*The Service Response* *by Dr. Charles F. Stanley*

*The Service Response*
*Read / Philippians 1:21-26*
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*Read the book of Acts, and you will see that Paul was constantly in danger.
All through his epistles, he testified to persecution, threats, and
hardship. In 1 Corinthians 15:30, he asks, "Why are we also in danger every
hour?" His answer is that being a servant of the risen Savior is worth any trial.*
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*The promise of eternal life and resurrection gave Paul boldness.
His body could be stoned or crucified,
but his soul was safe and would go to the Lord at the moment of death.
If believers truly understood the great gift
Christ gave through resurrection, they would serve Him without restraint.
Far too often in our present world, believers who understand Paul's
commitment and desire are facing grueling persecution. Those of us living in
comfortable situations are frequently more concerned with avoiding friction
than being dedicated to God. The disapproval of peers and the busyness of
daily life keep us from serving.*
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*Our eternal life, which began the day we were saved, is not our own.
Therefore, we must forfeit any claim to self. The Lord has a great message
He *
*wants shared. If we will release our stranglehold on our destiny, He will
use us to reach people and perform acts of service we never expected.*
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*For love of mankind, Jesus put on the mantle of humanity, suffered, and
died so that we could be free from sin. He even conquered sin's death
penalty and rose again in order to guarantee that every believer would have
eternal life. Our wholehearted service is the least we can offer for so
great a sacrifice. *
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*Written by Dr. Charles F. Stanley*
*In Touch Ministries*