Holy Spirit

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Appreciate the Ascension: 4 Reasons for Appreciation

Posted by Roderick on January 24, 2011
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

picture1Foundational to Christian thought, doctrine, and practice is belief in the resurrection and subsequent ascension of Jesus Christ. It seems, however, we forget the important of Christ’s ascension into heaven, being seated at the right hand of the throne of God. In this post, we want to remind Christians of the importance of His ascension and give 4 reasons as to why it should inspire appreciation in the Christian today.

1. The first reason for appreciation is that the ascension gave us access to the Father. Through His death and the shedding of His blood, Christ entered into the holiest of all obtaining eternal redemption for all.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Heb 9:12 (KJV)

2. The second reason for appreciation is that the ascension verifies the hope of our salvation; which is eternal life. Because Christ was raised from the dead through the power of the Holy Spirit, every Christian can be confident that the promise of eternal life is assured.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11 (KJV)

3. The third reason for appreciation is that the ascension gave us access to the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that if He (ascended) returned to the Father that He would pray to the Father to send the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit’s presence that the Christian is able to live a victorious life.

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. John 15:26 (KJV)

4. The fourth reason for appreciation is that the ascension gave us leaders who aid us in our salvation.

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Eph 4:8-12 (KJV)

The operation of ministry verifies the ascension. When we see men and women responding to the call of God, it shows that Jesus ascended and should inspire appreciation from those of us who have been blessed by those who are good leaders in the Church.

Well, there you have it. Till next time, continue in the faith.

The Successful Christian: Keys to Good Success

Posted by Roderick on August 11, 2010
Posted in: Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Image by MSO Clipart

Success is the goal of many men and women. Regardless of the venue (work, sports, relationships, hobbies, etc.), people desire to achieve. The world is full of driven men and women who set their eyes on success and did not allow anything to stop them. Some of the most powerful companies began with individuals who had nothing but success on their minds.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Josh 1:8 (KJV)

As Christians, we have to evaluate our motivation in this life. Though we should strive for success in as many areas of life as possible, we should have the greatest ambition to be successful in our Christian walk. After we have gone back to school, acquired substantial occupations, and managing family relationship and endeavors, we have to remember that the ultimate quest is to become a successful Christian. How can this be done?

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Col 3:10 (KJV)

It can be done through an inner transformation. The very conscience of the Christian has to be renewed in the knowledge of God. This can be achieved by adhering to His Word. The Christian is cleansed as he takes heed to the Word.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalms 119:9 (KJV)

In our beginning verses, God speaks to Joshua and gives him keys to success. The main key is to remember the Law or the word of God. If we are to have success as Christians, we have to allow the word of God to govern our lives, perspectives, and consciences. In doing so, we can maintain a vibrant relationship with Christ while we accomplish certain tasks and goals. God is not opposed to the Christian’s success in life, but desires that one does without sacrificing their relationship with Him.

Run and Don’t Look Back: Finishing the Christian Race

Posted by Roderick on July 13, 2010
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Photo by MSO Clipart

A question that every Christian must ask himself is, “Why do I serve Christ?” In addition, the Christian must ask, “What is the expected end of my relationship with Him?” Without a hope and an expectation, the Christian life can become mundane, lifeless, and even frustrating. As there is a shifting in the Church by the Holy Spirit, Christians have to know how to respond to it.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Cor 9:24 (KJV)

Paul likened the Christian walk unto a race. He reminded the saints at Corinth that they have to live as if they are after a prize. No good athlete enters a race with a hope to lose, but to win. If we are going to possess what the Lord has for us in these days, we have to adopt this mindset. The scriptures give us seven ways to “run” in the Christian race:

Run to obtain (I Cor. 9:24) – We have to run with the mindset that I am going to obtain eternal life. Our focus in service has to go beyond the temporary to the eternal. The hope of our salvation is heaven. Without this hope, many will quit and fail to prepare for His coming.

Run in holiness (Hebrews 12:1) – We have to run this race in holiness. Sin has to be repented of and let go of. If not, we will run in vain. We will serve, minister, and the like, and have no reward waiting for us, only His judgment.

Run in freedom (Hebrews 12:1) – We have to run in holiness and without weights. Weights are defined as anything in your life that is unnecessary and unedifying to your Christian walk. Be humble in this area, judge in yourself whether that person, place, or thing needs to be a notable part of your life. No, it is not sin, but it can occupy your thoughts and time which makes it a weight.

Run in faith (Hebrews 11:6) – Without faith, your run in the faith is unacceptable to God. In addition, without faith, you will lose hope in the time of testing and trial. Faith gives resolve to serve the Lord in the direst situations.

Run with others (Hebrews 10:25) – We are a part of the Body of Christ. By design, God has set it up that we need one another. Therefore, we are to run this race strengthening and being strengthened by one another.

Run in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – We are instructed to walk in the Spirit. It is the only way to run without stumbling into the desires of the flesh. Without the Spirit of the Lord, the believer will fail in his pursuit of holiness and his ministry before the Lord and unto others in the Church.

Run in the Word (Psalm 119:105) – The word of God is to govern our run in this race. It provides direction and clarity to our Christian race. Without the word of God, the Christian will be blind and “lost” as he lives for the Lord. The word also provides stability to the Christian walk.

Run, Run, Run! But, make sure you run in accordance with respect unto the Christian faith which is built upon the work of Christ, the word of God, and the working of the Holy Spirit. It is time to Run and Don’t Look Back. Do not look back to the world, to sin, and to old attitudes. But, as it is written, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Maintain your fervor to progress.