Where do I fit into the body of Christ?
I'm currently wrestling to understand what it means to live as a new covenant believer in Jesus.
At the same time, I'm seeking to know whether the Lord would have me commit to a Messianic synagogue or maintain membership at an Evangelical church. I've read what Paul said: "Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called." 1 Corinthians 7:18-20 and "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it." Romans 14:5-6
My questions for God:
1. Since I was called as a Gentile, should I then remain a Gentile? Is this a strict teaching or wise counsel?
2. I feel as though I'm beginning to stagnate at my current church in the city. Where once I attended sermons ready to write pages of notes on new insights, now I follow along and mentally check off all the themes that are reinforced and try to guess at Bible references as they are quoted. It's not that I'm complaining against my church (no, indeed! praise the Lord for their faithfulness, and may it long continue!), but perhaps the Lord would have me consider transplanting myself elsewhere?
3. Does my love for the Scriptures (from Genesis to Revelation) make me well suited to come alongside Jewish believers or would I better serve my Gentile brothers and sisters in this way?
4. Does my distant ancestry to Ephraim (on my father's side) have any implications?
5. What gifts has God given me? How would He have me steward them?
6. How interesting that the Lord suddenly and surprisingly blessed with the opportunity to lead two Bible studies in two weeks! (Job 22 and Romans 11) Lord, are you trying to tell me something?
At the same time, I'm seeking to know whether the Lord would have me commit to a Messianic synagogue or maintain membership at an Evangelical church. I've read what Paul said: "Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called." 1 Corinthians 7:18-20 and "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it." Romans 14:5-6
My questions for God:
1. Since I was called as a Gentile, should I then remain a Gentile? Is this a strict teaching or wise counsel?
2. I feel as though I'm beginning to stagnate at my current church in the city. Where once I attended sermons ready to write pages of notes on new insights, now I follow along and mentally check off all the themes that are reinforced and try to guess at Bible references as they are quoted. It's not that I'm complaining against my church (no, indeed! praise the Lord for their faithfulness, and may it long continue!), but perhaps the Lord would have me consider transplanting myself elsewhere?
3. Does my love for the Scriptures (from Genesis to Revelation) make me well suited to come alongside Jewish believers or would I better serve my Gentile brothers and sisters in this way?
4. Does my distant ancestry to Ephraim (on my father's side) have any implications?
5. What gifts has God given me? How would He have me steward them?
6. How interesting that the Lord suddenly and surprisingly blessed with the opportunity to lead two Bible studies in two weeks! (Job 22 and Romans 11) Lord, are you trying to tell me something?