1Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
In 1938 Orson Wells showed America the great power of the media with his “War of the Worlds” broadcast. His announcement convinced multitudes that Aliens from Mars were attacking New York and New Jersey. His compelling broadcast had scores of people shaken. Harlem in NYC was one of those places that were severely shaken. “The parlor churches in the Negro district, congregations of the smaller sects meeting on the ground floors of brownstone houses, took the “news” in stride as less faithful parishioners rushed in with it, seeking spiritual consolation. Evening services became “end of the world” prayer meetings in some (New York Times, Oct. 31, 1938).
The Apostle Paul in 1Corinthians 15:58 writes too of what perhaps sounds like a “War of the Worlds” type of broadcast as he describes the rapture (the snatching up quickly) of the church at the sound of the trumpet. However God’s Word is not a science fiction broadcast but a true account of what happened “In the beginning,” and what will take place in the future. Therefore, as we, the Church wait for this Great Day, Paul doesn’t instruct us to run around like lunatics with a big sign reading “The end is near” while we scream “Repent while you still have time.” Paul rather gives sound down to earth applicable instruction of what the Body of Christ is to do as it waits for the return of Christ. He writes, “Therefore” hence because this is going to take place, “my beloved brethren” those that I love listen to me. Then he touches on three characteristics for believers to have in place as they actively wait for Christ’s return as they are as follows:
1. Be steadfast. The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon, as Solomon reminds us “The race is not to the swift… (Ecclesiastes 9:11)” As believers we need to embrace and exhibit a stick-to-itiveness spirit, an attitude of perseverance. The word quit should not be in the vocabulary of a Christian as it pertains to following the Lord. Paul said “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” Run the race and refuse to give up. When the going gets tough, and your spiritual leg muscles are weary wait on the Lord to renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31)” and “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”, (2Timothy 2:1)
2. [Be] Unmovable. Be stable. This world is a very unstable place that can’t ever seem to make up its mind. The Christian although living in the world is not of the world and therefore needs to show the world stability in Christ in their midst of the instability of this present world controlled by the god of this world (the devil).
3. [Be] Always abounding in the work of the Lord. What do you do for the Lord? Are you a Sunday Morning Christian only? Most Christians don’t have the work of the Lord in their schedules because much of their work is for themselves or others. Paul employs that we abound in God’s Work. Whose work are you abounding in? Are you as efficient for God as you are for your employer? When you exhibit these godly characteristics you do it for the service of the King and therefore “your labor is not in vain in the Lord” as you are spurred to serve the Lover of your soul.
Until the nets are filled…Blessings, Pastor Phil <><
He Has Magnified His Word 