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Title: The Upward Call
Date: Jul 12, 2010
Topic(s): New Life
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Jude 1:20, 2 Timothy 4:8, Proverbs 15:24, Colossians 1:3-5, Ephesians 2:4-7, Philippians 3:12-14, Revelation 12:9-12, John 3:14-15

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In Eden, the first two human beings briefly enjoyed the highest position a man or woman can have. They lived and walked in a garden prepared especially for them, sharing joy-filled hours with the God who created and loved them. Satan, who had thrown away the highest position an archangel can have, brought Adam and Eve down to his level by encouraging them to rebel. Since that moment, mankind has dropped lower and lower, ever trying with blinded eyes to look upward to see the paradise it lost.

What Does God Say?

The cross, which marked the lowest hours of Jesus' earthly experience, is the turning point for fallen people. It provides the one and only way to regain the upward path that leads to eternal fellowship with God. Jesus said, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:14-15, ESV).

When you come to the cross, trusting in Christ's sacrifice and forgiveness, you'll find that you can have the Lord's "ups" instead of Satan's "downs." Satan's career led from being cast down from heaven and will end with him cast into everlasting torment in the lake of fire and brimstone. Those who follow his way will share the same end.

Proverbs 15:24 (ESV)

The path of life leads upward for the prudent,

that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.

Look at some of the "ups" God has for Christian believers as He calls them higher and higher. Jot down your answers to these questions:

• Colossians 1:3-5. What does the apostle Paul say is "laid up" for believers?
• 2 Timothy 4:8. In addition, what has the Lord "laid up"? For whom is it laid up?
• Ephesians 2:4-7. To what place has God "raised us up" when we believe?
• Jude 1:20. Jude tells believers to "build yourselves up." In what are you to build yourself up?
• Philippians 3:12-14. What does Paul press on toward as he forgets what lies behind and reaches forward to what lies ahead?
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17. What does the verse say will happen to Christians who are alive when Christ returns for His Church?

My Thoughts

Though Satan was defeated at the cross, he continues to accuse believers and tries to drag them down. But God gives you the power to overcome temptation and the strength to go through trials. The devil's attempts to pull you down are foiled as you keep looking up to Jesus and trusting in His strength.

• Read Revelation 12:9-12. Count the "downs" in the passage and thank the Lord that you do not have to go down with Satan!

Jim Irwin, the Apollo 15 Lunar Module pilot, who drove the Lunar Roving Vehicle on the moon, wrote in his testimony:

"Now I have a new perception and a new appreciation for this spaceship we call earth. It has been a real spiritual awakening. I think I am a person who loves all men, and God has given me a strong desire and compulsion to share my faith with them.

"The message I have, of course, is the old, old story of Jesus Christ. Our crew brought back the Genesis rock from the moon, but I came back with a new appreciation of another rock, the rock of the Word of God, and I want to tell people about Him, and about the greatest space flight of all--when they go to meet Him."*

My Part

Have you looked up to Jesus and trusted Him as your Savior? If not, go to the "Meet Jesus" page on this website and take the step that will put you on God's upward path.

Memorize this verse and make Paul's goal yours as well.

Philippians 3:14 (ESV) "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

*Jim Irwin's testimony, An Illustrated Edition of the Living New Testament, back cover, World Home Bible League, South Holland, IL., 1967.

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