MY ROLE IN GOD'S KINGDOM

In Nehemiah 2:11-20 Nehemiah begins the work that the Lord has called him to perform. Nehemiah has a clear understanding of his responsibility and how to accomplish the work. Generally speaking, the Lord has a job that all of His children are to be faithful in carrying out. Just as the Lord made it clear to Nehemiah what he was to do the Lord has made it clear for us today. The following passages of Scripture give us our responsibility and how we are to accomplish them.

Acts 1:8 states, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Each believer receives the Holy Spirit immediately upon becoming a believer, John 7:39. Since the Holy Spirit lives within each of us we have the power, or ability, to do the work the Lord has given us to do. The next statement in this verse is, "And you will be my witnesses." The verb "to be" means to exist so the reason for the existence of the Believer is to be a witness for Jesus Christ. We fulfill this responsibility by our holy living in an unholy world and talking to people about Jesus when the opportunity is given to us. The word "witness" means "to tell what one believes based on the facts." Therefore we speak the truth in love concerning the truth and the fact that if anyone confesses their sin and believes in Jesus they will be forgiven and have eternal life.

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gives us two specific purposes for the church, which is each Believer. First of all He states "all authority has been given to me." Jesus is our Lord and He gives us direction for our lives. Our first purpose is to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." As you and I go through each day we should be prepared to talk to anyone about Jesus Christ. Encouraging them to seek forgiveness of their sin in Christ alone. Our second purpose is to "to teach them to observe all things I have commanded you." So we are to teach the new believer how to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

In Matthew 9:35-38 tells us two other things we are to do. First we are told that Jesus had compassion on the multitudes. Therefore we also should have compassion for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. Secondly, Jesus specifically says, Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest." The word "pray" means to beg. As we cry out to the Lord to send the laborers we must be willing to be a laborer sent by Him.

May the Lord so move in our hearts that we will be about or Father's business.