It's time

[jesussaves]

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Kings and Priests

TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

12-27-2007

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. - Revelation 5:10 KJV

The Bible describes two distinct roles in the Old Testament-kings and priests. Kings were the rulers; priests were the religious leaders. The New Testament reveals we all are kings and priests because of the redemptive work of Christ.

Today, kings are most often represented by business and political leaders, while pastors represent the priestly roles. God calls each of us to fulfill both roles in our lives today. However, our vocational roles often create a division that is misunderstood by both workplace believers and pastors. These misunderstandings have led to a weakened and less effective Church.

Pastors have been guilty of viewing their workplace believers as dollar signs. They sometimes see them for what they can contribute to their ministries instead of equipping them to use their gifts and talents to impact the workplace believer's mission field-their workplace.

Workplace believers have tried to get pastors to operate their churches like businesses, and have used their worldly ways for spiritual purposes. They often view the pastor as the primary ministry worker instead of taking on the responsibility themselves to do the work of the ministry.

This is a grievous sin that exists in the Body of Christ, and it requires repentance from both groups. Unless we recognize this, we will never see the reality of revival that God wants to bring to the business community, and pastors will fail to gain an ally to fully complete the work of the Church in their community.

Are you a pastor who has failed to see the calling that workplace believers have received to the workplace? If so, ask God to forgive you for viewing your workplace believers as those to be used for your own purposes.

Are you a workplace believer who sees your church as another business to be run based on worldly measurements? Do you see the pastor's role as one who is primarily responsible for the work of the ministry? If so, you must repent and ask God to forgive you of this unbiblical view. God has called both of you to fulfill His purposes together through your gifts and talents.

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As I read this devotional today I realized more than ever it's time we step out in holy boldness for the Lord...witness...and PRAY FOR REVIVAL aas we humble ourselves before the Lord and say to Him..."LORD, start with me!"

There's a lost world out there beyond our ,"Which Bible is the best?" mentality! Jesus Christ crucified! He came, He lived, He died for our sins, He wants to reconcile us to the Father! If you get that opportunity to witness by the power of the Holy Ghost today, praise GOd! Another soul is coming to heaven with us!! Not more lost but found...pass Him on!

[stan4257]

Workplace believers have tried to get pastors to operate their churches like businesses, and have used their worldly ways for spiritual purposes. They often view the pastor as the primary ministry worker instead of taking on the responsibility themselves to do the work of the ministry.

This is a grievous sin that exists in the Body of Christ, and it requires repentance from both groups. Unless we recognize this, we will never see the reality of revival that God wants to bring to the business community, and pastors will fail to gain an ally to fully complete the work of the Church in their community.

As I read this devotional today I realized more than ever it's time we step out in holy boldness for the Lord...witness...and PRAY FOR REVIVAL as we humble ourselves before the Lord and say to Him..."LORD, start with me!"

Good stuff, Jesussaves. I have often thought when singing the words to an old hymn, 'Lord, send a revival, and let it begin with me' and wondered if I could cope if God took me at my word.

On the other hand, if I do not allow something to start in me then it is probably useless to expect it to start anywhere else.

As you say, it is the WE in revival that needs to be replaced with ME before it can start. Even if there turns out to be lots of MEs all at the one time they are still individuals.

Do you feel like sharing what specifically started in you today as you prayed this prayer that was not there before? What you say may lead others to pray the same thing. That way we got ourselves a revival starting.

[Jacshan]

You almost echoed some thoughts that I had JesusuSaves. Well presented. I cannot agree with you more. In fact you have encouraged me in a study that I am doing.

Jacshan

[jesussaves]

Workplace believers have tried to get pastors to operate their churches like businesses, and have used their worldly ways for spiritual purposes. They often view the pastor as the primary ministry worker instead of taking on the responsibility themselves to do the work of the ministry.

This is a grievous sin that exists in the Body of Christ, and it requires repentance from both groups. Unless we recognize this, we will never see the reality of revival that God wants to bring to the business community, and pastors will fail to gain an ally to fully complete the work of the Church in their community.

As I read this devotional today I realized more than ever it's time we step out in holy boldness for the Lord...witness...and PRAY FOR REVIVAL as we humble ourselves before the Lord and say to Him..."LORD, start with me!"

Good stuff, Jesussaves. I have often thought when singing the words to an old hymn, 'Lord, send a revival, and let it begin with me' and wondered if I could cope if God took me at my word.

On the other hand, if I do not allow something to start in me then it is probably useless to expect it to start anywhere else.

As you say, it is the WE in revival that needs to be replaced with ME before it can start. Even if there turns out to be lots of MEs all at the one time they are still individuals.

Do you feel like sharing what specifically started in you today as you prayed this prayer that was not there before? What you say may lead others to pray the same thing. That way we got ourselves a revival starting.

Yes I would love to share that with you. However, must do it later as I am on my way to work. ( The book of Joel is filled with the stirrings of revival. )

[Vickilynn]

Shalom,

Revival means that we are open to the Holy Spirit and allow Him full access to revive us, cleanse us and make us more like Jesus. We can do that on a daily basis.

[stan4257]

Shalom,

Revival means that we are open to the Holy Spirit and allow Him full access to revive us, cleanse us and make us more like Jesus. We can do that on a daily basis.

Agree about the daily basis.

As to revival, the concept for an individual contains within it the thought that our daily life in Christ has become not as fresh as it once was, and the flame could do with a bit of fresh oxygen. Whether that is relevant or not, it is clear that the fellowship of believers has become or is less than it might be and could benefit from a stir.

I have read reports of revival times when newspapers in New York gave lists of newly born again Christians on the front page every day.

[jesussaves]

Workplace believers have tried to get pastors to operate their churches like businesses, and have used their worldly ways for spiritual purposes. They often view the pastor as the primary ministry worker instead of taking on the responsibility themselves to do the work of the ministry.

This is a grievous sin that exists in the Body of Christ, and it requires repentance from both groups. Unless we recognize this, we will never see the reality of revival that God wants to bring to the business community, and pastors will fail to gain an ally to fully complete the work of the Church in their community.

As I read this devotional today I realized more than ever it's time we step out in holy boldness for the Lord...witness...and PRAY FOR REVIVAL as we humble ourselves before the Lord and say to Him..."LORD, start with me!"

Good stuff, Jesussaves. I have often thought when singing the words to an old hymn, 'Lord, send a revival, and let it begin with me' and wondered if I could cope if God took me at my word.

On the other hand, if I do not allow something to start in me then it is probably useless to expect it to start anywhere else.

As you say, it is the WE in revival that needs to be replaced with ME before it can start. Even if there turns out to be lots of MEs all at the one time they are still individuals.

Do you feel like sharing what specifically started in you today as you prayed this prayer that was not there before? What you say may lead others to pray the same thing. That way we got ourselves a revival starting.

Stan, I'm not sure what you mean by "cope" in this context, but I will tell you what started in me when I prayed for the Lord to start with me. I was filled with a deep desire to know Him more and draw closer to Him.

The Lord speaks to us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 the place to begin:

"If My people, which are called by My name (that's you/me Christian), will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land."

Isn't this scripture amazing! The Lord tells us what to do, and what He promises if we do what He says.

In every revival service I've ever been in this one thing is evident. There is an amazing move of the Holy Spirit when the people gather together with humble hearts before the Lord. The 3 R's in the book of Joel are poured out.

Repent as in 2 Chronicles, then...refresh, restore, revival. And what does the Lord pour out? The book of Joel shows us the Fresh Oil, the New Wine and the Bread... Fresh Oil= Holy Spirit anointing; New Wine= Jesus, joy of the Lord; Bread= The Word of God.

[stan4257]

In every revival service I've ever been in this one thing is evident. There is an amazing move of the Holy Spirit when the people gather together with humble hearts before the Lord. The 3 R's in the book of Joel are poured out.

I agree with all you say, Jesussaves, and thank you.

What I am wondering is if my interpretation of the word revival might be different from yours. Doesn't matter if it is, just making sure we are in harmony together.

When I think of revival, and using the example you give above, my image is of a waterfall in full flow after a dry summer, when the people who have been gathering together flow out into the highways and the byways with the good news and large numbers of new Christians come crowding back in.

Rather like, though I did not start this post thinking about it, when (General) Booth of the Salvation Army marched through the streets with his band and large numbers of the drunks and drop-outs immediately stopped drinking, never to drink again, and followed the band to salvation in Jesus Christ. Something similar happened in Melbourne within living memory and most of the pubs had to shut down for lack of custom.

(Not that I equate alcohol with salvation, but use provable historical facts as an example.)

What you seem to be saying is that it means an enriching and a deepening of the love, joy and peace that is within us.

Well that is wonderful, Jesussaves. You are blessed.

I feel sure we agree on the central issue that nothing matters except salvation in Christ Jesus. Semantics can go to hell on their own. For us, we are marching together to glory.

Your brother in Christ.