GraceUnlimited

What will God say about you when you stand before him on judgement day- This question might make you afraid or it might make you long for Jesus even more-Paul shows us the importance of listening to the warnings of Scripture when it comes to the truth of the gospel to make sure we are only trusting in Jesus and not in anything we have done. Believers long for the day when their faith will be made public to the whole world, where the righteousness they have by faith in Christ is declared to the whole universe. Paul helps us to have the right perspective as we wait in hope of that future day-so that we can live for what matters most.

The Servant of Jehovah, Jesus, was called, named, prepared, hidden, and promised glory. Yet he still struggled with a sense of failure when he looked at the ordinariness of his life and accomplishments. Yet, even though his sense of failure, he maintained his faithful dependence on his Father. And through a life that seemed ordinary and purposeless, God brought about the greatest and most glorious victory in history. Like the Servant of Jehovah, you, Christian, have been called, named, prepared, hidden and received glorious promises. You, too, will likely experience a sense of failure. Yet, like the Servant of Jehovah, God will accomplish his purposes in you through faithfulness in ordinary life.

Death finally drives all to the grave. It is at that point that reality becomes most clear. Those whom God has called to himself rise to shine like the sun in his kingdom while those whom he has not descend into endless misery. Child of God, the journey before the grave can be terrifying. Yet you have every reason not to fear. Look at your future. Be motivated by your eternity today.

Do you want to reach people with the good news of Jesus- Then we must get ourselves out of the way and put the cross of Jesus on display. Paul encourages us that it's not about our clever words that will convince people to follow Jesus, its having the approach to point them to the cross, to depend on God and to see others depend on God. Join us today as we consider 3 fundamentals to being an effective witness for Christ-

Peter sees the beauty of the suffering Jesus, the Chief Shepherd and desires to imitate him. He also desires all pastors and elders to imitate Jesus, as well as you who are church members. This involves learning to care for other people, serving them eagerly and willingly. This is not easy, but God works in you to bring this about. At the heart of this lifestyle is humility that helps you to avoid the pride of lording it over other people. You are probably lording it over people if you become harsh with them, if you think you know their intentions, if you are concerned about control, and if you are not open about your own sin. Ask God to help you to see the beauty of the suffering Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, as Peter did. Ask God to help you appreciate Jesus example in your pastors-elders. Ask God to forgive you for lording it over other people and ask him to help you to start cultivating a God-honoring, humble life.