Boundless Daily: Global Micro-Study - A Life Set Apart

Welcome back to the Boundless Daily. Whether you are reading this on a quick break during a double shift, in the quiet of a hospital room, or perhaps in a place where you have to keep your faith a secret, we are so glad you’re here. You aren't just a number to us; you are a vital part of this global community.

Today is Day 15 of our Global Micro-Study. We’ve been journeying through the core foundations of what we believe, and today we’re looking at something that sounds like a very big, "churchy" word: Sanctification.

In the Assemblies of God, this is recognized as Fundamental Truth #9. But don't let the big word intimidate you. At its heart, sanctification is simply about being "set apart" for God. It’s about the beautiful, ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus.

What Does "Set Apart" Really Mean?

If you’ve ever had a favorite coffee mug, the one that no one else is allowed to touch, you already understand the basic idea of being "set apart." That mug is reserved for a special purpose. It’s yours.

When we talk about sanctification, we are saying that when we follow Jesus, we are reserved for Him. We aren't just part of the crowd anymore. We belong to God.

For many of us, life feels anything but "holy." You might be dealing with a body that doesn't work the way you want it to, or a job that feels repetitive and draining. You might feel like your life is messy and full of mistakes.

The good news? Sanctification isn't about being perfect. It’s about being His. It’s an act of separation from what is evil and a dedication unto God.

The Two Sides of the Coin

Sanctification is a bit of a "both/and" situation. It’s something that happens the moment you say "yes" to Jesus, and it’s also something that keeps happening every single day for the rest of your life.

First, there is "positional" sanctification. This is a legal term, in a way. The moment you put your trust in Christ, God looks at you and sees the holiness of His Son. You are declared holy because of what Jesus did on the cross. You are "set apart" for His family right then and there.

Second, there is "progressive" sanctification. This is the journey. It’s the daily process where the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to align our actual behavior with our new identity. It’s learning to love like Jesus, speak like Jesus, and see others the way He does.

If you feel like you’re failing at being a "good Christian," take a deep breath. Progressive sanctification is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay if you’re still learning. The fact that you care about it is a sign that the Holy Spirit is already at work in you.

Jesus Paid the Price

We can’t talk about being holy without talking about the Gospel.

In our own strength, we can’t make ourselves holy. We can try to follow all the rules and be "good people," but that’s just behavior modification. True sanctification starts with the heart, and only Jesus can change a heart.

Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn't live. Then, He took all our mess, our sin, and our "un-holiness" to the cross. He paid the price so that we could be washed clean.

Because He was set apart for the mission of saving us, we can now be set apart for the mission of following Him. It’s a gift. You don’t earn it; you receive it.

Sanctification in the Shadows and the Shifting Hours

We know many of you are reading this in difficult circumstances.

Maybe you are a caregiver, exhausted from another long night of looking after a loved one. You might wonder, "How can my life be 'set apart' when I'm just changing linens and managing medications?"

Maybe you are a shift worker, feeling disconnected from the world while everyone else sleeps. You might wonder if God sees you in the warehouse or at the security desk.

The truth is, sanctification happens right where you are. Being "set apart" doesn't mean you have to move to a monastery or spend eight hours a day in a prayer closet. It means that while you are changing those linens, or while you are monitoring those screens, you are doing it as someone who belongs to God.

Your work, your patience, and your endurance are all part of your "set apart" life. When you choose kindness over bitterness, or peace over anxiety in a stressful environment, you are living out sanctification.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

We aren't left to do this on our own. One of the most beautiful parts of our faith is the role of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and our Guide. He is the one who gives us the "want-to" and the "how-to" when it comes to living for God. If you feel like you don't have the strength to be "holy" today, ask Him for help. He specializes in providing strength to the weary.

For our friends in restricted or persecuted areas, we want you to know that your life is a powerful testimony of being set apart. Even if you cannot speak the name of Jesus out loud, the way you live, your integrity, your secret prayers, and your refusal to hate, is the work of sanctification in its most heroic form.

Walking Together

At Boundless Online Church, we believe that no one should have to walk this path alone. The journey of sanctification is easier when you have a community cheering you on.

If you’re looking for a way to stay connected throughout the week, we invite you to check out our groups or join us for Sunday live worship. We are here to grow together.

We also have a prayer wall where you can post your needs and see others who are praying for you. You are part of a global family that spans every time zone and every circumstance.

Next Steps

As you go about your day (or your night), take a moment to simply talk to God. You don't need fancy words. You can just say, "Lord, I belong to You. Help me live like it today."

If you’re new to all of this and want to learn more about how to follow Jesus, we recommend starting at the beginning of this series. You can find Day 1 here.

Don't forget to follow or subscribe to our blog so you never miss an update. We are constantly putting out new content to help you grow in your faith, no matter where you are in the world.

Let’s Connect

We are so glad you are a part of this study. Remember, sanctification isn't a burden; it’s an invitation to a better way of living. It’s an invitation to be close to the Creator of the universe.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis. We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online.

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