You Were Saved to Serve

As the new church in Jerusalem was getting started, the apostles were performing many signs and wonders.  They were attracting huge crowds, and their numbers were growing exponentially.  This made the Jewish leaders jealous, so they had the apostles arrested.  But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night and led them out.  Then the angel commanded them, "Go and stand in the temple, and tell the people about this life (Acts 5:20)."

God rescued the apostles so that they could serve Him, not to keep them safe.  He did not rescue them so that they could live comfortable lives and avoid difficulty.  He did not deliver them from prison to prevent their punishment.  He delivered them so that they would have more time to spread the gospel.

When God saved you from sin, He did it so you would serve Him, not just so you would go to heaven.  When He delivers you from danger, gives you success, and heals your sicknesses, it is so that you can serve Him more.  So you can spread the gospel.  So that you can spread His fame.  God did not save you so that you could make some money, retire early, and spend all your time working in the garden and building model trains.  He did not save you to sit and soak.  To be silent.  To play it safe.  To be comfortable.  And He certainly did not save you to sin.  You were saved serve.  You were delivered to make a difference.  You were rescued to reach others.  You were healed to help.  You were cured to contribute.

If God has saved you, or delivered you, or prospered you, then serve Him with all your heart.  That's why you are here.  Find a way to serve in church.  Use every opportunity to spread the gospel and to make disciples.  Do good wherever you go.  Get busy serving the Lord.  "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58)."

How can you do more for Jesus today?  How can you increase your impact for the gospel?