Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day!

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

John 16:7

Most Christians at one time or another have wondered what it would be like to meet Jesus in

the flesh. How blessed were the first disciples, we think, to have seen him with their eyes and touched him with their hands! And yet when it came time for Jesus to leave this world, he said to the apostles: I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away.

This must have puzzled the apostles. How could it possibly be to their advantage for Jesus to leave them? Jesus answers that, when he goes away (e.g. ascends into heaven), he will send the Counselor, who is none other than the Holy Spirit, to them.

The indwelling Holy Spirit is far more advantageous to followers of Christ than his mere bodily presence. Confined to his human body, Christ could only be in one place at one time. He could only reach people externally, that is, from the outside in. But with the coming of the Holy Spirit all of this would change.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring the presence of Christ to us in a far more intimate and personal way than physical presence. The Spirit of God is to united with our spirit and dwells in our heart. Now Christ can reach us in the deepest wellsprings of our being where true transformation begins. Christ’s physical body could be taken from the disciples, but the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is an eternal and unbreakable bond.

So let us not envy the apostles for their proximity to Christ. His indwelling Spirit is far more advantageous for them and us.

Have a blessed Pentecost!

On Sale at ChurchSupplier.com

Great Gift Ideas for Pentecost Sunday (May 19th)!

At Churchsupplier.com

Holy Spirit Red Dove Lapel Pin (SKU 1029)
Bear witness to the power of the Holy Spirit in your life with this red and gold descending Holy Spirit dove Lapel Pin. 3/4".  On sale for $1.98 (Quan. 1-23) or $1.39 (Quan. 24+)

Holy Spirit Cutout Dove Pendant (SKU 1621)

Bear witness to the descent of the Spirit with this beautiful Gold plated 3/4" pendant on an 18" long chain. Comes in a  a hinged metal gift box. ON SALE FOR JUST 6.98

Woman's Chiffon Foil Holy Spirit Scarf (SKU 658)

Delicate silk feel polyester scarf with doves, cross, and Bible images. The phrases "Holy Spirit" and "Spirit of God Lift Us Up" are imprinted in beautiful gold metallic lettering. Scarf size 21 X 60 inches. Choice of colors! On sale for $7.95 (Quan. 1-5) or $6.95 (Quan. 6+)

Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. Matthew 12:20

Did you ever feel like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick? 

The reed, hanging by a mere strand, is the very picture of brokenness. The smoldering wick, having come to the end of its oil supply, is sputtering and smoking – clearly on its last legs. Most of us have felt this way at one time or another.

Some people have no sympathy for human weakness. They dismiss folks out of hand because of their brokenness, offering instead neglect, criticism and contempt. Not so, Christ. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus, full of mercy and compassion, would never break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick.

Christ could be quite dismissive of religious hypocrisy. His denunciations of such hypocrisy were withering. But he had nothing but compassion for human weakness and wounds. Far from breaking the bruised reed, Jesus would heal and restore it. And as for the smoldering wick, he would supply it with oil and re-ignite its flame.

So if you’re feeling bruised today, or if your faith is smoldering, don’t hesitate to approach Jesus. He will receive you with arms wide open in compassion. He will comfort and restore you with gentleness and lovingkindness. 

He will receive you with arms wide open.

Say Goodbye to Condemnation

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

                                                            Romans 8:1

There are no words in all of Scripture more liberating than Paul’s simple, unequivocal declaration that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Let’s take a closer look at the key words of this verse.

Therefore. In the first seven chapters of his letter to the Romans Paul has given the most detailed exposition of the gospel in all of Scripture. The word ‘therefore’ signals that Paul is going to reveal the glorious outcome of the gospel and it’s personal impact on our lives.

Now. Paul wants us to know he is not talking about the distant future or the afterlife. He’s talking about a present reality that begins the moment we receive the gospel.

No condemnation. Condemnation is that paralyzing sense of disapproval and judgment one feels upon being found guilty. Paul says there is to be none of that for those who are in Christ. The word ‘no’ is absolute. He doesn't say there may be some condemnation from time to time. He rules it out altogether.

This is vividly illustrated in the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11). The Scribes and Pharisees encircled her, stones in hand, breathing out anger and condemnation. When Jesus confronted them, saying, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone,” they walked away one by one. Turning to the distraught woman he said, “Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, Lord.” And then he said: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Can you imagine Christ speaking those words directly to you? Because that, in effect, is what Paul is saying in Romans 8:1.

This is the glorious outcome of the gospel. This is the gift Christ has for us here and now. Others might condemn us. We might even condemn ourselves. But Christ? Never. In him there is no condemnation. None.

Say goodbye to condemnation!

Elisabeth Elliot On Intercessory Prayer

"Then comes intercession, the hardest work in the world – the giving of one’s self, time, strength, energy, and attention to the needs of others in a way that no one but God see, no one but God will do anything about, and no one but God will reward you for."