The Power of the Spirit. We have been discussing various matters that motivate us for the mission of telling others about Christ (series begins here). Motivation is an extremely valuable gift from God, because it is so much easier to do what we have strong motivation to do than what we merely think we oughtContinue reading “Motivation for the Mission – 8”
Tag Archives: Spirit
Cooperating with God’s Purpose as Per Ephesians – 11
Living by the Spirit in the Body. Another important avenue to uniting the world in Christ as God desires is described in Ephesians 5:18-21. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with yourContinue reading “Cooperating with God’s Purpose as Per Ephesians – 11“
The Good News Told in Acts – 5
Acts 10:34-48 Speaker: Peter Audience: Cornelius and his household. These were God-fearing Gentiles. Occasion: God worked extensively on both Cornelius and Peter to bring the two together. The meeting took place in Caesarea, about 75 miles NW of Jerusalem. Result: Cornelius and his entire household received the Spirit and were baptized in the name ofContinue reading “The Good News Told in Acts – 5”
Great Commissions 5
Acts. In Acts 1:1-8, Luke gives us another account of Jesus’ final commission to the twelve. Here we find three important foundation stones before the actual commission (in v. 8). The first foundation stone is that, after his suffering and death, Jesus presented himself to the apostles and gave many convincing proofs that he reallyContinue reading “Great Commissions 5”
Great Commissions 4
John. John’s account of Jesus’ final commission to his followers (John 20:19-23) puzzles me in some ways, and there are things about it I don’t understand. Instead of going into all those matters, though, I’ll focus on the key things that seem clear. After his resurrection but prior to commissioning his disciples, Jesus appears toContinue reading “Great Commissions 4”
Great Commissions 3
Luke. Luke’s account of Jesus’ final instructions to his followers is my new favorite (24:45-49). It begins by describing the basis for the commission that follows. The basis is that the Messiah (or Christ) had to suffer, rise from the dead, and enter his glory (24:26, 46). This was God’s plan from the beginning, andContinue reading “Great Commissions 3”
The New Way of the Spirit 3
The Renewal of Our Minds. We noted last time (click here) that we can stop gratifying the desires of the flesh by living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). The aspect of living by the Spirit in that context is following the Spirit’s desires. Romans 8 makes a similarly remarkable statement that, “the righteous requirement ofContinue reading “The New Way of the Spirit 3”
The New Way of the Spirit 2
Following the Desires of the Spirit. If I told you there is a way we can stop sinning, would you believe me? I’m guessing you wouldn’t, and of course you would be right. But at the same time, it actually is legitimate to raise the question. The Scriptures state that there is indeed a wayContinue reading “The New Way of the Spirit 2”
The New Way of the Spirit 1
Promise and Fulfillment. Do you serve God “in the new way of the Spirit” or “in the old way of the written code” (Romans 7:6)? Paul says that in Christ we have died to the law so that we serve by the Spirit, a new and different way. What does it mean to serve inContinue reading “The New Way of the Spirit 1”
Empowering Subjects 