THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 

Acts 10:44-48; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

Introduction

Certainly! The theme "Chosen by Christ to Serve" draws from the foundational Christian belief that individuals are selected by Christ for a purposeful life of service. Let's delve into the scriptures to explore this theme more deeply.

Apostle Peter puts us in a thrilling discussion of the living stone and a holy people. He contrasts those who fall because of disobedience to God's Word and those chosen by God, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9).

Listen to this, a chosen generation. A royal priesthood. A holy nation. God’s own special people. These are weighty phrases that describe the believer in John 1:12. 

One key basis for today's discussion is that the Jews had for centuries known themselves to be exclusively God’s chosen generation, holy nation, and God's own special people. In the Acts of the Holy Spirit, God openly chose not just Jews but even Gentiles who believe and receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

Exegesis

In the book of Acts, we see a narration of the conversion of Cornelius and his household. It emphasizes how the Holy Spirit was poured out on Gentiles, signifying that God's grace and salvation are not limited by race, ethnicity, culture, or any boundary. Those who believe in Christ are chosen by Christ, regardless of their background.

Peter who resisted vehemently on sending the Gospel to the Gentiles in a vision now declares, "So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."" (Acts 10:34-35).

Christ's choice is for all, no matter the sin or crime one may have committed, or one's background. The waiting arms of Christ Jesus is open to receive all. It reminds me of the hymn, "Christ receives the sinful men."

Apostle Peter asked, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47). When grace chose you, no legality, tradition, order or custom can stop you. Anything withholding your progress to your next level is nolified in Jesus' name, Amen!

Chosen one of God, Christ is ready to receive you into His waiting arms for a special service.

Again, John speaks about the faith that overcomes the world. As a Christian, being chosen by Christ means having a faith that is not superficial but deeply transformative. This faith enables believers [John 3:16] to overcome challenges and live a life that reflects Christ's teachings.

"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

(1 John 5:4-5).

In this passage, Jesus speaks about love and obedience. He emphasizes that His followers are not servants but friends, chosen by Him to bear lasting fruit through love and service to others.

Jesus established that the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own special people is by His choice, not our works "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." (John 15:16)

Why have you been chosen by God? What is expected of the chosen one?

Chosen by Christ is about several key aspects let consider some of them in today's message:

1. Chosen for Salvation: Initially, being chosen by Christ refers to being called into a relationship of faith and salvation. 

Remember that Christ has chosen you into a relationship, not religion. Being religious does not mean you are in a relationship with Christ. We are sometimes consumed by religious rituals and neglect Christ who has chosen us.

Precious one, personally assess your relationship with Christ to understand your level of growth with Him. I am not talking about the drama we enact before the camera for people to see. Chosen for a relationship but not a 'religionship.'

Also, note that Christ's choice is not based on our merits but on God's grace and love for humanity (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are chosen for salvation in Christ Jesus.

2. Chosen for Holiness: Christians are called to a life of holiness and sanctification, being set apart for God's purposes (1 Thessalonians 4:7). This involves living according to Christ's teachings and being transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Victorious Christian living becomes the seal for the one chosen by Christ. The power to overcome sin is given to the one born of God (1 John 5:4-5). 

John makes an emphatic statement saying, "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God." (1 John 3:9)

3. Chosen for Service: One of the primary reasons for being chosen by Christ is to serve others. Jesus Himself exemplified this through His sacrificial life and teachings (Mark 10:45). As His followers, we are called to emulate His example of humble service.

Miniteration in Christian circles is no title or position. A minister is simply the 'little in service' from its Latin root words, "minus" and "teros." God called us into service therefore, in your personal life assessment, find out the service you render to the community of believers.

We are chosen by Christ to serve. You cannot boast of being a Christian when you refrain from being of service to others. 

In the natural order of God's creation, we are not made for ourselves but for service. For instance, the trees do not eat their fruits but to serve others. The stream does not drink its waters but serves others. Take time to study the ecosystem and food chain, may God open your heart to the truth of being chosen for service.

What you have or you are made of, is for service. Be open to serving in the will of God and by that, you will be blessed more and more.

4. Chosen for Bearing Fruit: Jesus speaks about bearing fruit in John 15:16. This fruit refers to the virtues of a Christ-centered life such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

As God's chosen vessels, our "fruit should abide"  that becomes evidence of God's grace and mercy upon us. The practical evidence is "so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." (John 15:16)

5. Chosen for Witness: Christians are chosen by Christ to be His witnesses, sharing the good news of salvation and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8).

When we demonstrate the agape love in our lives, it is a witness of God's power over us. 

Being chosen by Christ is an act of being taken out. When you are taken out, you need to stand out in order to draw others to Christ.

This is why Paul teaches us by saying, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2).

Conclusion

Precious one, being chosen by Christ involves salvation, holiness, service, fruitfulness, and witness. It's a profound calling that encompasses every aspect of our lives, guiding us to live purposefully and fulfill God's plan for us.

Do not be a spectator Christian by sitting on the fence without service in any way to the body of Christ. Your gifts are not for yourself but to serve others.

Shalom aleichem...