From death to life

But God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved. In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up to rule with him in the heavenly world. He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. (verses 4-7)

Read Ephesians 2: 1-10

I was spiritually dead when I came into this world. I was sinful because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden. When I was baptised, I was born again by water and the spirit. By God’s grace I have been saved through faith in Christ. I have been brought to life with him, and now I have a new life.

I am now spiritually alive, with God-given faith in Jesus. In my heart there is a desire to live a life of good deeds that please the Lord. I have been given certain talents to spread God’s kingdom.

Is the Spirit of God calling you, as a Christian, to be trained to serve him as a pastor, a teacher, a youth worker or some other full-time position in the church? Be assured, if you do, that the Lord will provide for all your needs. In any case, you have an opportunity right now to serve your Lord in your own local congregation. Serve the Lord with gladness.

Lord the harvest is plentiful and the labourers are so few. Send out more workers so that your kingdom can be spread. Amen.

by Paul Albers, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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