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Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Acts 1

  • Impossible Task

    Can I say something that will probably make you uncomfortable? Of course, I’m not really asking permission; it’s just an easy way to broach the topic. Living the Christian life is an impossible task.

    I stand by that 100%. That is, if we try to live under our own power. Successfully living the Christian faith walk under the power of our will and flesh is an impossible task. It just cannot and will not happen.

    Fortunately, for us. God knows that. We are justified, that is, our sins are forgiven, but we are not yet fully sanctified (made holy).  It’s why he made the disciples wait after His ascension before beginning the next phase of their ministry.

    “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Acts 1:4-5

    “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49

    There was a special outpouring of the Spirit at the beginning of the church. Today, every true believer has the Spirit dwelling in them.

    The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, gives us discernment and wisdom (in tandem with the Word), gifts us and more.

    The Holy Spirit is the gasoline that powers our faith walk. Without Him, we can go nowhere and do nothing. When we try and do something without Him it is an impossible task.

    With Him, working in accordance with God’s will, all things are possible.

    Do not neglect or grieve the Spirit. He is our God-given helper.

    Praise God that He has not only forgiven us through Christ but empowered u with His Spirit.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

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  • When is He coming back?

    When is He coming back?

    And what do we do as we wait?

    Artits rendering of Jesus second coming

    I don’t think you would find anyone, believer or not, who would disagree with the statement, “We live in dark times.”

    Believers wonder when the Lord will return.

    I have met many Christians who view things from a slightly skewed perspective. They are waiting for the world to get evil and depraved enough for Jesus to return.

    The world doesn’t need to get any more broken. It’s plenty broken enough. All sinners are reasons for Jesus to return and judge the wicked.

    Jesus is waiting for the world to become more righteous. Not self-righteous, because self-righteousness can’t save anyone.

    Righteous as in trusting Christ by faith and coming under the cover of His righteousness. When all who will come to Him have come, then He will return.

    Don’t wait passively for His return. Share the truth in love. Evangelize your neighbor.

    There are many ways to preach the truth, and it is something we are all commanded to do.

    And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

    By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ESV

    “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV

    All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 ESV

    While we wait the world will grow increasing dark. Take heart because that doesn’t mean evil has won the day. Jesus has the victory and will return once He has gathered all His sheep.

    Hold strong and share the love, no matter what you face. 

    Kevin

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