The High Calling of God

Philippians 3:12-14: "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (NKJV) We all have certain things that we would like to accomplish in the New Year. Some people make lists of resolutions that they are going to try to accomplish like losing weight, eating healthier, spending more time with the family, etc. But in these verses Paul is talking about something spiritual. Like a runner in a race reaching out for that prize, we as Christians should be reaching out for the prize as well. But in our case, the prize is the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus." I see this call, not as a specific position in the body o

Isaiah 9:6 states in the NKJV: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." We must remember that the story of Jesus Christ did not end at the stable. He did not remain a babe in a manger. He became a man, lived a sacrificial life and His very reason for coming into this world was to die for the sin of mankind. Through His death and resurrection He made available the means by which we can be saved. It doesn't happen automatically- just because He did this. We must take the gift that He gave us- eternal life- give Him our life in exchange and allow His life to flow through us to accomplish those things He desires. We must turn from our old ways- sin--- repent-- and turn toward His new and living way- being filled with His spirit so that we can become that sacrifice unto Him. This verse says that His name is Wonderful