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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Have you ever doubted who you are and what you're about? Do you crave a sense of purpose and undeniable direction in your life that will answer those questions? What are you willing to do to obtain that purpose and the understanding it takes to implement it into your lives? The best way to answer these questions may be to examine the lives of two men who understood the meaning of life as well as their place in it.
Paul, revered by the church as a saint and an Apostle, authored more books in our Bible than anyone else and was considered a world class theologian and an accomplished debater even by unbelievers. He saw more of the world than many of us today ever will and continues to influence the world in a way most of us won't. What a privileged life he must have lived! And yet, just the opposite was true. His travels were on foot, in a cart or by boat; with none of the amenities we would expect today. He wasn't bankrolled by anyone back home, working as he went to pay his own way. He was shipwrecked, beaten and chased from place to place; ridiculed, lied about, falsely accused repeatedly and imprisoned on a number of occasions. He had no home, no wife, no family; no savings, no retirement plan - at times barely keeping the clothes on his back. He was often betrayed by the very people he attempted to embrace and disappointed by those he considered friends. Finally, he was beheaded as a criminal for his efforts. (See 2 Corinthians 11:23-28) Any volunteers?
However, Paul was able to exclaim that nothing, "…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-37 In fact, he went on to note God's faithfulness in the midst of trouble by declaring, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:9 He believed this so thoroughly that he looked for God to bless in every situation regardless of the circumstances. As such, God was able to use every situation, even the "bad" ones, to bring about good. This in turn developed in Paul an assurance and confidence that found expression in a life fully lived – effectively and totally in, through and for God. For, "…we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Do you want to live that kind of life, to be led so emphatically that you feel compelled to follow? Then you need to get into God's word, discover his will, seek his way and place yourself at his disposal. Spend time in the word, "…beginning with Moses and all the Prophets…", searching out, "…all the scriptures concerning…" him. When you do, you too will find your, "…hearts burning within…" you. (See Luke 24:13-32)
Billy Sunday is a name you may or may not recognize. He was a prolific speaker in the early 1900's; his revivals, at which he spoke to an estimated one hundred million people – thought to be the largest number of people evangelized by one person before electronic broadcasting – was actually his second career. He started out as a professional baseball player, known throughout the league as the fastest base-runner and most daring base-stealer in the game. But he gave up his baseball career, along with the fame and money attached to it because of his over-riding concern for unsaved people. Asked once why he had done so and what drove him to such success in ministry, he replied by pointing out a window to the throngs of people passing by and said, "They're going to hell!"
That's what compelled Billy Sunday to a life of sacrifice and evangelistic service. Unsaved people stirred his heart more than baseball. Sometimes being compelled is nothing more than the realization that something other than our first choice of activities is more urgently needed. Information you must share, a gift you must exclaim over, news you must proclaim, a helping hand you must extend.
All Christians have been commissioned with the message of reconciliation; assigned the duties of an Ambassador of the Kingdom of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20) This constitutes a ministry to others, God making his appeal through us. An Ambassador is usually sent on diplomatic missions representing a country and/or person and their ideals/laws. As such, they have the trust, power, intent and values of the one who sent them. In their commitment to representing that person well, they become one with them in mind and spirit; in effect becoming the one who sent them. (Although we can't claim to be God, we are embraced by him as sons and daughters. 2 Corinthians 6:18)
No wonder Paul declared, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" – "…for I am compelled to preach." 1 Corinthians 9:16 God loved us so much that he gave his only son, allowing him to die a terrible death on a cross so that our sins could be forgiven; allowing us to one day live with him in heaven. Our need, and his love – compelled God to respond on our behalf. What will your understanding of God's will and your love for him and others compel you to do?
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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