Listen to this sermon this blog post is in response to here.
This was the title for our sermon this past Sunday. I knew the song, Revolution by the Beatles, but in listening to it again I could definitely see how it went with this sermon and how it related to what Paul was saying in Colossians.
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness —26th mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the holy of glory.
Colossians 1:24-27
Paul reminds us that Christ left us with an assignment to carry the message that was revealed at Jesus’ resurrection. It’s our job to carry forward the word that has now been revealed. Jesus paid the price of redemption for everyone, not just the Jews. We are all children of God and the job of ministers is to proclaim the gospel.
Okay, I know the word minister makes you think of your pastor, preacher, priest, or whatever you call your church leader. But this task is given to every believer. We can all share the gift of salvation.
The calling on your life is to share the passions in our life that God places in our hearts. It may be through preaching, but I’m guessing there are way more people who share out of love for the Lord. It’s our great purpose. God will make known to you, when you seek him, how you can best do this. You’ll find your gifts in what you love to do. What are you good at and how can you use that as a gift for the kingdom?
It may not even be a gift that you realize yet. As we grow and trust, God will work in us. With little faith he will entrust us with more and we’ll see our ministry’s grow.
The road will not always be easy. We know how Jesus suffered to provide a way for us to be redeemed. What we do in the name of the Kingdom is a continuation of Christ’s suffering.
There are ways we’ve all suffered when someone has discounted us because of our faith. You may have heard the remarks or snickers under bated breath as you’ve been ridiculed for being a goody too shoes, or bullied because you stood for God. People may have seen you weak because you were a Jesus lover. I’ve been there and I’ve seen others who have endured it also, but that doesn’t change the task that’s been laid out before you.
WE ARE ALL CALLED TO MINISTRY!
When you are making a difference, you’ll come under fire. Don’t shrink away in fear, because God is with you, cheering you on as you fight for the souls of friends, family, or acquaintances.
Bombers only get shot at when they’re over the target.
We did nothing to be qualified as a parent. The hospital doesn’t give you a class in parenting before they turn you lose to take it home and care for it.
When God revealed the mystery in Jesus, he was distant from us. But God is revealed to us in Jesus.
Jesus is Emmanuel with us!
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:28-29
Christians may talk a big game, but are they living it? Don’t add anything to Jesus. The gospel is for everyone. Live it out in love and grace. It’s for everyone to see.
All we have to do is tell them the message. God will take care of the rest. He changes hearts.
We are all called to ministry. Don’t wait until you’re ready, you’ll fail to realize you need God.
We’re afraid that we’ll be called to do something that will make us feel uncomfortable. Whatever God brings you to, he will give you whatever you need. Do it afraid if you have to. Trust me, he’ll be there and you’ll be amazed!
Are we doing our share to further God’s Kingdom?
Pray for others and share your story with them.
We should all want to hear the greeting…“Well done, good and faithful servant!”
We can all work to continue the revolution that began in Asbury…
If Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 