Friday, May 24, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCSy0cOGFKrLhho0-KQvehUTYgidVNjfO1fVjjj0lgtbrt1Kn852mEdeek2cWPK1lgeZoBcUTW9pPfzRkfwxqHP8YyLyfzO5yGqatrRBazcdzKqiHP-dce74T0_W8XuMfJ1Rm9DGABkSu/s320/images8.jpg)
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.
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Have a blessed Pentecost! |
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALkRpe8N43m3aHcRQjTZi-9odRhesma0HiY2zxOSSNbbIs-qjkqFOw7ziAik-WGBPRFcJi22T3l72VyLoQTbbO1oQILLLpx_ibjGLn9AmgEszg9SOYt1PgEejGmRz7-yYEK1wFbd59-YX/s200/images+(10).jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wftGMej2DzULEJ9cpMbzTz1_XTivdUWjcXgU3s1sCB9d8tdIs4LSzlZ8q_WspiKXwDyWXYyiOWiPXZE9ieGkG0RxARgtyr5G_jpcbaxSUqHU7pEJBElbXcutDtPh82N3RNM8bDh8-LAI/s200/smoldering.jpg)
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.
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He will receive you with arms wide open. |
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Say Goodbye to Condemnation
Therefore,
there is now no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe8Zjh-5K7afd9HBr0lXCN5C1qpy2lAXA997cQXOLe-ugUJn0Em7QPTSnpeRS0tj94J79-1MvAuHd4zqXH9wFVVGB7XdydVgBVfw94WJIbRr2feMRuIJqTtu9wZGtWoOmUjSi43GQWUfF/s320/images+(2).jpg)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDq8cB0xbZUBoj0J0iQwTid5OWXwD4PP9ANSbvwQDSBRYfPNukQ_cMwxgPkCbG1YlvCE72AunLISnFeMn6DgUxkd8tv-cdb_keQxCb53F9HlYacnN5IeqwJ4cgwfKAY08SR2aYj0So-OT/s200/images+(4).jpg)
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.
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.
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Say goodbye to condemnation! |
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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