Arise and Shine: Embracing the Kingdom of God
It’s a beautiful day to gather in worship and reflect on the profound truth that we have a purpose in the Kingdom of God. Today, we’re diving into the message of “Arise Shine,” which calls for the Church to wake up and fulfill its calling without apology. We are the Bride of Christ, carrying the foundation of truth in a world that desperately needs it.
The Church: A Beacon of Hope
The Church is not just a building; it’s a living organism filled with people who are passionate about advancing the Kingdom of God. We may not be the largest congregation, but what matters is the heart behind our mission. We’ve been tasked with a significant role in this world, and it’s essential to recognize the importance of our calling.
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Recently, I had the pleasure of partnering with World Cast Ministries in Yakima, Washington. During this conference, I met Dr. Harold Debra Lee, who shared his remarkable journey of planting Bible schools in Africa. It was fascinating to see how our missions aligned, and it’s a testament to how God is moving across the globe.
Advancing the Kingdom Globally
Dr. Harold has graduated over 6,000 students from his Bible schools over the years. This incredible achievement is a reflection of God’s work in raising up leaders who can shepherd the flock. We’ve joined forces to translate materials into Urdu for Pakistan, focusing on raising pastors to shepherd the thousands coming to faith in Christ.
In the Islamic world, astonishingly, between 17,000 to 30,000 people are giving their hearts to Jesus every day. This is a powerful reminder that God is moving, even when we don’t see it in America. Our task is to raise up leaders who can guide these new believers and help them navigate their faith.
Addressing Slavery and Injustice
While we celebrate these victories, we must also confront the harsh realities facing many in the world today. In Pakistan, for example, there are over 2 million people trapped in slavery, particularly in brick yards where they work under deplorable conditions. They often fall into indentured servitude due to debt, creating a cycle of oppression that is difficult to escape.
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We cannot turn a blind eye to these injustices; we have a responsibility to advocate for the oppressed and work towards their liberation. Just because we may not see a revival in America does not mean God isn’t moving elsewhere. Countries like China and Latin America are seeing thousands come to faith daily, and we must remain vigilant and engaged in this global movement.
Life in the Kingdom
As we reflect on our position in the Kingdom, it’s crucial to understand what it means to live as citizens of this Kingdom. Romans 14 offers us an incredible perspective on life in the Kingdom of God, emphasizing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
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When we accepted Christ, we committed to living under His lordship. This means we are no longer the kings of our lives; we have submitted to the One who knows what’s best for us. Our lives should reflect His love and righteousness, and we must strive to please Him in all we do.
Understanding Righteousness
Righteousness is not about adhering to a strict set of rules. It’s about being in right relationship with God and others. When we accept Christ, we are made righteous, but living out that righteousness requires us to act according to our new nature. We must be aware of the impact of our actions on others and strive to be a source of encouragement and strength within the body of Christ.
The Importance of Peace
Peace is another vital aspect of life in the Kingdom. It’s more than the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of God’s tranquility in our lives. True peace comes from being in right relationship with God and others, knowing that we are secure in His love. We must cultivate this peace, allowing it to flow into our interactions and relationships.
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Finding Joy in the Kingdom
Joy is a divine delight that comes from knowing we are in the presence of our King. It’s not dependent on our circumstances but rooted in our relationship with Christ. Even in the midst of trials, we can experience joy because we know that our victory is secure in Him. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it empowers us to face life’s challenges with hope and resilience.
Living Out Our Faith
We are called to live out our faith actively. This involves loving God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, as well as loving our neighbors as ourselves. It’s easy to love those who are like us, but we must also extend that love to those who are different or even those who challenge us. Our unity in Christ should transcend all divisions.
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The Call to Action
As we conclude, let’s remember that we are called to be agents of change in our communities and the world. We must rise up and shine, allowing the light of Christ to reflect in our lives. Let us not be discouraged by the darkness around us but instead be empowered to bring hope and healing to those in need.
Let’s commit to praying for the Kingdom of God to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Together, we can make a difference and fulfill our purpose as the Church, the Bride of Christ.
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Final Thoughts
In a world filled with uncertainty, we have the promise that God is with us. He has called us to arise and shine, to live out our faith boldly and joyfully. Let’s embrace our identity as citizens of the Kingdom, knowing that we have a significant role to play in advancing His purposes on earth.
As we go forth, may we carry His message of love, hope, and redemption to all those we encounter. Together, let’s shine brightly for the glory of the Lord!
