Proclaim

Proclaim…

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the blind; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn… ~ Isaiah 61:1-2

Luke 4:16-21 (NIV)

Jesus went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

As we can see, Jesus quoted this prophetic scripture and proclaimed its fulfillment in Himself! And we need to observe all that Jesus proclaimed concerning the purpose for which He was sent into the world. Jesus had a sacred mission to fulfill: to proclaim the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted; to bring freedom to those who are captive to sin; to bring light to those who walk in darkness; to proclaim the fullness of grace and reconciliation with God! Indeed, those are reasons Christ Jesus came into the world. He chose to save us so that we could live and abide in Him … so that we could be one with Him and the Father in unity with the Holy Spirit. And Jesus has proclaimed that these are the same reasons He is sending us out into the world….

John 20:19-22 (NIV)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

As the living Body of Christ in this world, shall we not go forth as those God has sent to be His ambassadors? (2 Corinthians 5:20) Indeed, we have been called to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15) Yes, let us work to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19) As Paul urged: “In view of God’s mercy, let us offer ourselves as a living sacrifice – holy and pleasing to God for this is our true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Have a Blessed Day!

Ashamed…

Ashamed…

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23)

Embarrassment. Humiliation. These words describe our inner feelings when we are ashamed of our actions, character, or relationships. Think of the last time you felt ashamed. Recount what you did or said that caused you embarrassment or humiliation. Did it afflict your conscience with regret or remorse or fill you with inner turmoil? Do you remember the occasion and being ashamed? This is what sin does to us. This is what rebellion and disobedience to the Word of God causes within us. It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit within believers that is meant to bring us to confession and repentance.

When we fail because of our sinful human nature, a believer will feel ashamed. We have displeased God and we know it! A chasm, a separation has occurred and we want restoration. Like King David, we plead with God: “Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:9-12) We do all this because we have disgraced God and feel ashamed of ourselves.

Yet, there is another aspect to the word “Ashamed”. It has to do with our reluctance or unwillingness to do something because we fear shame, embarrassment, or humiliation. Consider what Jesus said in Luke 9:23-26 in this regard: “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (See Mark 8:34-38) Perhaps, this is why Paul admonished Timothy: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

As Peter encouraged: “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” So, let us join with Paul and declare: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Have a Blessed Day!

Unashamed of the Gospel…

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Our Verse of the Day is a familiar passage, and so many thoughts come to mind about the importance of sharing the Gospel … the Good News about Jesus Christ! Why is this so important? Well, Paul answers that question: “Because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” There are two key points here regarding the Gospel: Power of God and Salvation! The power of God is His Word. He spoke creation into existence! (Cf. Genesis 1) And so, in order for a person to come to faith and receive salvation, the Word of God (the message about Jesus) must be heard and understood. For Jesus IS the incarnate Word of God! (Cf. John 1:1-5; 14)

Paul wrote: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Cf. Romans 10:17) And what is the word about Christ? What is the core message about Christ?

John 3:16-18 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

John 3:31-36 (NIV)

The One who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Romans 3:21-25 (NIV)

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith.

There are a multitude of Scriptures that emphasize the salvific power of the Word of God; but we can see with just these few I have shared that our atonement can only be received through Christ Jesus – the Son of God! Life, eternal life, is given to us as we hear His words, listen to them, and apply them to our hearts. And I love this pronouncement from God through the Prophet Isaiah: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Cf. Isaiah 55:11) Indeed, God has ordained that His Word … His Son … shall bring forth salvation. As Jesus affirmed: “I know that His command leads to eternal life. So, whatever I say is just what the Father has told me say.” (Cf. John 12:50) This is why sharing the Gospel is so important … so that unbelievers can come to a knowledge of the truth and place their faith in Jesus Christ.

Proclaiming the message of Christ (a message that permeates both Old and New Testaments) is imperative if people are to know the truth and respond to it! Against great opposition, trial, and persecution, Paul was determined to persevere in the preaching of the Gospel. And it is quite evident from the record of his life that Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, its message, or its power to transform the human heart. God does not want His people in rebellion against Him; rather, He desires peace, reverence, and oneness in His relationship with us. Sharing the Gospel is the telling of God’s message of forgiveness and reconciliation through His Son, Jesus the Christ! The Gospel is not a human invention or imagination because the compassion and unfailing love of God has been revealed from Genesis through Revelation through His Word. As Paul asserted in Romans 1:17, “For in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last (from faith to faith), just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Citing Habakkuk 2:4)

As Paul and the other apostles and disciples experienced, sharing the Gospel can become quite wearisome. Although we have been called in Christ Jesus to believe in Him and His atoning sacrifice for our sins, putting our faith in action will not be without cost or hardship. Jesus taught: “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Cf. Luke 14:27) Even now, we see that our faith in Jesus has become the impetus of ridicule, scorn, persecution, and ever-increasing hatred in this world. But we should not be surprised…. When Jesus sent out His disciples to minister to “the lost sheep of Israel,” He forewarned, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” (Read Matthew 10) And Jesus counseled: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (Cf. John 15:18-19)

Despite whatever vitriol or persecution that might come to believers, the Gospel must be shared! This is the call and commission of very born-again, Spirit-filled believer. Our faith should be bold, courageous, unashamed, undeniable, and unwavering! Indeed, we have been filled and equipped by His indwelling Holy Spirit! “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We are to implore others on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled with God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20) And as we see the end of the age approaching, we can enter it with full confidence; for Jesus has already told His disciples what to expect: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other; and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Cf. Matthew 24:9-14) Even so, come Lord Jesus.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7-10

Finish The Race…

Act 20:24 (NIV)

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Our Verse of the Day shares a deep introspection from the Apostle Paul … a perspective on the “meaning of life” that each of us search to find at some point on our journey of faith. Indeed, living out and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ IS the task of every believer … regardless of our vocation, location, or situation in life. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) And so, we have been saved to do the good works ordained for us. As Paul reminded the Colossians: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) Likewise, he preached to the Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Cf. Galatians 2:20) Like Paul, we too are to complete the tasks God has given us to do … “being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus. (Cf. Philippians 1:6)

Up to this point in Acts 20, Luke has been documenting the missionary journey undertaken by Paul and the evangelical opportunities for ministry afforded to him along the way. It has been a fruitful journey, but there have been hardships and challenges in the midst of preaching the Gospel and discipling elders in the churches he labored to establish. This is the backdrop when we reach our passage:

Acts 20:17-24 (NIV)

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Paul is in route to Jerusalem. His mind is made up … his determination will not be thwarted. Regardless of the dangers and hardships that await him along the journey, Paul is committed to complete the task that he received from the Lord Jesus. Though he is convinced in his own spirit that the end of his life and mission draws nigh, none of what the Holy Spirit has revealed to him alters his decision. He confides: “I do not count my life of any value or dear to myself. I must finish my course … I must run this race. I must complete the work and ministry that was given to me by the Lord Jesus … to preach the Gospel.” What incredible resolve! What an awesome testimony of faithfulness! We would all do well to follow the example of Paul….

I found his use of the word “race” a salient metaphor. To me, the word conjures images of physical exertion; the need for both strength and conservation of energy in order to endure; and a sense of urgency to finish in a short amount of time. This should be our focus as well … as we look to fulfill our mission as the Church. There should be a sense of urgency for us to share the Gospel of grace as well. Like Paul, we need to hear the direction of the Holy Spirit and be under compulsion to advance the Gospel. Indeed, there is a race for each of us to run, not in vain competition, but to advance the Kingdom of God with the utmost imperative to act promptly, decisively, and without delay.

Paul declared, “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus Christ as given me.” He indicates that this “mission” … this “purpose” … surpasses everything else once deemed important in his life. Paul counts his life and previous ambitions as worthless in comparison to the work he became commissioned to do. In essence, Paul was saying that nothing (prison or hardships) would deter him from completing the good work he was created in Christ Jesus to do. He reasoned: whatever the risks of following the Lord Jesus and accomplishing His will for my life is more important than my own inward, personal aspirations I used to have in life. It represents a complete surrender to the will of God, and I believe this is an important principle for us to embrace in our walk of faith….

I sometimes wonder if we ever feel the same way? Do we purpose for every action and activity done over the course of the day to be integral to the ministry which we have received from the Lord Jesus? That was the heart of Jesus. That was the practice of the Apostles. That is the challenge to the Body of Christ! Will we endeavor to let what we do demonstrate who we are in Christ? As you can see, this verse has challenged me to look inwardly … to ask what value my life brings to the Kingdom of God? Is my aim to grow a larger business or to have greater impact on the spread of the Gospel? The question explores which purpose or objective is at the forefront of my thoughts as each day unfolds? Is my vocation the aim of my life … or is the focus to complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me to do? I think these are questions that many of us ask ourselves.

But even as I ask these questions, I wonder: “Do these options have to be mutually exclusive – meaning both cannot happen at the same time?” God forbid! I believe the answer should be they are mutually inclusive – meaning neither can happen independent of the other. What I do for a vocation can and should be aligned and integrated with the work God prepared in advance for me to do. For God should not be relegated to a part of my life … when He IS my total life. Thus, I believe our occupations should facilitate the achievement of what the Lord Jesus has commissioned for each of us to complete during our time here on earth. “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Cf. Acts 17:28).

My friends, when the Word of God convinces our souls of the truth and we place our faith in Jesus, a new dimension of life enters our existence. Our spirits … our inner beings … are born again! Our concept of “self” is radically altered. We are changed from within! We are new creations! The old has gone, the new is here! And so, the value or worth we placed on our previous existence is changed as well. What we thought we valued for our lives is replaced with a “purpose” of far greater significance. Our lives, resurrected in Christ, have a new motivation: to live worthy of the Lord; to please Him in every way; to be productive in His Kingdom for His glory! As Paul encouraged, “Forget what is behind and press onward to what is ahead. Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Cf. Philippians 3:13-14)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

Be Patient With Others…

Romans 15:2 (NIV)

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Our Verse of the Day offers us more relational advice. Again, the context regards our relationships with others … our neighbors … and how we can live for their good as well as our own. I think we should review the context again because of its importance to the application of our walk with Jesus:

Romans 15:1-7 (NIV)

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Refer to Romans 14 concerning those who have religious sensibilities.) Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Citing Psalm 69:9) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

What I see in the context here is that Paul is urging us as believers to be patient with and to help non-believers … non-Christians … in their walk with God. To be sure, Paul is focused on his fellow Jews and their need to receive Jesus as Lord and Messiah; but the principles apply to ALL non-believers. Paul emphasizes that the mercy shown to non-Jews (Gentiles) is evidence of the desire of God for ALL people to place their hope in Him and to glorify Him. And we who have received the light of Christ … we who have been born-again of the Spirit of God … are called to bear with the weaknesses of others who have not come to faith in Jesus.

With this goal in mind, I think we need to remember: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4) We see this every day in our culture … in our communities … among our neighbors. This is why we must persevere in prayer for those who are enslaved by their flesh (sinful nature) … for those imprisoned with addictions of all kinds … for those filled with unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger … for those in need of deliverance and healing! And we must excel not only in prayer but in action as well. For even Christ did not live to please Himself! This is why Paul admonishes us to accept people where they are … to find opportunities; to build relationships; and to be witnesses to the light and hope of the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NIV)

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” (Citing Genesis 1:3) made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

As we endeavor to live at peace with everyone (Cf. Romans 12:18), we need to realize that living at peace does not mean we should ignore relational engagement; rather, it means our conduct and conversation should be peaceable. It means in the process of pleasing our neighbor, we are called to patience and to be willing to suffer for doing good. (Cf. 1 Peter 3:17) Sometimes, I suppose, that just goes with the territory. But Peter affirmed, “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (Cf. 1 Peter 4:14)

My friends, I believe it is the desire of our Lord Jesus that we should be engaged with our neighbors and those around us. It is our responsibility to seek their good and to build them up regardless of their response to our kindness or reaction to our message. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Cf. Colossians 4:5-6) For even Christ did not live to please Himself….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. ~ 1 Peter 3:13-18a

A Man on a Mission

Luke 19:10 (NIV)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

In our Verse of the Day, Luke records for us a concise, one sentence mission statement. Jesus understood and made the purpose of His mission clear: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” And we, as born-again believers, are the evidence of His successful mission … a mission that was completed through His life, death, and resurrection! Indeed, the great news is that He found us and we are secure in Him! As we studied before: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (Cf. John 10:27-29)

But the message of the mission Jesus began did not end with His ascension into heaven. No, Jesus ordained that His disciples … His followers … His sheep should continue the mission:

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:6-9 (NIV)

Then they gathered around Jesus and asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After Jesus said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

My friends, as believers we too have been commissioned to witness not only with spoken words but with actions that demonstrate our sincere love for others. In this matter, Paul urges us “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received; to be completely humble and gentle; to be patient, and to bearing with one another in love. We are to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Cf. Ephesians 4:1-3) Paul further instructs us to speak the truth in love so that we will grow together to form a mature Body of Christ on earth. (Cf. Ephesians 4:15-16) These are powerful thoughts for our consideration; and I hope they stir each of us to be intentional today in our desire to fulfill and accomplish the mission statement of our Lord Jesus. He has sent us to seek and to direct the lost to Him for salvation; and I pray we will follow His lead each day. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Citing Isaiah 52:7) But not all the Israelites accepted the Good News. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Citing Isaiah 53:1) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. ~ Romans 10:14-17

Bearing The Gospel…

Acts 4:10 (NIV)

Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

As enter the season of preparation to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Gospel message we bear within ourselves should be a light for all to see. So, I would like to look at our Verse of the Day in its surrounding context in order to understand how we “image” the transformation of the Gospel in our lives:

Acts 4:1-14 (NIV)

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the Apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; and the number of people who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ (Citing Psalm 118:22) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

To me, this passage affirms that the role of the Holy Spirit in the declaration and demonstration of the Gospel is essential. The Holy Spirit healed the man who was lame. The Holy Spirit gave Peter both the words to say and the courage to say them without reservation before the religious authorities. There was no hesitation or concern about the possible outcome (punishment) that might ensue. The religious authorities had been provoked; their religious paradigms had been challenged. And yet, “there was nothing they could say.” Sometimes I wonder why the Church today no longer seems as effective in the declaration and demonstration of the Gospel. Are we afraid to operate in the divine power we have been given? Does the Church, at large, simply ignore the Holy Spirit and His reality?

Maybe we should go back to the Day of Pentecost and review the powerful, prophetic word delivered by Peter. The events that took place are captured for us in Acts 2:1-21, and I encourage you to click on the link and read it have context for the following commentary. I believe you will see there is a definite connection between salvation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. His indwelling presence produces in us the power of testifying and proclaiming the “wonders of God” and the “works of faith.”

Romans 15:18-19 (NIV)

I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So, from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

Hebrews 2:1-4 (NIV)

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

Proclaiming the Word of God and the Good News of Jesus was confirmed by signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, as the writer of Hebrews explained, it is God who testifies and affirms the truth of His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ with signs, wonders, various miracles, AND by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. HIS testimony is not conjured up by the will or power of people. Further, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell every believer in these latter days as Joel prophesized and as Jesus promised and as Peter affirmed has been fulfilled. The gifts of the Spirit were not solely for the Apostles as some bible scholars purport. It is evident that the Holy Spirit indwelt disciples who served under the Apostles; and there are many other instances of people being filled with the Spirit recorded in the Book of Acts.

Acts 6:3-8 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 11:15-18 (NIV)

“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’ So, if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Through the transformation of faith and spiritual rebirth, God created us in Christ Jesus to do good works – which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) And Jesus declared, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Cf. John 15:5) So it follows that believers are filled with the Holy Spirit in order to abide in Jesus and to bear the fruit of the Spirit through good works. This is the heart of the Gospel. Yes, this is the message we should declare with the boldness and power of the Spirit God gave us. (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7) We should be obedient to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit we have received … as distributed according to His will … as a testimony of the salvation we have received by grace through faith.

My friends, I believe that in order to BE the Gospel, in order to have credibility before an unbeliever, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit must be manifested in us – demonstrated through a sanctified life and through signs, wonders, various miracles, and the gifts we have received. And since these are “distributed” to us by the Holy Spirit, we have His credibility. I ask us to consider: “Do we display our credentials?” “Do we exercise our giftings? Do we operate in the power of the Spirit? Or do we quench Him? In order for the Body of Christ to be effective in proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus, we must collectively exercise our individual Spirit-filled gifts. Indeed, it should be “natural” for us to operate in the supernatural….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. ~ Micah 3:8