An Artificial Earthquake
Recently during soccer’s World Cup, Mexico scored a goal against the reigning champion, Germany. The citizens of Mexico City were celebrating so much that they actually triggered a measurable reaction on the earthquake scale. The seismic monitoring officials said the celebrants created and “artificial earthquake!” What excitement?! What earth shaking zeal?!
What if Christians were more excited about being more like Jesus than they were excited about being like the world? That is what the Apostle Paul is addressing in Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
I enjoy sports; soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. But as fun as these sports can be – they are just games. Just temporary. Just leather-bound balls of cork or air being chased around a field or court. That is it. Would God help each of us be more excited about the things of God! Paul went on to say what this zealously affect would have in verse 19, My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.
Paul wanted to see the Christians be more like Jesus. That was his goal. He was not in Galatia when he wrote this letter. He wanted to be with them at church. He wanted to preach to them personally, but he was not able to do so for the moment. His goal in his relationship with them was that they would become more like Jesus.
We should not try to cause an artificial earthquake at Bible study or in our church services; but we should be excited about being more like Jesus. Ask the Lord to give you “zeal according to knowledge!”
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Published by Dr Steven
Steven Harness is a Christian husband and father of three who has been married to Natalie for nearly 25 years. A veteran pastor and counselor he’s been in gospel ministry for 25 years. He blessed to serve as the lead pastor of the Wilton Baptist Church in Wilton, NY. He has a long-term interest in archeology, history, creation science, ancient languages, and the Bible. He enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and targeting. He is also a fan of youth sports such as Jr. NBA and Little League baseball, both of which he has enjoyed coaching.
Concerning credentials, Steven holds a Bachelor of Bible (BB) at Pensacola Christian College, a Master of Divinity (MDiv.) in Education from Mid-America Theological Seminary, a Master of Ministry (MMin.) in Pastoral Studies, a Doctor of Philosophy of Religion (PhD.) in Counseling from Bethany Divinity Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry (DMin.) in theology and apologetics from Liberty University. He is also a Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCPPC), a SYMBIS facilitator, and president of the New York Association of Christian Schools. He is the lead counselor of Mountain View Christian Counseling and the lead speaker for Truth Defended, and apologetics ministry. www.truthdefended.org
Ultimately, Steven hopes to serve the Lord with gladness, humble plodding along and making a difference for the Kingdom. He is available for special conferences and training sessions.
Steve is also a Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCPPC) and a SYMBIS facilitator. He is the president of Mountain View Christian Counseling and the New York Association of Christian Schools. He recently started "Truth Defended" a ministry equipping Christians to defend their faith.
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