Spiritual Obligations

A man's indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude.

Ruth Benedict (1887-1948, American anthropologist)

Romans 15:25-27
Now, however, I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs. (HCSB)

When you read Paul’s writings and even in today’s scripture you find and important word that Paul uses, and that word is obligation. Why does he use this word so much? It is because he saw Jesus, he knew the Word of God, and all of the Messiahs promises were then secured before him and were within his grasp, and he felt he owed a debt.

Paul sees God reaching out and redeeming the Gentiles through his ministry, he is watching the fulfillment of scripture and he is asking all of those around to make an investment in the Christ. Paul collects money from Gentiles to reach out to the poor among the Jews who had missed the coming of the Messiah, using this key, hoping to open their eyes to Jesus.

We too are indebted, and I’m afraid sometimes that we invest to much in buildings and not enough in the lost of this world. The church mainly operated in homes and open places then, and it left the resources open for the use of the Gospel to reach those really in need, not just of food, but of a visit with Christ. We are obligated and we are indebted to Him, He gave His all for us, we cannot do less…God’s Blessings.
Pastor William

But Now I'm Found

Deuteronomy 4:29-30 – “But from there, you will search for the Lord your God, and you will find ⌊Him⌋ when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, you will return to the Lord your God in later days and obey Him.”

Romans 15:24-26
For I do hope to see you when I pass through, and to be sent on my way there by you, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. (HCSB)

You can see clearly that Paul was aware that he was living in the later days. He is in a hurry to accomplish those things that he felt led by the Holy Spirit to do. You know you also have the Holy Spirit living in you, are you listening to Him? The Holy Spirit will keep us on track and on task for the day of Our Messiah’s Return.

What are we to be doing in His absence? We are to be doing the will of The Father, our Father, which is in Heaven. How are things going in your life? It could be that you have let the deceiver take you out of the fight, off the track , and you are spinning your wheels, much as a tortoise on his pack setting on a fencepost, feet churning the air.

It’s not hopeless for us when we get that way, if we cry out for our Father and desire Him with our whole being, then God says He will be found by us. In other words, God Himself will find us and place Himself in our path, right where we are, and love us, bind us up, and put us upright, right on track, and back in the fight. He makes Himself available to us, but we must desire to find Him…does that answer some questions for you…God’s Blessings.
Pastor William

We Are Travelers

We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through.

Australian Proverb

Romans 15:24-26
For I do hope to see you when I pass through, and to be sent on my way there by you, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. (HCSB)

Forgive me for saying so, but it seems we are always looking for a place to sit. Do you know what I am trying to say? We are looking for a comfortable place to relax and feel at ease. Does that seem to be Paul’s aim? You say, “Well Paul was an evangelist, a disciple,” and indeed you are right, but aren’t we all his disciples that have tasted His Grace?

These that he has really yearned to see, he lets know his intentions before he arrives. I will enjoy your company for a while, but then you’re going to send me on, and support me in God’s business. Paul wasn’t looking for a piece of land to build an estate, or even a humble abode, Paul wasn’t ever in a place long enough to let that kind of thing happen to him.

Paul was assured after his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus that this place was not home. He wasn’t going to leave anything to fight over; it was going to be in the hands of someone who needed it. Are you passing through, you see what I am saying now, I’m afraid that many Christians are not, they have settled down, and settled for less, because they are seeking the wrong rewards…God’s Blessings.
Pastor William