goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

We’re In the Same Boat

By Linda Tancs

The expression “in the same boat” connotes a state of camaraderie, or commiseration. The apostles Peter, Andrew, James and John were in the same boat, fishermen called to discipleship by Jesus. Just regular folks going about their business, invited by a stranger to associate with Him and participate in His missionary work (Matthew 4:18-22). We’re all in the same boat as those first followers, just ordinary people called to do what only we can do, to be part of a plan we may never fully realize or understand. As theologian John Henry Newman put it, each of us is “a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.” We each have a mission not committed to anyone else.

Get in the boat.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Mission Statement

By Linda Tancs

A mission statement is generally a summary of goals or values. Businesses use them, along with vision statements, to explain why they exist. Individuals use them, too, as a means of establishing clarity on goals and objectives. Even Jesus had a mission statement. He told the hometown crowd in Nazareth that he was anointed to preach and heal (Luke 4:18) as was foretold of Him by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 61). You have a mission statement, too. After all, Jesus told his followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Use that as a foundation to expound further upon your own mission statement.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith.

goforwardinfaith Religion, Theology

In the Same Boat

By Linda Tancs

The expression “to be in the same boat” typically alludes to people sharing in challenging or problematic situations. In the spiritual realm, however, it takes on a better meaning. We’re all in the same boat with Simon and Andrew, James and John. That is, we’re called to have a relationship with Jesus in the same way they were called—not in a grand gesture but instead with a personal invitation to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22). Like the apostles, it comes at a time and a place when you’d probably least expect it. What’s your story?

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES, Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Priests, Prophets and Kings

By Linda Tancs

In the Old Testament, only priests, prophets and kings were anointed. With the coming of Jesus, He performed all of these functions through his Father’s anointing. Consequently, through our baptism, we likewise are anointed priests, prophets and kings (see, e.g., Revelation 1:6). We share in His priestly vocation as representatives of God and ambassadors for Christ. We also share in His prophetic office by speaking the Word of God and witnessing to others. In performing both of these offices, we serve others, much as one of royal rank is obliged to be a public servant. Think about how you fulfill these offices in your own life. Where can you come up higher?

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES, Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

At Your Service

By Linda Tancs

As Christians we’re on call for God’s service on a full-time basis, regardless of what you call your “day job.” God is not a pastime nor is He just an encounter at church. There’s a call on your life—you were saved to serve (Matthew 4:19). How will you be of service?

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES, Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Learn more at goforwardinfaith.com. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

 

 

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Earth Angels

By Linda Tancs

The American doo-wop group The Penguins sang a song called “Earth Angel.” It evokes an important message about angels. You have heard of the angel Gabriel and the angel Michael, but there’s another kind of angel – earthly angels – as in “you.” In the Bible the Hebrew word for “angel” is “malach”; in Greek, it is “angelos.”  In English, the word “evangelist” has the word “angel” right in the middle! Both the Hebrew and Greek word for “angel” are used not just for heavenly beings, but for flesh and blood people – as in John the Baptist, called an “angelos,” and Haggai, called a “malach.” An angel is one who is a messenger of God, who carries forth the gospel. And that’s exactly what you are to be.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES, Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Learn more at goforwardinfaith.com. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.