Most believe in God, but want Him to support them in their quest through life. They want to live their life on their terms and be able to turn to Him when they have a problem. God becomes the problem solver and they expect instant solutions. After all, He is God.
They go to an institutional church during those times of crisis. Perhaps they go regularly as a way of staying in contact with God; their obligation to meet with Him fulfilled in that visit to where in the teaching of man they were taught He hangs out.
When one listens to that still small voice and takes that small step of faith to believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead and follow Him, they are forever changed. I am not speaking about one who follows man's logic regarding "the sinner's prayer". Just repeating after me may get you into the club called Christianity today.
Believing without reservation that Jesus Christ is Lord and following Him gives you eternal life. You are born again and on the true road to salvation. A journey takes the rest of your life. A journey takes you through life with God as your guide.
He is no longer on the sidelines, at your beck and call, in your time of need. He is no longer the one who you feel obligated to "visit" on Sunday in the institutional church. You go to join in worship to God with others.
Jesus Christ asked the Father to send His followers, those that are born again, to send the Holy Spirit to live in them. He baptizes each follower in this way–He baptizes with the fire of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our comforter, our guide through this journey of life, our teacher, and our life long friend. He is that still small voice from deep within us.
We are to listen to His voice and obey Him. Does this change our quest through life? Yes and no, as we follow Him, He knows out hearts desire and knows the gifts He gave us before the beginning of the world. He will guide us through our life quest and show us how best to utilize those gifts to His glory and our success here on earth.
As we let Him lead us through the minefield of life, we will arrive at the end of this mortal existence fulfilled and ready for the eternal journey.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Search Engines
When I was growing up, if you did not know how to spell a word, you looked it up in the dictionary using a trial and error method. Since you did not know how to spell it, you took a guess and checked to see if you were correct. Eventually you got close enough to find the word. Then to avoid having to go through all that again, you made sure you remembered the spelling for the next time.
When we needed to find some facts about someone or something, we went to the library to look it up in shelves of resource material starting with an encyclopedia. At that time many made a living selling encyclopedias door to door. The super markets often had deals where you could by the next volume for a great price when you shopped with them. A new volume would come on sale each week. After twenty-six weeks you had the entire collection of A-Z.
Today we have the Internet and search engines. It checks spelling, does math, looks up phone numbers to find names and addresses, displays satellite imagery of addresses, gives directions, researches anything asked, and much more. Google is so popular its name has become a verb in our language. You hear others say “Google it” meaning use the Google search engine to find out.
Have you ever had something, like someone’s name, on the tip of you tongue? You knew exactly who they were but could not remember their name. Finally you gave up and moved on to something else. Then, at some time in the future, their name popped into your mind.
You had engaged your personal search engine. Thinking about them was like typing in the request to an Internet search engine. When you let go and moved onto something else, your brain continued the search in the background and did not give up until it found the results you were looking for. Then in the middle of a conversation with someone else, their name came up like a pop-up screen and you blurted it out to the confusion of the person you were with.
We were made in the image and likeness of God. He tells us we have the wisdom of the Bible inside, we just cannot get to it until we are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.
When we need to know about our past, our internal search engine can be called on. When we need to have God’s wisdom and knowledge, the Holy Spirit searches for us, and reveals the results as we allow Him. It is up to us to let Him in, communicate our needs, wait patiently for the results, and then use what He reveals.
When we needed to find some facts about someone or something, we went to the library to look it up in shelves of resource material starting with an encyclopedia. At that time many made a living selling encyclopedias door to door. The super markets often had deals where you could by the next volume for a great price when you shopped with them. A new volume would come on sale each week. After twenty-six weeks you had the entire collection of A-Z.
Today we have the Internet and search engines. It checks spelling, does math, looks up phone numbers to find names and addresses, displays satellite imagery of addresses, gives directions, researches anything asked, and much more. Google is so popular its name has become a verb in our language. You hear others say “Google it” meaning use the Google search engine to find out.
Have you ever had something, like someone’s name, on the tip of you tongue? You knew exactly who they were but could not remember their name. Finally you gave up and moved on to something else. Then, at some time in the future, their name popped into your mind.
You had engaged your personal search engine. Thinking about them was like typing in the request to an Internet search engine. When you let go and moved onto something else, your brain continued the search in the background and did not give up until it found the results you were looking for. Then in the middle of a conversation with someone else, their name came up like a pop-up screen and you blurted it out to the confusion of the person you were with.
We were made in the image and likeness of God. He tells us we have the wisdom of the Bible inside, we just cannot get to it until we are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.
When we need to know about our past, our internal search engine can be called on. When we need to have God’s wisdom and knowledge, the Holy Spirit searches for us, and reveals the results as we allow Him. It is up to us to let Him in, communicate our needs, wait patiently for the results, and then use what He reveals.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Baptized in the Holy Spirit
Acts 2 (NLT)
I recall all of the Star Trek series, as most of us do. There have been many variations of the original television series, even a few great movies. In their travels trough the universe, they encountered many alien beings and were faced with the challenge of understanding what they were saying. In the early series, they developed what was referred to as a universal translator. When present they heard the aliens in English and the aliens heard them in their native tongue. As the series evolved over forty or more years, the sophistication of the translator reached a level where we forgot it even existed.
1 On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus' resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Why did it take so long for Jesus to send the Holy Spirit as He had promised? We can ponder that question and come up with various scenarios, as they do in many of the crime fighting shows we see on television these days. But the truth is we do not know. What we do know is they all met together in one place. And when to or more believers are together in one place, they are the church. They are the bride of Christ.
The truth is that it is not about the wait, it is about the unity. The upper room is where they were staying, but they were not chained to it. Jesus had told them not to leave Jerusalem. He had not said to stay in your room. I believe they moved about the city as they usually did. Some stayed and prayed while others where out and about. They key is not the 144 days or seven weeks since Jesus had ascended, it was about all of them being in the upper room at the same time and in unity, probably all in prayer. Then the Holy Spirit came with the evidence of them speaking in tongues.
5 Godly Jews from many nations were living in Jerusalem at that time. 6 When they heard this sound, they came running to see what it was all about, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. 7 They were beside themselves with wonder. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking the languages of the lands where we were born! 9 Here we are – Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya toward Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), 11 Cretans, and Arabians. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other. 13 But others in the crowd were mocking. "They're drunk, that's all!" they said.
There was much confusion as others heard what was happening in that upper room.
When speaking in tongues, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance, the words are truly words from another language. They are not just babble like from someone who cannot talk or mutterings from an animal. They are not words made up by the person speaking. They are words from an unknown language, that is to say a language unknown to the person whose mouth the words are coming from. Those understanding the words as their own language will understand the message spoken from God Himself.
In addition, God gives believers at times a gift to understand these strange words. Some even hear them as though spoken in their own language. In other words what is being spoken in an unknown tongues is heard by them in English. They do not hear the other language at all, just the translation.
14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 Some of you are saying these people are drunk. It isn't true! It's much too early for that. People don't get drunk by nine o'clock in the morning. 16 No, what you see this morning was predicted centuries ago by the prophet Joel: 17 'In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below – blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn bloodred, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. 21 And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Peter stepped forward as a leader and calming the confused mob, he explained with scripture what had occurred, ending with a salvation call.
I notice here that the scripture speaks clearly about all men and women, and not about the apostles alone. We are all called to be followers of Christ and all called to do the Father’s work. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to fill each and every believer and all we have to do is ask. The evidence being speaking in an unknown language referred to as tongues.
This is one way God speaks to us today, through the translation of tongues by a gifted spirit filled believer. It is also a language we use to communicate with God the Father, a prayer language only He can understand that opens up a direct connection to Him. Paul tells us later that praying in the spirit if for personal edification because as we pray, God fills us and changes us from the inside out.
22 "People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But you followed God's prearranged plan. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to the cross and murdered him. 24 However, God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life again, for death could not keep him in its grip. 25 King David said this about him: 'I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 26 No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. 27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. 28 You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.' 29 "Dear brothers, think about this! David wasn't referring to himself when he spoke these words I have quoted, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David's own descendants would sit on David's throne as the Messiah. 31 David was looking into the future and predicting the Messiah's resurrection. He was saying that the Messiah would not be left among the dead and that his body would not rot in the grave. 32 "This prophecy was speaking of Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, and we all are witnesses of this. 33 Now he sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, 'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in honor at my right hand 35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.' 36 So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!"
Peter continues to preach scripture to the masses and explain what had just happened in the that upper room.
Jesus continues to pour the Holy Spirit out upon us. As we confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord and Savior in our lives, and ask Him for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we receive the Holy Spirit from Him with evidence of speaking in tongues.
37 Peter's words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles– all who have been called by the Lord our God." 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this generation that has gone astray!" 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church – about three thousand in all.
His words made sense to many and they asked what they should do next. Peter tells them the promise is for all of mankind, not just the male Jews. Three thousand came to their salvation that day.
42 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
And the church grew—not an institutional church as we think of it today with the thousands of seats in a large auditorium and set programs and schedules. No, he was referring to the church as in the body of Christ. The church as in those that gathered together in unity as believers devoted to learn what Jesus had taught the disciples, and sharing in communion and prayer.
They shared with each others, worshipped God daily, and went from house to house sharing meals enjoying each other’s company. As with any good thing, word traveled from mouth to mouth, and many were saved.
I recall all of the Star Trek series, as most of us do. There have been many variations of the original television series, even a few great movies. In their travels trough the universe, they encountered many alien beings and were faced with the challenge of understanding what they were saying. In the early series, they developed what was referred to as a universal translator. When present they heard the aliens in English and the aliens heard them in their native tongue. As the series evolved over forty or more years, the sophistication of the translator reached a level where we forgot it even existed.
1 On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus' resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Why did it take so long for Jesus to send the Holy Spirit as He had promised? We can ponder that question and come up with various scenarios, as they do in many of the crime fighting shows we see on television these days. But the truth is we do not know. What we do know is they all met together in one place. And when to or more believers are together in one place, they are the church. They are the bride of Christ.
The truth is that it is not about the wait, it is about the unity. The upper room is where they were staying, but they were not chained to it. Jesus had told them not to leave Jerusalem. He had not said to stay in your room. I believe they moved about the city as they usually did. Some stayed and prayed while others where out and about. They key is not the 144 days or seven weeks since Jesus had ascended, it was about all of them being in the upper room at the same time and in unity, probably all in prayer. Then the Holy Spirit came with the evidence of them speaking in tongues.
5 Godly Jews from many nations were living in Jerusalem at that time. 6 When they heard this sound, they came running to see what it was all about, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. 7 They were beside themselves with wonder. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking the languages of the lands where we were born! 9 Here we are – Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya toward Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), 11 Cretans, and Arabians. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other. 13 But others in the crowd were mocking. "They're drunk, that's all!" they said.
There was much confusion as others heard what was happening in that upper room.
When speaking in tongues, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance, the words are truly words from another language. They are not just babble like from someone who cannot talk or mutterings from an animal. They are not words made up by the person speaking. They are words from an unknown language, that is to say a language unknown to the person whose mouth the words are coming from. Those understanding the words as their own language will understand the message spoken from God Himself.
In addition, God gives believers at times a gift to understand these strange words. Some even hear them as though spoken in their own language. In other words what is being spoken in an unknown tongues is heard by them in English. They do not hear the other language at all, just the translation.
14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 Some of you are saying these people are drunk. It isn't true! It's much too early for that. People don't get drunk by nine o'clock in the morning. 16 No, what you see this morning was predicted centuries ago by the prophet Joel: 17 'In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below – blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn bloodred, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. 21 And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Peter stepped forward as a leader and calming the confused mob, he explained with scripture what had occurred, ending with a salvation call.
I notice here that the scripture speaks clearly about all men and women, and not about the apostles alone. We are all called to be followers of Christ and all called to do the Father’s work. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to fill each and every believer and all we have to do is ask. The evidence being speaking in an unknown language referred to as tongues.
This is one way God speaks to us today, through the translation of tongues by a gifted spirit filled believer. It is also a language we use to communicate with God the Father, a prayer language only He can understand that opens up a direct connection to Him. Paul tells us later that praying in the spirit if for personal edification because as we pray, God fills us and changes us from the inside out.
22 "People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But you followed God's prearranged plan. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to the cross and murdered him. 24 However, God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life again, for death could not keep him in its grip. 25 King David said this about him: 'I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 26 No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. 27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. 28 You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.' 29 "Dear brothers, think about this! David wasn't referring to himself when he spoke these words I have quoted, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David's own descendants would sit on David's throne as the Messiah. 31 David was looking into the future and predicting the Messiah's resurrection. He was saying that the Messiah would not be left among the dead and that his body would not rot in the grave. 32 "This prophecy was speaking of Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, and we all are witnesses of this. 33 Now he sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, 'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in honor at my right hand 35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.' 36 So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!"
Peter continues to preach scripture to the masses and explain what had just happened in the that upper room.
Jesus continues to pour the Holy Spirit out upon us. As we confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord and Savior in our lives, and ask Him for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we receive the Holy Spirit from Him with evidence of speaking in tongues.
37 Peter's words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles– all who have been called by the Lord our God." 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this generation that has gone astray!" 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church – about three thousand in all.
His words made sense to many and they asked what they should do next. Peter tells them the promise is for all of mankind, not just the male Jews. Three thousand came to their salvation that day.
42 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
And the church grew—not an institutional church as we think of it today with the thousands of seats in a large auditorium and set programs and schedules. No, he was referring to the church as in the body of Christ. The church as in those that gathered together in unity as believers devoted to learn what Jesus had taught the disciples, and sharing in communion and prayer.
They shared with each others, worshipped God daily, and went from house to house sharing meals enjoying each other’s company. As with any good thing, word traveled from mouth to mouth, and many were saved.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Who You Know
Acts 1 (NLT)
How often have we heard the old adage “It is not what you know, but who you know that counts”? When something at home breaks down and we need it repaired, the first person we look for to help us is someone we know. If we do not know someone to fix it, we call a friend ask who they recommend—someone they know. Our last resort is to Google the issue and call a stranger.
News of their ability to fix it is passed from person to person. This is referred to as word of mouth and is the advertising method for most. Even if you have not experienced their ability to fix it, if you just know them because of the social circle you are in, they are the first one you call. It is all about who you know.
Dunamis is the Greek for Power. It is power for performing miracles, moral power and excellence of soul, the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth, and more. The dictionary defines it as the ability, strength, and capacity to do something and as having the authority to act or do something according to a law or rule.
When you do not know someone and introduce yourself as a friend of someone they know, the walls come down and conversation begins. Association opens a door for trust and a relationship begins. Without the opening of that door, chances on getting to know them would be slim to none.
1 Dear Theophilus: In my first book I told you about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he ascended to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions from the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. On these occasions he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
I believe it is Jesus’ intention for all to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is not wrong to be baptized as John baptized. Water baptism is a public confession of our commitment to Christ. I do not believe it maters if that is by sprinkling a few drops of water on one’s head, or by full immersion in a pool of water. It is the public confession that is important. Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.
However, the results in our lives are not the same. Water baptism creates an opportunity for us to be a part of a group of other confessing believers in the natural; it does not give us access to the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. This is where the disciples were when Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. They had received John’s baptism and were followers of Christ, but they were not to go out to minister without the Holy Spirit.
6 When the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, are you going to free Israel now and restore our kingdom?" 7 "The Father sets those dates," he replied, "and they are not for you to know. 8 But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 It was not long after he said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud. 10 As they were straining their eyes to see him, two white-robed men suddenly stood there among them. 11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!"
Notice He tells them (and us) it is when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about Jesus everywhere. This is that dunamis power I spoke of above. The Holy Spirit opens the door for us. He gives us the authority to operate in the name of Jesus. He is the influence we need to go through doors that would have otherwise been closed to us.
We are to reach the lost with the power of the Holy Spirit which is obtained when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the result of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
When we attempt to reach the lost without Holy Spirit power, we resort to human marketing methods to win them over. There is no wining people to Christ. When the Holy Spirit is involved, they are drawn to Him.
We can have the best marketing program, run ads on prime time television, and hand out thousands of tracts. Sure, we will fill the institutional churches, increase membership in them, and even fill the coffers with untold tax deductible dollars.
However, the count does not having anything to do with how many were drawn to Christ by the leading of the Holy Spirit; how many were converted from heathen to believer. Do not get me wrong. The campaigns do bring them into the potential presence of the Holy Spirit and they may be drawn to follow Him as an indirect result of the effort.
Yet, Jesus said to be filled the power of the Holy Spirit and then go out into the entire world,
12 The apostles were at the Mount of Olives when this happened, so they walked the half mile back to Jerusalem. 13 Then they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here is the list of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
They listened to what Jesus had told them, and then gathered together to wait for the Holy Spirit. We know this as the “upper room”. We each need to have our own “upper room” experience, and it occurs when we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is then that we receive the power to go out into the world and preach the good news. It then that the words out of our mouth are not our own, but are those of the Holy Spirit as we allow Him to speak through us. It is then others are drawn to Him.
15 During this time, on a day when about 120 believers were present, Peter stood up and addressed them as follows: 16 "Brothers, it was necessary for the Scriptures to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided the Temple police to arrest Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us, chosen to share in the ministry with us." 18 (Judas bought a field with the money he received for his treachery, and falling there, he burst open, spilling out his intestines. 19 The news of his death spread rapidly among all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means "Field of Blood.") 20 Peter continued, "This was predicted in the book of Psalms, where it says, 'Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.' And again, 'Let his position be given to someone else.' 21 "So now we must choose another man to take Judas's place. It must be someone who has been with us all the time that we were with the Lord Jesus – 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us into heaven. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus' resurrection." 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed for the right man to be chosen. "O Lord," they said, "you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas the traitor in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and in this way Matthias was chosen and became an apostle with the other eleven.
As they waited they began to better understand the fulfillment of scripture that had already occurred. The pieces of the puzzle were fitting together. In further fulfillment, they elected Matthias to take the place of Judas.
No matter how much logic could be applied to the situation surrounding Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, man cannot be convinced to become saved. The disciples were not convinced, they were drawn by the Holy Spirit to follow Him, and others will be as well. It is that dunamis power from the Holy Spirit at work in our lives daily.
It is not about how much knowledge we have obtained. It is about who we know, and He is the Holy Spirit.
How often have we heard the old adage “It is not what you know, but who you know that counts”? When something at home breaks down and we need it repaired, the first person we look for to help us is someone we know. If we do not know someone to fix it, we call a friend ask who they recommend—someone they know. Our last resort is to Google the issue and call a stranger.
News of their ability to fix it is passed from person to person. This is referred to as word of mouth and is the advertising method for most. Even if you have not experienced their ability to fix it, if you just know them because of the social circle you are in, they are the first one you call. It is all about who you know.
Dunamis is the Greek for Power. It is power for performing miracles, moral power and excellence of soul, the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth, and more. The dictionary defines it as the ability, strength, and capacity to do something and as having the authority to act or do something according to a law or rule.
When you do not know someone and introduce yourself as a friend of someone they know, the walls come down and conversation begins. Association opens a door for trust and a relationship begins. Without the opening of that door, chances on getting to know them would be slim to none.
1 Dear Theophilus: In my first book I told you about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he ascended to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions from the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. On these occasions he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
I believe it is Jesus’ intention for all to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is not wrong to be baptized as John baptized. Water baptism is a public confession of our commitment to Christ. I do not believe it maters if that is by sprinkling a few drops of water on one’s head, or by full immersion in a pool of water. It is the public confession that is important. Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.
However, the results in our lives are not the same. Water baptism creates an opportunity for us to be a part of a group of other confessing believers in the natural; it does not give us access to the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. This is where the disciples were when Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. They had received John’s baptism and were followers of Christ, but they were not to go out to minister without the Holy Spirit.
6 When the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, are you going to free Israel now and restore our kingdom?" 7 "The Father sets those dates," he replied, "and they are not for you to know. 8 But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 It was not long after he said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud. 10 As they were straining their eyes to see him, two white-robed men suddenly stood there among them. 11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!"
Notice He tells them (and us) it is when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about Jesus everywhere. This is that dunamis power I spoke of above. The Holy Spirit opens the door for us. He gives us the authority to operate in the name of Jesus. He is the influence we need to go through doors that would have otherwise been closed to us.
We are to reach the lost with the power of the Holy Spirit which is obtained when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the result of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
When we attempt to reach the lost without Holy Spirit power, we resort to human marketing methods to win them over. There is no wining people to Christ. When the Holy Spirit is involved, they are drawn to Him.
We can have the best marketing program, run ads on prime time television, and hand out thousands of tracts. Sure, we will fill the institutional churches, increase membership in them, and even fill the coffers with untold tax deductible dollars.
However, the count does not having anything to do with how many were drawn to Christ by the leading of the Holy Spirit; how many were converted from heathen to believer. Do not get me wrong. The campaigns do bring them into the potential presence of the Holy Spirit and they may be drawn to follow Him as an indirect result of the effort.
Yet, Jesus said to be filled the power of the Holy Spirit and then go out into the entire world,
12 The apostles were at the Mount of Olives when this happened, so they walked the half mile back to Jerusalem. 13 Then they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here is the list of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
They listened to what Jesus had told them, and then gathered together to wait for the Holy Spirit. We know this as the “upper room”. We each need to have our own “upper room” experience, and it occurs when we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is then that we receive the power to go out into the world and preach the good news. It then that the words out of our mouth are not our own, but are those of the Holy Spirit as we allow Him to speak through us. It is then others are drawn to Him.
15 During this time, on a day when about 120 believers were present, Peter stood up and addressed them as follows: 16 "Brothers, it was necessary for the Scriptures to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided the Temple police to arrest Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us, chosen to share in the ministry with us." 18 (Judas bought a field with the money he received for his treachery, and falling there, he burst open, spilling out his intestines. 19 The news of his death spread rapidly among all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means "Field of Blood.") 20 Peter continued, "This was predicted in the book of Psalms, where it says, 'Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.' And again, 'Let his position be given to someone else.' 21 "So now we must choose another man to take Judas's place. It must be someone who has been with us all the time that we were with the Lord Jesus – 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us into heaven. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus' resurrection." 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed for the right man to be chosen. "O Lord," they said, "you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas the traitor in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and in this way Matthias was chosen and became an apostle with the other eleven.
As they waited they began to better understand the fulfillment of scripture that had already occurred. The pieces of the puzzle were fitting together. In further fulfillment, they elected Matthias to take the place of Judas.
No matter how much logic could be applied to the situation surrounding Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, man cannot be convinced to become saved. The disciples were not convinced, they were drawn by the Holy Spirit to follow Him, and others will be as well. It is that dunamis power from the Holy Spirit at work in our lives daily.
It is not about how much knowledge we have obtained. It is about who we know, and He is the Holy Spirit.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friend of God
1 Timothy 3:1
It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility. (NLT)
The marketplace is the business arena where we work and shop each week. At work, we are either the boss or work for one. The boss is the person responsible for seeing that the goals of the company are accomplished. His first duty is to the company and its ability to make a profit.
When a businessperson first comes to church as a new member of even as a new believer, many look to him or her as a leader because of their position in the marketplace. The new person may be expected to move into leadership within the church. They might even expect to do so.
The KJV refers to a bishop rather than an elder. The root word is the Greek word Episkope, which means to be an oversight. That person would be the overseer or one of the presiding officers in a Christian church. He would be holding the position of overseership referred to in the Bible as the office of an elder.
In other words, this is someone who is given responsibility over others in a church body, the family of believers that assemble regularly. In a worldly sense, we think of elder as someone who is older than us and wise with wisdom because of their age and experience in life. In the body of Christ the wisdom and experience is all about their walk with God.
We must be careful not to blend the marketplace responsibilities with the church responsibilities. The goals are different. In business, the boss may even force his or her wisdom and knowledge on us. They demand involuntary submission on our part. In the church submission is voluntary. We submit to the elders because we seek their wisdom, experiential knowledge, and spiritual guidance. They are to be an encouragement to us in our walk, not our guide--the Holy Spirit takes us on the journey.
Although a church organization needs finances to pay the bills and function in our society, the "bottom line" is not the primary purpose of its existence. It is the people that come first. As such, the marketplace leader must learn how to lead in an entirely different scenario; with a different protocol.
Holding a title in a church organization does not mean you are any more successful than he who does not. There is no large paycheck or long exotic vacation attached to it. No, with the title comes responsibility to God's children. With it comes commitment to compassion to others.
The first title we should be seeking is "friend of God". We need to develop our relationship with Him. Then we can think about the title at our church; at the body of believers we assemble with to praise God each week.
Were you a friend of God today?
It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility. (NLT)
The marketplace is the business arena where we work and shop each week. At work, we are either the boss or work for one. The boss is the person responsible for seeing that the goals of the company are accomplished. His first duty is to the company and its ability to make a profit.
When a businessperson first comes to church as a new member of even as a new believer, many look to him or her as a leader because of their position in the marketplace. The new person may be expected to move into leadership within the church. They might even expect to do so.
The KJV refers to a bishop rather than an elder. The root word is the Greek word Episkope, which means to be an oversight. That person would be the overseer or one of the presiding officers in a Christian church. He would be holding the position of overseership referred to in the Bible as the office of an elder.
In other words, this is someone who is given responsibility over others in a church body, the family of believers that assemble regularly. In a worldly sense, we think of elder as someone who is older than us and wise with wisdom because of their age and experience in life. In the body of Christ the wisdom and experience is all about their walk with God.
We must be careful not to blend the marketplace responsibilities with the church responsibilities. The goals are different. In business, the boss may even force his or her wisdom and knowledge on us. They demand involuntary submission on our part. In the church submission is voluntary. We submit to the elders because we seek their wisdom, experiential knowledge, and spiritual guidance. They are to be an encouragement to us in our walk, not our guide--the Holy Spirit takes us on the journey.
Although a church organization needs finances to pay the bills and function in our society, the "bottom line" is not the primary purpose of its existence. It is the people that come first. As such, the marketplace leader must learn how to lead in an entirely different scenario; with a different protocol.
Holding a title in a church organization does not mean you are any more successful than he who does not. There is no large paycheck or long exotic vacation attached to it. No, with the title comes responsibility to God's children. With it comes commitment to compassion to others.
The first title we should be seeking is "friend of God". We need to develop our relationship with Him. Then we can think about the title at our church; at the body of believers we assemble with to praise God each week.
Were you a friend of God today?
Salvation is a Choice
1 Timothy 2:4
God wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (NLT)
The world expects certain behavior out of those calling themselves Christians. Society has put anyone with that moniker in a box. The meaning of who a Christian is has been formed by the behavior of a few; none of which representing all Christians.
It doesn’t stop there. Christians expect certain behavior from other Christians as well. Some will only do business with another that claims to be a Christian. Because their expectation is based on their own ideals they may become disappointed if that businessman does not live up to them.
I have heard statements like "They call themselves a Christian so they should know better." This is another example of judging spmeone based on ones own expectations. This should not occur in any relationship if that relationship is to be successful.
He wants all His children to be saved. He wants us all in eternity with Him. Yet He knows many will fall under the spell of the enemy; many will not make it. He does not pick and choose who He wants to be saved and neither should we. We need to stop judging Christians and stop judging those who are not. We need to reach out to all His children and let them have the opportunity to choose.
Many will be saved, but not all will understand the truth. Step one is salvation, but with it does not come understanding.
It is up to each and every one of us to walk out our salvation. We need to press in and dig into His word. We need to talk to God every day. We need to pray without ceasing. He will put us around others that we may learn from. He will fill us with His knowledge.
Salvation is a choice followed with a step of faith. Walking out our salvation takes effort, and it is in walking that we gain understanding.
Did you walk a little more today?
God wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (NLT)
The world expects certain behavior out of those calling themselves Christians. Society has put anyone with that moniker in a box. The meaning of who a Christian is has been formed by the behavior of a few; none of which representing all Christians.
It doesn’t stop there. Christians expect certain behavior from other Christians as well. Some will only do business with another that claims to be a Christian. Because their expectation is based on their own ideals they may become disappointed if that businessman does not live up to them.
I have heard statements like "They call themselves a Christian so they should know better." This is another example of judging spmeone based on ones own expectations. This should not occur in any relationship if that relationship is to be successful.
He wants all His children to be saved. He wants us all in eternity with Him. Yet He knows many will fall under the spell of the enemy; many will not make it. He does not pick and choose who He wants to be saved and neither should we. We need to stop judging Christians and stop judging those who are not. We need to reach out to all His children and let them have the opportunity to choose.
Many will be saved, but not all will understand the truth. Step one is salvation, but with it does not come understanding.
It is up to each and every one of us to walk out our salvation. We need to press in and dig into His word. We need to talk to God every day. We need to pray without ceasing. He will put us around others that we may learn from. He will fill us with His knowledge.
Salvation is a choice followed with a step of faith. Walking out our salvation takes effort, and it is in walking that we gain understanding.
Did you walk a little more today?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
It’s Green
I was walking Tuffy, our five year old Cairn Terrier the other day. As we were heading back to our house I was admiring the lawn. It was green and plush looking, like the fairway on a well kept golf course. This is a big change from twenty-five years ago.
When we first moved into our New England neighborhood I was busy working all the time. The condition of the lawn did not mean anything to me. I would cut it or have it cut by our boys when it absolutly needed to be cut. If it was to grow and be green, I figured God would send the rain. What kind of grass was it, you ask. It was green. Sure it was mixed with what most would call good grass and a lot of weeds and clover. From a distance it looked pretty good, when it was first cut. When you got up close, you could see the patches of dirt where nothing was growing and the mixture of various green growing things all bunched together. Never the less, it was green.
In Florida our grass is different. It is course and green during the rainy season. Ant mounds can be found popping up all over the place. New England grass does not survive in that southern climate. In Florida the watering is very expensive and because of the shortages most of the year, it is usually never allowed. To water cost effectively, you must drill a well and water with the brackage, unpotable water you can pump. Some of our neighbors keep their lawns green with this approach. Even though it is green, it is not like the soft and silky grass up north; the kind you can run barefoot through and have it feel soft and cool underfoot. Walking barefoot on Florida grass can be painful, it is so coarse.
Back in Rhode Island, our grass is still green. However, we planted new grass, added a sprinkler system, and have it mowed once a week. From a distance it has never looked better. Up close there are a few weeds here and there, but you really have to look to find them. My wife, Dianne digs the culprits up and plants new grass to fill the space.
Then I began to reflect on how church, the body of Christ, is like our lawn. As you enter many a church on Sunday morning, it looks pretty good. People of all walks of life are together in their Sunday best worshipping God. Like the green lawn, they all look like they belong together. They appear in one accord.
After you belong for a while you notice the crab grass and even some bare patches. Some have come because they want to be a part of the picture, but are not yet willing to give their life over to Him. They are not willing to let go of the control they have or presume to have over their own destiny.
Then there are those that have no intention of converting. They are from the camp of the enemy and have been placed to infect the good seed. Their purpose is to infiltrate, confuse, and to bring temptation to the body of Christ. Their spot will never be green.
Just because people gather with Christians does not make them a Christian. I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7-- “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
As we stay in His Word and build our relationship with Him, we will grow. Our nourishment comes from the Lord and not from man. For man can sound good and look good, but be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We must test all we hear and experience against the Word of God. It is the Truth.
From a distance the body of Christ is like that green lawn. It looks good. Up close, the weeds blend with the grass. When the harvest comes, only the grass will be with Christ.
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