Christians are called to be many things. As followers of Jesus the Christ, Christians are to be distinctly different than those that choose not to follow Him. People of God are called to be a different quality than people of the world. “Quality” according to Merriam-Webster is, “how good or bad something is: a characteristic or feature that someone or something has: something that can be noticed as a part of a person or thing: a high level of value or excellence to be many things.” Therefore, Christians (like everyone else) are recognized by their qualities, whether good or bad. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus told those listening to Him that they were to be the salt and light of the world. Let’s look a little deeper into this matter. Those that Follow Jesus Areto be the Salt of the Earth Salt has a number of qualities. The Lord’s figurative usage of salt of His followers could have many applications. Salt is a product of the water as well as of the land. The majority of the salt we harvest from water is used for food, while the salt taken from the ground is mostly used for utility reasons, such as melting snow and ice from roadways. Salt makes up about 3.5% of ocean and sea water in the world. The Dead Sea (also called the Salt Sea) is different. Like a few other bodies of water, the Dead Sea has a tremendous amount of salt in it. The salinity is 34.2% making …

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me’” (Isaiah 6:1-13). This period was a turning point for Israel. It was a time of great prosperity, but it was also a time that was tainted with moral decay. The northern kingdom had already gone into captivity, and its sister nation, the kingdom of Judah, was swiftly declining. Isaiah’s responsibility was to preach repentance to those who did not want to repent. Today, there is little difference. We have the technology to do so many wonderful things, but what about our morality as a nation? Look at the households without a husband or a father. Divorce is climbing at a “way past alarming” rate. Teenage sex is encouraged by providing all the devices for so-called “safe sex.” False teachers are rejecting God’s Word and clamoring for political correctness. Even in the church of the Lord there are too few with an unshakable faith. Who among us is willing to so order his or her life that he or she can say, “Here am I, send me?” Is your life, my friend, both spiritually and morally such that God would be pleased to send you? Do you need to make some changes? Do you need to obey the Gospel so that your past sins can and will be washed away by the blood of Jesus?

“And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:42-44). “Why can I not feel the love of God,” cried the man who sat across my desk pouring out his soul, telling me his story of heartache and pain. He went on to describe how for many years after his youthful conversion he devoted himself to prayer, study and worship. He sang about God’s love. He taught others about God’s love. He casually conversed about God’s love. Yet, now he could not “feel the love of God.” The Bible talks greatly about this concept. Two entire chapters in the New Testament are devoted to the qualities of love (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4). Perhaps the best-known verses, however, are found in the Gospel of John (3:16) where God’s love for the world is declared by the death of His Son. Most Christians, however, have those times when they feel like the gentleman who visited me. Most well-meaning Christians will have times when they just cannot “feel the love of God” for them. The reasons for this may differ, but more often than …

No, Melchizedek was not the same person as Jesus, contrary to a rather popular notion that stems from a misunderstanding of certain passages in Hebrews 7. Melchizedek is first mentioned in Genesis 14. Abram (later called Abraham), returning from the rescue of his nephew (Lot), encountered this ancient dignitary who was King of Salem (early Jerusalem; cf. Psalm 76:2). In addition to being king, he was described as “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). His stature is revealed in that he “blessed” Abraham (the greater always blesses the lesser), and to Melchizedek the patriarch paid tithes (i.e., gave to the king-priest a tenth of his spoils; the lesser tithes to the greater). The writer of Hebrews used this incident (together with a prophecy from Psalm 110) to demonstrate the superiority of the priesthood of Christ to that of the Levitical system (Hebrews 7:4-10). Beyond that, there were some similarities between Melchizedek and Christ, so that it may be said that the former was a “type” (a picture or symbolic preview) of Jesus. That does not mean, however, that they were the same person. In fact, the sacred text indicates otherwise. Christ was said to be a priest “after the order of” Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:11). Hence a comparison is being drawn. Melchizedek was “without father, without mother” (Hebrews 7:3a). The meaning is this: His divine role was not genealogically derived, not handed down from his parents. So, neither was Jesus’ priesthood determined by a physical lineage, as in the case of …

Lord, please teach me how to cry,Like “Jesus Wept” for His dear friend,In sympathy for all those standing by,Though He knew it was not the end. Lord, let my heart be touched by grief,May tears of sorrow stain my face,May I not be afraid to find relief,Through the tears that leave their trace. Lord, let my heart be touched by love so great,May I not fear to feel the tears,May I be able to anticipate,Love that lasts throughout the years. Lord, help my heart to tender be,Not hardened to the world around,So I am touched by the things I see,And a caring soul within me found. Is there any crying for a man?Am I weak if tears do flow?No, I am stronger if I can,Let my caring sometimes show. Lord, please teach me how to cry,To shed my tears, with manhood kept,Teach me how, and when, and also why,To be like Jesus when He wept.

Before you read another word, I think I need to make something clear. You’re about to be tempted to apply what you’re about to read to somebody else. If you’re like me and pretty much all other humans, you’re going to think of someone else’s sin. Their mistakes. How they’ve hurt you. How they are the ones who need to repent, but this is for you. It’s about your sin. Your mistakes. How you’ve hurt people. How you’ve neglected to serve people. How you are the one who needs to repent. Think of your own sin first. In Jesus’ words, concentrate on the beam in your own eye before you get the sawdust out of someone else’s eye (Matthew 7). The words you’re about to read are for you. It’s about your deficiencies. Your hardheadedness. Your need for change. It’s personal – or at least it should be. It should be offensive for you. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you quit reading after a few words. You might be upset. You could be angry. You might lose your interest in the direction I’m heading. I hope that isn’t the case, but I’m sure it could be if you really understand that I’m talking to you – not someone else. Now that we have that out of the way, think for a few moments about repentance and your need for it. I don’t like to go back and talk about original languages that much because those aren’t the languages …

“And Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Master; it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias’” (Mark 9:5). Where are you right now? The place we now occupy is either a good or a bad place. Usually the place where we live and serve is by choice. However, there are a few exceptions where someone may be forced into someplace by circumstances. However, wherever you find yourself, it can be transformed into a place of usefulness and joy by the presence of Jesus. It is His presence and companionship that makes the difference. In Mark 9:5, we see Jesus, Peter and John on the Mount of Transfiguration where Jesus was transfigured; most likely this was Mount Hermon. When Jesus was transfigured with radiant, shining garments of white, Elijah and Moses appeared with Him. Peter, in his excitement, said that the place was good where they were and desired to build tabernacles (tents of meeting). Indeed, it was a good place to be. It is good to be where Jesus is. With Him, we have a sense of security, and we are closer to heaven’s glory with Him. We are in great fellowship with other believers because of Christ. It is good to be above the lower things in life so that we may have a proper evaluation of things, and that enables us to reinforce our convictions on certain issues. It is good …

Perfecting holiness, developing holiness, bringing holiness to full growth in the Christian life is an imperative instruction to believers (2 Corinthians 7:1). In the context of 2 Corinthians 6 and 7, the apostle Paul urged the church to separate from unbelievers and have nothing to do with things impure. If they would do this, God would be their God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Based on this promise, God’s Word requires Christians to “cleanse themselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit…” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Purity is clearly seen here as an aspect of holiness. “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 ESV). Before we can put on as holy the good things, we must put to death evil and put off the “old man” of sin (Colossians 3:5-14). The urgency of cleansing self of all defilement is quite apparent. If Christians are to be holy, they must be clean and pure. Consider the word “perfecting.” It is used in 2 Corinthians 7:1 to mean “take to its full potential.” We often think of perfect as something or someone that has no flaws or never makes a mistake. God does not expect perfection as we use the word. God expects us to work to develop holiness in our lives and see it through to the end. Perfecting is a process of accomplishing completely the development of holiness in our lives. We are to take holiness to full growth with reverential respect for God (2 Corinthians …

According to the Bible, Christ made the promise to His followers: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). When will Jesus come back? No one knows (Matthew 24:36). Not only does the Bible teach that Christ will come back one day again to receive His followers, but it further teaches where He will come, how He will come, what Christ will do when He comes, and what events will take place at the second coming of Christ, all simultaneously. The day of Christ’s Second Coming is called “the last day” or “the day of the Lord” (John 12:48). In 2 Peter 3:10 we read, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and works that are in it will be burned up.” Since the earth will be burned up when Christ comes again, we therefore know that He will not come back on this earth again. Where will He come then? Speaking to the followers of Christ, the apostle Paul said, “For the Lord Himself will …

he word “deceive” is used many times in the Old and New testaments. What does the word mean? One dictionary says it means to mislead by falsehood or to lie. Following are some places the word “deceived” appears in the New Testament. Matthew 24:4-5, “Take heed that no one deceives you for many will come in my name saying I am the Christ and will deceive many.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” Ephesians 5:6, “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” Galatians 6:7-8, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” 1 Timothy 2:14, “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” Titus 3:3, “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.” James 1:26, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” Romans 16:17-18, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have …

There are other salvations spoken of in the Bible. Noah and his family were saved from the flood (Genesis 6:7, 9; Hebrews 11:7). Israel was saved from bondage (Exodus 14:30). The three Hebrew children were saved from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:19-30). Those are past salvations. Today, we can be saved from the guilt of sin. The Bible tells us we are guilty. It also tells us that we can be free. What is sin? Several New Testament passages define sin for us (1 John 3:4; 5:17; James 4:17; Romans 14:23). It is transgressing or going beyond the law of God. Simply, sin is unrighteousness. Yet, sin can also result from what one fails to do. Jesus, though, is the Savior from sin (Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:8-11), and that was the purpose for which He left heaven and came into the world. It is evident from an abundance of Scripture that Jesus saves by his blood (Romans 3:24-25; 5:8-9; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 Peter1:18-19; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5). We contact that blood in the act of baptism (Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:3-4). Thereby, we are saved from the power of sin. We are delivered from its power (Colossians 1:12-13), and we are made free from sin (Romans 6:16-18). Salvation is perfected in us through compliance with the terms of salvation offered by God the Father, revealed by God the Holy Spirit and imitating the sacrifice of God the Son (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-5). Have …

Paul, the apostle, wrote, “Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power” (l Corinthians 15:24). There is no doubt about it, Jesus is coming. When He comes, the end of the world will also come – at which time Jesus will deliver the kingdom, which is the church, to the Father (Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13-18). Have you ever thought about what you might be doing when He does come? Ultimately, nobody could possibly know the answer to that question, because nobody knows when the end will come (Matthew 24:35—25:46; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-10). However, what if, when the Lord comes, He comes on a Sunday morning, Sunday evening or Wednesday night? What would you say then? There are some people that you could say, without a doubt, “I know exactly where they would be and what they would be doing; they would be at church (i.e., in the assembly) gathered together with other saints, worshiping God and studying His Word.” While some can find almost any excuse for missing church, these would not miss services for anything, not even and especially the end of the world. What will come of those who have little to do with the kingdom or church now? Will they suddenly become interested at Christ’s coming? No doubt, “Yes.” In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus taught that when He comes for the kingdom of heaven (the …

Paul told the Philippians that all the great and prestigious things about his life under the Old Law were nothing to him anymore. His Jewish heritage and associations added up to almost nothing in comparison to the blessings in Christ. In Philippians 3:7, he used the perfect tense in making his point. This means that he had made the decision regarding his Old Testament heritage at one point in time, and that the result of his decision was continuing. He did not have to make the decision over and over again. When he was convinced that Jesus was Lord and Savior, he made the great decision. Further, he had never regretted making it. In verse eight, Paul wrote, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Paul said the knowledge of Christ is absolutely excellent. It overpowers anything under the Old Law. Paul used the present tense with the word “count.” This means that from the moment he put on Christ until the moment of his writing the Philippians this letter, he was convinced of his decision that the old things were much less than the blessings in Christ. False Jewish teachers followed Paul almost everywhere he went. Every time he had to refute their teachings, he had to speak about his heritage and the Old Law. …

Our loving God sent His Son to die for us. That explains why He has “given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Our goal should be to increase in learning (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9). The rich man learned the importance of knowing and obeying God’s will. He thought his brothers, who had ignored Moses and the prophets, would listen to one who returned from the dead. Abraham said, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead” (Luke 16:19-31). God’s Word teaches us to reverence Him (Deuteronomy 4:10; Psalm 34:11). Israel’s kings were to make a copy of the law, read it and learn to fear. The people participated in reading the law every seven years so they and their children could learn to fear the Lord and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 14:22-23; 17:14-20; 31:9-13). Learning the Lord’s will for our lives protects us from our enemies (Psalm 27:11). “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, And the people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:11-12). The singer wanted the Lord to teach him his path (Psalm 25:3-4). Psalm 119 praises the Word of God through the alphabet. The singer desired to learn God’s will (7, 12, 26, 33, 64, 71, 108). Moses was to teach Israel statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 4:14). Ezra …

Every time an evil event takes place, such as mass killing with guns, we hear the same so-called solution. The cry is let’s do away with our Constitution’s Second Amendment. Nobody needs guns. What utter nonsense! People murder with knives and with an assortment of weaponry. The problem is we are dealing with evil people. We have allowed God to be removed from our society, and we reap the evil consequences. The dictionary is very clear concerning evil. It simply states it is, “The quality or state of being evil. Many people think that Adolf Hitler’s actions in World War II were of utmost evilness.” Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. In my lifetime, I have observed a great change in our moral or ethical standards. They have decayed to sewer levels. This is a fact! Yes, of course, no society is perfect. All we have to do is turn to Genesis 13:13 and start reading about Sodom and Gomorrah. Evil has been with mankind from the beginning when Cain slew his brother Abel (Genesis 4:1-16). There are ups and downs in societies. Within my lifetime, our nation’s population went from a keen understanding of “In God We Trust” to a rejection of our founder’s vision of “one nation under God.” Folks had the opportunity to view wholesome movies that had large measures of good ethics taught. Further, entertainers such as Red Skelton or Jack Benny never used vile language. Now, it is commonplace to have in your face vulgarness. …

This morning, my two oldest sons (ages 5 and 3) began having a tiff. It had not yet translated into a full-blown war, and I wanted to squelch it while it was still in its primary stages. My boys love the computer and are enamored with every facet of it. So on top of the rebuke they received was a warning that if this back and forth continued there would be no computer privileges offered today. Though that warning seemed to sink in rather quickly, what happened a short time later set another thought whirling into my mind. A little while after my rebuke, I was preparing to leave for the office. As I left, I admonished my sons to be good and helpful for their mother today (as I do almost every morning), and then my oldest son piped up with a statement akin to, “Because otherwise we will not get any computer time today.” That statement stopped me in my tracks. I sat down for a few moments and spoke to my boys about the reasons we do things. I do not want my boys to be good so they can have privileges; I want my sons to do what is right because it is the right thing to do, because they love their mother and because they love God – regardless of whether any reward comes of it. As I was talking to my sons about this, the impact of my statements was drawing my mind into …

Yesterday, I was visiting with a friend who was almost killed and paralyzed from the chest down when struck by a drunken driver. She, with great courage, faith and determination continued to study, write and go to school. After I baptized her, although she was a poor widow whose husband had been a Baptist preacher, she decided to finish her high school education. Afterwards, she continued her studies in Abilene Christian University in Greek and Bible (having received her degree from a Junior College after she suffered the injury), then received her Master and Doctor of Ministry degrees. She is now working on a Ph.D. and a Th.D., almost ready to submit a thesis. She looked in her Greek Testament at 1 Timothy 6:6 and read, “But Godliness with contentment is great gain.” She pointed out to me what I had never noticed before. The Greek word translated “contentment” is “autarkeia,” which Thayer defines as “a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed.” She was checking Thayer, Vine’s and Young’s Concordance for the various related meanings, and I suggested that she write an article about it. Since she is so busy with school work, attending to her own physical, mental and spiritual needs (she is in a wheel chair in her own apartment now) she may not get around to it for some time, so I decided to write one, which she can probably improve on when she does get to it. We usually think of contentment merely as …

There is a lot of confusion in the religious world about the church: what it is, what it represents, its significance, how many there are, etc. All of the questions and problems cannot be addressed in a single, brief article, but this is a start. Here are five things Christians need to know about the church of the Bible – and what they need to teach to others. [Editor’s Note: Brother Tom concisely and plainly brought to the forefront five New Testament doctrines with which no true Bible believer can dispute. Friend, Dear Reader, if any of the simple statements above trouble you, then you may need to ask yourself, “Why am I troubled with the Word of God?” ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

When I was a boy, our family had a “bathroom” scale which had originally belonged to my father’s parents. It had the old style pointer needle on a clock-like face. I suspect my father was the one who wrote “The Awful Truth” upon the dial. There are often truths about us of which we are not proud. We become inventive of ways to evade or excuse some facts about ourselves. Writings of men often extol their heroes, purposefully overlooking or at least minimizing their faults. In contrast, the Bible is impartial. This unique quality is one of the indicators that points toward the Scriptures’ divine origin. Take for example the account of Rahab (Joshua 2:1-14). She was a resident of Jericho. She is frankly said to have been “a harlot” (Joshua 2:1). However, her name appears honorably in the genealogy of our blessed Lord (Matthew 1:5). She is also noted for her faith because she “received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31). Some have tried to dismiss the awful truth of her early life by saying that this lady was merely an “innkeeper.” However, the Greek word “porne” used in Hebrews 11:31 is defined as “prostitute” (Thayer). The Bible only commends Rahab for what she did right, but it neither ignores nor condones her initial lifestyle or her lying (Joshua 2:5). Compare John 8:1-11 where a woman “taken in adultery, in the very act” (John 8:4) was brought before Jesus. Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of her accusers. The Mosaic Law required both offenders …

Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:11-12) Paul reminded those in the church at Corinth of the blessings the Israelites enjoyed while in the wilderness. He also reminded them of the mistakes that they made during their journey along the way, as they became victims of the temptations they faced, yielding to them and having to deal with the consequences. The Christians in Corinth, in like manner, had been richly blessed by God, but they were subject to temptations in life. They needed to remember God’s blessings to make sure of where they stood spiritually, that they might truly be rooted and grounded in the will of God. Otherwise, they would fall victim to sin and not find the way of escape to endure them victoriously. Both the Israelites and Corinthians serve as examples to us, warning of the pitfalls Satan places before us in life. We must make sure we stand on the rock and not in quicksand if we would bear the burdens of life and be …

First Peter was written to people in the midst of a storm they had not caused and could not control. The storm was in the form of all kinds of trials. Peter said in 1:6, “you have been grieved by various trials.” The word “various” literally means, “many/multi-colored.” It refers to all kinds of trials. The word “trials” literally means, “adversity or problems.” Peter was saying, “I realize that you are going through all kinds of problems.” He was not just talking about persecution and the threat of death, but he also meant health, money, family, work and any kind of problem one might face. Furthermore, Scripture is clear that we will face problems (Matthew 7:24-27; 2 Timothy 3:12). However, notice three principles that will help us endure problems that we did not cause and cannot control. The problems we face are only temporary (v. 6b). Notice the qualifying phrase in vs. 6, “for a little while.” Problems are not going to last forever, and we need to remember that they are, by their very nature, only temporary (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17). In fact, we should have this attitude toward all things. We should not become too attached to this world’s pleasures or problems. We must keep in mind that we are pilgrims (1:1). The temporary nature of problems also applies to temptations. Temptation cannot last forever—it’s not that strong. If we wait, it will eventually go away. James said, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (4:7). …

Bugle is defined as, “To sound or summon by or as if by a bugle call.” It should be one of the chief characteristics of a soldier to eagerly respond to the call of duty. Many battles have been won or lost by heeding or not heeding the warning summons to the bugle call of duty. Every Christian on a daily basis finds himself or herself engaged in a battle with the world and its influence. To win, we must continually fight the good fight of faith. The victory we seek can come only through duty fulfilled and responsibilities met. The summons of Christ should be heard and responded to in a positive way by all members of the Lord’s church. The duty of many should not be the task of few. The call of duty is not always easy, but God never promised it would be. He has said He would be with us while doing His will (Matthew 28:20). In the Old Testament, Joshua’s last charge was calling the children of Israel to duty. After discussing with them the manifold blessings of God in the conquest of the Promised Land, he said, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15-24). Elijah summoned Israel to duty. “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). Seemingly, …

In allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can stay the course in service to Jesus Christ. We are able to work out our salvation, not so much because God works but because He works in us (Philippians 2:12-13). However, we get sidetracked. We need to stay focused. Following are areas of focus pulled from 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 that will help us maintain motivation in serving Jesus Christ. 1. Focus on eternity (4:16-5:8).2. Focus on pleasing God (5:9).3. Focus on Judgment (5:10).4. Focus on fearing God (5:11).5. Focus on Christ’s love (5:12-14).6. Focus on His grace (5:16-17).7. Focus on the Gospel message (5:18-20).8. Focus on our Lord’s sacrifice (5:15, 21). I encourage you to study these passages and meditate upon each one. Remember, we have reason to be motivated to serve Jesus Christ!