“The Shepherd’s Crook” June 15, 2014 Sherwin Christian Church PO Box 123 6155 NW Sandpiper Lane Columbus, Kansas 66725 (620) 597-2794 “In Touch” By Charles Stanley “An Encouraging Reminder” Philippians 3:17-21 I. Introduction: Christianity stands upon two vital truths—the cross and the resurrection. This foundation not only provides eternal security, but also gives us the power to live each day in a manner worthy of the Lord. If Jesus hadn’t died for the sins of mankind and been raised to life, there would be no redemption. Christians would be left confused, purposeless, and wondering how to live. II. The apostle Paul tells us how we should think about ourselves in light of Christ’s death and resurrection. The city of Philippi was a Roman colony, which meant its residents were automatically made citizens of the Roman Empire, and that gave them great opportunities and protection. As Christians we, too, have a citizenship with special privileges and protections, but it is not of this world. It is special because: A. We are spiritually born into it. Some people think they can earn their way into heaven, but good works will never get us there. Jesus claimed there is only one way to come to the Father—and that is through Him (John 14:6). He clarified this truth when He told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). B. We are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. There is no confusion in heaven about our identity and citizenship. Although we might share a name with many people on earth, God knows each of us personally. At the moment of salvation, our names are inscribed in His Book—never to be erased. This is vital because it entitles us to life in heaven. At God’s final judgment, anyone whose name is not found written there will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). C. We have an inheritance in heaven. But this isn’t like an earthly legacy that can be lost or stolen. This inheritance is “imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). Although our inheritance is in heaven, there are three things we can do to build it up while we are still here on earth—(1) love other people, (2) give to God, and (3) serve the Lord. Even though so many blessings await us in heaven, the Lord has left us here on earth to live His life in and through us. His indwelling presence gives us the ability to love others—even the unlovable. He’s also given us capabilities and gifts with which to serve Him. III. We eagerly wait for Christ’s return. The knowledge that we are citizens of heaven should cause us to long for our Savior’s return (Phil. 3:20). Yet many Christians rarely think about Christ’s promised reappearance. But one day, Jesus will come for us in the rapture. Believers should continually live with this anticipation because God always keeps His promises—and this one is no exception. An attitude of eager expectation should never hinder us from actively making the most of our time on earth. In fact, the best way to determine if we’re living as God desires is to examine ourselves and determine what dominates our thoughts and how we spend our time. Sometimes our minds can be so consumed with our obligations and pursuits that the Lord has no place in our daily lives. IV. Christ will transform our bodies. When Jesus returns, our lowly bodies will be transformed into glorious ones (Phil. 3:21). We spend a lot of time trying to maintain and beautify our earthly bodies. Nothing we can do compares with what God will accomplish. Although we don’t know exactly what we’ll look like, we’ll have the character of Christ (1 John 3:2). We’ll become the people God ultimately intended for us to be. The bodies we have now are earthy, natural, weak, and mortal. But the Lord will transform them into heavenly bodies that are strong, glorious, immortal, and imperishable. We will have no limitations and will never die. V. Conclusion: After describing the glories that await us, Paul’s final admonition shows how we should respond: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). The most effective way we can serve God is by letting Christ demonstrate His life through us and by sharing the gospel with people who don’t know Him. Just as Jesus sent His disciples out as messengers of the truth that transforms, so He sends us out to love, give, and serve in His name so others can hear about the Savior and become fellow citizens of heaven. Copyright 2014 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only. “Up Words” by Max Lucado “Rest in His Finished Work” In Psalm 23:2 when David says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures”—he’s saying, “My shepherd makes me lie down in His finished work.” With His own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of the shepherd when, with work completed, he sees his sheep rest in the tender grass? Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of God when we do the same? His pasture is His gift to us. This is not a pasture you have made. Nor is it one you deserve. It is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Your Shepherd invites you to nestle deeply hidden, buried, in the tall shoots of His love—and there you will find rest. From Traveling Light For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Psalms 33:21
Posted on: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 18:51:47 +0000
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