December 27
Straight from the Pastor’s Heart by Dr. Hernes Abante
Colossians 1:17-18: “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
As we near the end of 2023, we must reflect on our identity as the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's take a moment to assess whether we've remained steadfast in our faith, adhered to sound doctrine, and upheld practices that honor Him. As members of the Body of Christ, let's ensure that our declaration and manifestation of Him are unambiguous and resolute.
The Church is not a physical structure made of bricks and mortar but a community of people who share a common faith and desire to magnify Christ. It is not about the authority and power of the majority but rather about submitting to the rule of Jesus Christ, the head of the Church.
His chosen under-shepherd leads and guides the community, ensuring that its members remain on the path of righteousness and follow the teachings of the Bible. Ultimately, the Church is where individuals unite in fellowship, worship, and service to God and others, all united by their faith in Christ.
In a Church, what matters is not the number of members who only want to benefit from it but the ones who remain faithful to the faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives and service. Even if there is no physical building, a Church can still thrive if 80% of its members hold fast to their beliefs. On the other hand, even if only 20% are unwavering in their faith, a Church can still exist because they remain loyal to their convictions and committed to the tasks.
According to divine mandate, the Church has a clear purpose to fulfill the Works and the Greater Works of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the responsibility of the local Church to qualify the chosen ones by ensuring they are saved, Scripturally baptized, and well-trained to undertake the works of Christ. This is the only way to equip them with the necessary skills and readiness to accomplish the Works and the Greater Works of God.
The Church, established by Jesus Christ, is meant to be unique, distinct, and passionate about God and His will. As members of the New Testament Church, we must maintain distinctiveness in our beliefs and moral standards and fulfill God's call upon our lives. Our uniqueness is rooted in the example set by Christ and His teachings.
Many churches and pastors seem to have lost sight of what it truly means to follow Christ. Instead of being a light in the world, they have become just like the world, more interested in pleasing people than honoring God. In their pursuit of popularity, they have compromised their faith and moral standards. It's time to remember our true calling and live by it, even if it means standing out in a world that often values conformity over conviction.
As the body of Christ, each member must represent the purpose and the unity of the body. It must have the right body parts, not based on quantity, but on function to serve the whole body's purpose. A body with two heads, three eyes, two mouths, etc, is a freak. It cannot last.
As a member of the body of Christ, we must consider our role and function within the body. It's not enough to be a passive observer or an outsider to the community. Instead, it's essential to actively engage with others and find a meaningful place within Christ's body. As we move into the new year of 2024, let us reflect on our role in the body of Christ and strive to become more deeply connected with our fellow believers.
Our Prayer for today!
Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly ask for your guidance to comprehend our roles within your body entirely. May we become instruments of your grace, mercy, and love to the world. Please give us the strength and willingness to obey your will as we carry out our functions in your body. As we look ahead to the year 2024, we pray that we may come together in unity to radiate your beauty and power. May we continue to spread your message of hope and love to everyone around us. We ask for these blessings in the name of Jesus. Amen.