Vision
A couple of months ago I was driving home on the 101 back from a lesson and was thinking about what a friend had told me regarding spelling out my vision for Genesis, especially to those who were involved in leadership roles so they could have clarity, both in where we are headed as well as our vision to get there. As I was parked (I mean driving) there on the fwy, a sentence came to mind which surprised me. It surprised me because the words didn’t seem to be anywhere in my head a moment earlier, but they seemed to sum up rather simply a lot of what I was wrestling with. Anyway, the sentence was this…
“Embolden one another to begin changing the world, by effectively representing Jesus Christ”
Embolden? I really don’t remember ever using that word. In fact, I had to look it up to be certain of its meaning, which is to instill with boldness. And the more I’ve thought about it, the more I like it. Throughout scripture there are examples of those who had to be “instilled with boldness.” Joshua was told 3 times in as many verses to be strong and courageous as well as not to be terrified. Jeremiah & Isaiah similarly were told not to be afraid and both Timothy and Esther were encouraged by others not to miss the opportunity that was before them. I think it’s easy for us to see that we all need to be instilled with boldness. The writer of Hebrews even tells us to think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works, but to begin changing the world? I admit that sounds a little like motivational speaker hype, yet I believe it’s what we are called to do and what will naturally take place if we fulfill Jesus’ commission to go and make disciples of all nations. I also think it’s worth thinking about those who have impacted the world for evil and how they were anything but passive in their intentions or ambitions. Whether it’s Bin Laden, Stalin or Hitler, they have purposefully and horrifically impacted the lives of millions! Which makes me wonder, what would happen if we purposefully and ambitiously moved to change the world for the good?
We are currently going through the book of Luke on Fridays and I’ve been looking at the phrase “the Kingdom of God” which Jesus has been repeating. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God as a work already in progress as well as something yet to come, but one of the things I’ve noticed is that He never tells or invites us to build or advance the Kingdom of God… never. He does, however, invite us to be a part of it. It may seem like a small thing, but when it comes to doing good things to change the world, motive is a huge thing and if we are honest, many times what we really want is God to help us build our kingdom (after all, it’s to do good) or at least give us a small province in His, but that really is so contrary to what the Kingdom of God is about. It’s about Him and His work in the lives of those who will allow it to grow in their hearts. We and this world are so “self” driven, but the Kingdom of God, like Christ Himself, is “others” driven and I think that is at the heart of “effectively representing Jesus Christ”. It’s thinking of others more than ourselves (Phil. 2), forgiving even as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4), and laying down our lives for one another as Jesus has for us (1Jn. 3). That is how we represent Him and how I believe we can change the world.
Remember, in this world we are like him (1 John 4:17).
So then …
“Embolden one another to begin changing the world, by effectively representing Jesus Christ”
What do you say? Are you in?
17 comments:
Hello SAM question you say here
“Embolden one another to begin changing the world, by effectively representing Jesus Christ”
I think and maybe I have missed Gods point when he commissioned us to preach the gospel.
See Mark 16:15-16
As the apostle Paul says as he is being divinely led by the Holy Spirit proclaims. For Iam not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. so it is the gospel message that God uses to further His kingdom we are but to proclaim in His name.My perspective what say you? anonymous #1
Jesus himself preached the Good News, Glad Tidings or Gospel (Luke 4:18 & 8:1), so of course we should do the same if we are going to effectively represent Him. The huge difference is that He preached the Good News of Himself, we don't preach ourselves, but the Messiah Jesus (2 Cor. 4:5).
I do believe effectively representing Jesus goes further though and that we are to do more than just "preach". Paul encouraged Timothy to ...in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show himself an example of those who believe. (1Tim 4:12). He also admonished those in Rome that the Kingdom of God was not just following religious obligation or dietary regulations (eating and drinking), but was righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. (Rom. 14:17).
I have no questions for Sam, just a beautiful verse.
1 Tim 6:20-21......
It is so good to meditate on the Word of God.
Bless you Sam.
Thank you, it's a beautiful verse indeed and worth meditation and reminds me of the wisdom of a friend I haven't spoken to or traveled with in a while.
Hello again sam you said The huge difference is that He preached the Good News of Himself, we don't preach ourselves, but the Messiah Jesus (2 Cor. 4:5). Of course we dont preach ourselves there is no power In my name. So i dont see the point. we are to preach christ and Him crucified to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23
here you try and make a point that there is more to the gospel than just words I do believe effectively representing Jesus goes further though and that we are to do more than just "preach.
I will direct to Jesus and his command to "Go into all the world" and preach the gospel to every creature, he who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemed. Mark 16:15-16. thats what saves people See 1 Corinthians 15:1-2.
And here you say Paul encouraged Timothy to ...in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show himself an example of those who believe. (1Tim 4:12) you use Paul's letter to Timothy as an example of a witness to none believers but in fact paul is warning Timothy of a Great apostasy See verse 4:1 And in
ch.4:12 Paul is telling Timothy to take heed. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example TO BELIEVERS in word in conduct in love in spirit in faith in purity. So you see this is to encourge believers not for the furtherance of the kingdom of God. Again its the gospel we preach that has the power OF GOD TO SALVATION to everyone who believes.
SEE Romans 1:16
And finally your statement here He also admonished those in Rome that the Kingdom of God was not just following religious obligation or dietary regulations (eating and drinking), but was righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. (Rom. 14:17).
Lets look at it. The kingdom of God: this is salvation, where God rules in the hearts of those he has saved.
eating and drinking:non essentials
righteousness: Holy obediant living
see Ephesians 6:14.
peace: the loving peace produced by the HS which should characterize a believers relationship with God and other believers. Remember no grace no peace!
verse 18 approved by men: christians are under a microscope we all no this especially in this post modern world that is watching how we live and treat each other. again this not advocating adding to the gospel message. We must stand fast in a world that is heeping up teachers for them selves to preach a different gospel. I will direct you to Galatians 1:6-8. God bless
What do you mean when you say "accurately represent Jesus?" Yes, yes, we all know the verses.... love your neighbor as yourself, esteem others more highly than yourself, etc.... But what does that actually look like? Evangelism? Community service? How are we to accurately preach the gospel in representing him? Our actions should definitely match our words, this we know. (Jas 1: 22-25) What about those that have been mislead down the path of false teaching? Mormons, J.W.'s, Muslims? (Gal 1: 6-8) There are so many false teachings out there about the person of Jesus Christ and good intentions or not, is it possible to be intently wrong? (Mat 7:21-23)
How do you present that we go about reaching the ones who have a inaccurate representation of Jesus already, without offending (Jn 15:21) and lovingly telling them about the dangers of Hell? (Mat 10:28).
I thank God that the Christians who ministered to me in years past, never stopped warning me about the dangers of living a live apart from God's will. Without the protection God gives us in His boundaries, are we not bound to walk our own way. Away from our faith, living a Godless life in our outer man? (Prov. 16:25) How does that minister Jesus accurately to the dying world?
"This is my command:
Love each other.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world it would love you as it's own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. This is why the world hates you."
The Lord is so good isn't He? His plans are always perfect because they are not the ways of men. Boy do we know how to make a mess of things. Accurately representing Jesus isn't a simple thing to do, but it isn't difficult. God has given us all things right?
I think i should take heed the scripture from the other comment.
I will not try and defend what I have not said, or repeat again what I have said twice already.
I welcome and will not block your comments even as I have told my friends who read this blog and do not share my faith in Christ, but for the sake of others i would encourage you not to throw stones from behind the wall of anonymity.
I'm sure you have or can easily get my phone#, I would be more than happy to talk with you if you want to understand clearly what I believe.
Under His mercy,
Sam
I apologize Sam, if you felt I was attacking you, or "throwing stones" I assumed that you had this open forum for your blog that you welcomed discussions such as these.... I love posting on blogs like Phoenix Preacher and such, and do so anonymously because of my gender. I think I might not be taken seriously being a woman.
I do so love studying theology and apologetics, it is very challenging to me. :)
My true sincere apologies.....
I don't know who the other anonymous person is, however - I am the one who gave you the verse in 1 Timothy, and was also asking the questions about accurately representing our Lord to you. Please forgive me if you felt any animosity or disrespect - it wasn't my intention. I just happened to be reading the blog and thought I would ask away at the burning questions in my small but inquisitive brain....
Not sure there would ever be a good or appropriate time to get together with you, but that would be a neat visit I am sure.
Anyway, God bless and hopefully we will be able to talk one day soon. Need any printing? :)
Lisa Harris
Lisa, thanks so much for letting me know this, sorry I thought you were all the anonymousness's. I really would love to get together with you guys (not just for the printing).
I still welcome your comments regardless if you agree or not. I can't promise I will be able to respond to them all, but welcome them all the same.
Hi Sam,
This is Ray Carter from Calvary L.H.C. AZ.I was wondering if you were interested and availble to do some worship out here? 928)486-7289.
Hi Sam, I had to share with you. My family and I moved away from Upland. The church I was saved at is in Upland. I prayed that I wouldn't fall away from the Lord. I knew there was accountability there and I was moving to where I knew no one. I knew the Lord was with me where ever I went, but my awful mind would think, I'm not going church. I don't know anyone. The Lord worked in my heart. I was missing my brothers and sisters in Christ at Upland. I went for a visit to the church and I felt at home again. Driving back home the Lord was saying, "are you worshiping the building, the people or Me"? I just kept hearing that in my head. So I prayed that I would keep focus on Jesus and I knew I needed fellowship with my sisters so I joined a Womens Bible study, it was very encouraging. The Lord used so many women and His word of course to embolden me not to fall into my own self righteousness, in my own self completely, to speak up when needed. I am shy to speak in a crowd, but the Lord gave me boldness to speak in front of women I didn't know. A lady even said thanks for your openness and candidness. It was all the Lord, Praise to Him for using His word and His children to embolden me. There are always brothers and sisters we are going to learn from because it's the Lord doing the work in them. Praise be to the Lord.
My heart was like this, Psalm 38:9-10 and now my heart the Lord knows, its like this Rom 12:9-18. God Bless you Sam and your family.
you didnt even have to identify yourself Lisa its alwayz been obvious to me and some, Im not surprized at you not one bit!!!!
ashamed perhaps
disappointed
Let's remember that the world will know we are followers of Christ by our love for one another and Jesus said, why should you get credit if you love only those who love you?
I was recently reminded of a quote by Martin Luther regarding what we as Christians believe, "In Essentials, Unity; in Non-essentials, Liberty; in All Things, Charity" I think this could serve us all well right about now.
Rosemary, I am so glad that you are moving forward and that the Lord has met you and using you in the lives of others. I absolutely love that passage of Romans 12. Thank you very, very much.
I find it interesting, that someone else sees fit to throw stones behind the wall of anonymity now. It's a shame that people can't have self control over their own personal feelings enough to have discussions about the things that we may disagree in. I do like your quote Sam, "In Essentials, Unity; in Non-essentials, Liberty; in All Things, Charity"
I have another one....
"In difficult doctrinal matters, may we have gracious attitudes and humble hearts, desiring most of all to please Him who has called us to serve Him in the body of Christ. Discussion - YES! Disagreements - YES! Division - NO!"...Chuck Smith
If there are those who can not control their emotions, maybe they should refrain from reading these blogs. It seems Sam has been a good example of having a gracious attitude with all of the posts. As I believe I was as well. Unfortunately it seems there are others that can't seem to have mature, intelligent conversation without trying to be divisive.
Sam has said that he welcomes questions on this blog from those who do not agree with him, and from non-believers alike - he does not seem to be intimidated by questions or comments from some who have posted here.
Why act just like others in the world - I thought we were supposed to be different - that we were to be known for our love of one another? Might want to check your attitude against God's word. I know I have to do this regularly, as this is also a difficult area in my life.
Thanks for you kind words Sam, and Rosemary as well.
Bless both of you.
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