Distinctions (Go Deeper and Climb Higher)

The United States of America is a unique nation in that we incorporate God’s tenets and principles within our government. Even our currency declares the words “In God We Trust.” It makes a clear distinction as to who we are as a nation to other nations. We send the evangelical message to other nations through our currency. Did you know that even though the United States makes up only 10 percent of the population but oversees 92.8 percent of the world’s global resources? Who would not want to come to America considering that many people earn the average of one dollar per day. Have you considered how many meals we are able to eat and how many privileges we have as a nation? We are blessed with what we have as a people and as a country, but we should always remember–to whom much is given, much is required.

Luke 12:48b
Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.

As I have been blessed beyond measure, I understand the importance of ministry to others about what God has done for me. My ministry is based upon the ADAM acronym:

A – Assimilation – to have people from different backgrounds come together and see themselves as part of a larger family.

Acts 2:41-47
41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.

43 Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

D – Discipleship – to instruct and reach others of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

John 13:34-35
34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

A – Adaptation – to live and become more Christlike in every way.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

M – Ministry – the act of making new disciples for Jesus Christ.

Matthew 4:19
“Follow Me,” He (Jesus) told them, “and I will make you fish for people!”

Matthew 28:19-20a
19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.

Five Divine Relational Absolutes:

1. Volition (freedom of choice) – the cognitive ability to make choices (we can choose to obey or disobey God).

The essence of God’s love is based upon choice. He chose to love us.

John 15:16-17
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. 17 This is what I command you: Love one another.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast.

Jesus’ presence is not such that He pressures anyone to be like Him. He loves us and desires for us to become like Him as we live for Him.

2. Marriage

Genesis 2:18
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement.”

Genesis 2:24
This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.

3. Family
The family is the fabric upon which the progress of civilization occurs.

Genesis 4:1-2a
1 Adam was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, “I have had a male child with the Lord’s help.” 2 Then she also gave birth to his brother Abel.

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

4. Nations and Government

We are to pray for those in power as government is a God-ordained entity.

Genesis 10:5
The coastland peoples spread out into their lands. These are Japheth’s sons by their clans, in their nations. Each group had its own language.

5. Church

Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.

Moses is a great example of one who wanted to grow and develop in his relationship with God. He went the extra mile (he literally climbed a mountain) to seek Him.

Exodus 19:1-6
1 In the third month, on the same day of the month that the Israelites had left the land of Egypt, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai. 2 After they departed from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain.

3 Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob, and explain to the Israelites: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Me. 5 Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine, 6 and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.”

We are challenged as believers in Jesus Christ to go deeper and climb higher in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is not just about knowing Him, but developing a passion for God. As Moses had a deep relationship with God because of his desire to seek Him, you can grow in the Lord in the same way…in order for others to see you as “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), you must be distinctive to others in order for them to see you. You are a living disciple for Christ that will bring others to seek and live for Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.