"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit.
"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
John 12:24-26 NASB
There can be no spiritual power, no true usefulness to God, except that we die to ourselves. The world is full of busy religious people all doing things for God and His kingdom, but we see so little power, so little results, so little of the presence of God in our activities.
Jesus tells us that a seed will not bear fruit unless it is dead and buried. We also will not bear fruit unless we are dead and buried spiritually speaking.
He puts His finger on the problem. It is the love of life that keeps us useless for His glory. Multitudes of professing believers are caught up in the everyday pursuit of life and happiness. We live for the temporal needs of this life. We are concerned for food and clothing, and put God's kingdom in the back part of our minds. This is the exact opposite of what Jesus calls us to do (Matt 6:25-34).
You see, Jesus calls us to hate our lives in this world. He is telling us that our plans, our agendas, our pleasures and desires, must go. It is not about us at all. As long as we retain self in any form, we cannot truly follow Him. We cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24).
Too many professed Christians are running around with self in control of their lives. To be sure, many of them live moral, upright lives. They have put away sins of every kind, but they, like the rich young ruler, still have an idol in their hearts (Luke 18:18-24). It is this idea of happiness, the "American dream." We seem to want to be comfortable, to retain at least some control of our lives and circumstances, to have our needs fully met, and have some pleasure as well. We seek higher education, find fulfillment in sports and entertainment, go to Church and get involved with the many programs and activities that are promoted there, but it is all for us, and about us!
Paul said that he gloried in the cross of Christ, through which the world was crucified to him, and he to the world (Galatians 6:14). We all believe that Jesus was crucified on the cross for us, but have we been placed on the cross as well? We might not teach this today, but it is biblical nonetheless. Paul states that He has been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer Paul in charge, but the life of Christ is now lived out by faith (Galatians 2:20). In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul states that as believers we have been crucified with Christ so that our sinful nature would be destroyed. We find freedom from sin through the cross (Romans 6:6).
The point is that dead men have no plans, no purposes, no agendas, nothing. Once nailed to that cross, it is all over. You cannot get down to go to your job, you cannot get down to go home to your families, hobbies, vacations, entertainments, or anything else. Even our plans and desires as relating to Christian service must be forsaken for God, and His higher plans for us. It is over, and this is where God calls us to be. Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34-35). We are no longer our own. This is the call to surrender all, to completely and forever renounce all we have and are, and follow Christ fully. No more self, but Christ is all.
This is where we are filled with power and purpose. We have to get rid of self, so that We can be filled with Him. If you had murky water in a container that was unfit to drink, wouldn't you first pour it out before you filled it with fresh clean water? Likewise, God wants us out of the way so to speak, so that He might live through us in power.
Now it can be all about Him. It is no longer our will, but His. It is no longer our plans and purposes that we live for, but His. We are no longer struggling within the confines of our limited strength, but operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as a seed falls into the ground and grows into a fruit bearing plant, now we too can bear fruit for God.
Fear keeps us back. We worry about not being in control, but is not God far wiser than we are in making decisions? We worry about food and clothing, but will He not take care of us (Matt 6:33)? God has our highest good in mind. He will not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). God has a higher call upon your life than you might realize. Will you not yield to His call today?
Showing posts with label baptism of the holy spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baptism of the holy spirit. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Heavenly Minded.
There is a saying that one can be so heavenly minded, that they are of no earthly good. It seems that if someone gets passionate about Jesus, gets serious about living for Him, they are shut down by some professed believer who is a little uncomfortable with their zeal.
However, this is what God calls us to as followers of Christ,
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 NASB
As followers of Christ, our life does not consist in the abundance of the earthly things we possess (Luke 12:15). Our life is not about all of our temporal, earthly pursuits (2 Tim 2:4). Jesus teaches us that even the necessities of life are not to become the end all of our existence here in this life (Matt 6:25-34).
Sadly, too many professed believers spend their lives in the hustle and bustle of this world. Days are filled with jobs, daycare, after school activities, and so on. There are too few hours in a day to juggle everything that we try to pursue. In the eyes of the world, this is wonderful, as we climb the ladder to success.
But at what cost? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, only to lose his soul (Mark 8:36). While we chase the temporal things of this life our prayer life dwindles, our hunger for the word diminishes, and our love for the presence of Jesus Christ grows cold.
To be earthly minded causes us to be ineffective for the kingdom of God. While we pursue temporal things, the eternal things slip away. We wonder why our unsaved loved ones never get saved, but how can we expect them to when we are too wrapped up with ourselves to make an honest effort to reach them? Jesus teaches us to lay up treasure in heaven, not on this earth (Matt 6:19-21).
Consider the Apostle Paul. He claimed to do only one thing. That was to pursue Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-14). Out of that one thing however, flowed missionary trips, church planting, the writing of 2/3 of the new testament, and a multitude of other exploits that advanced the kingdom of God in a way that no other man has probably equaled in the history of the Church.
Paul was a dead man, crucified with Christ, yet Christ lived through Him (Gal 2:20). In other words, he had no personal plans of his own. His mind was not on the temporal things of this life, he was focused on Jesus, and doing those things that Christ called him to do.
Imagine what we could do if we had this same attitude. What if we would forget about material success, and only live for the kingdom of God. We would have to adjust our standard of living quite a bit, but in the eyes of eternity it would make a great difference. Imagine what would happen if we were empty of self and full of the Spirit? Think of the souls we could reach with the power and presence of God.
Set your mind on the things above! This is where your life is, if you truly belong to the kingdom of God.
However, this is what God calls us to as followers of Christ,
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 NASB
As followers of Christ, our life does not consist in the abundance of the earthly things we possess (Luke 12:15). Our life is not about all of our temporal, earthly pursuits (2 Tim 2:4). Jesus teaches us that even the necessities of life are not to become the end all of our existence here in this life (Matt 6:25-34).
Sadly, too many professed believers spend their lives in the hustle and bustle of this world. Days are filled with jobs, daycare, after school activities, and so on. There are too few hours in a day to juggle everything that we try to pursue. In the eyes of the world, this is wonderful, as we climb the ladder to success.
But at what cost? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, only to lose his soul (Mark 8:36). While we chase the temporal things of this life our prayer life dwindles, our hunger for the word diminishes, and our love for the presence of Jesus Christ grows cold.
To be earthly minded causes us to be ineffective for the kingdom of God. While we pursue temporal things, the eternal things slip away. We wonder why our unsaved loved ones never get saved, but how can we expect them to when we are too wrapped up with ourselves to make an honest effort to reach them? Jesus teaches us to lay up treasure in heaven, not on this earth (Matt 6:19-21).
Consider the Apostle Paul. He claimed to do only one thing. That was to pursue Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-14). Out of that one thing however, flowed missionary trips, church planting, the writing of 2/3 of the new testament, and a multitude of other exploits that advanced the kingdom of God in a way that no other man has probably equaled in the history of the Church.
Paul was a dead man, crucified with Christ, yet Christ lived through Him (Gal 2:20). In other words, he had no personal plans of his own. His mind was not on the temporal things of this life, he was focused on Jesus, and doing those things that Christ called him to do.
Imagine what we could do if we had this same attitude. What if we would forget about material success, and only live for the kingdom of God. We would have to adjust our standard of living quite a bit, but in the eyes of eternity it would make a great difference. Imagine what would happen if we were empty of self and full of the Spirit? Think of the souls we could reach with the power and presence of God.
Set your mind on the things above! This is where your life is, if you truly belong to the kingdom of God.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
The Importance of Prayer.
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
1 Peter 4:7 NASB
Prayer is one of those things that seem so easy, yet are so hard to actually put into practice. We tend to get so busy with our lives and the things around us, and neglect prayer.
To be sure, we offer up quick little prayers when faced with troubles, we may even allow time for "devotions" and prayer, but to really pray with earnestness, we know little of.
The above text calls us to be of sound judgment and sober spirit. We may not realize it, but we are in a spiritual war, facing foes that are of a spiritual nature, that cannot be defeated by human wisdom or means (2 Cor 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:12). We must not underestimate them, but realize that only through Christ can we overcome them. It is fatal to our souls to be so filled with the things of this life, that we fail to pray with the earnestness that is required of us.
Look at the example of Elijah. He was a man like us, but accomplished much through earnest prayer. We are encouraged by this, to pray earnestly and effectually as well (James 5:16-18).
The King James text calls it fervent prayer. This is an intense white hot effort. It is not speaking of quick prayers, lacking faith, while our minds wander to other things. This is focused prayer inspired and breathed through us by the Holy Spirit.
This is what is meant when we are called to pray in the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20). It takes work. We must be committed to the cause with all our being. We cannot be filled with the things of this life, or we will have no room for the things of the Spirit!
Yield up your lives to the control of the Holy Spirit, and let Him empower you to pray with the earnestness that gets the answer! Be of sound judgment and sober minds, because the end is near, the days are evil, and only the presence and power of God in our lives can make the difference!
1 Peter 4:7 NASB
Prayer is one of those things that seem so easy, yet are so hard to actually put into practice. We tend to get so busy with our lives and the things around us, and neglect prayer.
To be sure, we offer up quick little prayers when faced with troubles, we may even allow time for "devotions" and prayer, but to really pray with earnestness, we know little of.
The above text calls us to be of sound judgment and sober spirit. We may not realize it, but we are in a spiritual war, facing foes that are of a spiritual nature, that cannot be defeated by human wisdom or means (2 Cor 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:12). We must not underestimate them, but realize that only through Christ can we overcome them. It is fatal to our souls to be so filled with the things of this life, that we fail to pray with the earnestness that is required of us.
Look at the example of Elijah. He was a man like us, but accomplished much through earnest prayer. We are encouraged by this, to pray earnestly and effectually as well (James 5:16-18).
The King James text calls it fervent prayer. This is an intense white hot effort. It is not speaking of quick prayers, lacking faith, while our minds wander to other things. This is focused prayer inspired and breathed through us by the Holy Spirit.
This is what is meant when we are called to pray in the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20). It takes work. We must be committed to the cause with all our being. We cannot be filled with the things of this life, or we will have no room for the things of the Spirit!
Yield up your lives to the control of the Holy Spirit, and let Him empower you to pray with the earnestness that gets the answer! Be of sound judgment and sober minds, because the end is near, the days are evil, and only the presence and power of God in our lives can make the difference!
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Full of the Spirit
Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God
1 Peter 4:11a NASB
As Christ's ambassadors we must be empty of self, and full of Him. Just like John the Baptist, we must decrease so that He can increase (John 3:30).
Our message must be God's message delivered by God the Holy Spirit, through individuals empty of self, and yielded to His impulse.
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction.
1 Thessalonians 1:5a NASB
For this reason we constantly thank God that when you received the word which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which performs its work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB
If we would see true results it must be all of God through empty vessels. We must give up all reliance on self, our natural strengths and talents, our persuasiveness, our programs, and lean completely on Christ, relying on the Spirit to give us the message in power and conviction.
It is hard to completely die out to the flesh, and this is where we see so little accomplished for the kingdom. The cost is great, but the one dead to self and yielded to God will shake souls, and see God move.
1 Peter 4:11a NASB
As Christ's ambassadors we must be empty of self, and full of Him. Just like John the Baptist, we must decrease so that He can increase (John 3:30).
Our message must be God's message delivered by God the Holy Spirit, through individuals empty of self, and yielded to His impulse.
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction.
1 Thessalonians 1:5a NASB
For this reason we constantly thank God that when you received the word which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which performs its work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB
If we would see true results it must be all of God through empty vessels. We must give up all reliance on self, our natural strengths and talents, our persuasiveness, our programs, and lean completely on Christ, relying on the Spirit to give us the message in power and conviction.
It is hard to completely die out to the flesh, and this is where we see so little accomplished for the kingdom. The cost is great, but the one dead to self and yielded to God will shake souls, and see God move.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
When Zion Travailed.
History shows us that every past move of God has been birthed in prayer. Past revivals, and times when God's Spirit has come upon individuals and communities with powerful conviction leading them to repentance and faith, have been preceded by deep earnest prayer. Someone somewhere spent earnest time wrestling with God for the souls of men.
It is much like giving birth. It requires effort, in fact hard painful effort. Just as labor pains become excruciating, and the process of labor becomes more and more intense in the effort required to give birth, so it is with bringing sons into the kingdom of God (Isaiah 66:8).
It is no wonder that few individuals can ever be found to truly pray for souls, for revival, for the Spirit of God to be poured out in abundance. It takes too much effort, and most are too busy with other things.
To prevail, one must be empowered and led in prayer by the Holy Spirit of God. This is what Paul means in Romans 8:26-27. This is what is meant in Jude 1: 20. Praying in the Holy Spirit.
This is a work that is not for the weak, faint or timid. It requires focus, a sober spirit. Those who would prevail in prayer must have no "fleshly" desire, but be moved by the very heart and compassion of God.
Like labor, it is a long drawn out process. We are too used to doing everything quick and easy. We want it now with little effort on our part. This is not how it works with God. Unless we seek Him with the whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), unless we pursue Him, and His will with a whole hearted, relentless pursuit, we will see no answer. God means business with those who mean business with Him. You are either serious about Him and His kingdom, or you are not, and our earnestness, or lack thereof is a good indicator of how much we truly desire to see Zion bringing forth sons into the kingdom of God.
This is why we see so little of the power of God in our world today. The people of God do not have the passion and fire that it takes to grab hold of the horns of the altar and prevail with God.
God help us to come to grips with our lack of power, our lack of desire, and our feeble praying. God give us repentant hearts, and fill us with His Spirit, so that we would rise up to the occasion, and see revival sweep our land.
God does not bring to the point of birth, and then close up the womb (Isaiah 66:9). He is looking for someone who will lay down their life and seek Him in earnestness. Will that be you? He will give you the passion and power by His Spirit. Just let Him fill and use you!
It is much like giving birth. It requires effort, in fact hard painful effort. Just as labor pains become excruciating, and the process of labor becomes more and more intense in the effort required to give birth, so it is with bringing sons into the kingdom of God (Isaiah 66:8).
It is no wonder that few individuals can ever be found to truly pray for souls, for revival, for the Spirit of God to be poured out in abundance. It takes too much effort, and most are too busy with other things.
To prevail, one must be empowered and led in prayer by the Holy Spirit of God. This is what Paul means in Romans 8:26-27. This is what is meant in Jude 1: 20. Praying in the Holy Spirit.
This is a work that is not for the weak, faint or timid. It requires focus, a sober spirit. Those who would prevail in prayer must have no "fleshly" desire, but be moved by the very heart and compassion of God.
Like labor, it is a long drawn out process. We are too used to doing everything quick and easy. We want it now with little effort on our part. This is not how it works with God. Unless we seek Him with the whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), unless we pursue Him, and His will with a whole hearted, relentless pursuit, we will see no answer. God means business with those who mean business with Him. You are either serious about Him and His kingdom, or you are not, and our earnestness, or lack thereof is a good indicator of how much we truly desire to see Zion bringing forth sons into the kingdom of God.
This is why we see so little of the power of God in our world today. The people of God do not have the passion and fire that it takes to grab hold of the horns of the altar and prevail with God.
God help us to come to grips with our lack of power, our lack of desire, and our feeble praying. God give us repentant hearts, and fill us with His Spirit, so that we would rise up to the occasion, and see revival sweep our land.
God does not bring to the point of birth, and then close up the womb (Isaiah 66:9). He is looking for someone who will lay down their life and seek Him in earnestness. Will that be you? He will give you the passion and power by His Spirit. Just let Him fill and use you!
Friday, September 5, 2014
Longing For the Presence of God.
Are you stuck in a spiritual rut? Are you tired of the same old religious way of doing things? Is your Christianity empty? Does it leave you with an aching void?
I believe countless numbers of people can relate to questions like these. They believe in Christ, they go to church, they call themselves Christians, but they are empty.
Look at the very beginning. Adam and Eve fellowshipped with God. It was sin, their disobedience that caused them to hide from His presence (Genesis 3:8). God's presence was with the nation of Israel in a pillar of fire by night, and a cloud by day (Exodus 13:21). He met with Moses at the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:9-11).
When the Israelites made the golden calf and worshipped it, God was angered and threatened to destroy them. Moses intervened on their behalf and God spared them, however He would not go with them any longer. His presence meant so much to Moses, that if God would not go with them, it was over! They would not go (Exodus 33:15-16).
Throughout the history of Israel God's presence was with them, symbolized by the ark of testimony, which was placed in the most holy place. It was only when they turned from God to worship idols that He departed from them (Ezekiel 10:18-19). The glory of God filled the tent of meeting in the wilderness. It also filled the temple in the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:1-2).
This is what was important! This is what really mattered. The presence of God, the manifestation of His glory, in the midst of His people. Without this everything else was really meaningless. Worship was empty. The rituals were only rituals.
This is what we need today! Worship is empty, sermons are dry, religious things are meaningless without the presence of God in our midst!
We need to get back to the worship of God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). The way to the most holy place has been opened for us (Hebrews 10:19-25). We can enter into the very presence of God. We can daily live in His presence as we live each moment of every day in His strength and for His glory.
Knowing and serving Christ was never meant to be empty and dry. It is a vibrant life full of purpose and joy, as we go on in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
I believe countless numbers of people can relate to questions like these. They believe in Christ, they go to church, they call themselves Christians, but they are empty.
Look at the very beginning. Adam and Eve fellowshipped with God. It was sin, their disobedience that caused them to hide from His presence (Genesis 3:8). God's presence was with the nation of Israel in a pillar of fire by night, and a cloud by day (Exodus 13:21). He met with Moses at the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:9-11).
When the Israelites made the golden calf and worshipped it, God was angered and threatened to destroy them. Moses intervened on their behalf and God spared them, however He would not go with them any longer. His presence meant so much to Moses, that if God would not go with them, it was over! They would not go (Exodus 33:15-16).
Throughout the history of Israel God's presence was with them, symbolized by the ark of testimony, which was placed in the most holy place. It was only when they turned from God to worship idols that He departed from them (Ezekiel 10:18-19). The glory of God filled the tent of meeting in the wilderness. It also filled the temple in the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:1-2).
This is what was important! This is what really mattered. The presence of God, the manifestation of His glory, in the midst of His people. Without this everything else was really meaningless. Worship was empty. The rituals were only rituals.
This is what we need today! Worship is empty, sermons are dry, religious things are meaningless without the presence of God in our midst!
We need to get back to the worship of God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). The way to the most holy place has been opened for us (Hebrews 10:19-25). We can enter into the very presence of God. We can daily live in His presence as we live each moment of every day in His strength and for His glory.
Knowing and serving Christ was never meant to be empty and dry. It is a vibrant life full of purpose and joy, as we go on in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
White Hot!
Jesus would have us to be white hot in our service to Him. In Romans 12:11 we are exhorted to be diligent, and fervent in spirit.
To be fervent in spirit is to be on fire for Christ. Someone who is white hot will set those on fire who are around them. A Christian full of the Holy Ghost and fire will accomplish much for the kingdom of God. Souls will come under conviction of sin, repent and be saved. Backsliders will be reclaimed. The dry will be kindled into flame!
Get full of the Spirit! Be white hot, on fire for Christ! Spread revival fire wherever you go!
To be fervent in spirit is to be on fire for Christ. Someone who is white hot will set those on fire who are around them. A Christian full of the Holy Ghost and fire will accomplish much for the kingdom of God. Souls will come under conviction of sin, repent and be saved. Backsliders will be reclaimed. The dry will be kindled into flame!
Get full of the Spirit! Be white hot, on fire for Christ! Spread revival fire wherever you go!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Consecrated To The Calling.
I believe the full gospel! I believe in the pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with signs following. I am in no way a cessationist. I believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for today. I believe that the New Testament gifts of the Holy Spirit are for us today as well. Jesus Christ is the same Jesus today. We need the presence and power of God in our lives today, just as the early Church needed it two thousand years ago.
It was the Holy Spirit who gave witness to the resurrected Christ in power through the Apostles and early Christians, with signs and wonders. He anointed the words of the early witnesses, bringing conviction to those who heard. The gospel was spread in the power of the Holy Spirit then, and nothing has changed now either.
The great evangelists of former times believed that they were powerless without the Holy Spirit's fullness in their lives. Charles Finney preached, and wrote extensively on the subject of the Holy Spirit, and the utter necessity of His power to convert sinners. John wesley preached in the power of the Spirt, as did Jonathan Edwards, and many others. These men believed that they had to have the Spirit's presence and power to successfully carry out the great commission.
The thing that strikes me is this. These men believed in persevering prayer for this blessing. They believed in a full consecration of oneself to Christ and the spreading of the gospel (Mark 8:35). They sought for the presence of the Holy Spirit. They emptied themselves of everything. They committed themselves to the work of saving sinners. They were entirely dependent upon God to enable them to do this work. They confessed sin, renounced anything that stood in the way of more of Christ in their lives. They were filled, and preached with a power that few have since preached with.
We are so weak today! Even those of us who call ourselves pentecostal! We claim to be Spirit filled, we speak in tongues, discern spirits, prophesy, and walk in the gifts. Don't get me wrong. I am not a cessationist. I believe that the spiritual gifts are still valid today (1 Cor 12:4-11). What is lacking is the power in the pulpits. The power in personal one on one witnessing. We see little results. Do we depend too much on ourselves and not enough on God? Many people seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but remain empty. We are told to just ask in faith. I agree, we receive the Spirit by faith (Gal 3:2, Luke 11:13). However we tend to forget why we need the Holy Spirit. We too often forget the great commission. We are not fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. We are not committed to the salvation of souls as our chief work for Christ on this earth. I understand we have different callings and vocations while on this earth, but our chief aim is the glory of God regardless of what we do.
The strange thing is this. The mighty men of the last few centuries believed in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They claimed it and preached in it's power. Multitudes were saved and set free from sin. Years later the majority of them were still saved and serving Jesus Christ. These ministers and evangelists said nothing of tongues. They had power though!
I believe in tongues, but I fear that the modern pentecostal view may have shifted from the presence and power of the abiding Holy Spirit to change the lives of men, to something that excites us on Sunday morning! This sounds harsh, steps on toes, maybe offends some of you. I don't wish to offend, but to challenge us all to rise up to the high calling of Christ to spread the gospel into the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20), with the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to the glory of God.
Examine yourself! Are you empty or full? Are you committed to Christ and the spreading of His kingdom? Is it your life's work? Are you willing to give up all for the gift of the Holy Spirit? You are nothing without it. The world goes lost without your witness. God is calling you to greater things.
It was the Holy Spirit who gave witness to the resurrected Christ in power through the Apostles and early Christians, with signs and wonders. He anointed the words of the early witnesses, bringing conviction to those who heard. The gospel was spread in the power of the Holy Spirit then, and nothing has changed now either.
The great evangelists of former times believed that they were powerless without the Holy Spirit's fullness in their lives. Charles Finney preached, and wrote extensively on the subject of the Holy Spirit, and the utter necessity of His power to convert sinners. John wesley preached in the power of the Spirt, as did Jonathan Edwards, and many others. These men believed that they had to have the Spirit's presence and power to successfully carry out the great commission.
The thing that strikes me is this. These men believed in persevering prayer for this blessing. They believed in a full consecration of oneself to Christ and the spreading of the gospel (Mark 8:35). They sought for the presence of the Holy Spirit. They emptied themselves of everything. They committed themselves to the work of saving sinners. They were entirely dependent upon God to enable them to do this work. They confessed sin, renounced anything that stood in the way of more of Christ in their lives. They were filled, and preached with a power that few have since preached with.
We are so weak today! Even those of us who call ourselves pentecostal! We claim to be Spirit filled, we speak in tongues, discern spirits, prophesy, and walk in the gifts. Don't get me wrong. I am not a cessationist. I believe that the spiritual gifts are still valid today (1 Cor 12:4-11). What is lacking is the power in the pulpits. The power in personal one on one witnessing. We see little results. Do we depend too much on ourselves and not enough on God? Many people seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but remain empty. We are told to just ask in faith. I agree, we receive the Spirit by faith (Gal 3:2, Luke 11:13). However we tend to forget why we need the Holy Spirit. We too often forget the great commission. We are not fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. We are not committed to the salvation of souls as our chief work for Christ on this earth. I understand we have different callings and vocations while on this earth, but our chief aim is the glory of God regardless of what we do.
The strange thing is this. The mighty men of the last few centuries believed in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They claimed it and preached in it's power. Multitudes were saved and set free from sin. Years later the majority of them were still saved and serving Jesus Christ. These ministers and evangelists said nothing of tongues. They had power though!
I believe in tongues, but I fear that the modern pentecostal view may have shifted from the presence and power of the abiding Holy Spirit to change the lives of men, to something that excites us on Sunday morning! This sounds harsh, steps on toes, maybe offends some of you. I don't wish to offend, but to challenge us all to rise up to the high calling of Christ to spread the gospel into the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20), with the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to the glory of God.
Examine yourself! Are you empty or full? Are you committed to Christ and the spreading of His kingdom? Is it your life's work? Are you willing to give up all for the gift of the Holy Spirit? You are nothing without it. The world goes lost without your witness. God is calling you to greater things.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Set Apart.
O God, my prayer for the church is that she would be separate unto You. I pray that she would come out of the world, and cast the world out of her midst. God come and purify your bride with the cleansing fire of Your blessed Holy Spirit. Come and fill Your cleansed temple once again. Come and ignite a holy passion within our hearts. May they burn for you. Give us the pentecostal power that we have heard of but not experienced. O God send the fire! We desire to see Your glory fill this land! We want to see You lifted up and exalted in our midst. Purity and power are what we so desperately need. We cry out for Your presence. Come Lord Jesus Come, and turn our hearts back to You.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Contending for the Faith: Entire consecration.
Contending for the Faith: Entire consecration.: I would like to share an excerpt from the book Sanctification, by B. Carridine D.D. written in 1890. He is writing to Christians, encou...
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Jump In!
I see a cloud the size of a man's hand on the horizon. I see the sky turn black and the winds blow. I see an abundance of rain falling upon a dry and thirsty land (1 Kings 18:44-45).
I hear a mighty rushing wind, I see tongues of fire descending upon a consecrated Church (Acts 2:1-4). I see her rise up in newness and power, the glory of God in her midst.
I see a river, ankle deep, rising and rising until rushing and deep (Ezekiel 47:3-5). I see it making things fresh, I see it bringing life where death now reigns (Ezekiel 47:8-9).
It is coming! God is about to pour out His Holy Spirit in abundance and mighty power!
JUMP IN!
I hear a mighty rushing wind, I see tongues of fire descending upon a consecrated Church (Acts 2:1-4). I see her rise up in newness and power, the glory of God in her midst.
I see a river, ankle deep, rising and rising until rushing and deep (Ezekiel 47:3-5). I see it making things fresh, I see it bringing life where death now reigns (Ezekiel 47:8-9).
It is coming! God is about to pour out His Holy Spirit in abundance and mighty power!
JUMP IN!
Monday, February 10, 2014
The New Covenant.
"But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the Lord, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jeremiah 31:33 NASB
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be my people and I will be your God.
Ezekiel 36:25-28 NASB
" 'Then you will no that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord have spoken and done it," declares the Lord' "
Ezekiel 37:13-14NASB
However you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
Romans 8:9-14 NASB
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16NASB
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, come out from among their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me," says the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NASB
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us- for it is written "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" - in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 NASB
God required perfect obedience to the law under the old covenant. While the law is good, yet it could not empower anyone to obey it.
Now under the new covenant we have the law of God written upon our hearts. It is something that we want to do. God has removed the heart of stone, our stubborn wills have been subdued by the washing of regeneration in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Under the old covenant the presence of God dwelt in the temple, in the holy of holies, symbolized by the ark of the covenant. Worshippers approached God through a system of offerings and sacrifices, with a priest as an intermediary. It was only once a year that a priest could enter the holy of holies with a sacrificial offering.
Now we are the temples of the living God, He dwells in us by His Spirit. We enter into His presence through Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit came upon certain old testament saints at specific times for specific purposes. Now in this age of grace we can enjoy His presence and power for sanctification and service at all times.
All this is made possible to us through Christ Jesus. The broken fellowship has been restored. We enjoy sonship as God's children. God is our God and we are His people. We have access to the throne of grace that was not available under the old covenant, we have new changed hearts, power to live a holy life. We worship in spirit and truth, enjoying intimacy with a God who was once unapproachable because of our sin.
Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ!
Jeremiah 31:33 NASB
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be my people and I will be your God.
Ezekiel 36:25-28 NASB
" 'Then you will no that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord have spoken and done it," declares the Lord' "
Ezekiel 37:13-14NASB
However you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
Romans 8:9-14 NASB
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16NASB
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, come out from among their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me," says the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NASB
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us- for it is written "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" - in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 NASB
God required perfect obedience to the law under the old covenant. While the law is good, yet it could not empower anyone to obey it.
Now under the new covenant we have the law of God written upon our hearts. It is something that we want to do. God has removed the heart of stone, our stubborn wills have been subdued by the washing of regeneration in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Under the old covenant the presence of God dwelt in the temple, in the holy of holies, symbolized by the ark of the covenant. Worshippers approached God through a system of offerings and sacrifices, with a priest as an intermediary. It was only once a year that a priest could enter the holy of holies with a sacrificial offering.
Now we are the temples of the living God, He dwells in us by His Spirit. We enter into His presence through Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit came upon certain old testament saints at specific times for specific purposes. Now in this age of grace we can enjoy His presence and power for sanctification and service at all times.
All this is made possible to us through Christ Jesus. The broken fellowship has been restored. We enjoy sonship as God's children. God is our God and we are His people. We have access to the throne of grace that was not available under the old covenant, we have new changed hearts, power to live a holy life. We worship in spirit and truth, enjoying intimacy with a God who was once unapproachable because of our sin.
Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
A Voice of Thunder.
He had no power in and of himself. What was his secret? He was yielded to God, full of the Holy Spirit. He walked in total obedience to God and His word. He was a man of prayer. He understood that without the power of the Holy Spirit in his life, he could do nothing.
His writings exist today, and have been a source of growth and encouragement to many. Many individuals have read them and God has used them to bring revival as well.
Why not let God use you? We need a voice of thunder today. Let God fill you and use you. Oh how the church needs revival today.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
The Illumination of the Holy Spirit.
What will you do with the Holy Spirit? Will you allow Him to transform you into the image of Christ?
Sunday, May 12, 2013
In the Power of the Spirit.
We need to get back to the way God intended our lives to be lived, and our witness shared!
http://contendforfaith.blogspot.com/
http://contendforfaith.blogspot.com/
Sunday, February 10, 2013
I Need to Be Filled
1. I need to be filled with the spirit, each moment of every day, I need to be filled in the morning, ere starting upon my way.
2. I need to be filled for the home life, I need it for work outside, I need it alone in God's presence, that I may in Him abide.
3. I need to be filled with the Spirit, to hear or to read His word, I need to be filled when by speaking, I witness for Christ my Lord.
4. I need it, and oh, I may have it, for by His enabling power, the Spirit whom He has once given, can fill me this very hour.
chorus
I need to be filled, Lord Jesus, I need to be filled each day;
I need to be filled with the spirit, each moment along life's way.
Ada R Habershon
Robert Harkness
copyright 1910 by C.M. Alexander. Hope Publishing Co.
2. I need to be filled for the home life, I need it for work outside, I need it alone in God's presence, that I may in Him abide.
3. I need to be filled with the Spirit, to hear or to read His word, I need to be filled when by speaking, I witness for Christ my Lord.
4. I need it, and oh, I may have it, for by His enabling power, the Spirit whom He has once given, can fill me this very hour.
chorus
I need to be filled, Lord Jesus, I need to be filled each day;
I need to be filled with the spirit, each moment along life's way.
Ada R Habershon
Robert Harkness
copyright 1910 by C.M. Alexander. Hope Publishing Co.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The stone is rolled away.
7And he said, “Behold, it is still high day; it is not time for the livestock to be gathered. Water the sheep, and go, pasture them.” 8But they said, “We cannot, until all the flocks are gathered, and they roll the stone from the mouth of the well; then we water the sheep.” 9While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. 10And it came about, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went up, and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
The Lockman Foundation (2009-03-19). Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition) (Kindle Locations 1048-1053). The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition.
These verses remind me of pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lives! The stone is rolled away. He is waiting to fill us with living water! Like the 120 in the upper room waiting for the coming of the Spirit, we too need to gather in unity of purpose, desiring nothing but more of Him. Where two or three gather in His name, He promises to be there with them in their midst. Cling to this promise and seek God to pour out His Spirit upon you and your Church, your community, and your nation!
The Lockman Foundation (2009-03-19). Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition) (Kindle Locations 1048-1053). The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition.
These verses remind me of pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lives! The stone is rolled away. He is waiting to fill us with living water! Like the 120 in the upper room waiting for the coming of the Spirit, we too need to gather in unity of purpose, desiring nothing but more of Him. Where two or three gather in His name, He promises to be there with them in their midst. Cling to this promise and seek God to pour out His Spirit upon you and your Church, your community, and your nation!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Full Surrender.
God is looking for empty vessels, individuals who desire nothing but Him, and seek nothing but His glory!
http://contendforfaith.blogspot.com/2011/11/full-surrender.html
Thursday, March 15, 2012
One thing.
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:4 ESV
A hunger for God, a desire to live in His presence in a very real and tangible way, to know Him intimately, is presented in this verse. The apostle Paul had the same hunger. He said "One thing I do" (Phil 3:13). His life was not scattered into many pursuits. He did not preach, plant churches, travel, pray, make tents, etc. He did one thing only,pursue Christ! His ONE desire was to know Christ, and all else flowed out of this singleness of purpose.
We are too divided. Our pursuits have us running all over the place. Like Paul, we need to clean house, get rid of anything that hinders knowing Christ more and more.
All David desired was to dwell in the temple all the days of his life. He did not mean a physical building. He was not talking about shutting himself within a church. He was speaking about the glorious presence of God. All that he desired and pursued was swallowed up by this one great desire, to know God intimately.
Paul accomplished more for Christ than most people ever have. All of this flowed from his pursuit of God, his singleness of purpose. Likewise, if we also would pursue God with all of our hearts, with a passion that swallows up everything, we would truly find Him, live in His presence, and carry His glory. We have been chosen to be temples for the LORD, a place for Him to dwell. Let Him come and fill you with His presence.
Psalm 27:4 ESV
A hunger for God, a desire to live in His presence in a very real and tangible way, to know Him intimately, is presented in this verse. The apostle Paul had the same hunger. He said "One thing I do" (Phil 3:13). His life was not scattered into many pursuits. He did not preach, plant churches, travel, pray, make tents, etc. He did one thing only,pursue Christ! His ONE desire was to know Christ, and all else flowed out of this singleness of purpose.
We are too divided. Our pursuits have us running all over the place. Like Paul, we need to clean house, get rid of anything that hinders knowing Christ more and more.
All David desired was to dwell in the temple all the days of his life. He did not mean a physical building. He was not talking about shutting himself within a church. He was speaking about the glorious presence of God. All that he desired and pursued was swallowed up by this one great desire, to know God intimately.
Paul accomplished more for Christ than most people ever have. All of this flowed from his pursuit of God, his singleness of purpose. Likewise, if we also would pursue God with all of our hearts, with a passion that swallows up everything, we would truly find Him, live in His presence, and carry His glory. We have been chosen to be temples for the LORD, a place for Him to dwell. Let Him come and fill you with His presence.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
The tongue of fire.
Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God.
1 Peter 4:11a esv.
What we need today, are individuals who will boldly proclaim the whole council of God. We need individuals today who will proclaim God's word under the annointing of the Holy Spirit. We need pastors and teachers who will speak as God directs them. We need pastors and teachers with clean hands and pure hearts, we need them to be prayed up, full of the Holy Ghost and fire. The Church does not need to hear sermons and teachings, the Church needs to hear God.
The old time holiness people spoke of the tongue of fire. This was the word delivered with power. Pastors and evangelists spoke with conviction. The fire fell, and people came under conviction. It was as if God himself was speaking. Their words cut like a sword and stuck into hearts. The Church was brought back to their first love, backsliders repented, sinners were saved, the presence of God was ushered in in a very real sense.
Peter spoke with the tongue of fire on the day of pentecost, and three thousand souls were brought into the kingdom. Men were cut to the heart, and said "What must we do?". Stephen spoke with a passion and power that few speak with today. Those who opposed him, could not contend with the Holy Spirit who was enabling him to teach the word of God. It cost him his life, he was completely consumed for God. He would not back down. This was how the gospel was spread in the days of the apostles. Paul lived in the annointing of the Holy Spirit, he preached with power, and saw results. This was how the early Church worked. they preached and taught, and evangelized in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was not the words of man, but of God that were proclaimed, and heard.
This same power was experienced by evangelists, and oastors and revivalists of more recent history. Edwards, and Brainard, Wesley, Whitfield, Finney, and a host of many others all spoke with an authority that few speak with today. Leonard Ravenhill, Smith Wigglesworth, David Wilkerson, all spoke with conviction. They delivered a message to the Church in a very prophetic sense.
We need the fire today, we need to hear God today. We need the Holy Spirit to come and convict. We need Him to edify and strengthen the Church, to build it up for the work He has called us to.
Pastors, sunday school teachers, evangelists, leaders, let God speak today.
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