knowing—God knows your need. He knows it even better and before you do.

So, when it comes to All-powerful—God has all power to supply to you what you need.

So, when it comes to Ever-present—God is at work even now to meet your needs.

Remember Psalm 23:1 states, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”. This metaphor of a shepherd describes God’s care and provision for His followers, assuring us that our needs will be satisfied. God is a loving protector, provider, and guide, so our needs will be satisfied under His care. We are correct to look to Him for direction and grace.

C.  GOD’S PROVIONS SHOULD BE REFLECTED ON OFTEN.   

Not only do you and I have the character of God as our assurance that He is going to provide for us, but we also have testimony of God’s past performance in providing for His people. Beloved, this is fertile deep-thinking territory for us all! The Scriptures repeatedly point to Him as a faithful Source:

• He made a way for His people to cross the Red Sea and be delivered from their enemies.
• He provided manna for the people to eat in the wilderness.
• He caused water to gush forth from a rock to quench His people’s thirst.
• He gave His commandments to the people when they were without moral fiber.
• He healed His people when they were struck by poisonous snakes.

Ponder and meditate on these events carefully; think deeply and consider what God’s record shows! Give yourself permission to focus on this idea…allow yourself to understand this in a more meaningful capacity. His provisions for His people were complete, in every area of their lives. We need to keep this uppermost in our contemplations. Life is filled with all types of anxieties, imperfections, frustrations, and disappointments but let us choose to believe God and trust Him to be our absolute Source, Supply, and Satisfier! This is just one key to being more optimistic and hopeful during the substantial financial setbacks we are experiencing. We must persevere by trusting our Lord to satisfy our needs still.  

Fostering the Attitude of Joy 2

1 Thessalonians 5:16

 
SUBJECT: Cultivating the Christian Attitude of Joy

THEME: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of spiritual Joy!

INTRODUCTION: As Christians our inner life is awfully important to God and our spiritual welfare—attitudes, motives, and behaviors are equally weighty aspects of our inner and external growth in grace. Doing the right thing should stem from being the right person. You may recall, an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Attitudes include our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; all of which are to be consecrated to the glory of our Lord God. Our focus today is on the attitude of joy.

Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts. The Bible distinguishes joy from pleasure. The Greek word for pleasure is the word from which we get our word “hedonism,” the philosophy of self-centered pleasure seeking.”^[1]

The Apostle Paul characterized false teachers as “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4). Let this be a warning to us all; we are to love God first and foremost. Joy will prove evasive and illusive as long as we pursue joy, but if we refocus and pursue the Lord then joy will be a benefit of our lavish communion with him. Rejoicing can become our habit…our practice…our character…our destiny.  

Joy as Action. There is a joy that Scripture commands. That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels. Proverbs 5:18 tells the reader to rejoice in the wife of his youth, without reference to what she may be like. Christ instructed his disciples to rejoice when they were persecuted, reviled, and slandered (Mt 5:11, 12). The apostle Paul commanded continuous rejoicing (Phil 4:4; 1 Thes 5:16). James said Christians are to reckon it all joy when they fall into various testings because such testings produce endurance (Jas 1:2). First Peter 4:13 seems to include both action and emotion…. Joy in adverse circumstances is possible only as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is present in every Christian (Gal 5:22).^[2]

All of this means our attitudes are a choice! We can choose to be joyful. This is further supported by the fact that God commands this behavior—rejoice. “Rejoice” is a firm authoritative command; not merely a suggestion we can take or leave. We must cultivate attitudes of Joy to ensure it marks our character. 

FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF JOY CONTINUED….  

1Thes 5:16, Rejoice evermore. 

Recall also the Apostle Paul’s wise counsel, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4). 

Thesis: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of our Joy!

          I.               Rejoicing Forevermore is Possible because of the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of Spiritual Joy! We understand the imperative and command to rejoice evermore, but here we explore further why we should. There are incredible reasons for fostering the holy attitude of joy. 

A.    First, Rejoice because Jehovah God is Our Source of Joy (Neh. 8:10-12).

                                        1.     We can rejoice always and, in all things, because the Source of our joy is a constant unchanging and all-sufficient origin.

                                        2.     Joy of the LORD—Jehovah, Yahweh—the existing One! It denotes absolute rule and authority of the Creator, Owner, and Master of the universe!

                                        3.     It is the “joy of the Lord” that strengthens us and empowers holy resilience—God-wrought buoyancy—divinely provided elasticity. We can continually rejoice because He always supplies all we need as we need it and whatever we need.

                                        4.     You can rejoice in the Lord as the infinite Source of our Joy! Joy comes from a supernatural Source—God himself and it is supernaturally sustained in our experiences. Transcendental, supernatural, spiritual and mystical are reasonable descriptions of the divine rejoicing; joy is made available through our faith and dependence upon the Lord for it. As certainly as the Lord resources our sun and a trillion billion stars in millions of galaxies He can resource you and me.

                                        5.     Nehemiah 8:10-12, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. [Power] 11, So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. (Neh. 8:10-12)

                                        6.     We make a gross mistake when we pursue joy or when we expect joy from other sources. While there is natural joy and happiness that we experience through positive circumstances and healthy relationships. Some pursue joy primarily in human relationships—spouse, children, friends. Others look only to things to bring them joy—houses, cars, boats, ect. There are folks who expect joy in their occupations—promotions, more money and raises, new joy, bonuses, recognition ect. Yet, others hunt for joy in achievements—advanced degrees, and on the list goes. The Lord is your real Source of Joy! Look to Him!

B.    Secondly, Rejoice because Jesus Christ is our Subject of Joy (Phil. 4:8).

                                        1.     Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phil. 4:8)

                                        2.     Your thought life matters when it comes to cultivating a joyful character! We can perceive what is involved in rejoicing evermore by focusing on the Lord. My heart has been rescued from downcast feelings and thoughts by refocusing my thoughts on the Lord Jesus. Thinking about Him stirs joy deep within.

                                        3.     Reflecting on His compassion, mercy, and love gives rise to comfort, assurance, and security in the deepest centers of my soul. Meditating on His patience, wisdom, and courage awakens persistence, confidence, and peace in my heart—again I am helped!

                                        4.     Beloved, concentrate your thoughts on Calvary, the empty tomb, your resurrected Savior, the ascended Christ, the enthroned and powerful Lord, our all-glorious Advocate, our compassionate High Priest, and the coming King of kings and Lord of lords!

                                        5.     Remember Jesus saved you, forgave you, brought you into the family of God and gave you his blessed Holy Spirit. Heaven and forever with the Lord is your eternal reality. Beloved, shout for joy! Let it rise from the depth of your ever-deepening conviction that you have many reasons to rejoice in the Lord. O’ the impact of Christ on our inner life is reason to rejoice evermore! (Phil. 1:4, 18; 2:16-18; 3:3; 4:4, 10; 1 Peter 1:5-8; 1 John 1:1-4)

                                        6.     If you merely ruminate on what’s wrong, bad, evil, sinful, awful, or negative then you will naturally be down cast and mitigate the joy you seek to build in your life!

C.    Thirdly, Rejoice because Father-God is Our Sovereign of Joy (Acts 16:19-35).

                                        1.     JOY is an acrostic for Jehovah over You! He is wonderfully in control of our circumstances! The command to “Rejoice evermore” (1Thess. 5:16) certainly rises out of a firmly fixed conviction that God is in complete control of our circumstances and challenges! His plan concerning you and me is good! We really believe that…come what may. No one else and nothing else occupies the throne of the entire universe! God alone rules forever on high over all; He is supremely in control. If he rules over all, then that includes you and me. If he exercises control over all, then we must accept his control over us. For me, this is reason to rejoice!

                                        2.     Accordingly, in Acts 16:19-35, Paul and Silas were simply obeying God and preaching the Gospel of Christ in Philippi. People were being saved and lives were changing, but this brought false accusations, physical persecution, public humiliating beatings, condemnation without a fair trial, and imprisonment in a dank jail. Rather than being bitter, lapsing into depression, or plotting an escape, these servants of Christ demonstrated confidence in God’s great plan for them. Instead of weeping, cussing, complaining, or protesting they rejoiced and sang praises to God! This was a powerful testimony to the on-watching prisoners. You see, this is the power of joy in action—strengthening and sustaining faithful servants to continue in the work of the Lord Jesus. In fact, God started the church at Philippi with the converts from this development.

                                        3.     Our role is to trust this truth and be glad in the Lord God. Notice how David agrees with Paul saying, “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (Ps 32:11). Why not join David and shout for joy? Why??? You and I are not subject to chance, lucky stars, fate, or horoscopes. God is managing our affairs with love, grace, wisdom, power, and this is far more meaningful than impersonal forces randomly impacting our lives!

                                        4.     Since your confidence and trust is indeed in the Lord “rejoice” and “shout for joy”! "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." (Ps 5:11) Express your love for the Lord Jesus by rejoicing in Him. Envelop yourself in His defense strategies first and foremost; rejoice in the impeccable security Jehovah affords. Once again, the Apostle Paul said it perfectly, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil 4:4). There is NO need to fret or fear—trust Him implicitly.

                                        5.     When we keep our minds and hearts upon the truth that Christ controls our circumstances, then we can’t help but rejoice. With the Lord on the throne, everything will ultimately be alright. He does all things well; He rules with wisdom, power, and love. He is our Sovereign, Source and Subject of Joy; therefore, keep rejoicing as you go! (Acts 16:19-35)

                                        6.     If you find it difficult to give God control of your entire life, it may be you do not trust His sovereign wisdom, power, or love! On the other side of full surrender is victory and joy unspeakable and full of glory! (1Pet. 1:5-9)

II.            Rejoicing Always and in All Conditions Must be Fostered…How May We Foster Joy? While we fully acknowledge joy cannot be produce through mere human manipulations, there our spiritual activities that God uses to produce joyful experiences. So, again what are some ways we may experience joy?

A.    By Communing with God through Christ (1John 1:4)

B.    By Abiding (staying) in Jesus Christ to be Fruitful (John 15:11)

C.    By Depending on the Spirit for his gracious life-changing Fruit (Gal. 5:22-23)

D.    By Reaping a Harvest of Converts through sharing the Gospel (Phil. 2:15-18)

E.    By Rejoicing in the Lord Habitually and Intentionally (Phil. 4:4)

F.     By Renewing the Mind with Scripture (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 4:8)

CONCLUSION:

We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of spiritual Joy!

Holy Joy can be the continual experience of Christians, even in the most contrary conditions. Beloved, this is because our great God is the source, subject and sovereign of our joy! Therefore, we can deliberately “rejoice evermore.” In doing so we foster the attitude of joy. Remember, Christ is fully in control of our circumstances.

Even from the world of science and psychology, joy and happiness have been linked to good health:

            1.  Promotes a healthier lifestyle

2. Protects your heart
3. Combats disease and disability
4. Boosts/strengthens your immune system
5. Fights stress and supports fewer aches and pains
6. Promotes longevity—lengthens our lives

Truly, “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22; see also Prov. 15:13). The science world is only beginning to realize the physical and temporal benefits of joy and happiness. For thousands of years the Scriptures have informed us of these along with the far reaching spiritual benefits of a joyful life in Christ. Let us explore the wonders of intimate communion with the Lord; one incredible result is fullness of joy (1John 1:1-4). In obedience to God’s command, let us “rejoice evermore” in the Lord!

Finally, as joy-filled believers, we will make a positive impact for the glory of God. It is easy to conceive how more people would come to Christ if we were characterized by real joy (Jn. 15:11; 10:10). Christ wills that His people not only have life, but that we have it more abundantly! Joy should not only create a curiosity, but also a hunger in hearts for the Lord. Christianity should be marked by saltiness while providing light to all (Matt. 5:13-16). Joy is solid evidence of Christianity’s distinctive testimony. Remember the words of the Savior, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

---

^[1] Dean, R. J. (2003). Joy. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (pp. 956–957). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

^[2] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Joy. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1225). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

The Source of Vision

ACTS 13:1-5

To carry the Gospel to our community, we must embrace a God-Given Vision

In Acts 13, Doctor Luke communicates how this primarily Gentile congregation in Antioch willingly accepts Christ’s vision. The Word of God will provide the ministry-shaping and purpose-orienting vision for all genuine churches. We all need some guidance from God to serve as a legitimate model of vision. In this instance the First Century Church of Antioch is an excellent prototype to learn from.

Once again, note what Luke says in Acts 13:2,

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

God gave vision to the church! It is obedience to this God-given vision that gives our churches restraint and provides direction in the local and worldwide mission endeavors. Here we need to entertain the question of where does vision come from? Who should we look to for vision for our church and ministry?

THE VISION FOR MISSIONS MUST COME FROM GOD

Acts 13:2, ... the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

In Antioch we hear the clarion voice of the Holy Spirit of God directing the church and his specific servants to the communities and regions beyond the city of Antioch. I do not know if the Spirit of God spoke audibly or through one of the pastors or a prophet; I do know the church receive its vision from God. The Source was and should also be divine! God’s people must insist upon this.

The Vision for the Local Mission Must Originate with God

Matthew 28:18-19, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

After our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection, He commissioned his first church to take the good news to the entire world. God was directing his body to action and specifying the nature of that action. The local evangelistic vision for our communities must originate with God. At Antioch it was the Holy Ghost of God talking to his churches. Praise God they had a heart and ears to hear what the Spirit was saying.

A True Vision Is Not Centered in Human Beings, Either the Pastor or the People, but in God Himself. Vision is not the product of our own imagination or hopes; it is the discovery of God’s design and plan for each church. Beloved, we cannot lead a focus group to come up with God’s vision for our churches. We must consult with God as a collective people.

Missions Begins with a Supernatural Encounter with a Holy God.  Matthew 28:18, And Jesus came and spake unto them. . ..

You and I must first know God experientially. Once a believer knows the Lord through study and fellowship he will become captivated by God’s vision and then join Him in His redemptive activity. One key to vision discovery is prayer and fasting. “We have not because we ask not,” explains James 4:2. If we are to find God’s vision for our churches with regards to our local mission, we must be willing to ask and then to listen. Because we are activity oriented, our prayer times tend to be long on asking and short on listening. What is God trying to communicate to your heart through this message?

God’s Vision Will Be Centered in and Supported by The Word.           

Luke 24:44-48 And he [Lord Jesus] said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. [45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, [46] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things.

The Lord Jesus Christ understood the importance of divine revelation providing the particulars of ministry endeavors. His entire public ministry pointed back to what was foretold about him hundreds of years before in the Word. The content and focus of His work were prescribed in the body of the Old Testament Scriptures. Beloved, God still speaks through His Bible. When the Bible is correctly interpreted and applied it will always provide clear guidance to the Work of God and His people. What the church in Antioch was embarking upon in Acts 13 had been commanded by the Lord Jesus years before!  

  

God's vision will always be centered in and supported by His precious Word—The Scriptures. God will not communicate a vision contrary to His own nature, purpose, the old Book.  If our vision is a grandiose scheme centered in our own ego rather than based solidly in Scripture, you can be sure it is not of God, and He will not empower our churches for this. We must always ask: “Does our vision find its base in the revealed Word of God? Does it reflect the character of God Himself? Will it glorify Him?”          

Many times, churches are motivated to see how many people they can win for bragging rights, or to merely outperform the other churches in town. They are driven to build a name for themselves as a “Evangelistic Church.” Actually, this really is pride. It sounds like the same things the people at the Tower of Babel said in Genesis chapter eleven. All of these are poor motivations! Being zealous for souls for the glory of Christ is wholesome but getting decisions to make another Face Book post is carnal. The scriptures must be the beat to which we march.

Vision from God Will Be Grounded in the Great Commission.

Bible based Vision will always be anchored in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; John 20:21-23).

The Specific Vision for Each Church must Enable it to Better Fulfill the Great Commission. To make disciples through going, baptizing, and teaching obedience is not an option for any real church. Unless a church body is first committed to the Great Commission it is not likely to seek vision nor follow it.

One of the Most Important Series of Messages the Pastor Can Preach to Prepare People for Discovering a Vision Is a Series on the Mission and Ministry of the Local Church. Missions Conferences will provide us with the insights and encouragements to embrace a God-given vision for this world including the local community. Vision emerges when God's people have a clear understanding of the church's mission.  Worldwide evangelization is literally why the churches exist!

You May Assume that Everyone Knows the Great Commission Establishes the Marching Orders for a New Testament Church. This is not true!  A recent Christian publication referred to a survey taken throughout that state concerning the primary task of the church. Nine out of ten pastors identified the primary task as that of fulfilling the Great Commission, while only two out of ten church members/attendees did so. They believed that the primary ministry of the church was to meet the needs of the members. If we have not first accepted the Great Commission as the marching orders for the church, we will not know Christ’s vision for His churches.

Clearly, the true Source of Vision is the Lord God, and He largely communicates that vision through His written Word. Many leaders claim to have dreams, trances, an epiphany or a ‘word’, but what we need is a God-given vision rooted in the nature and character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many churches virtually waste their existence focused on half-baked human endeavors that scarcely resemble an authentic work of Christ. For some it is all about them…all about the buildings, or all about the money. For others church is merely where they get their religious fix once or twice a month. Beloved, vision is written revelation in local application. Vision emerges from time in the presence of God, and meditation on the Great Commission. Remember, “Where there is no vision, the people perish….” God is speaking, but are you listening?