Adopted By Faith

Mark 3:35 "For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother."

            It is fitting that this passage would be found in the book of Mark.  Mark "lived" out his faith in Christ.  He was a true servant.  Christ was talking to the Galileans helping them to understand how to identify genuine believers. Mark tells how Christ fulfilled His calling even in the midst of those who would judge Him and even one day call for His persecution.

            Notice in the verse above, Jesus says, "whoever does the will of God", who we know was His father.  James 7:20 "So then, you will know them by their fruit". Life does not exist without evidence.  Saying something exists without evidence of its existence is very difficult to validate. Being one who cannot validate what is said is not considered credible.  James 2:26 "So just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead". I understand as a medical first responder, someone who presents without these credentials( breath, pulse, or circulation) is dead.  I also know as a Kingdom first responder the same holds true for anyone who does not "bear fruit", Christ's credential as being identified as a member of the family.

            We know because of James 1:21-25 "be doers of the word, not just hearers" you and I are to live our relationship with Christ.  We also know that we are to "bear fruit" as James mentions, to help identify our lineage or credible relationship with Christ.  Christ did not identify "whoever" by racial, social economic, gender, or denominational association. He suggested to those He was speaking to that they look for the "evidence" of His presence (spirit) in the one who claims Him.

            Understand, as we move toward that day when Jesus returns, there will be many who profess to know Him or even claim to be him but are truly not.  You and I must be able to and willing to identify and hold accountable anyone who claims. Why? Your assurance of knowing the truth which sets and keeps you free from the snare of the enemy. Like Christ, Christians will face persecution.  BE BOLD AND COURAGEOUS!  A responder does not show up on scene to just stand around only to be identified through associating with those who are doing the work.  He or she must respond calculating the risks, and for "life's" sake do the work.  As Christ did to the crowds in Galilee, do not be afraid to profess or express your faith, your association, your lineage, your bond servant relationship to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). 

Who are you?  Will you just listen, in the comfort of your complacency or apathy, to the alarm sounding and do nothing? Do not be afraid. Respond to the Call!