Thursday, December 6, 2012

What is a Passion for Christ?




Father in Jesus Name I pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal to me the purpose of me reading this particular blog.  Holy Spirit I acknowledge You as God on this Earth and I thank You for indwelling me and helping me to understand the ways, Word and plans of God for my life and the lives of others. Speak to me Lord and grant me a loyal heart that I can obey and love You more and more each day as I grow in Christ. Thank You Lord for the surpassing grace that is hard to understand but so great to accept. I love You deeply in Jesus Name! AMEN!
 
What is a passion for Christ? How do I obtain it? Is this even possible for me to have?  These may be questions that have run through your mind as you have embraced the truth of Christianity.  Understanding that God through Jesus Christ wants you to develop and cultivate in your hearts a sincere love, passion and urge for God is absolutely necessary. 

Through the pages of the Bible, the Word of God we are captivated by stories of men and women who's love for God surpassed the love for the things of the world, the desires for prominence, position and power and excelled far above the carnal mind that is only satisfied with what it can get.  What is the secret to this and is there even a secret to gaining this?  The Bible is filled with men and women who stood up for Jesus Christ and laid down their lives for Him.  Jesus said two words, “follow me” and the lives of 12 men were completely altered and radically changed, prepared to change the world for the Gospels sake. How can we develop something like this?  It’s often hard for us to lay anything down for Christ in this society that we live in. 

Jesus told the Disciples that they would receive power from on high and would be witnesses for Him in all the world.  The word “witness” is “martyus” in Greek where we received the English word “martyr.” These men waited on the promise of the Holy Spirit and through this power they followed Jesus to the point of the ultimate cost, laying down their lives. 

Transforming hand of God
Life changing to change others lives
Blessed by God to bless others by showing them God.
Do you know that you are capable of leading people to Christ
You are a witness of Jesus Christ and you represent him in all that you do in your daily lives.
You have spiritual gifts and talents that God wants to show you and use for His glory
You have the capability to change the world around you which changes the entire world
You are completely capable of fulfilling the will of God for your life
Gods hand is on you!
Where does passion come from?
What is a Passion for Christ?
IS a passion for Christ even possible?

How can I as a sinful human being obtain a passion for Christ?

The beauty of salvation goes far beyond Eternal life.  Many of us as Christians today embrace the concept of Eternal life, yet reject the abundant life that Jesus Christ desires to give us through faith.  Salvation emcompasses the life of a Christian, it’s so much more than what we accept.  The truth is, we often neglect what God wants to do in our life because we don’t expect God to do much.  God has a plan to purposefully bless us to bless others and it’s through Jesus death on the Cross that has given us the liberty of knowing God.  It’s pointless for us to accept the offer to Eternal life to be face to face with God for eternity yet find it almost unbearable to spend time with Him living on Earth.  The substance of salvation is found and located in a purposeful relationship with God the Father.  God has a purpose for your life, that purpose is to know Jesus intimately.  How secure are you in understanding that God wants you to know Him?  Is that a foreign idea to you or is it something you want? The abundant life is not a life filled with lavish lifestyles, cars, clothes, money and things that are temporal.  The abundant life that Jesus promised is when we begin to find out that God is all that we need.  God wants to get up close and personal with you. 

Where does a passion for Christ originate?

God has desired that the object of our affection to be Jesus Christ.  The passion that God wants to place in your heart is from God.  You must understand that even the desire to have a passion for Christ or how to find out how to cultivate a passion for Christ is directly from the heart of the Father.  God promised to give to us the desires of our heart and a purified heart is one that He can plant His will in.  God wants to give you a passion for Him, when we ask. Certain things in the plan of God only come from God. There are times in our lives where we have great ideas, aspirations and even accomplishments, yet some are not the will of God. Gods desire is for you to have a passion for Christ and not a dormant, slow moving life as a Christian but a thriving life filled with the capability to serve humanity and worship God through your gifts and talents.  Passion is all about service to others.  The heart of God is the source of all desires that lead to Him.  He is the One who has designed you and in the process of designing you He placed a longing, an urge to know about life.  Life, what is it all about?  We question why we are here all the time, we wonder what’s the purpose of life, why am I any different than an animal?  Why did I grow up in such adverse times, why was I born in this generation, why did I have a child right after losing my virginity, we have questions and these questions are literally designed to lead us to the Father.  Only God can replace the questions with valid answers.  In essence, your life’s purpose is to pursue Christ with passion, fully chasing after Him and letting nothing stop you from getting to a God that is relentless in His desire to captivate your heart.  Your purpose will come from your passion for Christ.  

What’s the purpose of developing a passionate relationship with God?

God the Father has sent an offer to you, an offer than can be rejected or accepted, its far more than just Eternal life, its eternal purpose.  God’s desire is you. You have to accept the fact that God loves you so much that He just wants you.  You are valuable to God and He is willing to change the world around you to get to you.  Look back over your life, sure it might not have been the best upbringing, the first and second marriage may have failed, the child may have been born with autism, the cancer may still be located in your right lung, but God is in your life.  We don’t realize how amazing that is. God, who created the world and all that’s in it wants you! God wants to be invited into your daily life to lead you, to guide you, to show you how to live for him and impact the people around you for the Gospels’ sake. God is calling you to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.  Will you accept this offer of a lifetime? 

The Blessings of Passion.

Do you want to know why you are living on this Earth among over six billion people? Do you want to experience God in fresh, new, life changing way? Do you want to understand life’s purpose? Do you want to grow in your relationship with God? Do you want to see the future in a brighter way, a way that can wipe away the pain of the past and cultivate a sincere desire to live again? Do you want a plan in your life that will prosper and benefit your local Church and family?  Do you want to change lives for Christ, because of Christ and through Christ? Do you want to know your spiritual gifts and talents that are deeply intertwined in your being because of God?  Do you want to find out how to use your gifts for Gods glory?  Do you desire to live a lifestyle that is so filled with evidence of God that others strive to find out about this God you live for? Do you want to live in such a way that your life brings souls to Christ for His Kingdom? Do you desire to be fruitful in your efforts to serve Jesus Christ through your local Church and beyond the four walls of it? If you have a “yes” being screamed in the depths of your soul for these questions, a passion for Christ is the solution. 

Father in Jesus Name I come to You asking You to prepare my heart for more of You and less of self. Lord, bring me into the fullness of the Christian life, the life in the Spirit, the life that causes people to wonder in amazement.  The life that brings peace and joy in abundance and the life that causes us to rise above storms and afflictions. Lord, bless me with a specific and special ministry for Your glory and I ask this thankful that You are able to do all of these things and more simply because You love me and have a plan for my life. I ask You to bless my family and those around me, may they see Christ and be drawn to You and closer to You through the witness that You do in my life. I love You deeply and appreciate all of Your works and ways in my life in Jesus Name! AMEN!

_____________________________________________________________
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?
 
If not, here’s what you are missing.  You are missing satisfaction in life. You are missing the blessings of God in and through your life. You are missing the blessing of being able to know God intimately and know Him for the pardoning of your sins.  You are missing the blessing of being able to serve God and impact your community and the world around you.  You are missing the beauty of God revealing Himself to you and helping you in your daily life. You are missing out on such great things.  God wants the best for you and His best starts with you admitting you have sinned against Him and that you need a Savior for your sins, that Savior is Jesus Christ.  Like me, will you rebel against God’s plan and will for your life? Will you submit to Gods will so He can save you and redirect your life?  God can get you off any drugs, any habit or addiction, nothing can stop God and God will stop at nothing to stop it from stopping you from reaching your full potential for Christ.  God loves you so much, why wait and why reject His message.  If you want to be saved for-real, just pray this prayer:
 
“Lord Jesus, I have sinned, I am a sinner, I have sinned and will sin, but I have sinned only against You. Lord, I am in need of Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and You rose from the dead. I believe You are God and that You have the capability to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from my unrighteousness. Lord, please save me and draw me to You by Your grace. Fill me with Your Spirit. Baptize me in Your power and help me to live a lifestyle that is pleasing in Your sight. Give me victory over temptation, Lord, strengthen me to be all who You want me to be please in Jesus Name! AMEN!”
 
"God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life." ~ John 3:16 (God’s Word Translation)
 
"That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be [disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ~ Romans 10:9-13 (NASB)
 
These links may help you in your walk with Jesus Christ.  I urge you to take a look at some and remember to draw closer to God through studying His Word and praying daily for yourself and most importantly, others.  God Bless! 
 
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." ~ Romans 10:17 (King James Version)
 
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/PrayerAndCounseling/index.aspx [Prayer Request; Have someone online pray for you!]
 
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." ~ James 5:16 (New Living Translation)
 
http://www.OurPrayer.org [Prayer Request; People from all over the world can pray for YOU, simple, fast, free and beneficial.]
 
http://www.Bible.cc [Great site for searching through the Bible and comparing each version, also charts, commentaries and dictionaries]
 
"Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." ~ Ephesians 5:18 (Gods Word Translation)
 
http://www.biblegateway.com [Great site for Bibles of various kinds and various languages]
 
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." ~ Proverbs 14:30 (New International Version)
 
http://www.Christianword.org [Great site for prayers; affirmations, scripture references etc.]
 
http://www.e-sword.net [Great site to download Bible software; commentaries, dictionaries, maps, charts, various Bibles]
 
"A patient person [shows] great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness." ~ Proverbs 14:29 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
 
http://www.twft.org [Pastor Chuck Smith's Through The Bible audio sermons]
 
http://www.c28.com [Christian Clothing, etc.]
 
http://www.intouch.org/itrn?utm_source=ITM&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=Home_top_slider [In Touch Ministries 24/7 Radio Broadcast Online; Free Streaming]
http://www.intouch.org/resources/gods-promises?page480=2 [List of Bible Promises! (Easy to Print)]
 
"In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge." ~ Proverbs 14:26 (New American Standard Bible)
 
http://www.wmpress.org [FREE Christian Tracts] [Shipped to your doorstep for free.] [Pass out, leave somewhere (school, bus stop, grocery store, mall, shopping center, etc.), send in a Birthday, Holiday or Christmas Card; Simple ways to plant seeds of faith in people, even without speaking.]
[ORDER FORM for WMPRESS.ORG] http://www.wmpress.org/booklet_order.php  [BOOKLETS/STUDY GUIDES/ GOSPEL TRACTS AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM WMPRESS.ORG] http://www.wmpress.org/bksavail.shtml
 
http://www.intouch.org/about/in-touch-messenger/messenger-downloads [Download 35 POWERFUL sermons from Charles Stanley in less than five minutes, compressed ZIP FILE.] [3 Languages; Pray for the Ministry of donating, giving and supplying these handheld devices to spread the Gospel to the remote areas of the world and throughout the 'known' world.] [Pray!]
"For, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." ~ Romans 10:13 (American Standard Version)
 
http://www.thruthebible.org/site/c.irLMKXPGLsF/b.4104233/k.BFE1/MP3_Download_of_5Year_Series.htm [Dr. J Vernon McGee's Through The Bible 5 Year Series; Free downloads]
 
[THREE Great Biblical Prayers Ephesians 3:14-21, Ephesians 1:16-20 & Colossians 1:9-14, pray them for you and others!]
 
http://www.biblegateway.christianbook.com [Buy Christian Bibles, great selection of Study Bibles, commentaries, audio sermons, books, clothing, music, gifts, art; etc.]
 
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio [Charles Stanley's daily radio broadcast; also clicking 'Audio Archives' can allow you to search years back and download more of his radio broadcasts]
 
"I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit." ~ Romans 15:13 (New Century Version)
 
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/this-week-on-tv [Charles Stanleys 'This Week on TV' site; clicking 'Video Archives' can allow you to search back and find older Television shows; He also has sermon notes available on each show/segment]
 
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." ~ Romans 5:5 (English Standard Version)
 
http://www.twft.com/?page=C2000 [Pastor Chuck Smiths c2000 Through The Bible series; free downloads of book by book, verse by verse Bible study/commentary] 
 
"May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." ~ 2 Peter 1:2 (New Living Translation)
 
http://twft.com/?page=Radio.Main [Pastor Chuck Smiths Radio Broadcast; 25 minutes of study on the Word of God. c3000 edition]
 
[Study Bibles I suggest looking at; at CBD.com] 'Life in The Spirit Study Bible' 'Zondervan Study Bible' Nelson KJV Study Bible' and 'ESV Study Bible.' Christian Books; "Disciplines of The Holy Spirit" by Tan/Gregg; "How to Listen to God" by Charles Stanley; "Living Waters" by Pastor Chuck Smith; "Handbook for Christian Living" by Charles Stanley;
"That I may KNOW Him" ~ Philippians 3:10
 
Start your day off with a Word from God; Prayer and a Song of Praise/Worship
THE ROYAL PRAYER LINE
Every Wednesday Morning
6:15 a.m. - 6:30 a.m.[EASTERN USA TIME]
Dial-in# (712) 432-1001    
Access Code: 491276491#
Just Listen and Be Blessed!!!
 
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/royal-baptist-sunday-services [PAST SERVICES OF ROYAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST; SUNDAY SERVICES 8 AND 11 AM; Special Events and Bible Study as well] Enjoy!
 
http://royalmbc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=109 [My Churches Live Streaming; Sunday's at 8 AM & 11 AM. Thursdays for Bible Study 7 PM; Enjoy, there IS a Word from The LORD!]
 


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