Minister, Master, Messiah

Jesus Christ is our Minister, Master, and Messiah.

As our Minister, Jesus is our servant; that is, He labors for us. Paul said Jesus came in the “form of a bondservant ” (Philippians. 2:7). As such, He ministered to the needs of those around Him. He not only healed the lame, blind, and sick, but He also served the greatest need of mankind by addressing man’s sin (Matthew 4:23-25; John 1:29). While on earth, Jesus said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many ” (Matthew 20:28). We are to learn from His example and serve others (Matthew 20:20-27).

Jesus is also our Master. He is greater than us in nature, character, and action. Jesus’ nature is divine, ours is human (Hebrews 1:8). He is our Creator and we are His creatures (John 1:1-3). Jesus is superior to us in character as well. He is infallible; we are fallible (Hebrews 4:15; Romans 3:23). While on earth, facing temptations and trials, He never strayed from God’s will (John 8:29). In action, He is greater in wisdom and knowledge, and is the Master Teacher (John 13:13).

Finally, Jesus is our Messiah. As such, He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He offered His body and blood as a sacrifice for our sins (Matthew 26:26-29; Ephesians 5:25; Acts 20:28; cf. Hebrews 10:5-10). He is the one and only Savior (John 14:6). Therefore, we must choose Messiah, not Mohammed; the Bethlehemite, not the Buddha; the “Prince of Peace,” not the Pope.

-Steven F. Deaton

The GM-UAW Negotiations

In the news this past week have been constant updates about the talks between GM and the United Auto Workers. Among near strikes, good progress, and hour-by-hour contract extensions, there were undoubtedly workers of at least two types. I’m sure you had those who continued on with their jobs as though nothing was happening and those whose every step lingered on whether or not they were going to have to strike.

Thinking about this, I couldn’t help but realize that we can be likened to those Auto Workers. On the one hand, you have those who are actively seeking to get God’s work done. Regardless of what is going on about them, they are striving to be the best workers they can be. Those individuals stay on task, work hard, and even help motivate others to do the same.

On the other hand, you have those whose work is negotiated every step of the way. The status quo is not acceptable, and only if God can offer something a little more appealing will they continue as they should. Otherwise, their eye is on the door.

Where are you today? Is your attention on the work at hand or are you distracted? Realize that you were created for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11) and that therein lies the only contract that should be on your mind.

-Jason Budd

Winning Young Converts with Gimmicks and Games

We live in a society that has their minds conditioned toward entertainment. Just stop for a moment and briefly consider the many forms of entertainment offered to young people today.

• Television – probably still the number one avenue of entertainment with every channel imaginable at one’s finger tips.

• Movies – whether one travels to the theatre, Blockbuster to rent, or orders Pay Per View movies at home.

• Internet – young people spend countless hours on the Internet surfing the Web and visiting popular sites like YouTube and MySpace.

• Video Games – it may be Xbox, PlayStation, or the new Nintendo Wii, but many boys and girls, teenagers, and even college students spend long hours playing their favorite games.

• Sports – one of the most lucrative entertainment markets in this country draws young men and women from every walk of life.

• Cell Phones and iPods – and oh, how we love our technological gadgets such as the ability to send text messages or download our favorites iTunes.

And so, Christian young person, what do you say the next time you find yourself in a conversation with a denominational friend about why “your church” does not offer the same programs and activities that all other churches in town offer?

Remind them that sin is still man’s greatest problem (Romans 3:23; 6:23), and all the fun games in the world won’t save a sinner from hell. Tell him or her, that the gospel saves (Romans 1:16), not games or gimmicks. Tell them that you enjoy recreation and entertainment as much as the next person, but are determined to worship God as He directs (John 4:24). And kindly let them know that since the Bible is our spiritual standard, it grants us no authority (1 Peter 4:11; Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19) to add such things to the work of the Lord’s church.

-Jesse Flowers