TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 12:1-8
Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. - Romans 12:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Romans 12 instructs us that spiritual gifts are for sacrificial service. Our ultimate example in this regard is the sacrificial service of Christ. Though He was God Himself, He did not demand honor or recognition, but rather “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” As a servant, he went all the way: “He humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” As we battle our pride, He provides a powerful model for us to imitate. That's why our “attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5-11).

Yesterday, we saw the importance, variety, purpose, and Spirit-driven nature of spiritual gifts in the church. Today we focus on the purpose of service for which they are given. This theological context is set in the opening verses of this passage. On the basis of God's redemptive mercy and in quest of obedience to His will, we are to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices.” That is, we are to approach our lives with the same obedience-unto-death attitude that Christ had. The command to offer our bodies in this way reminds us that the physical and the spiritual are inseparable in the Christian faith. That's why when the body is offered, the mind and the will can be transformed as well. Redemption gives us the freedom not to conform to the world's patterns.

The list of spiritual gifts in this passage (vv. 6-8), which is again somewhat informal and certainly not exhaustive, also emphasizes the diversity and spiritual source of the gifts. Here they include prophesying, serving, teaching, giving, encouraging, leading, and showing mercy. The command is that every believer should use his gift “in proportion to his faith.” In context, using spiritual gifts within the church is the everyday, concrete way for believers to obey or live out the first two verses of this chapter. If we worship the Giver and serve our brothers and sisters with His gifts, there will be no room for anything but Christ!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How are you serving the church with your spiritual gifts? One way to know whether you are serving the body of Christ is through the feedback, advice, and counsel of other godly Christians. Where do they invite you to serve? What do others mention that you do that is a blessing? In what ways do you experience the empowering of the Spirit beyond your own ability or expectation? These questions are a good way to realize how important and valuable your service is to your church.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 4:1-16
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Little Rock, Arkansas, Pastor Mark DeYmaz founded Mosaic Church, a congregation with a vision to cross ethnic and racial boundaries and unite diverse peoples under one roof. He had been bothered by “the feeling that the only minorities in my otherwise wonderful, healthy church were janitors.” He wanted his congregation to reflect the full diversity of the body of Christ and argued, “People are no longer going to buy into the message that God loves all people when it's preached from segregated pulpits and pews. . . . There's nothing new about what we're doing. We are reconciling churches in the twenty-first century to principles and patterns of the first century church.”

Demonstrating the unity of the Spirit is one of the most important biblical mandates given to the church (v. 3). Unity is a spiritual fact, not conditional on our actions. It's based on deep spiritual truths far beyond our ability to break or undermine. We might say that the bottom line of our faith is oneness—one body, one Spirit, one hope, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (vv. 4-6). The doctrinal foundations of our salvation can never be moved. What does lie within our power is whether we choose to act on these truths. Do our lives individually and collectively demonstrate or deny the exciting reality of spiritual unity before a watching world? Are we living “worthy of the calling” (v. 1)?

What does such unity look like? It is seen when brothers and sisters in Christ are humble, gentle, patient, and loving toward one another (v. 2); when spiritual gifts and leadership are exercised as God intended (v. 11); when we build one another up toward spiritual maturity (vv. 12-13); and when we are firmly rooted in the truth and learn to speak it in love (vv. 14-15). Then the body is working the way it should (v. 16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Pastor DeYmaz has written a book about his experience and what other churches can learn from it. It's entitled Building a Healthy, Multi-Ethnic Church: Mandates, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation (Jossey-Bass, 2007). It has been said that Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America—which certainly does not reflect the reality we'll experience one day as we worship around the throne of Christ! Reading this book could be the start of godly change.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. - 1 Timothy 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
How does one get to be a leader? “Leaders aren't born, they're made,” said football coach Vince Lombardi. “And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” What are the secrets to good leadership? Former President Dwight Eisenhower advised, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head—that's assault, not leadership.” Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair noted, “The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It is very easy to say yes.”

Today's reading kicks off a six-day examination of what the Bible says about church leadership. Yesterday's devotional already taught us that leaders must help build up the body of Christ toward maturity and a fuller expression of spiritual unity. Only two specific leadership offices, overseer and deacon, are mentioned in Scripture, though different churches use different names (pastor, elder, bishop, etc.). Overseers are responsible for teaching, preaching, and evangelism, and deacons are responsible for practical service. Today's passage is one of two main passages laying out the qualifications for the “noble task” of the overseer (v. 1). These qualifications can be examined under three headings. First, an overseer must have excellent moral and spiritual qualities. He should be a person of integrity, faithful in marriage, self-disciplined, and with priorities in the right order.

Second, an overseer should manage his own family well before he can be considered for church leadership. The care of the home is explicitly said to be an analogy and preparation for caring for the local congregation. As individualistic Americans, we might resist this line of thinking, but Paul was quite clear here that children's behavior reflects on their parent.

Third, an overseer must have spiritual maturity. Specifically, he should not be a recent convert, but old enough in the faith to resist pride and be able to teach sound doctrine. He should also have a “good reputation with outsiders,” especially given that Satan delights in bringing down church leaders.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you know how your church or denomination is governed? What roles do overseers and deacons play, and what terms does your church use? How much authority do pastors hold? On what issues does the congregation vote (if applicable)? How are leaders held accountable? How do ordinary church members learn about leadership decisions? Ways to find out about these matters include reading the church constitution, talking to your pastor, or taking a church membership class.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 1:5-16
An elder must be blameless. - Titus 1:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most people are careful in choosing fruit from grocery store displays. They don't just grab the ones closest to hand and throw them in the cart. Instead, they examine the color and firmness of peaches and plums. They check the size and appearance of grapes and oranges. They scan the bananas for ones that are neither too brown nor too green. They examine the strawberries to make sure there are no brown spots or mold. They might even knock on a cantaloupe or watermelon shell. No one wants to take home bad fruit.

If one takes care in choosing fruit at the grocery store, how much more care should be taken in choosing church leaders! Today's passage parallels yesterday's in listing qualifications for church offices. Both readings stem from very practical situations, as Paul offered counsel to pastors he had mentored (Timothy in Ephesus, Titus in Crete). He had commissioned Titus to go throughout the island and appoint elders in every town (v. 5), a task for which more guidance was apparently needed. The point is that Paul's teaching on leadership was not theoretical or abstract, but immediately relevant and practical to local churches.

The standards for church leadership are high because “an overseer is entrusted with God's work.” As yesterday, the qualifications emphasize personal righteousness, family management, and an ability to teach and defend sound doctrine. They are phrased both negatively, such as “not quick-tempered,” and positively, such as “loves what is good.” Communication and interpersonal skills are implied by such characteristics as “not overbearing” and “hospitable.”

Teaching friends and refuting enemies of the faith was so important that Paul expanded on this point (vv. 10-16). Especially since the written canon of the New Testament was not yet complete, false teachers were a real and present danger. The legalists or “circumcision group” were corrupting the gospel and needed to be rebuked. Titus was responsible to appoint godly church leaders to safeguard the purity of the faith.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Church leaders need to be able to defend the faith. In Christian theology it's called apologetics. To brush up your skills in apologetics, try to obtain one or more of these DVDs: The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, or The Case for a Creator. Based on the bestselling books by journalist Lee Strobel, these films present compelling and thoughtful arguments for the truths of Christianity. In addition to helping you develop your own witnessing skills, they could be loaned out to friends and family.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 3:8-15
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith. - 1 Timothy 3:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the months surrounding last November's election, we heard a lot about “vetting.” The two presidential candidates vetted potential running mates, then President-elect Obama vetted his choices for Cabinet and other leadership positions. “Vetting” indicates close and thorough investigation and evaluation. Politically speaking, it involves exhaustive background checks and interviews, since no one wants a “skeleton in the closet” to emerge as a surprise that discredits the person. Vetting is a time-consuming and detailed process, but it is considered an essential prerequisite to political leadership.

The passages we've been studying these past few days give biblical guidelines for “vetting” church leaders. In particular, the description of potential deacons being “tested” to make sure “there is nothing against them” sounds much like the political vetting process. Today's reading lists the general qualifications for deacons, a word meaning simply “one who serves.” The standards are similar to those described earlier for overseers. Deacons too must be righteous persons with a solid grasp of sound doctrine and whose families are ably led. The phrase translated “their wives” (v. 11) might also be translated “deaconesses” or even indicate that deacons and their wives served together in leadership. Some churches today treat female deacons as a separate leadership office, some open the office to both men and women, and others commission husbands and wives to serve together.

Church leadership theories abound, but we must be careful not to see the church as a merely human organization (vv. 14-15). It is “God's household . . . the pillar and foundation of the truth.” It is a living organism, charged with living out the mystery of redemption. It is the body of Christ and He is the Head. No wonder our conduct within such a “household” is so important, and no wonder our leaders must meet such high standards of spiritual accountability.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our culture promotes notions of leadership that include striving for the top, taking advantage of opportunities (and others), and being in charge to get your own way. These do not match the qualities of biblical leadership found in Scripture. Today, pray for leaders in the church, that their ministry will be characterized by godliness, not worldly ideas about power. To study this theme more, review the March 2007 issue of Today in the Word, “Portraits in Leadership,” available at www.todayintheword.com through the “Archives.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 6:1-7
Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. - Acts 6:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago has been ministering to the hungry and the homeless since 1877. Founded by George and Sara Dunn Clarke, it ministers to both physical and spiritual needs through meals and Bible studies. It also provides clothing, free medical and dental care, and job counseling and placement. Other ministries include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the Polish community, a jail ministry, and the award-winning Unshackled! radio program, which features inspiring testimonies of faith.

The Pacific Garden Mission follows in the footsteps of the original deacons in Acts 6. This is the only New Testament narrative we have of church leaders being chosen (except Jesus' call of His disciples prior to the actual establishment of the church). Intriguingly, the entire episode began from conflict within the church—serious conflict rooted in racial and socioeconomic causes. The good news was that the church was taking care of widows (see March 15). The bad news was that the Grecian Jews felt that the resource distribution favored the Hebraic Jews (v. 1).

Mediating the crisis, the Apostles went straight to the heart of the matter. They implicitly admitted that better administration could more equitably meet the need, but their ministry calling and priorities meant that they were not the ones to do it. They needed to focus on preaching and prayer, so they delegated the urgent responsibility of physical ministry to seven deacons. Notice that despite the different assignment, spiritual leadership remained spiritual leadership—the deacons' qualification was not “managerial talent” but rather “full of the Spirit and wisdom,” and they were formally commissioned in prayer and with the laying on of hands. We don't know the selection process, but it was clearly Spirit-blessed since it came up with such notables as Stephen and Philip. All the men chosen had Greek names, acknowledging the justice of the Grecian Jews' complaint (vv. 5-6). Out of this critical conflict emerged justice, leadership, and unity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As today's reading shows, the original deacons were chosen as a matter of social justice—to resolve racial tension and distribute resources fairly. In the same spirit, the church has often been involved in issues of social justice, such as the civil rights movement in the United States. How the African American church was at the heart of the movement is an oft-neglected story in mainstream history books, but you can learn more by watching the documentary film, We Shall Not Be Moved (2001).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 20:22-38
Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. - Acts 20:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Tennis player Jennifer Capriati found success early, reaching the semifinals of the French Open at the age of just 14. But then her career took a tumble and nearly ended in a hole of drugs, burnout, and depression. It took tremendous hard work and physical and emotional rehabilitation for her to regain her form, which she proved in 2001 by winning both the Australian and French Opens. On the way to her second title, she defeated former U.S. Open champion Serena Williams and top-ranked Martina Hingis, as well as up-and-coming Kim Clijsters in a marathon final lasting nearly two-and-a-half hours. When it was over, she exulted, “I'm so happy, I can't even describe it.”

The apostle Paul often thought of discipleship or ministry in sports terms. In today's reading, he believed his race was nearly finished and the prize of being with Christ in heaven was near. As we “listen in,” we can learn several key lessons about church leadership that he urgently wanted to communicate to the Ephesian elders. First, the main thing must remain the main thing (vv. 22-27). The main thing is “testifying to the gospel of God's grace,” which outranked Paul's personal safety and certain knowledge of suffering. On an eternal scale, his life was “worth nothing” compared to remaining faithful to his calling.

Second, leaders are shepherds (vv. 28-31). Leadership and authority are to be driven by love, care, and service. What's more, watch must be kept not only over the “flock” and doctrinal purity, but also over one's still sinful self. Church leaders must always be aware that their leadership is at the sovereign pleasure of the Holy Spirit and in the service of those Christ loved unto death.

And third, servanthood is the path of leadership (vv. 32-35). Power is often used for selfish ends and personal gain, but in the church the strong should help the weak, giving is more blessed than receiving, and human foolishness can be God's wisdom. Leadership in the church comes from a willingness to follow Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's reading, Paul talked of going to Jerusalem despite the danger awaiting him there, and spoke to the Ephesian elders as if he might never see them again. Elsewhere, he wrote similarly of “completing the race” and crossing the finish line of life. One of these passages—perhaps 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 or 2 Timothy 4:6-8—would be an excellent choice for Scripture memorization. Discipleship calls for as much all-out commitment as an athlete gives to competing in a race!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. - 1 Corinthians 12:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientists at Cornell University recently found that apple peels contain a dozen compounds that help fight cancer. Another team at Northwestern University discovered that olive oil not only reduces the risk of breast cancer, but also boosts the effectiveness of a drug used to treat that disease. Another study determined that garlic does a body good by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. UCLA researchers concluded that broccoli can help boost our immune systems, especially as we get older. And in perhaps the most welcome news, a Tulane University doctoral student proved that chocolate—or rather, an extract of cocoa powder which is found in chocolate—can help fight tooth decay and is actually more effective than fluoride.

If you are reading this and making a mental note to buy more apples, olive oil, garlic, broccoli, and chocolate, you're demonstrating that most of us care about the health of our bodies. We need to show the same care for the body of Christ. As we wind down our study of the doctrine of the church, called “ecclesiology,” we will tie together this month's various themes by considering key biblical pictures of the church.

The metaphor of a physical body is one we can all relate to. It is a picture of unity-in-diversity—just as within a body every limb and organ plays its part, so also in the church every person, ability, and spiritual gift plays its part. Unity is a key truth, since a body has many parts but remains one entity (vv. 12-13). Diversity is also a key truth, since a body's many parts have widely differing functions, and God has arranged them just as He wishes (vv. 14-20). The health of the body depends upon each part being content and faithful in its place. The need for diversity and the fact of unity together create true spiritual equality (vv. 21-27; Gal. 3:26-28).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's illustration and the biblical metaphor of the body might serve to remind you to take better care of your own body. When was the last time you had a full physical or dental checkup? Do you need to make physical exercise a more regular part of your routine? Perhaps your diet needs an overhaul to make sure it's balanced and healthy? Being good stewards of our bodies and physical health is part of how God wants us to live, so that we can use our bodies for His service (see Romans 12).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 5:21-33
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word. - Ephesians 5:25-26
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jesus told a parable about ten virgins (that is, bridesmaids) who were waiting for the coming of the bridegroom. In the wedding customs of the day, the bridegroom met the bride at her home and returned with her to his home to celebrate the wedding feast. The bridesmaids were charged with preparing the bride to be ready for the groom's coming, for which they kept watch. The five wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps (more like torches), while the five foolish ones did not. When the groom finally arrived, the women who were ready fulfilled their responsibilities and joined in the wedding feast, while the ones who were not were left outside (Matt. 25:1-13).

In today's reading, the church is the Bride of Christ and He is the Bridegroom. This biblical picture of the church suggests many marriage-related themes, including beauty, purity, unity, anticipation, and celebration. The central analogy here compares husbands and wives to Christ and the church. Wives are reminded that just as Christ is the head of the church, so the husband is the head of the wife. Both relationships involve submission, and though the term is unpopular in contemporary society, Paul taught that all forms of submission should be motivated by a “reverence for Christ” (v. 21).

Mainly, though, this rich theological comparison is for husbands, and it assigns them at least three sacred responsibilities. First, husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church, that is, sacrificially and with the purpose of facilitating God's work of sanctification (vv. 25-27). Second, husbands are to care for their wives as diligently as they care for their own bodies and in the same way that Christ feeds and cares for His body, the church (vv. 28-30). This is an image of serving and shepherding. Third, husbands are to be united with their wives (vv. 31-33). Physically and spiritually, marriage is oneness, a “profound mystery” (cf. Gen. 2:24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you ready for the coming of the Bridegroom? As we've studied this month about the church, you may have come to realize that you're on the outside looking in, that you've never accepted God's gift of salvation. Make today the day! By believing in the name of Christ and accepting His sacrifice for your sins, “you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). There's no set formula to pray—just talk to God using your own words and express your need for Him, trusting that He alone can save you and bring you into eternal life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-11
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care . . . not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. - 1 Peter 5:2-3
TODAY IN THE WORD
T. S. Eliot's play, Murder in the Cathedral, based on actual events from the twelfth century, dramatizes a confrontation between King Henry II of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The two men had been friends; in fact, Henry had appointed Becket to his position. After taking office, however, Becket became more serious about his religious faith and decided he owed his allegiance first to God, not the king. Since the two men disagreed on what was best for the nation, conflict followed. In the end, four of Henry's knights murdered Becket as he prayed in Canterbury Cathedral. Prior to his death in the play, Becket faced four tempters who showed him the depths of his own sinfulness and helped prepare him spiritually for martyrdom.

Many critics consider Murder in the Cathedral a masterful study in spiritual leadership. According to today's reading, church leaders should be humble and steadfast shepherds. Three pairs of opposites clarify the responsibilities involved: not compelled but eagerly, not greedy but serving, and not overbearing but setting a good example. In the first, there is no sense of obligation but an openhearted willingness to answer the call and do the “noble task” of leadership. In the second, the point is selflessness, turning the world's idea of the purposes of power on its head. In the third, the point is humility, again turning worldly values upside-down and reminding us that in the kingdom of God it is the last who are first (Mark 9:35).

Shepherds see to it that both they and those whom they lead pursue and embody the spiritual qualities listed here, including humility, faith, self-control, alertness, perseverance, and hope. God has promised to restore those who suffer, while the Chief Shepherd Himself will give a crown of glory to faithful under-shepherds (cf. John 10:1-18). Unlike Olympic laurel wreaths, this crown “will never fade away.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The drama by T. S. Eliot in today's illustration was turned into a classic movie, Becket (1964), starring Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole. Another classic movie, A Man For All Seasons (1966), is also based on a play and tells a similar story of a confrontation between political (Henry VIII) and spiritual (Thomas More) power. Both movies are likely to be available at your local library or media outlet. These dramatic performances can enhance our resolve to live faithfully even when tested.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 2:1-29
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. - Revelation 2:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
What is an “archetype”? English professor Leland Ryken explained that an archetype is a plotline, character, theme, or image that recurs in literature of many times and places. “They are the basic building blocks of the literary imagination” and can be either positive or negative. Examples include the quest story (plotline), an underdog who overcomes obstacles to achieve dreams (character), wisdom through suffering (theme), and a storm or tempest (image or picture). In both literature and life, such archetypes surface again and again and hold powerful places in our imaginations.

One way to interpret the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 is to treat them as archetypes. These mini-epistles capture messages Christ had for churches in John's day—and today. Each letter follows a common pattern: salutation, words of praise, words of warning, and conclusion. The salutations tell us who Christ is to the church. In the first four letters, the dramatic pictures show us that He is powerful, wise, and eternal, the Alpha and the Omega. He conquered death and reigns on high. He is God's Final Word and wields the Word in judgment.

The words of praise tell us what the church should be doing. These activities include doing good deeds, persevering or remaining faithful under pressure, enduring hardship and testing, loving truth, being zealous for righteousness and showing no tolerance for wickedness, suffering for Christ's sake, loving, and serving. The words of warning tell us what the church should not be doing. It is wrong for us to fail to repent, follow heresy, practice idolatry, engage in immorality, undervalue God's grace, and forsake our first love, Christ. We were made for Him!

The conclusions pledge rewards to those who are faithful. Overcomers are promised immortality or eternal life in heaven, authority over the nations during the reign of Christ, a crown of life, a new name, and spiritual life in and with Christ, our “hidden manna” and bright “morning star.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
These letters provide a helpful way for us to reflect on the spiritual condition of our own churches. Spend some extended time in prayer today for your church, that your congregation will be awake to the words of warning and faithful in following Christ even in difficult times. Pray also for the leadership in your church, that they will perceive and teach the truth of Christ accurately and boldly. And pray that for yourself and those in your church, your first love—for Christ Himself—will be quickened and strengthened.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 3:1-22
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. - Revelation 3:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to Voice of the Martyrs and the China Aid Association, religious persecution in China has increased following last summer's Olympics. In Beijing, a pastor and his family were evicted from their home, beaten, and arrested. Another pastor was sentenced to two years of hard labor “reeducation,” and he is by no means the only one serving such time. The city of Yichun in northeastern China banned all house churches, while elsewhere other house churches have faced renewed harassment and persecution.

Like the church of Philadelphia, believers around the world are undergoing persecution for their faith. Today's reading contains three more mini-epistles from Christ to His church(es), structured in the same way as the ones studied yesterday. Again, the salutations tell us who Christ is. The “seven spirits” indicate completeness—Christ is fully God. He is holy and true, sovereign over the church, the world, and all of history. He holds the “key of David,” meaning that as Messiah he fulfills the Davidic covenant. He is the Amen, the guarantor of truth, the proclaimer of salvation, and the ruler of creation.

What should the church be doing? In some cases, waking up from spiritual slumber and repenting of sin. In other cases, patiently enduring suffering and remaining faithful to His name. In all cases, obeying, pursuing righteousness (white garments), accepting rebuke and discipline when necessary, and seeking an intimate relationship with Christ. What should the church not be doing? We should not put our confidence in earthly or temporal things or be content with appearances rather than substance. Jesus hates such lukewarmness!

The conclusions describe more of what is in store for overcomers. We'll walk with Christ and sit beside Him in heaven. Our names are written in the Book of Life and God's name will be written on us. We'll be pillars in His temple, worshiping continuously (cf. Ps. 27:4). And yes, these promises are for you and your church!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Each of these seven letters in Revelation 2 and 3 is a mini-classic, well worth memorizing. Today, choose your favorite letter from these chapters and commit it to memory. One good way to keep the Word from becoming rote is to memorize it in a Bible translation you've never used before. For accountability, recite these verses to a friend. Some churches have begun Bible memory groups, to encourage one another in committing God's Word to their heart and mind.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 19:1-9
Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! - Revelation 19:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
An enterprising businessman in India has started a company that rents out wedding guests. If a family fears they might have an embarrassingly low number of guests at a wedding, they can call his Best Guests Centre and rent extras. The hired guests wear either traditional or Western clothing, according to the customer's requirements and budget. Following a briefing, these guests go to the wedding, chat, dance, and generally try to make a good showing without letting anyone know they are being paid. The company says business is booming!

No such rented guests will be needed at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (v. 9). We started this month with the birthday of the church—we close it with a wedding feast, the culmination of history and the start of eternity. Here at the end, the “real story” begins!

Entrance to this wedding feast is heralded by praise and worship. A “great multitude” of martyrs praise Jesus for His power and justice in overthrowing and judging the “prostitute” Babylon (vv. 1-3). The twenty-four elders and four living creatures—representatives of human beings and angels—belt out a supporting chorus of “Amen, Hallelujah!” (v. 4). This praise is right and proper, for God alone is worthy of worship. His command to praise is more like permission to celebrate (v. 5). And indeed we will!

God's greatness and the long-anticipated Wedding Supper of the Lamb are tremendous reasons to rejoice (vv. 6-8). Jesus had foretold such a feast (see Matt 8:10-12). The Bridegroom is Christ, the bride His people, and the wedding dress is righteousness given to us by Him. As a bride waits for her bridegroom, so do we yearn for the Second Coming of our Savior. No more seeing “but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Based on all that we have studied this month about the biblical doctrine of the church, known formally as “ecclesiology,” we invite you today to spend extended time in prayer for God's church, both your own local congregation and His people around the world. You might want to start by making a list of main principles or lessons you recall from our month's devotions. Then pray over these, quoting from Scripture and asking the Lord to make these words true in the life of His body, the church.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 1:1-12
After me will come one more powerful than I. - Mark 1:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Beginning in the middle of the nineteenth century, circus man P. T. Barnum amazed and entertained small towns with promises of wonders and oddities. Barnum capitalized on people's interest in the unknown, even persuading them to pay to see a glimpse of an alleged bearded woman or a man with two heads. Of course, not all of Barnum's promises lived up to his promotion.

Such was definitely not the case with John the Baptist. John had a mission: to prepare the way of the Lord. He would introduce the Savior to a people sorely in need of God's redemptive love. The Gospel of Mark tells us that “the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him” (1:5).

He was not cultured. He wore camel hair and a leather belt and ate wild locusts and honey. He had an unusual message. Verse 4 of our passage today tells us that people were going to John in the wilderness where he was “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Imagine people travelling to see this odd-looking man telling them what they had done wrong. Yet, they flocked to him.

Perhaps we should follow his example. Do we try too hard to blend in to the world around us? Do we soften our message of sin and salvation, not to offend modern listeners? John's gruff appearance and forthright message did not inhibit his popularity. In fact, it seemed to increase it. When Jesus did appear on the scene, the crowds were present.

Immediately, John placed the focus on Christ, the One for whom he was preparing the way. He declared, “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie” (v. 7).

John then baptized our Savior, which marked the beginning of His earthly ministry. It foreshadowed the sacrifice He would make. As John lifted Jesus out of the water, the clouds parted and God's own voice was heard: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (v. 11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You, too, are God's messenger! John is an excellent example of what it means to prepare people's hearts for the Lord. We are called to point the way, then step aside and let God work. Consider yourself a signpost to God. As we begin our study of the Gospel of Mark this month, ask yourself what you do each day to point people to Christ. Is there anything about yourself that will block their way? How can you lessen the attention on yourself, and direct their attention to Christ?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 1:14-39
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” - Mark 1:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
For children, the days leading up to Christmas are often more exciting than the day itself. Some families use Advent calendars, where the days count down from 25 to 1. Every day a tiny paper door reveals a little chocolate or surprise. The anticipation builds, and the night before Christmas seems to last forever!

Our passage today opens with the culmination of a long, long wait. The people of Israel had long anticipated their Messiah—and now He walked among them. His message was an exciting one: “The time has come! The kingdom of God is near” (v. 15).

Notice that immediately following His announcement, Jesus instructed the people to do two things: “Repent!” and “Believe!” (v. 15). Believing that what Jesus said was true—that the kingdom is near—meant that the action of repentance would follow. He requires belief and repentance in response to His message of who He is and what He does.

Jesus approached four men who were going about their daily business with a similar invitation. The men were fishing and Jesus called them to act: “Come, follow me . . . and I will make you fishers of men” (v. 17). They dropped their nets and followed Jesus. Giving verbal assent to an idea about Jesus would not make them followers; discipleship demanded action.

In the end of today's passage, Jesus began to heal both the body and the spirit. He healed a man possessed by demons, telling them to “Be quiet!” (v. 25). Amazingly, the demons obeyed. The impact of this power was not lost on the crowd, and word spread quickly. In a time before television updates and Twitter feeds, news depended on word of mouth—and people rushed to tell others. “That evening after sunset, the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed . . . and Jesus healed many” (vv. 32-34). The news could not be contained! The day had come at last—their Messiah was here!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus called people to two things: repent and believe. This was not an isolated command for that time; we are called to do this today. Consider the word repentance. It's far more than simply feeling bad about our misdeeds. Our repentance, or turning from sin, requires the intervention of and dependence on the Holy Spirit in our lives. We cannot say that we believe without also repenting. Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart and respond in faith to Jesus with belief and a willingness to turn from sin.