The Power to Build the Kingdom
Last month we saw in the Word that we were to be ambassadors for God in this world. We read that we were commanded to go and make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey the principles of heaven. We were instructed to establish kingdom principles in our personal life, the life of our family, friends, and community. Many of us would respond “How can I do this?”, “I am not a pastor”, “I don’t know what or how to do this” and other doubtful thoughts or confessions. The answer would be, “YOU ALREADY HAVE ALL THE HELP YOU NEED!”
Jesus knew we would need help to do the things He had asked us. He said he had more to tell the disciples, but that they couldn’t understand it then. That’s why He said it would be better for us if He left because He would send the HELPER to teach us all things (John 16:7, John 14:26). The Spirit will guide us into TRUTH and reveal what is to come (John 16:13). The Spirit would even give us what to say in times of adversity (Luke 12:11-12). Yet, I believe the third part of the god-head is the least understood and least loved and honored.
After Adam and Eve sinned and were separated from God, God still desired relationship with mankind. That is why the tabernacle in the desert was built so that God could have relationship with Israel. The temple in Jerusalem built by Solomon was another attempt to be available to the people. God chose to allow His presence—again evident through the radiance and splendor of His glory—to remain in the temple for centuries. Yet after the Jews had proven their determination to continue in false, idolatrous worship, the presence of God did eventually leave the Jerusalem temple prior to its looting and destruction by the Babylonians.
When the second temple was rebuilt in its place after the return from Babylonian exile, God's glory did not occupy it. Moreover, there is no record of the shimmering, luminous glory ever again occupying an earthly building. However, centuries later the shepherds saw the glory appear in the sky as angels announced the birth of the Savior (Luke 2:9). Indeed, the coming of Christ in the flesh was, in essence, God coming to dwell with human beings (John 1:14; Matthew 1:23). And after His death and resurrection, He would again do so through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus knew we would need help to do the things He had asked us. He said he had more to tell the disciples, but that they couldn’t understand it then. That’s why He said it would be better for us if He left because He would send the HELPER to teach us all things (John 16:7, John 14:26). The Spirit will guide us into TRUTH and reveal what is to come (John 16:13). The Spirit would even give us what to say in times of adversity (Luke 12:11-12). Yet, I believe the third part of the god-head is the least understood and least loved and honored.
After Adam and Eve sinned and were separated from God, God still desired relationship with mankind. That is why the tabernacle in the desert was built so that God could have relationship with Israel. The temple in Jerusalem built by Solomon was another attempt to be available to the people. God chose to allow His presence—again evident through the radiance and splendor of His glory—to remain in the temple for centuries. Yet after the Jews had proven their determination to continue in false, idolatrous worship, the presence of God did eventually leave the Jerusalem temple prior to its looting and destruction by the Babylonians.
When the second temple was rebuilt in its place after the return from Babylonian exile, God's glory did not occupy it. Moreover, there is no record of the shimmering, luminous glory ever again occupying an earthly building. However, centuries later the shepherds saw the glory appear in the sky as angels announced the birth of the Savior (Luke 2:9). Indeed, the coming of Christ in the flesh was, in essence, God coming to dwell with human beings (John 1:14; Matthew 1:23). And after His death and resurrection, He would again do so through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “If you love me and keep my commandments, I will ask the Father and He will give you………..the Spirit of TRUTH (John 14:5-7). Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are not your own. You have been bought with a price and you are sealed to be a possession of God (Ephesians 1:13-14).
As adopted children and holy possessions of God, we are given the Spirit to perfect us into victorious soldiers of the Kingdom. The sole purpose of the Holy Spirit is to change us into the image of Christ, the anointed one (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). In other words, we are to be anointed like Jesus and do the things He did, and greater (John 14:12)! How does this happen? |
1. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. – John 16:13
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2. The Holy Spirit teaches us all spiritual things.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. – John 14:26
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3. The Holy Spirit empowers us with inner strength.
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love – Ephesians 3:16-17
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4. The Holy Spirit produces Godly fruit in our hearts.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
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5. The Holy Spirit freely gives spiritual gifts.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
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6. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses.
Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. – Romans 8:26
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7. The Holy Spirit guides us in our everyday life.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:5-6
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Praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit! We are now “more than conquerors” according to Romans 8:37. The phrase “more than conquerors” in Greek is hypernikao which can be translated super overcomers and is described as THOSE WHO CARRY OFF THE VICTORY!
Chapters for study: John 14 John 16 Romans 8 1 Corinthians 2, 3, 6
Chapters for study: John 14 John 16 Romans 8 1 Corinthians 2, 3, 6
Visiting the Body of Christ
We have been visiting churches in the area in the hope of networking with fellow Christians as we search to bring unity, and build the Kingdom of God. It is amazing to see the work that these bodies are doing for their communities. We hope to visit your church in the weeks to come!
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts Journey Church - Pastor Dusty Morris Calvary Baptist - Pastor Bob McCurley Mountain View Christian - Pastor Donn Headley Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser Living Springs Cowboy Church - Pastor Zac Sanger |
Community Prayer List
Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ. We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Calling all Prayer Warriors:
-Pray for RG as he continues to heal from his back surgery and rehab.
If you then, though you are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
Luke 11:13
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What you have to say: |
"For God is not a God of
disorder (DIVISION) but of peace"
1 Corinthians 4:13
disorder (DIVISION) but of peace"
1 Corinthians 4:13