The Purpose of the Christian is TO SERVE the Purpose of Christ (Sunday, Apr 13, 2025)

Introduction: The Deepest Need of the Human Heart

Everyone searches for meaning. At some point or another, every person asks, “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose?” That question is not unique to philosophers or the spiritually inclined. It’s a universal yearning — one that God Himself placed inside us.

The world offers many answers. Some say our purpose is success, happiness, or legacy. Others say it’s simply to survive, have a family, or find love. But all of these, while valuable in their own way, fall short of the divine purpose for which we were created.

The Bible tells us that we were made by God and for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11). That’s why even the most beautiful achievements in life can feel empty without God. There is a “God-shaped void” in every heart, and only Christ can fill it. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has also set eternity in the human heart.”

Part 1: Created with a Purpose Greater than Ourselves

We are not accidents. We are not mere products of biology. We are handcrafted by a Creator who has given every part of His creation — including us — a role in His grand design.

• The sun brings light and warmth.

• The trees provide air and shelter.

• Even animals operate by instinct to fulfill their roles.

But humanity is different. Unlike anything else in creation, we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We have the capacity to think, choose, worship, and form relationships. We don’t just function — we seek meaning, and we long for something eternal.

Yet this design was broken in the fall. Sin disrupted the original harmony between God and man. Still, God’s love never ceased. He sent Jesus Christ to redeem us and restore our purpose — not only to save us from sin, but to call us into a life of purpose, mission, and transformation.

Part 2: The Great Commission — Our Shared Mission

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His followers one clear command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:19–20

This wasn’t just a command to the original twelve apostles or to pastors and missionaries. This was — and still is — the calling of every believer.

God’s purpose for each Christian can be summed up simply:

• Know Christ deeply

• Make Christ known boldly

• Help others grow in Him faithfully

This is discipleship. It is more than attending church or believing in doctrine. It is a life that reflects Christ and draws others into relationship with Him.

Part 3: Two Audiences, One Calling

The sermon rightly pointed out that the world consists of two kinds of people: those who follow Christ, and those who don’t.

1. For those who don’t follow Christ:

We are called to be witnesses — carriers of the Gospel message.

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8

The word “witness” in the original Greek (martys) is where we get the word martyr. It’s not just about talking; it’s about living a life that testifies to the reality of Jesus — even at great personal cost.

This can mean:

• Being bold in conversations with unbelievers

• Modeling integrity and love in everyday life

• Being intentional about friendships outside our Christian circle

Too often, we stay within Christian bubbles. But the lost are all around us — neighbors, coworkers, friends, and even family members. We may be the closest some people ever get to the Gospel. God is calling us to step out, pray for opportunities, and lovingly share the truth.

2. For those who do follow Christ:

We are called to edify — to build up the body of Christ.

The New Testament Church wasn’t an audience watching a performance. It was a family, marked by love, truth, correction, and encouragement. Scripture is filled with “one another” commands:

• “Encourage one another”

• “Forgive one another”

• “Carry one another’s burdens”

• “Teach and admonish one another”

This is not optional. It is the life of the Church. Christianity is not a solo journey — it’s a shared pilgrimage where we help one another grow in faith, love, and holiness.

Part 4: No Spectators in the Body of Christ

One of the most powerful insights from the message was this: There is no difference between the “clergy” and the “laity.”

God never intended the Church to be divided into “doers” and “watchers.” Ephesians 4:11–13 explains that leaders (pastors, teachers, etc.) are given not to do all the ministry themselves, but to equip all believers to do the work of ministry.

“...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ...”
— Ephesians 4:12

That means you. Every believer is a minister. Every Christian is a disciple-maker. We all have something to contribute — a word, a testimony, a prayer, a listening ear, a helping hand. No act of love is too small when done in Christ’s name.

So whether you're a student, a parent, a professional, or retired — you have a ministry. God has called you to influence the world and the Church for His glory.

Part 5: Giving Our Utmost for His Highest

The message closed with a challenge: Are we giving our utmost for His highest?

Inspired by the devotional by Oswald Chambers, this phrase calls us to give our best efforts, our best time, and our best love — not for earthly gain, but for God’s eternal purpose.

Yes, the work is great. Yes, it may be uncomfortable. Yes, we may be rejected. But we are not alone.

“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
— Colossians 1:29 (NIV)

We do not labor in our strength. Christ is in us, empowering us. As Paul said, our goal is to “present everyone perfect in Christ.” That’s a high calling, but it’s worth everything. Heaven rejoices over one soul that repents. Let’s live in a way that echoes into eternity.

Conclusion: A Purpose Worth Living and Dying For

If you’ve been wondering about your purpose, look no further. You were created:

• To know Jesus deeply

• To make Him known passionately

• To build others up in the faith consistently

Let this purpose shape every part of your life — your decisions, your relationships, your daily routines. And when you feel inadequate, remember: God doesn’t call the equipped — He equips the called. And you are called.

In the Midst of Trials, Make the Eternal God Your Refuge (Sunday Apr 6, 2025)

Life Isn’t Always Easy — And That’s Part of God’s Design

We all go through trials. Some are public; others are deeply personal. Whether we face job loss, illness, disappointment, or spiritual dryness, we often wonder: Why would a loving God allow this?

The message from this sermon challenges that question with a deeper truth: God is more interested in who you’re becoming than in how easy your life is.

He doesn’t promise smooth sailing. He promises transformation.

From the moment we accept Jesus, God's plan is not simply to get us to heaven. His greatest desire is to make us more like His Son. And that happens most powerfully not on the mountaintops of life, but in the valleys. In the trials. In the waiting. In the crushing.

Appearances vs. Reality: What God Really Cares About

In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells the prophet Samuel something critical:

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

This isn’t just a poetic phrase — it’s God’s perspective. We may be impressed by success, prosperity, or spiritual activity. But God isn’t measuring our lives by how much we’ve accomplished or how “blessed” we appear.

He looks for something deeper:

• Are we becoming more like Jesus?

• Are we faithful when it’s hard?

• Are we good, not just outwardly, but in our hearts?

God allows trials not to expose us to Him (He already knows everything), but to reveal our hearts to ourselves. These moments strip away illusions and self-reliance and expose pride, fear, envy, or misplaced hopes — not to shame us, but to purify us.

In Every Trial, God Reveals Himself Anew

All throughout Scripture, when God’s people face difficulties, He reveals Himself with new clarity — often through His names.

• In lack, He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider.

• In battle, He is Jehovah Nissi, our Banner.

• In brokenness, He is Jehovah Rapha, our Healer.

• And in seasons of uncertainty, He is El Olam — the Everlasting God.

The sermon highlighted this specific name: El Olam (Genesis 21:33), meaning “God Everlasting.” This name tells us that:

• God is outside of time.

• He sees the end from the beginning.

• Our tomorrow is already inside His today.

When we are trapped in a moment of fear or grief, we must lift our eyes to El Olam. He does not change. He is not surprised. His arms — everlasting arms — are already beneath us, ready to carry us through.

His Arms Are Underneath You

“Underneath are the everlasting arms.”
— Deuteronomy 33:27

What a promise! Imagine a child wobbling on a high surface, and a loving parent keeping arms ready underneath. That’s our Father.

When we’re weak, He upholds us.
When we fall, He catches us.
When we’re crushed, He carries us.

And if you feel like you’re walking alone — you’re not. He hasn’t left. He’s underneath you.

But God wants us to run to Him, not just from pain. Many people distract themselves in difficulty — with entertainment, with ambition, with relationships, even with ministry. But none of those things can truly uphold you.

Only God can.
Only His arms will never fail.

God’s Timing and Leading Are Often Mysterious — But Never Wrong

A powerful biblical example was shared: the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16.

God gave Paul a vision of a man in Macedonia calling for help. Paul obeyed, traveled a long way, and… got arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison.

How easy it would have been to doubt the vision. “Did I hear wrong?” “Why would obedience lead to pain?”

Yet in the prison, in pain, Paul and Silas sang. And as they worshipped, God shook the prison foundations, broke their chains, and saved the very man from the vision — the jailer.

Sometimes obedience to God leads to hardship before it leads to fruit.
But when we trust Him, He uses it all — to save others, to glorify His name, and to strengthen our faith.

When Crushed, Let the Oil Flow

Just as olives and coconuts are crushed to release oil, we too are pressed in order to release the life of Christ in us. The Apostle Paul said:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair… always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:8–10

Our trials are not pointless. They are producing in us something eternal.

We hold this “treasure in jars of clay” to show that the power belongs not to us, but to God. In weakness, His strength is revealed. In dying to ourselves, His life is made manifest.

Today — Choose to Trust

Throughout the message, one word kept repeating: “Today.”

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
— Hebrews 3:15

God’s word is not just for yesterday or someday — it’s for today. Today, choose to:

• Trust in His arms underneath you.

• Believe that He is leading you.

• Surrender your situation to El Olam, the Everlasting God.

• Let trials draw you nearer, not farther, from Him.

You don’t have to figure it all out. You just need to rest in His everlasting arms.

Final Encouragement: God’s Purpose Is to Transform You

The world may measure success in numbers, fame, money, or comfort. But God is looking for something else.

He’s looking for people who are:

• Faithful in affliction

• Grateful in lack

• Joyful in trials

• Changed into the image of Jesus

So whether you are in a place of uncertainty, pain, loneliness, or spiritual dryness — take heart. You are in the hands of the Everlasting God. His arms are beneath you. He is your refuge.

Standing Firm in Faith: Lessons from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Sunday March 30, 2025)

Br. M. K. Shivakumar

"If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." - Daniel 3:17-18

When Faith Is Put to the Test

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where standing firm in your faith seemed impossible? Perhaps you've experienced moments when the pressure to compromise felt overwhelming, or when following God's way seemed to come at too high a cost. In today's world, we often say we believe in Jesus Christ, but when troubles and challenges arise, our faith sometimes wavers.

As I shared this Sunday, "We walk by faith, not by sight." Yet how often do we rely on our own strength rather than trusting in God when difficulties come our way? The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego offers us a powerful example of unwavering, undoubtful faith, even in the face of imminent danger.

The Historical Context

In 586 BC, the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and Judah. During my message, I spoke about three different kings of that era. Unlike the Assyrian kings who were known for skinning people alive or the Persian kings known for persecution, the Babylonian empire specialized in something perhaps more insidious—brainwashing people and assimilating them into Babylonian culture.

Nebuchadnezzar selected promising individuals from the Jewish royal family and upper class—those who were well-educated, knowledgeable, good-looking, and capable of serving in his kingdom. Among these were three Hebrew men: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

The first step in their cultural assimilation was changing their names to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—names that honored Babylonian gods. "Shadrach" means "command of the moon god," "Meshach" means "who is what the moon god is," and "Abednego" means "servant of the god Nebo."

The Ultimate Test

In Daniel 3, we read that King Nebuchadnezzar built an enormous golden statue—90 feet tall and 9 feet wide, equivalent to an eight-story building. He commanded everyone to bow down and worship this statue when they heard the sound of musical instruments. The penalty for disobedience was severe: being cast into a burning fiery furnace.

Imagine the scene: 4,600 Jews mixed among the Babylonians, all bowing before this golden idol. But three men remained standing—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They refused to compromise their faith.

When brought before the furious king, they were given one more chance to bow down. Nebuchadnezzar challenged them with the question: "And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?"

Their response reveals the essence of unwavering faith: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

Standing Apart from the World

These three men stood apart from the crowd. As I mentioned in my message, "Standing apart is not fun. You will face persecution." Indeed, Jesus Himself said in John 8:23, "I am from above; you are from below... I am not of this world."

As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of the world. This means we don't share the values, beliefs, and conduct of the unbelieving world. Instead, we follow Jesus Christ and reflect Him in our words and actions.

True faith affects our behavior. If we say we believe in Jesus Christ but do whatever we want, is that real faith? The three Hebrew men demonstrated that real faith is uncompromising.

This doesn't mean we hate those who don't share our faith. We can mingle with them, love them, help them when needed, and share the love of Jesus Christ when the opportunity arises. But when it comes to matters of faith and worship, we cannot compromise.

Personal Examples of Uncompromising Faith

Let me share two examples of standing firm in faith that I discussed during Sunday's message. The first is from my own life. Before accepting Christ in 2017, I struggled with alcoholism. My whole family, for generations, had been Hindu. I used to drink almost every day, partly because of social pressure from friends at my government job.

In 2021, when I visited Chennai, India, my friends invited me out and took me to a restaurant with a bar. They ordered liquor, but I ordered juice. When they pressured me to drink, I refused. This led to them asking how I had changed, and I had the opportunity to share how accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior had transformed my life.

I told them about hearing the Gospel for just 15-20 minutes during a New Year's Eve service in 2016, and how I was struck by the question: "Why would a God die for mankind?" The sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His suffering, the nails piercing His hands and feet, and the shedding of His blood for our sins moved me deeply.

I also explained baptism to them—how going under the water symbolizes burying our old selves and sins, and coming out represents becoming a new creation in Christ. One friend mentioned that his wife had converted to Christianity and was asking him to attend church, but he had been refusing. Months later, when I called to check on him, he told me he had started going to church occasionally. Glory to God!

The second example comes from Daniel 1, where Daniel and his three friends refused to eat the king's food and drink his wine, which had likely been sacrificed to idols. They requested vegetables and water instead, promising they would perform their duties even better than those who ate the king's food. This demonstrated their commitment to remain faithful to God even in seemingly small matters.

The Fiery Furnace

Enraged by their defiance, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded his strongest soldiers to throw the three men, bound in their flammable clothes, into the fire. The flames were so intense that the soldiers who threw them in were instantly burned to death.

But what happened next was miraculous. Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace and was astonished: "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?... Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

When called to come out of the furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego emerged completely unharmed. Not a hair on their heads was singed, their clothes were not damaged, and—perhaps most remarkably—they didn't even smell like smoke.

Why Does God Allow Trials?

I asked some thought-provoking questions during my message: Why did God allow the furnace to be heated seven times hotter? Why does God use the rage of men to show His power?

Then I posed these questions: "How would you ever know God could heal your body if you never got sick? How would you ever know God could give you peace if you never went through trouble?"

Trials are not meant to destroy us but to strengthen us and our faith. Sometimes, God Himself allows trials in our lives, as He did with Job when Satan asked permission to test his faith. Job passed the test and received double blessings as a reward.

When we stand firm in faith, God stands with us. He may deliver us from the fire, or He may walk with us through the fire—but He never leaves us alone.

Our Faith Will Be Tested

Our faith is often tested when we place material things before God—whether it's family, career, finances, or anything else. Abraham's faith was tested because he gave great importance to his son Isaac. Whatever we value most is often where our faith will be challenged.

These tests aren't punishments; they're opportunities for our faith to grow stronger. When we remain faithful through trials, we can look forward to the ultimate reward: eternity with Christ. As Christians, our greatest hope is that Jesus will return, and we will be together with Him in heaven.

Dear brothers and sisters, we pray for so many things—healing, promotions, marriages, visas, financial stability—and if we receive them, we rejoice in God's grace and mercy. But what if we don't receive what we've prayed for? Can we still say, "Lord, we will be faithful to You; we will not turn away our hearts from You"?

A Challenge for Today

As we reflect on the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, let's examine ourselves. Are we standing firm in our faith, or are we compromising for the sake of worldly comforts and acceptance? Do we bow down to the "golden statues" of our time—success, popularity, comfort, or wealth?

Remember, we may have faith, but are we putting it into practice when challenges arise? I shared a story during my message about a camping trip where a campfire got out of control. When I later found a fire extinguisher in my friend's truck, he admitted he had forgotten it was there because he hadn't used it in a long time. Our faith can be like that unused fire extinguisher—we have it, but we forget to use it when we need it most.

Let us pray for the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when it means standing apart from the crowd. Let us declare with conviction, like the three Hebrew men, that we will serve God whether He delivers us from our trials or not. Our faithfulness is not conditional on comfortable circumstances but is rooted in who God is—the true and living God, the creator of galaxies, and the author of our salvation.

May God strengthen us to stand firm in faith until we finish the race, so that we too may receive the reward that awaits all who remain faithful to the end.

"When we stand firm in faith, God stands with us. He may deliver us from the fire, or He may walk with us through the fire."