For Such a Time As This

A particular moment, that's a turning point. It's a moment in time that's a decisive one. It's a time that we find ourselves at the crossroads. If you take a look at what's going on around the world today. Of course, we've got Covid-19, but what's it doing to the economy? And this is supposed to be an election year. Certainly, uncertainty is all around us. So, would you say this is such a time, such a time we live in, certainly our Ambassador Bible College students have come to a crossroads in their life. And in fact, for all of us, the time is now. The time is now. And when we look at our college year this year, it's been a unique year. To say these past few months have been unique it's probably a little bit of an understatement. Certainly for our students, our instructors, I've had the privilege and the honor to share the word of life with you.

And of course, for our congregation, what an honor that is. Now we find ourselves where the page is beginning to turn. What has passed has passed, and now the future is what lies ahead. And for all of us, no matter what age, no matter our circumstances, we are at a strategic moment in time. Let's think about that for just a moment. Consider the fact that we've been given, I would say, the opportunity of a lifetime. The opportunity of a lifetime. This is our time, this is the time, a remarkable time, a significant time, an exceptional time. I mean, isn't it fair to say that we've been called for such a time as this? The time is now. The time is now. So, as we begin to consider that, I want you to think about your unique calling, your unique calling because God has placed you.

In fact, He's placed every one of us right where you are to fulfill His great calling. God's brought us to this moment. I think a passage that exemplifies that is one that's found over in 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 12. And ABC students, what is the theme of 1 Corinthians 12? Spiritual gifts, spiritual gifts. And when we look to what 1 Corinthians 12:4 says.

1 Corinthians 12:4 It says, "there are a diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit."

There are differences of ministries, differences of serving, but the same Lord. There's diversities, differences in activities, but the same God who works all and all. Now take a special note of verse seven.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 It says, "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all." And then it begins to list these manifestations of the Spirit. Notice them really quickly. It says, "one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, one the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, another faith by the same Spirit, another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, another working of miracles, gifts of prophecy, healings, discerning spirits, different kinds of languages, all kinds of interpretation of those languages. But the same Spirit that's working all of these things."

Isn't that significant? You think about such a time as this, God has placed us where we are to fulfill His calling, His unique calling. And what can we recognize from this passage? We are a gifted people. Have you ever thought of it in that way? God has given us gifts. And this is where God begins in a way, we're a gifted people. He starts by equipping His people with gifts.

Students, you have gifts. Every one of us as members of God's church, the body of Christ is gifted. And that's basic, that's foundational, that is absolutely fundamental. And God wants us to begin our thinking from that point of view. So, how can we best utilize those gifts to function within the body of Christ? Because there's some specific things in this verse that are so critical as we consider our unique calling. God reminds us to each is given a manifestation of the Spirit. Every one of us, verse 7 says, each of us, every one of us. In other words, who's left out? Nobody, none of us can ever say that we were left out. You have one, at least one, but probably many more because God has this amazing variety of combinations of gifts that He gives. And He chooses that combination to suit you. God does that very thing to suit you, and your personality, and your way of thinking.

And He puts you right where He wants you to be so that you can utilize and use that gift. And that's not just a church thing, that's not just a congregational thing, but out there, out there in the world, He wants you to use those spiritual gifts that He's given to you. And when it comes to the work of the church, don't for a second think that you are left out, because that's not the case at all. Too oftentimes we may think, well, the home office does the work of God. Well, while that's true, we've been called for such a time as this. They don't do it all. Every one of us has a part to play, especially when you consider this great calling that we have, this unique calling, this calling to fulfill the work of God that God's called us to.

What about playing a part in healing the brokenhearted? You can do that. What about playing your part in opening the doors to the captives? You can do that. Certainly, that's a part of our calling. Setting free those who are bound in the prisons of the thinking of this world. How about those that are imprisoned by doubt and fear and anxiety? We can help, we can serve. Those that are caught up in selfishness, those that are in problems and severe depression, can we help, and help open the doors to liberty and freedom and truth? It's possible through the power of God's Spirit we can set a powerful example. Every one of us can set that kind of an example. And I believe God has called us to do just that because it's going to take every single one of you, every single one of us to do our share.

That's biblical, that's godly, that's our calling. And so, what we find here at 1 Corinthians 12, we've been given at least one gift to serve that very purpose. So, what is your gift? What has God given to you to fulfill that great calling? Because that unique calling is to have that manifestation of the Spirit. I don't get caught up in those spirituality and theological types of things when you hear those fancy words like manifestation. You see this manifestation is not talking about my natural talents, my natural abilities, this is talking about a spiritual function within the body of Christ. It's a spiritual thing. The gifts of the Spirit are not just our normal natural abilities, it's not just about that. Maybe we could say then just my ability to sing, or my ability to lead, or an ability to be good at athletics, or an ability to paint, or to run, or whatever it might be. That's not what this is getting at.

This is telling us spiritual gifts are given. And in fact, I believe these spiritual gifts are given only to God's people. And each person is given an ability, a spiritual gift that helps us to show this unique calling, to demonstrate who God really is. Because that manifestation is really that, it's evidence, it's a demonstration of what God's all about. And so these abilities function within the realm of spirituality. And we all have a contribution to give, every single one of us. And so, we're told those gifts that every one of us have been given are to profit all, they're to prophet all. So, we have a calling to absolutely serve. We must serve others. We've been given these gifts to evidence and demonstrate the fact that we are God's people, to build up others, to edify others, to really become servants of the living God.

And so, we're going to have to give those gifts, and show those gifts, and shine those gifts, and demonstrate those gifts because others need them. And in fact, I need them. We all need others to demonstrate and give those gifts because those spiritual gifts are to benefit others. And the result, the result is that life will have a different perspective. We can be brought together in godly love, and have a kind of togetherness and harmony that isn't normal, that isn't natural. And this world then will have a demonstration right before its eyes that we are God's people. And we sing about that all the time. And this whole section of scripture, it's interesting the way that is immediately followed by chapter 13, the love chapter, that great chapter about love that is a demonstration. Because it begins to show us and is evidence of the fact we are at a crossroads.

I mean, have you ever thought of it this way? We are standing on the verge of the kingdom of God. We are right there on the cusp. And at this vital time, we can step back, and we can ask, well, what is it that really pleases God? As His people, as an individual. If God wants a people, He wants you. He wants you to be the kind of person that will stand up for the truth when others doubt. He wants people that will pursue His way no matter what, when others step back, we step forward. God wants a people who will not give up no matter what the times are like, no matter what the difficulties are, no matter what others may say to try to hinder the gospel of Christ, we will stand for the truth. Because we take to heart the fact that we are His workmanship.

We have been saved by grace, Ephesians 2:8 tells us that. But He says then we are His workmanship, and God is working a great work within you, ABC class of 2020. Within all of us, as the body of Christ. And we need to walk in those ways of God, walk in them, demonstrate them, show them because there's no doubt these passages and so many others are showing us that we can be absolutely certain that God has a plan for each and every one of us. And we have to demonstrate that unique calling. I mean, doesn't it make sense that we've been called to accomplish what God would have us to do? And it's something we can't shy away from that, we can't turn our back on that. While others might deny it, others might minimize it, others might even ignore the calling of God. We can recognize the fact that God wants a humble people who will submit to him, who will obey him. And when are we supposed to do that? Now, now is the time.

Now is the time because we are His workmanship. And of course, as we consider those things, I can't help but come to my mind some pretty famous words that were spoken about 2,500 years ago. I know you're familiar with the story, the story of Haman and Mordecai and Esther. If you want to start making your way back to Esther 4. Remember the story, evil Haman advisor to the king of Persia wanted to wipe out all the Jews, he plotted to have all the Jews killed. And someone had to do something about it. Someone had to go to the king and intercede for God's people. Who was going to do that? Well, we know Mordecai encouraged Queen Esther to face the crossroads, to face that moment of truth, to face that time that she had been called for. And if you're there in Esther 4, notice what Mordecai conveys to Esther.

Esther 4:13-14 "Mordecai told them to answer Esther, do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews, for if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this." For such a time as this.

I mean, we're like Esther. Graduates, you are like an Esther. We've come to the crossroads. We've come to that moment. We find ourselves at the cusp, this decisive moment in our life. God has called us to such a time as this. And sometimes we might have those feelings like Esther seems to have had, feelings that, well, how can I do that? I can't do that. I'm not able. I'm inadequate. I'm unworthy. I'm incapable to do that. Well, hang on a moment, who told you it was going to be easy? Who said it was going to be no problem whatsoever? I mean, God certainly didn't tell us that, because no doubt there will be times in all of our lives when our courage, our character, our resolve, even our commitment to God will be put to the test. It's going to happen.

But know this that God has a plan for your life, and He's uniquely prepared each and every one of us to accomplish something special. As we journey toward the kingdom of God, God has an amazing plan in mind, and He's uniquely equipped us with the spiritual gifts to be able to accomplish His will. God has certainly called us to such a time as this, and that time is now. And so, we need to look to God as we face these challenges and look to Him for directions. And in fact, He's going to give us those directions. In fact, if you keep Ephesians 3:20 in mind, I think it's such a powerful admonition to remind us where God stands in all of this. As we face the challenges, as we face the difficulties, graduates as a future that might be unclear. What am I going to do? Am I going to go back to school? Am I going to try to get a job? What's going to happen with all this virus thing that's going on, things look uncertain. But we can take Ephesians 3:20, as we face such a time as this.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Here's what it says, "To Him, who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

I mean, when we are uncertain, when we're facing questions, where we're at that crossroads as we look to the future, I mean here, right here, inexhaustible, boundless fullness of grace and mercy that comes from our all almighty creator. What a blessing. And he says, "You've been given that power, you've been given the means to fulfill your calling."

Isn't that what it tells us at the end of verse 20? According to the power that works in us, we've been given the power of God's Holy Spirit. And so, God wants us to do that will. Like in Esther, He's given us the ability through the power of His Holy Spirit. And we might ask ourselves, well, what power is it that's working in our life? Is it the power of God, or are we getting distracted? Are we getting off? Are we wondering where to go? Well, we got to look to God and recognize that great calling that He's given us to fulfill that great purpose. And it is a unique one. In fact, when we look to 1 Corinthians 1:25, we find that amazing calling that God has given us. And we need to take that to heart, and recognize it, and consider that unique calling that God wants us to fulfill. We're familiar with this passage. In fact, we have a hymn in our songbook that we sing these very words.

1 Corinthians 1:25-27 It's a reminder, it says, "the foolishness of God is wiser than man, and the weakness of God is stronger than man." God has no weakness. And for us, verse 26, "for you see your calling brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise," that is our calling. And it goes on, "and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty."

Yeah, mighty according to this world, mighty according to the flesh, but according to the spiritual gifts that God's given us, we are a gifted people. And we can show how foolish the ways of this world are, how the mighty of this world are really nothing when it comes to what's really important to God's way, His will, God's spiritual plan, and His purpose.

And we have to see that calling, we have to recognize that calling, we have to consider that calling, and always keep it in mind and understand what the purpose and plan of God are really all about. Because at one time, most of us were a part of what was going on out there. We were like the disciples. We were fishers of men, well, fishermen. But God turned that all around. You know, some of us might work for the IRS, or tax collectors, or mechanics, or engineers, or students, and whatever that was now we're called to a different life's work. We're called to a spiritual work. And as we fulfill that spiritual calling, we see that calling, we recognize that calling, we've got to be ready to step out in faith because ABC students are at a crossroads. But in a sense, all of us, all of us will find ourselves at a crossroads, at a turning point, at a place where there's more than one direction to go.

And when we're challenged in our thinking, when we face two or more paths, two or more options. When life gives us multiple choices, what do you do? Well, you probably remember that silly phrase that Yogi Berra uttered when it came to that. He said, when you face a fork in the road, take it, take it. Well, we've got to make sure we take the right one, the right path, the right road. In fact, Prophet Jeremiah spoke to that very fact. Turn over to Jeremiah 6:16. Jeremiah 6:16, we find Jeremiah spoke to this very fact to recognize our unique calling and recognize life is often going to present us with two different ways to go. And what are you going to do? How do we know which path to take? Jeremiah 6:16, I'm going to read from the New English Translation, so it may be a little bit different than your New King James, or your King James version.

Jeremiah 6:16 It says, "The Lord said to His people, you are standing at the crossroads, so consider your path." All right, think about this, really determine which way to go. And notice what He says then in advice that He gives us. He says, "Ask where the old reliable paths are, ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. Follow that path. If you do, you will find rest for your souls."

Yeah, that's the way to go. You know God's saying, be like a shrewd spiritual traveler, be a prepared spiritual sojourner. On this highway of life keep a spiritual perspective, because that's the only way you're going to get to your spiritual destination. So, seek that old reliable spiritual path, that's the way to go, that's the way to choose. That's the right way that's going to bring us to the ultimate spiritual end. To the kingdom of God, that's what it is.

You go the wrong way, you make the wrong choice, you get distracted, you don't bother to discern which way to go, he said, "that's trouble." That's going to tear us up and lead us astray. And if we see our calling, we recognize that path. And that involves introspection, that involves really examining ourselves and looking at ourselves and testing ourselves, not thinking too much about ourselves, and taking an inventory of our spiritual gifts, and our strengths, and our weaknesses. And then fearlessly step out in faith to that old path that God is leading us down, that spiritual path, that spiritual path that leads ultimately to the kingdom of God. And so, we have to get beyond ourselves and rely on that power within us. Trust God, be led by His Spirit, because that's really how we are Christian.

A true Christian is the one that is led by the Spirit of God. So, God is telling us on this excursion of life, and we've got to look around, and we've got to examine the potential paths and be aware, just don't take any old path, don't make any old decision, but consider it, discern it. Stop, think about it, and maybe go back to kindergarten for a minute. You remember the old saying they used to say in kindergarten, they would always tell you, if you're going to try to cross the street, stop, look, and listen. Remember those signs in kindergarten that were up? Yeah, we need to do that spiritually speaking. Stop, look, and listen to God, seek His direction, because then we can uniquely fulfill that great calling that we've been given. And of course, if we're going to do that, we need to know the path to take. Which means if we're going to know it, we got to know the directions.

We've got to know this Bible. We need to understand His word. We need to never get far removed from the word of life, the word of God Himself. How critically important is that. We are at that crossroads, and as we face that crossroads, we need to recognize that very fact that we have to know the word. And without understanding, well, where's that going to lead us? I mean, there's so many dangers, so many ways to get off track, so many ways that that we could fall into neglect, fall into disregard, not be focused, end up getting distracted. Now, if you're still there in Ephesians, go over to Ephesians 4:11. It helps us to recognize this very fact. I mean, it's something we've probably read many times over. But when we consider such a time as this, as we consider our amazing unique calling, and when we recognize the fact that God's given us the keys to success. He's given us His word. He's shown us the way. Ephesians is such a great reminder how we have to know this word and put that word into practice. Notice Ephesians 4:11 begins to talk about some of the gifts that God's given for some to be apostles and prophets and evangelists, putting those gifts to work in the church.

Ephesians 4:14-15 “We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. But instead, instead he says, speak the truth in love and grow up.”

And so, he's speaking to the power and the benefits of studying and applying the word of God. Because we know this word is instrumental. It's in fact, by applying this word is the only way we can grow in the character of Jesus Christ. And we understand that it's good for doctrine, it's good for reproof, it's good for correction, it's good for instruction in righteousness.

Remember that memory verse students. And we applied this word, and as we read this word, our minds are impacted, and we are renewed as God helps transform us into people who honor Him. And so, He's given us that help now to do that. So, never get distracted from God's word. It just holds countless layer after layer after layer of insight and meaning and depth. So, reread it, and go over it because it can never go stale as we journey on this journey of our spiritual calling. And he'll bring to mind certain phrases, certain words. Remember how that happened during class? Suddenly, oh wait, this verse I've read so many times and wow, now I see something that's a different application, a different meaning, a deeper meaning. You know, God can do that through the power of His word. And as we grow closer to Him, I think the more insight He gives us into who God is.

And as we grow in that relationship, we grow in that relationship, as we understand His character and His perspective, and His way, and how He operates, and that becomes more and more and more the way that that we think, the way that we look at situations, and the way that we look for direction in our life. And so, never set aside the word of God, never take it for granted. Never set it on the shelf and let it collect dust. Don't let it be that way. God's holy word is the word of life, and it will point us and direct us to the right path, to the way that we should take as we continue to search His word and study scripture and examine it, and dedicate ourselves to live this way. God's Holy Bible is the word of truth. It is the right way, and it's the best roadmap to seek the right paths.

And so, class of 2020, you have certainly done well under difficult circumstances. You've accomplished so much despite the situation. Your creativity has been absolutely remarkable, and it's been inspiring to see that. But keep it up. None of us, none of us can afford to step back and take things for granted. When we consider God's word, let's never let it go. For all of us, doesn't matter if we're just becoming alumni, if we've just been baptized, if we've been around the church for 50 or 60 or even more years than that, we can never take it for granted. And so, God's word certainly leads us, and it causes us to face sin. It causes us really to look death in the face, and stand for the truth because we know sin leads to death. But we've been given the words of life, so continue to seek God the Father, and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

And as we do that, God will continue to bless us. Because He has committed to us such wonderful great things, and we have this word, and we have the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit as well. And of course, when we consider that, each and every one of us has to face the fact, and it's a pretty powerful fact when we really think about it. Look at this fact over in Luke 12:48. Do we consider this? It's a parable that Christ is giving, and we're going to skip over the story, and get right to the heart of the meaning. Because as we consider who we are as God's people, and what God has given us, when we consider the spiritual gifts He's given us, when we consider through the power of baptism that He's poured out on us, His Holy Spirit, when we consider He's given us the word of life, we are certainly a gifted people.

Luke 12:48 What a reminder this is. He says, "But he who did not know yet committed things deserving of stripes shall be beaten with a few." But the reminder in this whole story, this whole parable is that next sentence there in verse 48. He says, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required. And to whom much has been committed of him, they will ask the more."

If you read this in the Common English Bible, look back to that passage there. If God has been generous with you, He will expect you to serve Him well, but if He's even been more generous, He'll expect you to serve Him even better. Because if better is possible, then good isn't good enough. I mean think of that, greater gifts means greater expectations. Greater gifts means great expectations, even greater expectations.

So, consider that very fact. We need to move on. Go on from the basics, because it is that time, the time is now to take it to the next spiritual level. And so, we could take this as a challenge for such a time as this, because we are a gifted people. It's a reminder that not only do we have a unique calling, not only have we been given the word of life, but the fact is we're faced with the challenge to choose the right path. And so, we have to choose life. Choose life. God's put us in a position to be able to choose life. To fulfill our unique calling, we must always choose life. If we claim to follow the word of life, we have to choose that word. And as we stand at the crossroads of this life, I mean we know we are at a crossroads. We just have to look, just look at the notifications on your phone, just look at the news, just look at your timeline. We are at a crossroads, our world is at a crossroads, our country is at a crossroads, the economy is at crossroads, our individual lives are at a crossroads. And we have so many choices.

And especially as young people, there are many choices that will come with life. But I suggest to you, for each and every one of us, every day, every day our character will be tested. And in that sense, we stand at a crossroads every single day. The Christian walk of life, our life, the path that we must choose is one that follows the lead of God. And so, as we recognize that very choice, I see I've got a choice between my will, or the world's will, or God's will. And that's a defining moment in our...each and every one of our lives, in our relationship with God as well. Are we going to make that choice? Because that's a choice that Christ said is a part of our calling. It's a part of what it means to be a Christian. Do you remember when Christ spoke about that? Luke 9:23 is one of those passages where Christ just laid it on the line. He laid it on the line so very clearly. Notice what Christ Himself said. In fact, He says this to everyone, He says that to all who were right there. And by extension, He's saying that to us as well.

Luke 9:23 It says, "And then He said to them all, if anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

Follow me. Boy, there's a lot of paths we could take, but there's one way, one way to the kingdom of God. And that's it, that's it. So, what will we choose to think? What will we choose to decide? What will really our desire be? Will we choose to have the mind of Christ? Will we choose to follow Him?

Because there's all kinds of choices in life that are out there. A life of distractions, a life of...well, life that we have to be a part of, we have to be a part of our families, we have to be a part of our jobs, our relationships. But are we going to choose the godly path, in all of those things, for such a time as this, for such a time when life deals difficulties, when life deals us discouragement? Well for such a time, it's a time for His thoughts. Ask and follow His path. Even for such a time as this when we're suffering, the time is now to meet suffering head-on with faith. That's His word, His way, we can trust God, we can trust in His promises and His word. And then the character of Christ is even more evident, and it's built in our life for such a time. For such a time we may be just kind of sitting around, we're bored. Well, some of us have been that way over the last couple weeks.

Well, that's the time to choose His way and ask for His excitement, His passion, His enthusiasm, and follow His path. And for such a time as we're tempted, tempted to think the wrong things, to say the wrong things, when we're being catty or pettish or cliquish when those things come, that's the time to turn to the inclusiveness of God, to have a kind of approach that has no guile. And for such a time when we have a tendency to get angry, a time of frustration, for such a time that's the time. Now is the time then to petition God for His attitude, for His mindset, and seek and follow His path. Because those crossroads are an everyday kind of a thing. And when we face those crossroads, I think two words should really be what comes to mind. When we face all of those various situations, those two words, choose life.

Choose life, that's what God would have us to do. And you may remember that memory verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Proverbs 3:5, 6, don't lean to your own understanding, no, don't do that. In all your ways acknowledge Him. And then what does it say? And He will direct your paths. That's the way to go when we're at the crossroads because now's the time to already have your mind made up. No matter what, I'm going to choose life, that's what I'm going to do. And continue to choose those old paths, those tried and true paths, those paths that are sure spiritually speaking, those paths that are the best spiritual path we could ever take. And we're going to seek that out, and we're going to follow that way that's prescribed by God, His true standard, His true way.

And we're going to move down that way because that road is the only road that ultimately leads to the blessings of Almighty God. If we'll follow that. If we choose that. And it's not a road we can just kind of stroll down or amble along or saunter or wander around, can't do that. God says, "Power down that road, choose to make it your way." Don't walk in weakness. Remember He said, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might. Because this is an awesome time, an amazing time. For graduation, we'd say it's an auspicious time, it's a promising moment, a time of unbelievable spiritual potential. And so, let's take what God has given to us and utilize that, and never allow ourselves to get sidetracked or digress or deviate, or even begin to doubt because that's when we can seek the path that God has of wisdom and of courage, as we look beyond ourself and our own abilities. And we ask and petition God to strengthen us and help us, and show us how we can serve, and show us a need to fulfill and commit those choices in our life to Him.

Because God wants us to be a passionate people, where we persevere, and we recognize the hope that lies ahead, and we can move forward in love, and be faithful. Because He's promised to bless us, because He loves us so deeply, and He cares so much for us, and He always wants the best for us. And so, Ambassador Bible College graduates of 2020, you've been entrusted with the faith once delivered, you've been entrusted with the truth, the word of life. And so many tremendous opportunities lie before you.

In fact, it lies just ahead of all of us. Every single one of us have tremendous opportunities that are just ahead. And so, by God's grace, by His mercy, let's follow that guidance. Let's completely and thoroughly dedicate ourselves to really become true servants of the Almighty God. Let's truly dedicate ourselves to always seek that path that will lead to the kingdom of God. And let's be dedicated to follow that path, and confidently assuredly move down that road, and power down that road, so that through faith, through confidence in Almighty God, let's boldly take action. For we've been called for such a time as this.