Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Members of the Church: Ministers of the Kingdom of God

Bible Reading: 1st Corinthians 3:1-9

Key verse 9

Key verse- “For we are God’s fellow workers: you are God’s field, you are God’s building” 1st Corinthians 3:9


DEVOTION

Jesus taught us to “live in this world but not be of this world”. Why does Jesus emphasize that distinction? The lens of the world was shattered when the sinless one sacrificed his life selflessly for us sinners. It was a very counterintuitive act to the carnal nature of selfishness in humans. It was the quintessential illustration by Jesus on how not to be of this world. This is the most challenging aspect for us to overcome as we are all selfish by nature to varying degrees. 
When Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his 1st letter, they were still struggling with “being of this world” as indicated in verse 3. He urged them to grow past their carnal nature as we were God’s workers. This struggle is true today.
Living in an increasingly divided secular world, it is disappointing to see that even the followers of Christ, the children of God have lost their way. The secular world mocks the hypocrisy in many Christian believers, as many “remain of this world” getting sucked into the political diatribe and capitalistic greed. 
This message from Paul is still relevant as God’s fellow workers, His field and building, to break free from our carnal nature. We need to be beacons of God’s kingdom, his ministers to a troubled world by embodying Jesus’s commandments with intention everyday: Love God above all and give Love and Grace to fellow humans.

PRAYER

Dear Lord Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, I pray that you give us the humility and willing heart to shed our worldly nature. Help us to grow in spirit to be your field and building, the ministers of your Kingdom. Help us to live intentionally with Love and Grace each and every day. Amen.
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 Don’t try to fit Jesus into your worldview but strive always to fit into Jesus’ view.
 

Suma Mathai
Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more