At this moment (Thursday, Nov 5) the election is tending toward Biden but still could end up Trump. Lots of people are on pins and needles awaiting the outcome. Riots have already started in Portland, Denver, and New York. But for the true Christian, this does not occupy much of our time or energy. Why? Because this world is not our home. We are part of another kingdom. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, … my kingdom [is] not from hence.” JOH 18:36
There is another election that is far more important than who gets to be the next president of the United States. YOURS! You have been elected by God to be His child. All the paper work is finished, all the costs associated with your adoption into the family of God, into His heavenly kingdom, have been paid. “Wherefore …, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2PE 1:10
What does it mean to “make your calling and election sure”? In every society, there are norms, rules, a culture which makes you fit in. Our job, our privilege, is to choose to adopt those norms, that culture that makes up the kingdom of God. And that is LOVE (the principle of giving what is needed most). “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” COL 3:12-14
I hope you’ll join Pastors Byrd, Tanner, Kip, and Tom as we unpack Elected, or what it means for the Christian to engage in our present world while accepting citizenship into the world to come, God’s kingdom.
I was blessed by Prayer Meeting last night and the message in your email is so relevant and founded in the truth of God’s word. Looking forward to the message on Sabbath!
PTL and thank you Wanda.
Good one!!
PTL
Thank you, Pastor. This is good counsel.
You are very welcome. Always good counsel to look away from self and to Jesus.
Pastor Byrd, thank you so very much for taking the time and energy to share with us such timely and relevant sermons. Very much appreciated. God bless you and your family.
You are most welcome Susan. And thanks for your prayers for God to us such an earthen vessel.