You have been summoned

You have been summoned

‘AWord from the Pastor’ By Clayton Adams

“Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.” (Matthew 10:1) Summoned means “authoritatively or urgently called on to be present.” Think of being summoned or “ordered” to appear before a judge for a hearing.

Why did Jesus summon His disciples? Jesus summoned His disciples to give them authority and instructions. Jesus gave authority and then gave instructions and examples on how to use this authority He bestowed on them. The authority bestowed by Jesus was to, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8). This authority or power was and is a gift Jesus provides.

The power and authority, as Jesus gave to His disciples can quickly be turned for evil and have horrible consequences if His instructions are not followed. Perhaps this is why Jesus spent far more time giving clear instructions on how His disciples should live their lives to be worthy examples to the culture of the world.

I believe most churches have stopped having an impact in our culture, why? We've lost the influence for good primarily because we have ignored, forgotten or have chosen to disregard the instructions Jesus issued in Matthew chapter 10.

Unfortunately, it is often said among unbelievers that there is little difference between people who say they are Christian and those who are not Christian. Why would anyone want to be a Christian if there is no noticeable difference between a Christian and non-Christian? I believe this is one reason why many churches are struggling to stay open, not growing and being ineffective in the community they are placed.

If Christians go to the bars, gambling halls, lose their temper, cuss, react in anger, cheat, steal, lie, gossip, run around and what have you, why would anyone who is not a Christian want to be a Christian? These are not things Christians should be participating in – period! If you do these things stop it! Christians are to be different, set aside, we are not better than any other person or group but we are to be different. We are to be salt and light to the world.

Jesus said, “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles…” and “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts;” (Matthew 10:1 & 9) A “Gentile” is anyone not Jewish and in this context, Jesus clearly was addressing ungodly practices and standards of living His followers are not to participate in.

The Bible is clear, money is not evil, it is the love of money that is evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) Money is a tool, it's a means of accomplishing great things but loving money more than Jesus is the fast track to an eternity away from Jesus. Jesus, not money, status or possessions is to have first place and priority in your heart.

Having power is not the cause of our problems. Having money is not the cause of our problems. What is the problem in most churches? Not following Jesus' instructions as spoken to His disciples in Matthew chapter 10. Why don't we follow His instructions? Because of our pride, arrogance, selfishness, we are greedy and though we say we trust Jesus, our actions prove we do not trust Him.

Jesus has given us power to accomplish His will, standards to live by and instructions to use His power properly. What does He expect of His followers? Jesus said, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39) Jesus has given each one an opportunity to choose his or her course for life on this earth and in eternity. Your life, my life, all those who claim to follow Him are to live for Him!

Jesus has stated the rewards and punishments to come. He has shared His mercy and grace and His grace is far greater than any of our sin (Romans 5:20). What chance do we have if we ignore His calling on our lives to live separate, different and distinct from those who are not His followers? What shall we do if we ignore such a great salvation?

To be a Christian, a Christfollower is to think, believe, live, speak and act different than those who are not Christian. _We must know that followers of Jesus, “…are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9) You have been summoned by God Himself — live differently!

Clayton Adams is pastor at Earle First Assembly of God. You can e- mail him at cpalaa@ yahoo. com, or find Earle First Assembly on Facebook.