PRIVILEGES. They usually come with connections to royalty or status – bestowed on descendants of esteemed lineage. Or they can come in any surroundings – because they’ve been earned. Privileges are special advantages, special favors, special treatment. In royal families, privileges come with the position and are passed down to every member of the blood-line – deserved or undeserved. You receive them because of “who” you are. Those of us who do not come from royalty, know that it is our commitment to excellence, loyalty, and hard work that sometimes puts us in line for privileges. Perhaps we are shown privileges in our jobs or careers, or in our relationships with family or friends. At times, we are given privileges because we have shown that we can be counted on. Other times, it’s our gifts and talents that connect us to privileges. So, basically, those of us who are non-royalty people receive privileges only because we have done something to earn them. But, then again, who says we are not royalty? Who says we do not come from a special blood-line? I’ve done the research for you … and you will be thrilled to know … that you ARE royalty! Well, that’s if God is your Father … and Jesus is your Savior and your Brother! That makes us children of the King! And not just any king – but the King of all kings! Sometimes I wonder if I or anyone else really grasps the totality of what it truly means to be called a child of God. And not just “called” – but to “be” – literally BE - a child of the King! Let’s see how God’s Word explains it in the Gospel of John chapter 1, starting with verse 12: But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name – Who owe their birth neither to bloods nor to the will of the flesh (that of physical impulse) nor to the will of man (that of a natural father), but to God. (They are born of God!) And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacle (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we (actually) saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.” (through verse 14, the Amplified Bible) Then verse 16 goes on to say, “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received (all had a share and we were all supplied with) one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift (heaped) upon gift.” Later, we are told in Galatians 3:29 that if we belong to Christ, we are heirs according to the promise. Are you starting to feel like royalty? Romans chapter 8, verses 16-17 tell us this: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” There’s proof – that we get to share everything that our Father has … everything from the suffering to the glory! And the glory? That’s our inheritance - sharing in His glory now – and into Eternity! So let’s start taking advantage of those royal privileges that are ours in Christ!!! No holding back!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
WE WELCOME Mary’s family members, as well as Robin, who all came to worship with us this past Sunday!
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Johnny (19th), Mike, (24th), and Cherry, (25th). May God bless you each new day!
SUN, FEB 26: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP – MESSAGE – “Commitment After the Call!”
SUN, FEB 26: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes & Puppet Ministry!
WED, FEB 29: 6:30 P.M. – Pre-Easter Bible Study on “Christ’s Final Words on the Cross”
SUN, MAR 04: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP – MESSAGE – “The Claims of Christ!”
COMING UP IN MARCH: WOMEN OF FAITH KICK-OFF MEETING; watch for date, time, & details!
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Chuck, Hazel, Tina and her mom, Justin, Gerard, Larry & Gloria, Josh & Sarah & family, our church ministries, our church families out-of-town, our nation, and for several urgent, unspoken requests.
REMEMBER . . . “When we are in a situation where Jesus is all we have, we soon discover He is all we really need.” ~ Gigi Graham Tchividjian
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
