Brothers and sisters,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday, we worshiped Christ Jesus, our only Hope and one who calls us His friends. Jesus provides His Holy Spirit to live in us so that through us Jesus’ power and presence might be manifested to those around us. Then we looked in 1 Corinthians 9 and thought about our rights as believers and the deferring of those rights for the good of others and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Yes, we do have rights as believers in Christ. We do have freedoms as we serve and follow Him. Are we willing to defer and sacrifice our rights, our personal preferences, our comfort, so others might know and grow in Christ? Do we make the decisions we make based on our rights or based on seeking to glorify God and live a life of sacrifice for the advancement of His Kingdom? Are we learning what Jesus meant when He said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” Do you want to experience eternal life day by day? Lose your life to Jesus and serve Him by serving others. Believers sacrifice their personal rights for the advancement of God’ Kingdom and the salvation of others.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church