Date: 09/25/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This month’s key phrase is “Be Different”.  As Believers we must be different because we know Jesus Christ. Paul describes the Believers’ relationship to Christ in Ephesians the fourth chapter verses 20-21. “But ye have not so learned Christ; If so, be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.”

Paul says being different from the world is the Believers’ relationship to Christ. He says, “You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.”  Hence, “we did not  learn Christ.” Paul could have said they learned about Christ, but he doesn’t. Why? Because Christianity is a relationship with Christ. Christ’s tells us in His teachings in John 17:3: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”. My brothers and sisters, salvation is knowing God the Father and God the Son. Paul was letting the Asian Believers know that when they heard the Scriptures, Christ spoke to them. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul describes washing the church with the Word of God to make it a pure and blameless bride. This happens every time we hear the preaching of the Word of God. Jesus Christ is involved in every transmission of Scripture to His people. He is present to give us understanding and to help us apply it.

Christ is the subject, the teacher, and the classroom. We were taught “in Him” (Ephesians 4:21). This refers to our union with Jesus Christ, which happens at salvation. First Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit”. As Believers, we are the body of Jesus Christ; forever connected to Him.  Paul tells us throughout Ephesians, Believers are the faithful “in Christ” (1:1). We have every spiritual blessing “in Christ” (1:3). We were chosen “in Him” before the foundation of the world (1:4). God  has given us His grace “in the One” He loves (1:6). “In Him” we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins (1:7). In Jesus Christ we have so many blessings, and it is in this union that He teaches and changes us day by day.

In closing, we must be eager learners, 1 Samuel 3:9 tells us, “…Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth...”. We must be obedient learners. James said, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”.  What are they deceived about? They are deceived about their faith. Only those who hear and obey God’s Word are truly born again. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven”. Only believers, who do the Father’s will enter the kingdom of heaven. Are you an obedient learner? As Believers we must be different because we are new in Christ. We must put off the old self. We must receive a new mind. How do we receive a new mind? We must reject the ungodly and think on the godly. We must put on the new self. Paul emphasizes that we were, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Every day we must make it our aim to fulfill God’s purpose in saving us – to be like Him. We must get rid of sin, renew our minds, and practice righteousness. Until next week, remember, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop