07/03/24 CO-LABORERS, NOT PUPPETS

07/03/24 CO-LABORERS, NOT PUPPETS

There is more to be done than time allows and more work to be done than there are people to do the work. 

Christians "while away" their lives as multitudes of near neighbors and far away foreigners fall into eternity without God. 

This is tragic enough, but in this day when the world is only keystrokes away, the tragedy is even more horrific. And as Paul said,
1 Corinthians 15:34
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 

Remember, being a co-laborer with God (a minister, a witness, an ambassador of God), requires spiritual qualities as well as abilities, skills, talents, gifts and willingness. 

I am not encouraging "lone ranger" ministries, since they are man centered rather than Biblical. 

God's plan is for individual Christians to work in concert with, and under the direction of a Spirit led local church with doctrinally sound preaching, teaching and leadership. 

There is an open door (at the moment) for evangelism, teaching, music, fellowship, training for all ages, both locally and globally. 

Today's opportunities call for gifted and skilled people in proclamation, communication, technology, artistry (music, drama, audio/video, drawing), pencil pushing, "table serving," assisting and supporting financially. 

This also requires Spirit filled leaders with vision, grounded in God's truth. 

We all have personal responsibilities. But as a believer, are you finding and fulfilling your unique place in the local church to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world? 

One reason God requires the local church model is because it provides spiritual and relational guidance, accountability, and doctrinal stability. 

Redeem the time. Doors will close, time will expire, strength and health will wane.