Good morning. Well- how did you do last week with the Pat’s (remember the person we met last week who happened to have a world-view disagreement with us) with whom you came into contact. Life is filled with these “points of contact.” I encourage you to view these “points of contact” as opportunities to demonstrate your commitment and willingness to serve the Lord. Don’t forget that every day and in every way our lives are lived under the rule and reign of the Great King- the King whose name is Jesus. Our obligation in the service of this Great King is to obey Him in all we do. If the principles we discussed are from the Scripture (the Bible is the manuel given to us by the King in which He tells us how to live our lives), then ours is to do it! (Read the “Charge of the Light Brigade”). Pretty simple right? HA!!!!!! Nope- its really TUFF!Let me share a couple of ideas with you that might help. First, the reign of Jesus is over the “hearts” of those whom profess to be His followers. This is why Pilate had a problem understanding the Kingly role of Christ (John 18:33-38). Pilate’s concept of kingdom was a physical domain ruled over by an individual who wielded power and ruled by might as he forced people into subjection. In this kingdom there are actual borders and boundaries; cities and fortresses; soldiers and armies.

Christ’s kingdom is over the hearts of individuals; therefore it is composed of people from “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev 5:9-10). It is a spiritual kingdom for the Lord Jesus rules in the hearts of men, women and children who have entered into a relationship with Him by faith and faith alone. This means that they entrust their lives- their total existence- to this one whom they call “Savior and Lord!” They submit their lives to Him and seek to serve Him in all they do.

It’s a heart issue! By the way, where is your heart? Have you entered into a relationship with Jesus? Do you know Him as your personal Lord and Savior? Don’t play the religious games! Don’t try to baffle me with your bull- do you know the Jesus of the Scripture? Is He your Lord and Savior? Is He the King of your heart? This is the most important question that you will ever address in your entire life! Think very seriously about it. If I can help let me know.

Second, the motivation to serve under this Great King is our love for Him. Read John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1 John 5:3; and 2 Cor. 5:14. We are not driven by dread; or fear of punishment; or the potential of pain; but by love. A love that is described as being “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27). It is a love that is a result of the Lord’s love for us (1 John 4:19)- a love so great that He gave His life for us (John 3:16)! And now we get to love Him back!

The Army of Northern Virginia was willing to walk back into that hail of bullets on the third day at the Battle of Gettysburg if Gen Robert E Lee had commanded them too. Why? Because they loved and respected him. Lee was merely a man. Would we follow Jesus into the battle if He commanded us to go forth? Do we love Him enough? Think about it. By the way, don’t forget- He loved us enough to die an utterly terrible and painful death for us.

So, love Jesus with all your heart and strive to serve Him faithfully. He is the true King and the only one worthy to be served. Praise His Name.

Next week, we will talk about tennis, the three “H’s”, and Christ’s Lordship. I can hardly wait! See ya!