Date: 01/09/2023

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory and to the Holy Ghost Happy New Year. This month’s key phrase is from the 2023 Proclamation: Being Obedient is the Key.

 In studying scriptures on being obedient, my question remains: What is the importance of being obedient?

Last week we discussed:  (1) Jesus Calls Us to Obey,  (2) Being Obedient is an Act of Worship, (3) God Rewards Being Obedient, and (4) Being Obedient to God Proves Our Love.

Saints and friends, this week’s message continues to discuss the importance of being obedient,

(5) Being Obedient Demonstrates Faith. When we obey God, we show our trust and faith in Him. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” ( I John 2: 3-6) (6) Being Obedient is Better Than Sacrifice. The law required the Israelite people to offer sacrifices to God, but those sacrifices and offerings were never intended to be a substitute for being obedient.  And Samuel said, “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams …and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (I Samuel 15:22-23) (7) Being Disobedient Leads to Sin and Death. A disobedient Adam brought sin and death into the world. This is the basis of  the original sin. But Jesus Christ’s perfect obedience restores fellowship with God for everyone who believes in Him. Romans 5:19 states, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” (8) Being Obedient, We Can Experience the Blessings of Holy Living.  Only Jesus Christ is perfect, therefore, only He could walk in sinless, perfect obedience. But if we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, we can grow in holiness.

II Corinthians 7:1 tells us, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” This verse tells us, “let us work toward complete holiness.” We don’t learn to be obedient overnight; it’s a lifelong process that we pursue by making it a daily goal. Hence, over the next 3 weeks I will expound on the Benefits of Being Obedient, the Blessings of Being Obedient and Being Obedient to the Holy Spirit. Until next week, remember, “…with God all things are possible”.

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop