I Am The Mediator

             Within our study of Eschatology, we see the term mediator.

             Which is defined as someone who reconciles differences between two parties who, for some reason, are not in agreement.

             Jesus came down from heaven to be our mediator, allowing us access to throne of God.

In the text, mediation is said to “be especially difficult between sinless deity and sinful humans.   Overcoming the  differences  and restoring a loving relationship demanded more than talking through a problem. It demanded a painful sacrifice.”

In other words, it took Christ’s death on the cross for we as Christians to have access to the Father.

  It goes on to say, that within the Mosaic Covenant, it was the slaughter of an animal that temporarily covered ones sin.

“That animal could never be a mediator, but the Son of God could, and He willingly came to earth to be that needed permanent Sacrifice.” (Pg. 57)

I Timothy 2:5-6  says, “For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.”

Through the shedding of Christs blood, we are made righteous.

Lets live an ever-present thankful life.

In my Bible class, we have currently been  studying the book of Romans: Justification by Faith. And in chapter 3, we compared and contrasted Adam and Christ.
Romans 5:19 says, “Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God’s sight.”

This made me think, do we truly know the impact we have on other peoples lives?
Personally, I haven’t given it much thought. But I know someone who has a had an impact on me and my family’s life.

Many years ago, my grandfather was busy doing his own thing, but in 1973, long before I was born, he turned his life over to Jesus. And ever since, he has been sharing the Gospel to anyone who would listen. It’s because of this decision, myself and others know Jesus. And because I know Him, I have been called to share this same good news.

The last paragraph in chapter 3 says, “The most important benefit of your study will be its impact on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and your sharing of these great truths from God’s Word with others.”

Have you ever stopped to think where you would be if that one person didn't make that decision to follow Christ? Hence, sharing it with you.

Are you making that person and Christ proud of how you are continuing what they started by drawing  others in?

Have you picked up the mantle like Elisha did with Elijah?

If not, think about it...

by: Amberly Kisiah

 Have you ever been to a restaurant and had excellent service from a waiter or waitress?
Now have you ever had bad service?  
 I'm sure we all have stories of each experience but which one do you remember the most?
From my observation, most of the time it seems we remember the bad service more than the excellent.
 With that in mind, I want you to imagine that the Church is God's Restaurant and as Christians we are His waiters and waitresses.
 How is you service?
 It doesn't matter if you work in ministry or not. As Christian's we are all to be witness's for Christ. Some of us may never be a Pastor but we can still do our best in serving Christ as a godly farmer, baker, teacher, mom, dad etc.
Colossians 3:17 has been a BIG motivating and challenging verse for me. It reads, "And whatever you do or say, do it as a  representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." NLT
 So you see, it's not just serving faithfully in ministry but also on the job.
 
When I don't feel like doing my best and want to cut corners I think of this verse and it straightens me out.  I am not by any means perfect in serving, but I do not like to use that as an excuse. We have so many ways to grow and mature as a Christian!
 I once tried to explain my motivation in the workplace to a trainee who claimed to have a church background. I tried to explain that it wasn't just my form of OCD or that our job included protecting public health. I used Colossians 3:17  and also referenced the Judgement Seat of Christ, (1 Corinthians 3:10-15),  where we as Christians will all stand one day and give an account. That short conversation ended with the trainee saying to me, "I do not want to discuss this with you."
 Why didn't they want to discuss what the Scriptures said? That reason could actually be in a separate blog, but for this one let me suggest to you that they cared very little about serving.
 You can see that Paul, the writer of Colossians, wrote a few verses later in that same chapter that we are to, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." - Colossians 3:23 NLT
 
The Global University Class here at Six Mile, just finished the "Prison Epistles: Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and Philippians."  
 In that book, (Chapter 3.2.6, "Christ Helps People Serve Faithfully", pg. 53), the author brought out 4 points that Paul made in Colossians 3:22-25.
"1. Christians in the workplace must demonstrate godly behavior."
     "..obey..in everything. The only exception would be if they were asking them to do something illegal, immoral, or in direct violation of biblical teaching."
"2. Christians in the workplace must do their work well.
      Paul urged these workers to do quality work with sincere hearts. They should do quality work not only when they were watched, but at all times. They should do all their work to please the Lord. The way we work either validates or discredits the gospel."
 "3. Christians in the workplace must have the right attitude.
       What we do must be done for the Lord, not just for other humans. "Sincerity of heart" speaks of integrity. "Reverence for Christ" implies being continually conscious of God. We must work with the right attitude."
 "4. Christians in the workplace must keep the heavenly reward foremost in their minds.
       When we get to heaven, we will not receive a reward based only on what we did at church. We will also be rewarded for what took place on the job."

 It is at this Judgement that we receive our rewards. The rewards that we lay at Jesus's feet. What are you going to lay at His feet?
Do you see how motivating Colossians 3:17; 23 are?  

 Feeling overwhelmed? Peter wrote, "By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life." 2 Peter 1:3 NLT

  He will not make you, but He will help you serve faithfully.

 May God give you His Shalom