Christian generosity offers a result of conversion to Christ, not the reason we should be baptized into Christ. That reason has nothing to do with what Christians do for others. It has everything to do with God’s Love in Christ seeking, finding and restoring sinners to the Father in Heaven.
Consider how ruthlessly honest the apostle Paul stated our misery before Christ. We were:
And more references could be cited. Only if we admit we’re sinners, and want to be forgiven, do we receive forgiveness. Any less a response to God’s holiness exempts us from forgiveness and destines us to punishment. While many in Paul’s day knew they needed forgiveness, many more now consider themselves immune to sin instead of corrupted by it. Nevertheless, the Christian life is ALL ABOUT what God did for us then, and continues to do for us now. As unforgiven sinners we can never fellowship with God. But at our worst, no help in sight, God reached out to us in Christ, forgiving us if we trusted his sacrifice. When we stress that reality, all service rendered by us seems “the least we can do.” Jesus insists we become a different person, with the same personality our genes dictate. using whatever gifts the Holy Spirit bestowed. A quiet person need not become loud. A boisterous person need only watch that his trumpet keeps friends, not makes enemies. If we’re studious, STUDY. If we love people, MINGLE. Since we have a purpose, EMBODY it. Since we have a message, SHARE it. Our spiritual enfranchisement, then, empowers a discipleship that:
Is our service being equal to our privilege? Fini
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