| What is involved in serving Jesus Christ the King? | | | | see Paul reaching out to the religious people, to tell |
| I ask this because to commit one's life to this | | | | them about Jesus Christ. He goes into the |
| mighty calling is the greatest cause in the whole | | | | synagogue, and for three months he spoke boldly, |
| world. Yes, that is a big claim to make, but can | | | | seeking to persuade the people that Jesus Christ |
| you show me a greater cause than that of | | | | was King in the Kingdom of God. |
| serving the Son of God? | | | | There are many who need to be persuaded that |
| We read in Acts Chapter 19 in the New | | | | this is as true today as it was then. |
| Testament, of how Paul served and ministered to | | | | Paul spoke about Jesus Christ the King - and the |
| these twelve men in Ephesus - making sure that | | | | way. As King, Jesus Christ has to be allowed to |
| they had everything God wanted them to have. | | | | rule over every area of our lives. Everything has |
| Paul is concerned that disciples of Jesus Christ | | | | to be submitted to His Sovereign Authority - |
| have all they need to do the work God wants | | | | every thought - every word - every decision - |
| them to do. | | | | Jesus Christ being consulted in prayer about |
| Make sure you have all God wants you to have. | | | | everything, if we claim to serve Him as King. |
| By that, I mean, for service and not simply for | | | | Paul speaks about Jesus Christ as the "WAY". |
| personal aggrandisement or private luxury. | | | | "Follow Me" - so simple - yet so very few find |
| But having all God wants you to have does not | | | | Him to be the WAY. He can straighten things out |
| make you mature. We still have to learn to use all | | | | - and clear up and clean up situations in our lives, |
| we have received. That applies to spiritual gifts - | | | | as He is invited to resolve all sorts of problems |
| as well as to physical gifts and talents and abilities. | | | | and difficulties. |
| Some of us take years to learn simple lessons | | | | But some don't want Jesus Christ telling them |
| and elementary theology, whereas some people, | | | | what to do and how to live their lives, and we |
| as in New Testament times, had only a few | | | | can meet that reaction of which we read in verse |
| weeks, before being launched into leadership. | | | | 9. Some were hard and would just not believe. |
| They had to get on and minister - and lead - and | | | | Some just refused to be melted by the love of |
| pastor the local church - feeding and teaching new | | | | God, or overwhelmed by the power of the Holy |
| babes in Christ. | | | | Spirit. Some just would not accept the mercy of |
| Of course, that happens in certain countries today | | | | the Lord Jesus Christ. They did not want to be |
| too, where there can be no lengthy period of | | | | washed clean by the Blood of Jesus shed on the |
| training and preparation. I met this in Uganda and | | | | Cross. They would not admit their need of a |
| Kenya and Bulgaria where the hunger for the | | | | Saviour - nor confess their sin - but spoke evil of |
| Word of God was so real and sincere. | | | | the WAY. |
| Somebody had brought these men so far. Paul | | | | Imagine speaking evil of the WAY, as it was |
| takes them further. We never stop growing. We | | | | proclaimed and preached and taught by Paul. Such |
| never cease maturing. We are always learning | | | | people are still around. Be aware of that and do |
| how to use what we have received from God - | | | | not let them discourage you or deceive you. |
| and to use these abilities and gifts responsibly. | | | | Do not allow anyone to discourage or deceive |
| In verse 8 of Acts Chapter 19, once again we | | | | you. |