What Kind Of Thinking Makes A Person Become Dedicated To Serving God?

What kind of thinking makes a person dedicate themselves to the Lord? The Bible gives an example in the writings of Paul.

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." Acts 20:24.

I CONSIDER MY LIFE WORTH NOTHING
This is humility not self-pity or that he has disdained life, but he is saying that he values nothing above the task God has given him. It is a comparison contrast statement- that life did not compare to the task of proclaiming the Good News. Sharing the Gospel was more precious to him than life.

ONLY AIM
An aim is a purposeful focus.  He resolved to do what God assigned for him to do. He knew he would face persecution, troubles, hardship and affliction, yet he continued his aim.

It was his only aim- he had no other, living for God was not a weekend hobby it was his sole purpose, he had no other interest or occupation.

FINISH THE RACE
When he considered the end of his life he saw his death as a conclusion of a task God has entrusted to him. He had a sense of urgency, passion, and commitment. He was going to go all the way as long as he was able. There is no idea of a pause on the way to vacation or ending in a soft retirement.

TESTIFY
To testify is to tell what you know. Paul knew God. He met Jesus on the road to Damascus and through him found the Gospel.  Paul spoke of these things wherever he had the opportunity and even when it was inconvenient.

GOOD NEWS
The good news is forgiveness through the blood of Jesus' sacrifice for mankind's sin, and he gives fellowship with the Father; not because mankind did deserve it but because God is gracious and gives free salvation to any who come.

The Gospel is too good to not share.

The Apostle's statements were intelligent and thought out. He considered the gospel and came to the conclusion that he would live full throttle for God. May we each consider the facts of God's grace and come to the same conclusion.

(c)Adron Dozat 12/21/14

Why Is Jesus The The Most Divisive Name in Human History? Acts 4;12.

People use his name as a curse, and speak it with disgust. What is it about the name of Jesus that gets people so angry?

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. NIV.
FROM THE BEGINNING
Ancient Romans persecuted the Church not because Christians believed in one God, but because the Christians proclaimed salvation is in the name of Jesus alone. Today we are expected to tolerate anything except the doctrine that salvation is in Jesus alone.

A LOVE HATE THING
We love the little baby Jesus born in a manger to a couple of homeless underclass oppressed people. We love the Jesus suffering on the cross as a martyr for his teachings. We love the story of Jesus’ resurrection in defiant victory that empowers his followers, but we can’t stand the idea that we get saved through Jesus alone.

OFFENSIVE
There is much about Jesus that offends people. The biggest is that he taught that he alone is the way of salvation. He said things he said like, “I am the way the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6).

WE FEEL JUDGED
That we need to be saved suggest that we are sinners, and that God is not happy with us. People want their own salvation, one earned by good deeds, good citizenship, charity, and proper voting record. We do not like God saying that even our finest deeds are not good enough before His absolute holiness, (Isaiah 64:6).

AND THOSE WHO LOVE HIM
Jesus' followers offend us. We see them as messed up sinners who needed salvation; then they become the saved who tell everybody that you can be free from guilt, free from judgment and eternal damnation by coming to Jesus too.

THE BIBLE SAYS IT
The Bible teaches there is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved. Isn't salvation and God's love worth embracing those things that offend in order to be free from sin and judgment; and to have eternal life?

To learn more about coming to Jesus see my other blog.

(c) Adron