From birth to death there is a journey in between and one we all cannot avoid though some walk it longer than others. I will start off on this topic by defining and explaining some basic but very essential steps that will serve as the bedrock to the subject.
IT IS FAITH-BASED
The Christian journey is not just another trip in life, it is a “faith-based” journey and therefore primarily designed for those whose are referred to as “Christians”; but who really is a Christian and how can one become a Christian? In general terms, a Christian is someone who on their own volition (freewill), decides to believe and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior from their sins. (Romans 10: 9-10). In other words, a Christian is one who responds to God’s calling into His (God’s) family (John 1:12), repents of their sins, (and in most cases), willingly gets baptized, receive God’s Holy Spirit, and decides to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 5: 13-16).
Darrell W. Robinson in his statement wrote that a Christian is a “slave” …. (Greek “ianos”), an adherent and a committed follower of Christ. Three times in the New Testament (NT), the “Believers” were referred to as “Christians”. In Antioch, (Acts 11:26), by Agrippa, (Romans 26:28), and by Paul in 1 Peter 4:16. Robinson concluded that a Christian is one who becomes an adherent of Christ, and whose daily life and behavior facing adversity is like Christ. In short, you must whole heartedly adopt this faith to be part of this journey.
YOU MUST BE BORN INTO THE FAMILY – (John1:12, 3:3-8)
The only way to become part of God’s family… (The Christian /Church Family), is by birth into that family. In a similar way we must be physically born into our earthly family before we can belong to that family. The miracle of a spiritual birth is the only way we can enter the Heavenly family. Jesus said ‘…you must be born again…” (John 3:3-8). This birth only takes place through personal faith in Christ (1 Peter 1:3, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9).
CALLED OUT AND SEPARATED
Below are a few definitions for the term “Called Out” according to Merriam Webster:
- An act, or an instance of calling out.
- To summon into action (e.g. Troops into action)
- To challenge to a duel
- To order on a strike
- To be separated, set apart, identify self.
(1 Peter 2:9-10), (NKJV) Also read: Romans 8:28-30
Below are instances of God calling people:
- Genesis 6: 5-end – Noah was called out to start a new generation.
- Genesis 12: 1-8 – Abraham was called out from his home country to an unknown land.
- Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, all were called out at different times for different missions.
Do you Know your calling? Are you faithfully fulfilling that calling? Something to ponder on.
THE CHURCH ON A JOURNEY – (Read John 15:16)
Here are few familiar quotes about the journey of life:
- “The journey, not the destination matters” – (T.S. Elliott)
- “I made up my mind not to care so much about the destination, and simply enjoy the journey” – (David Archuleta)
As stated earlier, from birth to death, there is a journey in between and the Church likewise has been called out and set on a journey to teach, preach and heal, a journey to be the salt and light of the world. From personal experience here are few lessons and “take-aways” from this journey; these are our survival steps:
- You are part of a family, not an island, therefore stay in the family – (Heb.10:25, Matt. 18:20)
- The Journey can be very dangerous and treacherous – (Acts 27)
- No guarantees that we can make it alive; many have fallen asleep, that started with us.
- Enjoy the journey and keep on keeping on – (1Thessalonians 5:24, 1 Cor. 15:58)
- Stay focused, committed and humble; the battle is the Lords – (2 Chron. 20:15)
We are the Lord’s Church moving on triumphantly and we are not serving in vain.
March 13, 2022 – Pastor Dan Kemoh
