Help Wanted

Christians could run this advertisement but it would seem strange to unbelievers. It would read something like this, “You can serve God anywhere in the world. The Spirit will supervise your training by the church. Instructions are truthful and should be followed carefully. Your training will turn you into a new person who is like Jesus. You can become an Ambassador of Christ. There is a great retirement plan for over-comers”.

Being redeemed only takes an instant although the transformation of our nature is a long process. Many people believe that their redemption from sin allows them to live a selfish life. As long as their pleasure is a wholesome activity then God should bless them while they live it. This is completely wrong. People are saved in order to work for the Lord. God’s work is spiritual and it is always about bringing other souls into His eternal family.

The new covenant that God gave humans is about building a brand-new person. This new person has no interest in taking part in worldly pastimes. The Bible says: … anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Cor 5:17 (NLT). We should want to begin living our eternal life right now because our chance to teach others about God does not happen after we leave the earth.

If we hired a worker, our goal would be to have the worker do the job at hand. Whenever a person is born-again God expects them to do His work. Paul made reference to this: …and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Eph 4:11-12 (NLT). Some people want a “pass” that will get them into Heaven but they have no interest in giving their life to God.

One of the reasons people will give us for not working is that they are, not qualified. This is silly because no one is qualified. The Scripture tells us we are not: … qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:5-6 (NLT). Our only requirement is to allow the Spirit to lead in our lives.

Being one of God’s workers is the highest position available on this earth. Paul said: And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Cor 5:19-20 (NLT). Christians are ambassadors of Heaven. It is a real honor to “speak for Christ” about the plans God has for the redemption of people.

Our “help wanted ad” would have thousands of people wanting the work if they realized what a privilege it is to be a Christian. We must be sure to tell the truth so that people who are fair will recognize our honesty and consider giving their life to God. Believers must adopt their new nature in order to join in the harvest of God’s fields. This new work is never boring and there is always room for growth in our wonderful new life.

City of the Future

Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. Isaiah 60:1 (NLT). The original Jerusalem was established by David 3000 years ago. Built high in the hills of Israel this beautiful city of history was chosen by God as the center of the earth. However the nations of the world have fought and conquered this city more than 20 times. At the end of human history the city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt as the capital of the whole world. 

The New Testament contains more of Isaiah’s prophecies than any other Old Testament writer. The well known prophet Isaiah lived and worked for God in Jerusalem. He loved to write about the great future that was coming for Jerusalem his home town. The Scriptures say: Though you were once despised and hated, with no one traveling through you, I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations. Isaiah 60:15 (NLT). 

This is the reason that Israel has become a nation again after 2600 years of dispersion all over the globe. May 14, 1948 Israel was reborn by the order of the United Nations. In 1967 Jerusalem was recaptured in a war with the Arabs and was later made into the Jewish capital again. In this struggle to rebuild Israel again the Temple of God will soon be rebuilt. And in the future when Jesus returns to earth, He will have Jerusalem built as His capital city.

Many prophecies have been fulfilled but many more are about happen. For example we are told: I have returned to show mercy to Jerusalem. My Temple will be rebuilt, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and measurements will be taken for the reconstruction of Jerusalem. Zech 1:16 (NLT). Everything that is happening today is part of God’s plan for the end of human history. Jesus will soon return to rule the whole earth in righteousness. 

There are Christians who say that Jerusalem had its chance in the past and that its place in history is over. But our God does as He pleases. The prophecy says: Foreigners will come to rebuild your towns. and their kings will serve you. For though I have destroyed you in my anger, I will now have mercy on you through my grace. Isaiah 60:10 (NLT). Yes, God was angry with Israel in the past but decided to grant them His grace at the end. 

God chose Jerusalem to be His possession from its beginning. He does not give up on His plans because people are sinners. The prophet says that someday: All your people will be righteous. They will possess their land forever, for I will plant them there with my own hands in order to bring myself glory…  At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:21-22 (NLT). Christians know that God has a plan for everything. 

When God was talking to Isaac many years ago He gave this prophecy: I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Gen 26:3-4 (NLT). It is very exciting to see God in the process of fulfilling the promises He made thousands of years ago. 

Today Israel is a world leader in medical, military and internet technology. They have developed missile defense, AOL and agricultural equipment used in America. The Jewish people have the most Nobel laureate’s. Many well know men like Einstein, Freud and Marx were Jews. God has a great future for Israel and the world will someday know God through the Jewish nation. The city of Jerusalem will become the center of everyone’s future.

Our High Priest

Many religious people today don’t seem to know that Christians have a High Priest. People definitely must have someone to represent them before the Almighty. We would all be lost without a mediator. The Scriptures tell us: But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 (NLT). The whole redemption plan is based on our High Priest representing us before the all-powerful eternal being. 

An Old Testament priest provided a shadow picture to help us see what Jesus is doing for us. Let us start with the death of a high priest. When a human accidentally killed someone they could run to a city of refuge to survive any revenge. The Bible says: The slayer should have stayed inside the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. But after the death of the high priest, the slayer may return to his own property. Numbers 35:28.  When Jesus died, by law a way was made for us to return to the status of a person free from sin so that one day we can go home. 

Every high priest was chosen by God to be the supreme ruler of the temple and all the spiritual people of Israel. The high priest has the highest rank of all the priests. The anointing oil has been poured on his head, and he has been ordained to wear the priestly garments. He must never leave his hair uncombed or tear his clothing. Leviticus 21:10. One of his garments was a white hat with the golden word “HOLINESS” written on it. He was to keep himself absolutely clean and holy all the time. Jesus was completely clean and holy all the time.

This special person was allowed to approach God in the Holy Place behind the curtain one time per year to make atonement for God’s people. Only then would the following year have the blessing of God on people. The high priest was never allowed to be around dead bodies because it was a sin. He must not defile the sanctuary of his God by leaving it to attend to a dead person, for he has been made holy by the anointing oil of his God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 21:12. Jesus kept the law by simply restoring life to them. 

All the messages for the people of God were given to the High Priest until the days of the kings and prophets arrived. There were two engraved jewels that the holy man wore in a pouch on his chest, right over his heart. At times of need he would throw one or the other and the Lord would give answers by controlling the final position of the jewel. This is how instructions for Israel were received: When direction from the LORD is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the LORD—to determine his will… Numbers 27:21 . The high priest was responsible for the entire nation. 

On the Day of Atonement there was a life or death decision to make. Then he must take the two male goats and present them to the LORD at the entrance of the Tabernacle. He is to cast sacred lots to determine which goat will be reserved as an offering to the LORD and which will carry the sins of the people to the wilderness of Azazel. Aaron will then present as a sin offering the goat chosen by lot for the LORD. The other goat, the scapegoat chosen by lot to be sent away, will be kept alive, standing before the LORD. Leviticus 16:7-10. One day soon Jesus will chose some people to live with the Lord God and the others will be sent out to the Lake of Fire. 

Jesus ascended from the Mt. of Olives and the Almighty gave him the position of High Priest. This sacred job is our hope of glory. Paul said: For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone…1 Timothy 2:5-6. It is truly amazing that: With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Hebrews 9:12 (NLT). We must embrace our High Priest for his is wonderful. 

Christians have their roots in the Old Testament religion of the Jews. Everything God had them do was reflective of true worship as it is in Heaven. It is true that we have a FAR better covenant today because of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and because the Spirit of our High Priest is living in us. Proof of our superior covenant is shown in this unusual verse: All these people (O. T. saints) earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. Hebrews 11:39-40 . The end of today’s covenant is perfection of holiness.

Behavior That Counts

Nearly everyone finds it difficult relating to a distant place called Heaven. But there is one everyday behavior that is directly related to our Heavenly hopes. Jesus said this: So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:4 (NLT). This small child was respectful and courteous. It was probably a gentle, thoughtful youngster who was affectionate toward everybody. This behavior is difficult for an adult to duplicate but we have been asked to replicate it. 

Some people will say that they do not aspire to be great in the Heavenly society. With this attitude they might fail to gain Heaven altogether. The fact is that the Scripture instructs us to: Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 . Christians know that “God is Love” and we should be as much like our Father as possible. The Father is expecting us to behave like that humble child who met Jesus that day. Our behavior will be assessed when we arrive in Heaven.

God is building his family today and he is selecting people that will make him proud. If we were able to choose our family we would not be looking for a mean, sour person to live with us. Paul said: Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you…Colossians 3:12-13. Being a Christian is a privilege and our behavior does count for all eternity.

James was a plain spoken man and he said to his students: If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13. He is telling us that spiritual wisdom dictates honorable living and humble good works. It makes perfect sense that imitating God’s ways will be rewarded when we reach Heaven. Now good behavior can become very difficult when we treat our own enemies with the same loving behavior. We will be wise to do our best.

In Heaven all the places of honor will go to people who have lived a humble life. Peter was a man who had great pride early in his life. But this is what he said after serving our Lord for years: …all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:5-6. Like the rest of us, Peter had to learn that the ways of natural people are “not” the behavior that our Lord is looking for. 

The Bible says a lot about living a life that is approved by God. We are instructed to live in a way that is respectful of everyone and honors God. We know that Christians do suffer while on earth but that someday we will be exalted into a life that will last forever. Loving others is something that only the Spirit living in us can make possible. A gentle and respectful life can become a habit. The beauty is that our conscience will be clean and clear. My friends, do your best to behave in a way that will count for all of eternity.

Spirit of Life

The Spirit of God is invisible and in fact, so is the spirit of humans. When people say there is no God they are actually rejecting their own reality. The Creator tells us that he is the “I AM” and when he made us in his image we must have become small letter “i am’s”. The Scripture says:    The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. Genesis 2:7 (NLT). Most folks know that every human will live forever but the question is “where”. Spiritually blind people cannot see God or His plan but people of faith are given supernatural sight. 

We should be able to understand the absolute need we have for the Holy Spirit in our life. He is the only one that can restore any fallen man into the image of God. Paul tells us there is a veil over the natural mans eyes: So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18.  This is the only way a person can be transformed into a new being who wants to serve God in truth and righteousness. 

Christians have the privilege of telling the unsaved the Good News which is our potential new birth. Telling others the News is our primary work while on earth. The Lord gave us an example: Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water (naturally) and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. John 3:5-6 . There are many believers that try to “save” the lost with their own efforts and wisdom. This is certainly not possible when they can’t even save themselves. 

After a person has been transformed by God they will receive many gifts from the Holy Spirit. We are not talking about worldly things but spiritual gifts. One Old Testament prophet said that even Jesus would receive spiritual gifts from the Spirit. Of course this also applies to us: And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2. All these gifts are available to born-again people who have complete faith in Jesus Christ. 

All spiritual powers are intended to be used for others. This is totally different from “the world” of course, and causes many problems among believers. In another prophetic verse we read the purpose of spiritual gifts: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. Isaiah 61:1. There is a great freedom that comes to us when we are released from our prison of the sin nature.  

There is only one Spirit of God although the Spirit does have many different jobs and brings many different gifts to earth for our benefit. Paul says it this way: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 1 Corinthians 12:4. For example our Christian fellowship is only possible, in the true sense, when we are together in the Spirit. Another proof a believer has is Galatians five where we read about the fruit we can produce but it is only possible in our fellowship with others when the Spirit helps us. 

The Spirit of Life is the only way that that we can ever live with God. He brings righteousness into what started out as our doomed sinful life. The Bible says that the power of righteousness can end the sentence of death that we were born with. Look what is working inside of us: But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:13-14. There is nothing more wonderful than God’s offer for us to become a part of his family. We must earnestly seek the help of the Spirit if we want to live with God.

God’s, rug of hope, will never be pulled out from under us. His promises are good forever. Here is a verse of great comfort to Christians: And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Ephesians 1:13-14. Not only is the Spirit “life” to us but he guarantees us we will join the actual family of God. The Lord is certainly worthy of our praise and glory.

Anyone can ask God to make them a member of his family. Jesus told the people following him: So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Luke 11:13 (NLT). The Savior came to earth so that he could become “the way to Heaven”. Worldly people who insist that they can find their own way to Heaven are making a deadly mistake. There is only one way to life eternal and we must humbly yield our ways to Jesus and ask him to lead us home.