Stuff Apostolics Like-Value

[Amanah]

Earlier today I was examining how I am living my life, wanting my life to be pleasing to God.
I think so often we are looking for a Ministry, rather than just ministering to others where we are.
My ministry is in my home, on my job, in the marketplace, it's not something that is separate from everyday life. It is how I live my life every day.

It's living your life in such a way that a friend asks you to tell them about God, wants to know where you go to church, asks you to pray for their sick child.

When we walk with God and make ourselves available to serve others, he will minister through us and it's not something we do, but something He does.

[ILG]

Very interesting. I think so many people have felt this way...outside looking in.....even those that looked like they were "in".

I think the reason people become so disillusioned with the church and hurt by it is because the church sets itself up so high....so much better than "the world" and then when they fail to live up to their own claims, they say "well, we're only human, ya know?" but they forgot all the stories from the pulpit about how the church was so much better.

[commonsense]

Originally Posted by ILG

Very interesting. I think so many people have felt this way...outside looking in.....even those that looked like they were "in".

I think the reason people become so disillusioned with the church and hurt by it is because the church sets itself up so high....so much better than "the world" and then when they fail to live up to their own claims, they say "well, we're only human, ya know?" but they forgot all the stories from the pulpit about how the church was so much better.

[acerrak]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Yeshua said we find our life by losing it for his sake and the gospel. In that one will know the joy of the Lord. To try to create an identity for ourselves apart from that may bring the joy of the world but not of the Spirit.

and when you was Born again you did lose it. Remember you passed from death to Life. There is great Joy in the Lord we agree, but there is also great joy in this world. He made creation for us to enjoy it. That is apart of your christian identity.

Creation is one the witnesses that establishes that there is a God and we have been given dominion over it. Me and you are in the world but we are not of it. we are not off it because we are not partakers in mans sinful nature. Our Spirit has been renewed.

So yes you can have a identity for yourself that brings joy of the world and joy to the Spirit. Do you enjoy eating food? yes you do well you just partook in the joy of the fruits of this world. ever woke up and and said this is gonna be a good day, because of the weather, Joy of the world.

Joy of the world doesnt mean living like other people in the world, as far as sin.

Going bowling isnt a sin, watching Football isnt a sin. I went to a drive end this past weekend. the owners are christian. They played the national anthem, then said i know this isnt politically correct, But may God Bless us cause we need it. Very small prayer. at the end of the movies they played southern gospel music.

You can do many things in this world and find the Joy of the Lord in it. Jesus did not free us from bondage to place a yoke of legalism over us. He also doesnt plan out your day and micro manage you. He does expect you though to Love him and be loved by him.