PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS

PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS

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Note: The term “Christians” used in this article refers to those who are true followers of Jesus. “Christians” are the ones who are born again, who have personal relationship with Jesus, who has received Jesus as their Lord and King and as result they have become sons of God.

Many Christians think that God considers some workers more valuable than others—and at the top of the rung are missionaries, pastors and other people with “spiritual” vocations. 

If we’re honest, most of us probably buy into this thinking to some degree and believe there is a divide between the sacred and secular. After all, social workers and grant writers are more important to society than waste collectors and cashiers, right?

But that’s not true. During the Protestant Reformation, a doctrine was developed that has significantly altered the way many Christians understand themselves and their relation to God and others: the priesthood of all believers.

In sum, it teaches that all believers—no matter their personal history, ethnicity, occupation, you name it—are priests before God.

Prior to the Reformation, the western church taught that only clergy (ordained priests) had a sacred calling from God. But according to the apostle Peter, all Christians are priests: 

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). 

Peter hearkens back to Exodus 19:6, where God tells Israel, “you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

Although the people of Israel failed in their priestly calling, Christ has restored to believers our true identity as royal priests. 

In him, we stand on equal footing with one another, and each of us has a vital role in carrying out God’s work.

There is one body, consisting of various parts, and one head, Christ. Each member, though distinct from the others, performs a different function and is equally vital for the health of the body.

Connecting

Christians are equally important, serving one Lord, yet they fulfill different roles for the sake of the church and the good of society. 

What makes work sacred is not the type of work that we do but the work of Christ in us. Those who have been baptized into Christ all have equal standing and have been called by him to do work that not only bears dignifying significance, but also gives glory to God. 

No matter what line of work you’re in, you have a special calling from God to work for his glory and for the benefit of others.

Do you see your work as part of God’s calling on your life to be his priest, representing him in the work that you do?

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Such a powerful truth if only the body of Christ could understand this truth, the world would be such a better place. People would be free from guilt of not serving God if they are not a pastor, teacher, etc. 

Jesus, give the people ears to hear this truth!  Amen

Dr. Paul Taylor

#JSalum #ASONE

ONE Team visits our Literacy Groups. By Jeremie Manirakiza

ONE Team visits our Literacy Groups. By Jeremie Manirakiza 

We have visited our Literacy classes this weekend. (11/7/2020) Jean Marie, Gerard Ninziza and I are so blessed to see the fruit of our leaders and members of ONE. Thank you for all your support and trust. Thank you, Drs. Paul Taylor and Josimar Salum. The message of the Kingdom works powerfully in the marketplace. 

In Buhiga we have 2 groups of Loan, Savings and Investments. We found that they are really improving in the matters of knowing how to read and write. We have given them student books and materials to start two more groups.

In Rudaraza we have 4 groups of 25 people. We have also given them books and materials. They needed a box where to put the money that they are saving and small books for members. 

So in total, we have already started 8 groups in the province of Karusi. We have other 2 groups in Gihogazi commune. In Bubanza we have 4 groups. We will visit them ASAP. 

This is a transformational journey based in the Kingdom message and simple practice. This is really powerful. To God be all the Glory!

#ASONE

Disciples of Jesus

Tonight in Miracena, 

Rio de Janeiro State

Nameless, just the Name of Jesus!

Faceless, only the Face of Jesus!

Disciples Now!  One Church only!

A True Jesus Revolution! 

11/6/2020

#JSalum 

#ASONE

COW DOESN'T GIVE MILK. By Mario Sergio Cortella

COW DOESN'T GIVE MILK

Mario Sergio Cortella

My father used to say to us, when we were children:

- When you turn 7 years old I will tell you the secret of life.

When I was 7 years old, I woke up, run to my father, anxious to know the secret of life.

My father said, "I will tell you, but you will not be able to reveal it to your brothers."

Here's the secret:

- Cow doesn't give milk.

-What? I didn't understand, dad!

- Cow doesn't give milk.

You have to take it out. Yoj have to milk the cow. You need to wake up 4 am, go to the pasture, enter the corral full of feces, tie the cow's tail and legs, sit on the stool and make the right move! That is the secret of life. Cow, buffalo, goat, do not give milk! You either take it or you won't have any milk.

There is a generation that thinks that a cow gives milk, that things are automatic. I want, I ask, I get. There is nothing for free. Don't depend on people. Don't expect anything from anyone! Don't wait for the government to solve your problems.

Happiness results from effort. The absence of effort generates frustrations. Want to value things? Work and buy something with your own sweat. Then you will be aware of how much your parents struggle to give you the best  and you do not value it.

Edited by Josimar Salum

#ASONE