01 Jul As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord – July 12

By Firman Rianto

Recently, I attended leadership training from my workplace. There, among the many, I learnt that there are 3 key elements, that combined, drive peoples’ development: Experience, Exposure and Education. And with it the percentage that each element contributed; 70/20/10 consecutively.

Looking back at my career development, I am very grateful for ROCK Sydney. I can honestly say the experience and exposures I am faced with in my ministry in this church gave a boost in my development.

Can you say that your development [and of your family members] is growing in accordance with God’s time and season for your [and your family members] life?

I continually thank God for His marvellous grace that we can receive salvation not by works. However, I do not want us to be deceived into thinking that works is a dirty word. Not at all! God condemns works done to earn salvation and works done to impress others. But our Lord enthusiastically commends works done for the right reasons. Immediately after saying our salvation is “not by works,” Paul adds: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

James repeatedly states that good works are essential to the Christian life (James 2:17-18, 22, 24, 26). “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13).

And “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10). Through this verse and another, Revelation 14:13, it is clear that our works follow us to death. Where we spend eternity, whether heaven or hell, depends on our faith. Our further condition in either place will be determined by our works.

There are many benefits one would gain through ministry, and those benefits not necessarily realised on earth, but they certainly will be in heaven/new earth.

For everyone and specifically all the families, God’s workmanship, what are the good works that God prepared in advance for you and your family members to do?
Refer to page 12 for the non-exhaustive list of ministry in ROCK Sydney you can join and make the call.

I pray you can also say, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV)

Portion of this article is an excerpt of chapter 8 of “Money Possessions, and Eternity” by Randy Alcorn.