'In the World but not of the World' #thefathersword

All over the world and many nations, there is one phrase that has been used the most time by many leaders in the Christian domain. That phrase is 'In the world but not of the world' but what does it actually mean?

John 17:14 - 18 (KJV)
I have given them thy word and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth. As thou has sent me into the world, even so, have I also sent them into the world.

When God sent his son into the world, he sent him into the world with a purpose. He had a purpose and that was to destroy sin and reconcile sons back to the father. The whole time Jesus was here on earth, he fulfilled his purpose, even though he knew would one day go back to the father, that didn't stop him from getting involved in earthly affairs. He healed the sick, raised the dead, raised up leaders, turned water into wine and many more miracles.
The purpose of being sent is to affect the atmosphere into where you have been sent to. It is to deliver a message, to carry out the works of God

If you think of the British Army, there have been numerous occasions where they have been sent to different countries on a mission. That meant being in that region for a long while so they can deal with whatever threat they are facing. Even though they aren't from that country, they have been sent there on a mission. That is exactly like us as Sons of God, we are sent into the world with a purpose. No one gets sent without a purpose, a mission.

At this present moment in time, we are facing an identity crisis. Many sons have lost sight of why God sent them into the world and henceforth, they can't display the dominion and authority instilled in them when they were created. In order for us to carry out our duties, we must understand two things
1- Who has sent you?
2- Why are you here?

In order for us to carry out the works of God, it requires to renew our mind daily, it requires us to remind ourselves of the vision and the purpose God has revealed to us. When we think like the world, it will stop us from being effective but when we begin to think like Christ, we literally have a different perspective on the world and how it operates. When Jesus came to earth, he healed a sick woman on the Sabbath, but when people began to question him, he simply challenged their mindsets and asked why shouldn't he not heal on the Sabbath..............

Jesus spent started his ministry at the age of 30 and by 33 he was done. His purpose was fulfilled and evidently, he was called back to this father's right-hand side. Your age doesn't determine the longevity of your purpose... Can we truly say when we are reunited with the father 'I have finished, it is done'

John 19:30 (NIV) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit

Remember, whilst you are not of the world, you are in the world. Make an impact, fulfil your purpose and leave a legacy.

Be blessed

Ryan

Hearing the word #thefathersword

Following Christ and Serving him is one of the best decisions that could ever be made by man. When a person gives their life to Christ, they declare that they want to serve him and no doubt God loves it when people serve him wholeheartedly. 

Over the past few months, we have looked at ministry and service and wondered how God wants us to do ministry. Before you actually go into ministry and service, there's something crucial that is the foundation for every believer. Let's look at a passage from the bible which will help us

Luke 10: 38-42 is a well-known passage. Let's see verse 39 - And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat Jesus' feet, and heard his word. Verse 41 says And Jesus answered and said unto her "Martha, Martha thou art careful and troubled about many things"

Martha and Mary were two sisters and no doubt both wanted to please Jesus when he came to visit them. Martha was concerned about Christ and serving but Mary was sat at the father's feet so she can hear his word. How many of us are like Mary? How many of us are like Martha? At some point in our life, we have somehow been concerned with both aspects - Serving Christ but also wanting to be at his feet. 

Martha, despite all her good intentions, missed out on Christ because she was too busy trying to serve Christ, it sounds a bit harsh but the reality of it is that there are times that Christ wants us to serve him by sitting at his feet and hearing his word. Have you become too busy trying to serve Christ that you no longer have time to sit at his feet? Jesus said to Martha that she has been become troubled by many things which indicates that she was trying to do all the physical things whilst missing on the spiritual aspect. 

Could it be that we are trying to serve Christ without actually having a relationship with him? Happy to serve Christ but missing out crucial time with Christ..............

In order for us to serve Christ wholeheartedly, we first need to establish a relationship Christ and that means to sit at his feet and hear his word. 

Proverbs 4:20 - My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 

21- Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 

The words of God bring life and healing, let's get into the culture of spending time at the feet of Jesus. Don't be like Martha and become troubled by many things, take time out to listen to the words of God. 

As you sit at the fathers' feet, may he also give you clarity and a clear path of what he wants you to do in this season. I also pray that Christ will help you develop a culture of relationship. 

Be blessed