Tag: power of Holy Spirit
The Gospel Mission
Scripture reading for July 3: Romans 15
“In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience–by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God–so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the Gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the Gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of Him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”” Romans 15:17-21
Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle, one set apart for a mission. Paul’s mission was given to him by Jesus Christ directly, to reach Gentiles in places where no one else had gone. The means of this mission was supernatural power through the Holy Spirit. Paul preached the ‘whole Gospel of Christ’ by teaching God’s Word, preaching the Gospel, and being led by the Holy Spirit in signs and wonders. Satan’s grip on people was being broken and through the Gospel souls were saved from destruction and glory was brought to Jesus Christ.
Paul did not want to take credit for anyone else’s labor. He had an urgency from Jesus through the Holy Spirit to go where the Gospel had never been preached. He had God’s heart for the lost there who had never heard of Jesus and did not understand even that they were lost. His world view was shaped by Jesus’ calling and the Holy Spirit’s leading in his life. God was leading him and working with Him through the Holy Spirit to reap a harvest in the dark areas of the earth. Treasures of darkness brought glory to God.
Have you ever experienced God calling you to follow Him and reach the lost? How does your view of the world and God’s desire to reach everyone affect your daily activities? Do you rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to use you in preaching, signs and wonders, and reaching lost people?
Prayer: Father God, help me to have vision that gives me motivation and faith to fulfill the mission You have given all believers to go into the world with the Gospel. Teach me how to listen to the Holy Spirit and reach people who have never heard before. May all glory go to You now and forever! Amen.
Dwell in my midst!
Scripture reading for February 10th: Exodus 25-27, Psalm 90, Philippians 1
Philippians 1: 27-30 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”
Even though Christ has called us to an abundant life here and for eternity, and dwells with us through the Holy Spirit, there is opposition that can cause us to fear. Paul, called of God, was in prison and facing possible death for preaching the Gospel. He wanted to encourage God’s people and wrote to them that even in this trial, those who were holding him had heard the Gospel. His firm stance without fear of death was a sign to those who opposed him of their destruction and of his own salvation. The holy boldness was from God indwelling Paul and it is the same for us. God is calling us to live lives worthy of the Gospel, free from fear and standing firm in our faith and confession. Our simple faithfulness will produce fruit and bring God’s favor and power. Try it! You will be blessed!
Exodus 25:8-9 “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, an of all its furniture, so you shall make it.”
Prayer: Father God, in response to Your great Gospel, I have opened my life to Your indwelling Presence. Strengthen me today to boldly witness of Christ Jesus and not be hampered by petty fears. Unite me with Your people of old like Moses and Paul who stood firm and prayed for the people of God. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and favor to reach those needing the Good News!
Psalm 90:15-16 “Let Your work be shown to Your servants, and Your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands.”