Thursday, May 31, 2012

As We are Unified, Expect Hope, Part 1

Scripture: John 15:26-27
"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.  And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

Insights:  So far this week the points have been rather negative in nature.  The points are true, but somewhat of a bummer.  The world hates Christ-followers, and therefore, we ought to expect opposition.  The very message of life and hope we preach and live before a lost world is going to be rejected by most.  If that is all Christianity is, then I am not certain any of us would want to be identified with Christ.  Jesus, however, did not end His teaching with verse 25.  He went on and taught us the verses we are looking at today.  Praise the Lord!  I again say, praise the Lord!  Jesus sends to us the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father.  The Holy Spirit literally enters our lives when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  He counsels us and teaches us everything we need to know about Jesus and life.  He literally infuses our life with His power and presence.  He births us as new creations.  We are no longer the same person we once were.  We are changed.  When we start to walk the old path of sin, He convicts us until we repent and turn back do the road He is directing us.  When we are supposed to do something He prompts our heart and gives us confirmation as to the action we are supposed to take.  The beautiful part of these promptings and convictions is it is always directed toward our Lord, Jesus.  Everything the Holy Spirit does is to point and magnify Jesus.  Everything He does brings glory and praise to Jesus.  If we are submitting to His leadership in our lives, guess what our lives will do also?  Our lives will point, magnify, praise and bring glory to Jesus as well.  The lost world cannot comprehend the joy and satisfaction that comes from being a Christ-follower; but Beloved, if you are truly born again, then you know exactly what I am writing about this morning.  And you know the hope we have of an eternal day when we will see Jesus face to face because we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.  Beloved, experience this hope and live a life under the authority of the Holy Spirit.

Questions:
  1. Have you been born again?
  2. Do you daily live under the control of the Holy Spirit? 
Prayer: Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to reside in me and seal me for the day of redemption.  I am so grateful He teaches me about You and empowers me to live a life that honors You.  Help me, Lord, to live a more surrendered life to You through the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

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