Praying for the City of Tyler

Posted on October 10, 2015 by eig

“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…” Colossians 4:3


Today I took my car to have the AC repaired. I found this shop a week ago. The owner is Leon, an African American man who hums Christian songs all day long. He impressed me the first time I met him after he bid me goodbye with “I appreciate you.” I dropped it off in the morning and began to run in the direction of our home which is about 11 miles away. My wife picked me about 3 miles into my run. As I ran I could see so many discrepancies. The place I dropped the car is an area where many of the poor live, many of them minorities. A man sweeping the the sidewalk said hi to me. I thanked God for him. Many buildings and homes I passed were run down. Some showed evidence of being a business in the past. My mind wondered what kind of life people live in that area. I prayed that God would make his name known in Tyler. He sees all of Tyler, everyone in every corner. Those we tend to ignore. He sees them and cares for them. Not too far in my running I reached downtown after waiting for the train to pass by. The business of life was evident and I thought how odd I must appear to others. There were churches and the theater announcing a classic movie. A man spraying bug control chemicals just looked at me as I passed by. I thought, prayed and thanked God for bringing us to the city of Tyler. We are here to serve Him. But I am finding out how blessed we are to be here. I am grateful for Leon, who I found out is also a pastor. He drives 80 miles to preach every Sunday and has been doing it for many years. I shook his hand as I left his shop for a third time. He wished me a good weekend and gave me his blessing. But it wasn’t just Leon who blessed me. The lady who cut my son’s hair also said “God bless you,” as we left. It caught me by surprise. But we are blessed and wish to bless Tyler as well. My prayer is that Tyler may be filled with God’s knowledge and presence that comes through faith in Christ. There is no greater blessing than this!
Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> city of Tyler, praying | Leave a comment

Grace Español

Posted on October 7, 2015 by eig
This coming Sunday Grace Español begins as a Bible Study at Grace Community Church. We arrived here over a month ago. How we got here is a long story but you can read a bit of it here. We are certain that this is where the Lord wants us and we feel at home. In fact, we already love Tyler Texas. What God is already doing here is amazing but why wouldn’t it be amazing if God is our guide? 

I have come to believe that the Church in America must take seriously the calling of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20. The mandate to make disciples wasn’t just for the disciples, it was for us as well. This calling involves making disciples of all nations and we have the nations here in America. Our calling to is share the Gospel with every person irrespective of their ethnic background. We hear the news of tragic violence that happens in our country and we often ask why this is happening and what can we do to fix it. As Christians, we know what changes and transforms. It is the Gospel. Paul said in Romans 1:16 that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.

So here we are. Wherever you are, wherever God has put you, pray that we, the Church become serious about our mission to make disciples of all nations. Pray for us as we seek to do that in Tyler, Texas. Our desire, vision and mission is to see many people being transformed by the Gospel into disciples of Christ who continue to multiply themselves as they go into their daily lives. Our vision is to see many more communities around us being reached with the Gospel. Our prayer is to see many
being launched out to other nations as missionaries. Not only here at Grace but in many other churches in America and abroad.

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> gcc.org, grace community church tyler, graceespañol, making disciples, tyler texas | Leave a comment

Becoming Useful for God

Posted on October 2, 2015 by eig
We live in a broken world. Since sin entered our world, brokenness has been part of it. The effects of broken relationships with God and others are apparent in the world we live in. You probably know some of them or perhaps it is you. But we are not hopeless. The Gospel of Christ offers hope. It offers restoration and reconciliation with God and others. In some cases, it requires restitution.
Philemon is a very short book (only 335 words) found in the New Testament. It is a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul to a believer called Philemon. It deals with a runaway slave named Onesimus (meaning “useful”). In the providence of God, Onesimus met Paul while he was incarcerated for the Gospel. Paul shared the Gospel with him and Onesimus became a believer in Christ. Onesimus was restored and reconciled with God. Onesimus became useful for Paul and for God. But Paul knew that Onesimus had a broken relationship with Philemon that needed to be reconciled and restored. Paul wrote the letter, which Onesimus took with him back to the man he had wronged. In it, he asks-not with apostolic authority but as a brother bound in chains for Christ’s sake-to take Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother in Christ (Paul points to God’s providence in allowing this to have happened in v. 15). Paul tells Philemon, “… welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” (vv. 17-18) Paul calls for reconciliation between Onesimus and Philemon. There is no doubt that Philemon did as Paul asked and Onesimus made his wrong right.
The Gospel of Christ restores and reconciles our relationship with God and with others. This often requires we make things right with others as well. In some cases, our restitution offers will be denied but our duty remains the same.

Think about your life and those around you this week. How is your relationship with Christ? Are you being useful for him? Are there relationships that need to be reconciled and restored? Seek those opportunities to share the Gospel of peace to those with broken relationships.
Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> Apostle Paul, Onesimus, Philemon, Reconciliation, Restoration | Leave a comment

The Splendored Wisdom of God Revealed Through The Church

Posted on September 23, 2015 by eig

I have been reading, meditating and thinking on the book of Ephesians. Paul wrote this book to the believers in Ephesus (Jews and Gentile). He planted the church in his third missionary journey and spent three years there. (Acts 19; 20:31) Paul’s desire was to take the Gospel to the Gentiles all over the Roman Empire. What motivated Paul? Paul’s motivation came from his calling but also from the love he had for Christ. As Paul planted churches he understood God’s intent for His people, the Church. He says:

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” – Ephesians 3:10 (NIV)

To be honest, this verse is quite odd for me, especially the last part about rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Here is an explanation:

“The more the church lives in harmony with its high calling, the more also will the angels be able to see in it God’s marvelous wisdom. To make manifest in its life and character the “excellencies” of its Maker-Redeemer, so that the principalities and the authorities may, indeed, see this wisdom is, therefore, part of the church’s Lofty Goal.” (HK NTC)

God’s wisdom is shown to “principalities and authorities.” These are angels, both the fallen and those who serve God.

The church exists to unite people, in this case Paul spoke about Jews and Gentile believers. Once they believed in Christ, they became one Body. This is the Church. This is Christ’s Church. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile; no slave or free, we are one in Christ. (Galatians 3:28) According to St. Paul this fact shows the “manifold” or multifaceted wisdom of God. Regarding the word “multifaceted” it is said,

“”Manifold” (polypoikilos) is a poetical adjective meaning “very varied.” Euripides used it of multicolored cloth and Eubulus of flowers. Nowadays it is a technical term in geology, specifying unusually assorted crystals. The wisdom of God displayed in creation and embodied in Christ is a many- splendored thing, iridescent with constantly unfolding beauties.”

Chris’s Church then, is to be comprised of people from all ethnicities. To put it in another way, Christ’s Church does not consider ethnicity to be part of it. Why? Because the Church is not a human institution created by men. The Church is God’s creation. It is made of those who He has called out (the ekklesia) from darkness into the light. In God’s kingdom, worship will take place by all of those from every nation, tribe, people and language (Revelation 7:9-10). This shows God’s multifaceted or multicolored wisdom.

Here a clear explanation on this passage:

“Given God’s incredible work of reconciling two hostile groups into one organic body, the church is the perfect means to display God’s wisdom. Insofar as the church exists as a spiritually united multiethnic community, it accomplishes this task…” (ZSB Notes)

This brings about the question, is the church now a “spiritually united multiethnic community” that displays God’s wisdom? I believe we are not. America is becoming more multiethnic as the years pass but it seems that the Church continues to be isolated whereas our calling involves sharing the Gospel with everyone regardless of ethnicity, language or culture. I often imagine what a powerful testimony it would be for the world (and principalities and authorities) to see the Church reflecting the diversity of our communities. Not only this, but the Church engaging our communities with the Gospel of Christ and spreading His love through our hands and feet.

I believe this is something achievable. We can do this if we as the Church of Christ obey him and are faithful disciples who share the Gospel with everyone.

Photo by AG -All Rights Reserved

 

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> multiethnic church, one church, one in christ, The Church | Leave a comment

If You Could Have One Thing or Desire

Posted on September 17, 2015 by eig
If you could have one thing, what would it be? I know I said thing, but it doesn’t have to be a thing, but anything. I was thinking about this as I was running and meditating on Scripture. Here are some things that people tend to make their pursuit in their lives. Some want to just be happy. They want to live a happy life. These people want to enjoy life. There are others who try to find meaning in life either philosophically or through a particular religion. Life is more than just trying to gain things in this world. They focus on attaining an internal or spiritual purpose. Some others are more practical and seek their way in life by pursuing a job, a career, money, adventure or anything else that brings

them pleasure or satisfaction.

As Christians what is it that we pursue or desire? Some Christians want to be more spiritual, more godly, or another quality. Others want to serve Christ faithfully. Many Christians just want to be “good” by doing what the Bible says or what is expected of them. They attend church faithfully and participate in activity. But what could be the ultimate focus of our life? This question came up  about three years ago for me. As I prayed, I asked God to allow me to follow Him, to have my family and to serve others. Today, I thought about it a bit more and narrowed what I desire the most, to a single focus for my life.

But before, I want to share the verse that shows what we often want and where the answer for all of them are found. It is John 14:6. A verse so well-known. The context is Jesus comforting his disciples as they have become worried, scared, afraid of losing Him. He is about to be put to death but they think He is just leaving. For them, Jesus was their Teacher, Master, Savior. But how could He leave them? Thomas is confused and tells Jesus that he doesn’t know where He is going. And if they don’t know where He is going, then how can they know the way there. Thomas is literal. Jesus’s words are flying over his head. Jesus tells Thomas that He is the way, the truth and the life and no person can go to the Father but through Him. Jesus tells Thomas that He is the answer to what people look for. People look for the way in life and many do it by seeking things, a career, money, or even a religion. People look for the truth of life through religion, philosophy, investigation or other intellectual activity. Others focus on living life. Life to the fullest according to their understanding. None of these will bring full satisfaction. All of these fall short because none of them lead us to the Father. We were made by God to have a relationship with Him. He made us to have an intimate relationship with Him. Whether we admit it or not, we need Him. But we can only go to the Father through Jesus. Jesus is the way to the Father. Jesus is the Truth that leads to the Father. Jesus is the Life. His life is the Father’s life.  There is nothing else that will lead us to the Father but Jesus.

When you believe in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, He transforms your life. This life is the abundant life he promised. But many of us Christians even after this, live our lives pursuing activities or doing things to make us better. So what should we pursue as a single focus of our lives? I believe it is to know Jesus. The Apostle Paul had knowing Jesus as his aim in life:
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” – Phillippians 3:7-8, 10

For Paul, his purpose in life was to know Christ. Everything else was nothing. His desire was to know Christ, to have fellowship with Him, especially in suffering and even in death. Paul knew that everything he went through, especially persecution and suffering was because of what believed about Christ. It was because he knew Christ. This was the basis of everything He did. He lived in Christ daily. Christ was His life. To know Christ was the supreme desire of his life. Paul’s daily life was in Christ. Each day was an opportunity to know Him better, to live for Him and to share Him with others. This should be the case with us.

To know Jesus should be our only focus. Nothing should matter more than knowing Jesus.
Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> Jesus is the way, John 14:6, knowing Jesus, Phillippians 3, the truth and the life. Jesus. | Leave a comment

The Harvest is Ready, Are you Ready to Work?

Posted on September 15, 2015 by eig
We are on our third week of living in Tyler, Texas and we have pretty much settled. Our lives have begun to create the new routines and to adjust to the environment. We are all happy to be here and enjoy the different perspective of this city. More importantly, we are excited to be part of our new church Grace Community Church in Tyler. We are very certain the Lord led us here to be part of reaching Hispanics with the Gospel of Christ. There is  huge harvest and we believe this is a door that the Lord has opened for us. This will in no way be easy, but our call as disciples of Christ is not a guarantee that everything will be easy. In fact, we should expect otherwise.

      When I was praying to the Lord to lead us to a place for ministry we prayed for a place that had their heart ready to reach the Hispanic population with the Gospel. God did just that.  The Hispanic population continues to grow in the United States. There are about 17% or about 54 million in the United States (Tyler: 22.8% Hispanics – 22,709; Smith County: 18%, 38,000; Texas: 38.4%; 9.7 million of population of 25 million). There is huge mission field ready to be harvested (and I don’t imply all will respond positively to the Gospel of Christ). This is what Jesus said in John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘It is still four months until the harvest comes?’ Look, I say to you, raise your eyes and look at the fields and see, they are white for harvest.”

Jesus goes on to say that what he has called to harvest is not something they have worked for. The context is how the Samaritan woman who is despised by the Jews and considered half-breed, believes in Christ as Messiah. Through her testimony many believed in Jesus as well. These “undeserving” people where given grace by Jesus. This applies to what is happening in the United States with many of the ethnic groups that are growing demographically. What is the Church’s role? The role of the church is to share the Gospel with them. Matthew Henry summarizes this passage:

Our Master has left us an example, that we may learn to do the will of God as he did; with diligence, as those that make a business of it; with delight and pleasure in it. Christ compares his work to harvest-work. The harvest is appointed and looked for before it comes; so was the gospel. Harvest-time is busy time; all must be then at work. Harvest-time is a short time, and harvest-work must be done then, or not at all; so the time of the gospel is a season, which if once past, cannot be recalled. God sometimes uses very weak and unlikely instruments for beginning and carrying on a good work. Our Saviour, by teaching one poor woman, spread knowledge to a whole town. Blessed are those who are not offended at Christ. Those taught of God, are truly desirous to learn more. It adds much to the praise of our love to Christ and his word, if it conquers prejudices. Their faith grew. In the matter of it: they believed him to be the Saviour, not only of the Jews but of the world. In the certainty of it: we know that this is indeed the Christ. And in the ground of it, for we have heard him ourselves.


I have highlighted above what I think we have here in America. This harvest is for a time. We must harvest it now or it won’t be done; it will be lost.


Our desire is for all ethnic groups to come to Christ not just Hispanics or Spanish speakers. There are many other that are growing fast (e.g. Asian) There is very little being done to harvest. God is calling His church to act! We also have a field in the world with many places in the 10/40Window who have never heard of Christ. 

Our vision is to see many of these “people groups” reached with the Gospel all around Tyler, Smith County, cities around it and become a catalyst and a launching pad to send many missionaries to share the Gospel of Christ, all around,  and to the ends of the Earth.

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> church, church-planting, churches, Hispanic Church planting, Hispanic churches, Texas, Tyler | Leave a comment

Living with Urgency for the Kingdom of God

Posted on August 10, 2015 by eig
Paul lived his life with an urgency for the Kingdom of God. From his calling in Acts 9 he lived a life of urgency in what God called him to do. He did have a time of preparation which are often called the “lost” years in the desert after his conversion. But even there, it is believed that Paul shared the Gospel. His life was committed to proclaiming the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. In the book of Acts we see Paul often on the move never staying longer than two years in a place. His mission and focus was clear: share Jesus the Messiah to all. This urgency doesn’t mean, he didn’t stop to enjoy the time with other believers. He certainly did! He also experienced a lot of trials, tribulations and suffering. But why would Paul live this life of urgency? First, as said before, he knew his calling. (See 1 Corinthians 9:15-16) This calling was directed by the Lord. He was often in prayer, in Scripture and in fellowship with others which the Lord used to direct Him. He also depended on the Holy Spirit for every move. Second, he knew the time was short. He knew that he would not be around for ever. Life was short and he wasted no time. (See Ephesians 5:15-16) Third, He knew what it meant to be lost without Christ. He had grown with religion but didn’t know the power of the living Christ. Paul was moved by the love of Christ towards those who had yet to believe in Him. (See 2 Corinthians 5:14-15) It moved him with urgency. Finally, Paul knew the return of Christ was imminent (see 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). Christ spoke of this urgency and preparedness we ought to have before His coming (see Matthew 24:44-51; 25:1-13). Paul understood and lived with this expectation.

All these reasons are good enough for me and I hope are enough for you to live a life of urgency and not child’s play. All of us who have been saved by Christ are called to serve Christ regardless of profesion. Our calling is to make disciples by sharing the Gospel of Christ. (See Matthew 28:19-20) This is urgent. It isn’t a trivial pursuit or an added task to our lives. It is our priority. It should be marked with many !!!!!

Let’s live with an urgency for the Kingdom of God.

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> Apostle Paul, the Gospel. Urgency for Christ, the Kingdom of God | Leave a comment

Who has Your Heart?

Posted on August 6, 2015 by eig

There have only three times that I have moved. The first time happened when I was ten years old. We left El Salvador to come to America. I remember our departure. The feelings are somewhat nostalgic. This move opened a new life for me and my family. The best of it was the fact that the Lord called me to follow him. My life changed forever.

I remember this tree in El Salvador. In front

lived my best friend Toño in a bedroom made
of mud.

The second time was when I was a young married with two young children, and we moved from California to Arizona. The purpose was for me to go to  Bible College. I knew God had called me to serve him and I needed formal training and we moved. The memories of that trip remain vivid. We drove through rain and arrived at midnight to the home of a Christian man that we only knew via phone. There we spend a week until we found a home to rent. The two years we spent there for unforgettable. We experienced financial strains, marriage difficulties and church problems. It wasn’t easy but the Lord kept us in Him. After my graduation we headed back to California where I continued to prepare myself . I went to seminary and graduated. We served in church planting for over six years. After many trials and suffering, I decided that it was time to focus on my family and went on to teach in public schools as a teacher. For over twelve years I taught in several schools. I reached a point where I thought I would never be involved in full time ministry. My life had reached a crossroad and I decided to move a different direction. It lasted ten years. My wife worked as a nurse as we raised our two children. After our grown kids had taken off, we enjoyed our time by ourselves. Our life was comfortable even though I experienced job losses. But God was at work in me. In my heart. Through a series of circumstances He led me to himself. He showed me that the purpose of life was not to live for me but for Him. One of my biggest struggles in my spiritual walk with Him was understanding His sovereignty. Well, not understanding but accepting it. As I read Scripture with new eyes and heart, the Lord showed me His greatness. He is sovereign. I don’t need to have all the answers to my life’s problems but I do need to completely rely on Him. The more I read Scripture, He showed me that life here is short and eternity out weighs everything. It was during this time when God lead us to the church we are now. This brought more conviction to my heart that I was to follow God’s calling. I prayed daily for three years. My requests were specific.  I didn’t want to take any chances in making a path for me that God had not led me to follow. God answered clearly.

As I write, I am in the midst of packing and preparing for our third move. I won’t say this is the last time but I know this isn’t up to me. It is time to leave my family, friends and church and follow where the Saviour is leading us. He has a clear purpose for us. The Lord is leading to a specific place, a specific church with a specific purpose. What lies ahead, I don’t know. But I know who is leading me. He will lead me by day and by night. He has my heart and all that I am. Nothing else should.

What has your heart? Does He own all of you? Are you ready for Him to lead you wherever and whenever?

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> discipleship, following Jesus, God's calling, God's plan | Leave a comment

Understanding Suffering Through the Life of St. Paul

Posted on August 6, 2015 by eig

After having taught the book of Acts, I have learned a lot about the Apostle Paul. One very important aspect of his life was suffering. St. Paul suffered a lot. 

1 Corinthians 11 gives the list of Paul’s experiences as an Apostle: 

23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city,in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.  (NIV)

And in 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 he writes:

 “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;” (NIV)

As I studied Acts, I realized that Paul had a different perspective on suffering than most of us. Let’s first be clear, Paul suffered for the cause of the Gospel. Most of us when we suffer, is because of an external circumstance that we face or some other struggle unrelated to the Gospel. However, suffering is suffering and we can’t diminish the fact that we all experience it.


How did Paul face suffering? In studying Acts, I noticed that Paul trusted the sovereignty of God in his life. He knew clearly what God had called him to do. Paul understood that God was sovereign and His will would be fulfilled in his life in spite of suffering or any other circumstance. God protected Paul on many occassions, especially from death but he still experienced many sufferings (eventually he suffered death under Emperor Nero). Paul trusted God’s sovereign will. It is interesting as well, that Paul did not question God during his sufferings. He did ask God to remove a certain “thorn” he had but God denied his request. God’s grace was sufficient. Yet, I didn’t find any instance where Paul questioned God’s goodness, his plan or his sovereignty. 

In my life I have had my share of suffering, and yet in many of those occassions I found myself questioning God. I often asked why He allowed it to happen. Yet, we all need to trust God’s sovereignty. Nothing that happens in our lives will be outside of God’s sovereign will. God will fulfill His will in our lives in spite of suffering.

Paul also never avoided suffering, he welcomed suffering. This was perhaps the most “shocking” for me. Scripture is clear that trials will come to our lives (James 1) and many come in the form of suffering. Many of us don’t like them, but they are part of our growth (there are many specific “lessons” we learn from them) as Christians. Paul stated in Philippians 3:10 that he wanted to partake of the sufferings of Christ even “becoming like him in his death.” Why? It is because in the midst of suffering he had fellowship with Christ.

Nothing we suffer is beyond what our Lord suffered. Paul knew that. In that suffering, Christ grace is evident and we share a closeness that can only be experienced through it. Most of us want to avoid suffering, but we ought to expect it (in Acts 14:22 Paul said that we would experience many hardships to enter the kingdom of God). We need to understand that in our suffering God’s grace will abound and we share in Christ’s suffering. The suffering we experience now does not compare to the glory that awaits us.

Paul understood that “his” life in the body was not to he protected from suffering but to given to God for his service. He wasn’t concerned about saving his life. His concern was finishing the task God gave him (to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles). In Acts 20:24 he said, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” This verse has always challenged me. I have not gotten to the point where my life doesn’t matter because I am more interested in fulfilling God’s calling for my life.

This is exactly what our Lord said a disciple of His does (see Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:35). A follower of Christ loses his life for Him. As His disciples, our concern should not be how to save our lives, protecting it from suffering or any other threat. Our concern should be to give our life for what He has called us. We are all called to serve Him and nothing that we do should take priority over His calling for our lives.

If you are experiencing suffering, you are not alone. Christ is with you. He is your comforter. He will sustain you. You are sharing in his suffering and united in fellowship with Him. Your future is secure. Your destiny is secured. There is a life that awaits you that surpasses all the suffering you experience in this planet. It’s a promise for you. Read Romans 8:18-23.

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> Christians and suffering, Paul and suffering, suffering, Why we suffer | Leave a comment

A Meditation on Isaiah 51:6

Posted on August 1, 2015 by eig
“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.” Isaiah 51:6

The LORD’s purposes throughout history never have been, never are, and never will be thwarted. The LORD has never been discouraged, never lost hope, never been slowed.

For me personally, this means that my stubbornness, my moral failures, my inabilities, my weaknesses, and all my sins are not a discouragement to the LORD. The LORD is not even moved an inch in his righteousness. If God himself is not discouraged and his purpose for me will continue through even the worst of my sin, I have eternal hope in his righteousness. When I am discouraged, I can count on his own righteousness in Christ to be my satisfaction (Matthew 5:6).

And for all the evil in this world, for all its suffering and death, for the mental illness, the disobedience of children, the hardness of hearts, the rejection of his Son, and even the very crucifixion of his son, the LORD’s righteousness is never moved. His righteousness is not dismayed. No, it endures forever (Isaiah 51:8).

Through Christ’s righteousness, his salvation is for us. His salvation is past the existence of our own lives, past the existence of this present physical earth, which will continue to break down like a garment, piece by piece, thread by thread until it cannot support us and gives way. His salvation supersedes the heavens, which will vanish like smoke. And this salvation is for us and will exist long after all that we can see is gone.

Christian, do not be dismayed. The LORD’s righteousness is forever and it is our satisfaction! His salvation is forever and it is for us!

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> discouragement, forever, isaiah 51, Meditation, righteousness, Salvation, satisfaction, the lord | Leave a comment