OUR MISSION STATEMENT

June 3, 2024 / Bob /

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 – Acts 21:11-12

Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three important characteristics.

  1. To know Christ.
  2. To know and experience His power.
  3. To identify with His sufferings.

All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product.

  • Salvation is a by-product.
  • Miracles are a by-product.
  • Christ likeness is a by-product.

Paul’s focus was on relationship. He understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he would experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship, there would be suffering.

Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties.

Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

If we are living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face similar battles; it simply comes with the territory.

Matthew 5:11  “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.  12 be happy about it!  Be very glad!  For a great reward awaits you in heaven.  And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

  • Does this sound like your personal mission statement?
  • Is your focus in life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection?
  • If not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more intimately.

Lord thank you for persecution because it takes our eyes of earthly rewards, it strips away superficial belief, it strengthens the faith of us who endure and our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow. What a testimony it can be to bring YOU the Glory!  Amen

 

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