Holy Spirit: Power

We Seek To Satisfy

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8 Jesus speaking).

Do you ever feel powerless? There is so much change in the world, things are moving so fast in our cultures and our lives. Many find this to be frightening.

Our TV listings show this too, here are a few of the many "powers" movies recently offered in our city; "supernatural" powers are central to all the hope in these stories: powers, strengths and abilities beyond physics or human physiology or what science can explain:

"Edge of Tomorrow" - "a soldier fighting with aliens is in a time loop"

"The Mask" - "A bank clerk is transformed into a manic superhero".

"Twelve Monkeys" - "Bruce Willis is sent back in time to stop a deadly virus"

"The Host" - "A dysfunctional family rescues their daughter snatched by a mutated amphibian monster". Winner of 18 awards!

"Inferno" - "a race .. to foil a deadly global plot".

Fiction is seeking to fill our need for hope and comfort when all about us seems to be out of control.

Our local classical radio station showcases "video games" music; these games feature titanic struggles against vast supernatural forces; they are played by millions.

Our Certain Hope

Our desire, really our great need, is for more power and more strength than we can find in our mortal selves. Where can we look? To science? To sports research? No, there is not enough there.

As always, there is hope. Countless times our lovely Bible College theology teacher assured us: "the answer to every question is 'Jesus'".

We live in a fallen world of sin where Satan's lies flow towards us and around us (John 8:44).

But our reality is that Jesus, the Saviour of the World, not only saved us and brought us into His family, also He lives inside us by His Holy Spirit (John 1:12; Romans 8:15; John 14:17); His intercessory prayers and His endless grace flow towards us and around us all the time (John 1:16).

Jesus has defeated Satan and sin and death, including that in you and in me, we appropriate the joy and peace of this victory as we cleave to Him (John 15:11; John 16:33).

Yes. Jesus does offer "power" to His people, power to heal, transform, deliver, persevere, supply, to stand, even to prevail; the same mighty power which raised Jesus from the dead and took Him into the Heavenly places where He now rules with Father God (Ephesians 1:19-20; Hebrews 4:14).

The practical result of our salvation is a change, an amazing growth in our person. It is our experience of our salvation that satisfies our mind and brings our certain hope in Christ.

But let us remember, this mighty power is not universally available. Jesus died so that "resurrection power" (Philippians 3:10) might be released (Romans 15:17-19; 1 Corinthians 2:4). Jesus became weak and submitted to false accusations, not just from the evil Roman authorities but also from His own Jewish people, He was humiliated and beaten, then killed, for the sins of others, for our sins; killed by crucifixion, the cruellest and most awful death which could be devised at that time.

"For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God" (2 Corinthians 13:4).

Jesus' wonderful work in the world (John 5:20) is to continue after He rose to Heaven (John 14:12)

Our Bible is the "living Word of God" (1 Peter 1:23), it is Jesus in written form (John 1:1). Jesus told Paul, and thus tells us today: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

It is God's grace which is the emphasis here, not some quality or action of Paul, or of me or you! 

And note too; God’s grace and power, which are sufficient for us, come with a big condition .. they are only "made perfect in [our] weakness"! We are again reminded that it is "Christ in us, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Holy Spirit Baptism

Holy Spirit baptism brings God and each one of us together in a way we could not imagine. God comes inside us (John 14:20) and His Holy Spirit is united with our human spirit. We are thence-forth "God's temple" (1 Corinthians 3:16) on the Earth (1 Corinthians 6:19), we have truly become a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Holy Spirit brings gifts to us, "spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), for us to use in the service of God and humankind (Genesis 1:28).

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Message) "God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. 

God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind them all. 

Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. 

All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! 

The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. 

All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when".

One of the first things I remember (as a new Christian and where I was involved): A young woman was in a wheelchair, her life was a constant struggle, she was very much part of the life in that church community. This young woman would often come to our prayer meetings and would ask for prayer for healing. One time a number of us were praying for her healing and that she could leave her wheelchair. I felt a very strong call to pray that, in her inner person, she would find peace, "the peace of God" (Philippians 4:7). I was at the outside of the group and not one of those laying hands on her, (I felt small and insignificant). Why was I being asked to pray this seemingly "partial" prayer when everyone else was praying for a full healing? The "big" prayer was covered by several in the group. I obeyed Jesus and prayed His prayer.

The next time I saw this young woman she was sparkling, transformed. I believe that Jesus had given her peace (John 14:27). Our local supermarket gave her a job helping customers to bag their shopping, she had a bright and cheerful word for everybody so became a wonderful ambassador for the shop. Everyone knew that she was Christian so she also became a glorious ambassador for Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:20). It was not my prayer, it was Jesus' love and power at work.

(There may have been several praying for her peace, not just me. We don't know because we don't need to know. Jesus is the faithful one (Revelation 1:5)). I do not know why Jesus did not get her out of the wheelchair, but He did give her new fullness of life (2 Corinthians 3:6).

I don't know why the gifts in us do not always appear to work, despite our seeming faith and the clarity of what the Scriptures say! I do not know why He has answered only many, but not all, of the prayers or commands I have seen and shared in. I cannot tell you why Jesus has healed only some of my illnesses and maladies, (some quickly, others after months or years). 

But I am so grateful for what He has done, He has added many new seasons to my life over many years. At the same time I always carry around the "thorn[s] in my side" (2 Corinthians 12:7) which helps me to remember that I belong to Jesus and that He is in charge.

I have a friend who is a great man of prayer. He suddenly began to have trouble sleeping. Despite much prayer this difficulty persists. He accepts that it is from God, like Paul's "thorn"; and when sleep won't come he gets dressed and walks his neighbourhood, praying. Blessings abound from this (2 Corinthians 9:8), most of which will not be recognised as coming from Jesus, but Jesus is able to work in that neighbourhood and in the Christian church because of all the prayer.

Some Gifts

"Words of knowledge" are a Holy Spirit gift (1 Corinthians 12:8), a part of the prophetic gifting which Paul wants us all to have (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). I hear so many stories from Christians who have been in conversation with a troubled person; they have become aware that what they are saying is totally beyond what they could know or communicate, so it was Holy Spirit speaking into the trouble and bringing His healing. Jesus at work today through His people.

Anyone who has been set free from an evil (demonic) spirit will know that these spiritual gifts from Jesus (Matthew 12:28) are a blessing for all humankind.

Do these testimonies seem small, even insignificant? I don't think so. Christians are in almost every people-group on our planet. Lots and lots of workings of God’s Holy Spirit power through all of Jesus’ people will make vast changes in the world, just as our Lord Jesus always intended (John 14:12). Our God is very big!

Praise Jesus. Amen.

Favourite Bible Verses

"For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,  to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills" (1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

"You yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him" (Acts 10:37-38).

"My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,  so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of  God"  (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

"Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope" (Acts 2:26).

"And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon,  who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.  And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all" (Luke 6:17-19).

After these verses come the Beatitudes where Jesus, in simple yet beautiful words, describes the Kingdom of God and how we are to respond to it.

Permalinks

"Life In The Spirit" PsalmsOfJohn Series

"Holy Spirit: Baptism"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/07/holy-spirit-baptism.html

"Holy Spirit: Power"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/07/holy-spirit-power.html

"Holy Spirit Life"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/07/holy-spirit-life.html

And soon to be updated:

"Authority: Life in the Spirit"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2024/05/authority.html

Praise Jesus. Amen.

Holy Spirit: Life

Disciples

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Since Pentecost Sunday I've heard people, and particularly Christian leaders, saying things like: "without the Holy Spirit people cannot pray right, cannot minister right, cannot live right". Their clear desire is to see more discipleship in Jesus' ecclesia, His gathered ones (Matthew 28:19).

"live" and "life" are very big words, they include so much. Once we are saved our lives are being "brought to fullness" in Jesus (John 10:10; Colossians 2:10). "Fullness" is one of my favourite Bible words, I see it as including "complete, active, transparent, clean, precious", and that would be a lovely place to be. Certainly all the "fruit of the Spirit" words would be included in such fullness of life.

When we are "baptised with the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5), our relationship with our God moves from our outside, from being something external that we can put on and take off, to being internal, that is, a part of us all the time. No wonder the Bible describes us as a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This is a radical change and will bring us much more into the nature of the "image and likeness" of Elohim God that we were created to be (Genesis 1:26), and more into "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13) that Jesus has planned for us all (Philippians 1:6).

"And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high". "For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:5 Jesus speaking).

Jesus promises us "power"; we see that that power comes when Jesus baptises us with His Holy Spirit. Our capacity to follow Jesus (Mark 1:17) and play our part in His work (Matthew 5:16) is multiplied and we are grateful: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).

I often think about Adam and Eve in their early years, that lovely time before they believed Satan, sinned and fell so terribly (Genesis 3:7-19). Humankind were the last element of the Creation. Everything else was created so that we would have a really great place to live the "fullness" that God planned for us.

Like Adam and Eve, Trish and I are a "garden" family, Trish is a creative and very enthusiastic gardener and our place is always beautiful. The birds and bees love it too. Many of our children and daughters-in-law have caught this passion and their gardens too are full of life and colour.

Adam and Eve will have had a "full life". God put them together, I cannot imagine a better matchmaker; theirs will surely have been a "marriage made in Heaven"! Good marriages are one of those "greater-than-the-sum-of-their-parts" things we sometimes encounter. More than Adam and Eve enjoying just one another, God was their intimate friend and they spent time with Him every day. Family was a reality too, God made it clear that the couple would have babies and become a big family, even that they would "fill the Earth" (Genesis 1:28). They had work, to care for the Creation and to name every kind and species of life; we know that work is good for us, we wither without something meaningful to do.

In every culture we enjoy our food, regardless of where in the world we live; people love to get together around a table and share meals; Adam and Eve will have been the first to be blessed by the bounty of nature in this way, they had (almost) the whole garden to select from. Their climate must have been special too, (they were before the Flood of Noah's time; the weather we know is post Flood); Adam and Eve needed no clothing, neither did they feel any lack. A great marriage and a great life!

Time and again the Bible gives accounts of full lives of God's people when they follow His way. As we grow in Christ likeness (Ephesians 4:11-13) we also will be blessed (Luke 12:37).

Fruit

When Trish and I were new Christians we knew "Life In The Spirit" classes where the baptism in Holy Spirit was explained in Biblical terms, and also its impact on the believer, and the church, (and the world). The classes were frequently offered and brought understanding and much joy to many.
We also learned that our God is looking for obedience in us, and that obedience yields the fruit of faithfulness. The Christians we know are distinctive for the Holy Spirit fruit we see in them (Galatians 5:22-23), fruit which comes from living with, and for, the God of all Creation.

The world has no good explanation for any of the "fruit of Holy Spirit", but these fruit are seen everywhere in Scripture because they add such quality to our lives. I think of these nine words as "God's words". Atheists and others use them extensively, as though they are their own, but no, these words, and everything they represent, come from God.

Here are some Scriptures about our "full life" when Holy Spirit comes to us; nine big "fruit" words:

Love - "I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them" (John 17:26 Jesus' words to our Father).

Joy - "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).

Peace - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Patience - "And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him" (2 Peter 3:15).

Kindness - "In the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7). 

Goodness - "I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another" (Romans 15:14). 

Faithfulness - "It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it" (3 John 1:3).

Gentleness - "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near" (Philippians 4:5).

Self-Control/self-restraint/temperance - "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin" (Romans 7:14).

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Thank you Jesus for your great love for us, each one.

As Jesus' people we can know that we are close to God, trusting Him, even so close that we can call Him "Abba Father" (Romans 8:15).

Because Jesus is in us (Colossians 1:27) we are equipped to be in great relationships within our community, and have the gifts and the fruit to rejoice in worthwhile work for our lovely Lord forever (Ephesians 2:10).

Praise Jesus. Amen.

Favourite Bible Verses

"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority" (Colossians 2:9-10).

"Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2).

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). 

"We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,  but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,  beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;  by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love;  by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;  through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;   as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed;  as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything" (2 Corinthians 6:3-10).

"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good - crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives" (Galatians 5:22-25 Message).

"But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-25 Amplified).

Bless Jesus.

Permalinks

"Life In The Spirit" PsalmsOfJohn Series

"Holy Spirit: Baptism"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/07/holy-spirit-baptism.html

"Holy Spirit: Power"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/07/holy-spirit-power.html

"Holy Spirit Life"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/07/holy-spirit-life.html

And soon to be updated:

"Authority: Life in the Spirit"

  Link - https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2024/05/authority.html

Praise Jesus. Amen.

Cancer: "My Peace I Give" T-11

Cancer: "My Peace I Give You" - Testimony 11
 
My doctors have declared me "cancer free"! Some even say that I am doing "much better than most" which is lovely to hear when you are under a strong threat.
 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid", Jesus' words (John 14:27).
 

It surely was a great relief to get this news, I have been waiting to know my results. How strong, or how fragile is my faith? How solid is the Rock on which I stand? Do I truly trust Jesus with everything? (Matthew 8:26; Psalm 18:31; 1 Thessalonians 1:8).

 
During these many months I remember being at peace. This is good! Jesus appeared on the Earth to defeat all of Satan's works (1 John 3:8), including our sickness (1 Peter 2:24) and our fear (Luke 12:32). Even in the midst of great troubles we are to have "life to the full" (John 10:10), to live life "at rest", with our heart quiet and still (Psalm 23; Matthew 11:28; John 14:25–31).
 
It is so good to have read my Bible enough that all these Scripture verses came to mind so readily, they brought comfort and encouragement and much joy.
 
The whole cancer thing began after I had spoken several times to my GP doctor and she referred me to a specialist. Then there was his examination and all the follow-up on the "red flags" he saw, then a number of big tests and biopsies, the cancer diagnosis, the treatment preparation and two gruelling months of five-days-a-week treatment, then four months of recovery, (the first two of these four were a painful struggle). More than a year altogether.
 
Jesus said "my peace I give you" (John 14:27), and my testimony is that He did give His peace, despite the un-wellness caused by the treatment and the day-after-day threat of what this cancer could do if it got into other parts of my body.
 
When Jesus gives us a gift it is truly given and is truly a gift. To know that I am at peace, through and through, is glorious; what a gift of love. I am so grateful!
 

I remember saying "sorry" to Trish when I was not keeping up with my house-husband work; our house was getting messy and we were eating mostly simple and easy-to-prepare meals. Her response was so lovely. "O John", she would say, "it is so good that you are not grumpy all the time, and complaining and having everybody run around for you. And you are doing all that's needed for your treatment. This is fine, we are OK". Such encouragement, such love! Trish was able to continue at school, teaching life skills to teenagers, (which she loves to do), and did not have to stay home to care for me.
 
Spiritual Healing
 
When a prayer friend heard about the cancer she sent me videos and a free-book-download from a Christian doctor, Michelle Strydom, who had researched the relationships between the hope-filled things the Bible says about our health, healing and wellbeing, and many great things that the last half-century of medical research has brought forth.
 
The result for me was to pour forth prayer; not so much praying that I would be healed of the cancer, but that our lovely Jesus would make me well in my spirit and my "mind-body connection", and this would, in turn, heal and strengthen my immune system, which would then assist my medical treatment and destroy any remaining cancer, even any new spread before additional tumours could form. A cascade of Jesus' blessing.
 
"Cast all your anxieties on [Jesus], because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
 
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). In our bones, in their marrow, our amazing immune system cells are formed; we surely do not want dry bones!
 
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4.6).
 

Once the prayer began, so did spiritual healing, I was unaware that I even needed spiritual healing until Jesus revealed certain issues to me! Forgiveness and repentance followed. Then Jesus' peace was able to fill me. "My peace I give you" became a reality for me.
 
This should not surprise us. Peace is what Jesus is, it is His name, and also what He does.
 
".. and His name shall be called .. Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
 
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world", Jesus' words, (John 16:33).
 
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
 
Cancer, (And More), Gone ..
 
The cancer is gone. My peace remains. There is much trouble about, but with Jesus' peace, and "faith, hope and love" (1 Corinthians 13:13) we can "persevere" (Hebrews 10:36), grow in Jesus (Ephesians 4:13), and press on, in Christ, with our life, family, fellowship, and neighbours (Romans 8:11).
 
Looking back, I was delighted when Jesus also healed other chronic and bothersome, (but not life-threatening), things in my body. "Chronic" means "long lasting and obstinate". No medicine or medical treatment was required. I can report that I now have better health, overall, than I had two years ago. For someone who is older, that is a rare thing to see. Thank you Jesus our Saviour, Lord and Friend.
 
"And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up .." (James 5:15).
 
Praise Jesus. Hallelujah.
 
Jesus is peace (Acts 10:36). We all seek after it, yet despite our best and ongoing efforts, peace is hard to find. Just look at all the headlines and magazine covers at the news-stand. Often this is a sad world where people are far from peaceful despite their outward signs of "success"; we are surrounded by epidemics of anxiety, depression, loneliness, addictions, and even suicide.
 
So let us "cleave" and "fix our eyes on Jesus", "the author and finisher of our faith" (Acts 11:23; Hebrews 12:2).

"But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).
 
"Better a dry crust of bread with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife" (Proverbs 17:1).
 
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Psalm 84:10).
 

Thank you Father, your wonderful Son Jesus, and your beautiful and ever present Holy Spirit. Amen.

Favourite Bible Verses
 
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22).
 
"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:19-20).
 
"Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other" (Psalm 85:10).
 
"The Lord bless you and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).
 
"Come Lord Jesus", Hallelujah!

Permalink

https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/06/cancer-my-peace-i-give-t-11.html

Amen.

New Covenant: Fellowship

'fellowship' - noun accusative feminine - Greek koinōnian κοινωνίαν - Strong’s 2842

• What is shared in common as the basis of partnership, community ..

• (lit: partnership) (a) contributory help, participation, (b) sharing in, communion, (c) spiritual fellowship, a fellowship in the spirit ..

We Are Called Into Fellowship

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9).

A clear call. A call from God Himself. The Bible translations I use all have "called" in this verse .. 

"That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3).

Scripture is saying that fellowship with one another in Christ is vital for the local church. It is part of God's faithfulness that He desires to give us fellowship with other believers and also with Himself. A great blessing to all.

"Fellowship is the sole universal purpose of the local church. As we fellowship around the person of Jesus Christ, the true purposes of God are begotten by the Holy Spirit". Derek Prince: 'Rediscovering God's Church', 2006 (emphasis mine).

In Bible times God would send teachers and evangelists and apostles all around the place to help and strengthen the local churches, but it was the locals' job to do fellowship, and to do it in Jesus. This is where the people got to know Jesus, our Father and Holy Spirit, and came to know one another and to grow in relationships. From that foundation "rivers of living water" (John 7:38) flowed out from them, bringing "salt" and "light" (Colossians 4:6; Matthew 5:16; John 1:4) to their families and communities, and "the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47).

They saw miracles: "God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will" (Hebrews 2:4).

Don't we all want this?

Jesus is Head over all the church (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18); we, here on Earth, are His body (Ephesians 5:23). A body is one, all its parts joined and working together, inseparable (Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19). 

We are called Christian because we belong to Jesus; we are "of Christ" .. "Christian". Amazing and awesome! It was an important day for humanity when this was first seen (Acts 11:26).

We are called into fellowship for a clear reason: 

".. so that you too may have fellowship with us [mature Christians]; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3). A call to join, in genuine community, with those already established in the faith and in their relationship with Father, with Jesus the Son and with Holy Spirit. Intimately. With God Himself.

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13).

".. included", even ".. marked". In all of humankind, in all of history, Christians are the only ones to be included in with the Godhead.

Jesus did not tell us to gather each Sunday in special buildings, join in singing with a near-professional and very loud group in the front, then listen to notices, listen to a "giving" sermon, then listen to a preaching sermon, and then go home.

No, He commands us to have fellowship in Jesus. Men and women, and children and youth too, high and low, mature Christians and new believers. All. Together. Worshiping, learning, praying, caring, working (ministering), and sharing lives. Fellowship. (See Acts 2:42-47).

More than just affecting their own people, the life of the early Christians impacted all of the heavenlies and all of society: "[God's] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 3:10). 

We learn that the "wisdom of God" is Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:24, 1:30, 2:7). 

Church

I have been pondering what it is to be church in our time. (I am not there yet). (I also find that some people are reluctant to talk about this). The Western church is not growing. We rejoice when new people are saved and join us in Jesus. But if the body is not growing, then for every new Christian there is another who drops out of the count. This is tragic. 

Trish and I were in a sizeable local church for many years. We grew there in Jesus and were part of things; we shared in many adventures and saw salvations, discipleship and miracles. We developed friendships and many ministries were begun by the people.

 

After major leadership changes other things changed; I began to feel uncomfortable and eventually stopped going. A while later Trish stopped going too. Good societal things were being done there, and there was praise and preaching .. but ..

What is church? What did this (changing) group of people have and then seemed to not have?

I found (and still find) that there are a great many Christians who appear to be as uncomfortable as me, and as mystified, and as separated from the raft of local churches around about. Others say that they "go to church" but are not able to connect and do not feel that they are being fed. Some have told me that they go because they believe that some kind of "church" attendance is necessary. (Remember the Derek Prince quote: "Fellowship is the sole universal purpose of the local church..")

Years have passed and Trish and I now belong in groups where we see Jesus' life among the people. This is very good news. The Lord assures us that when we earnestly seek Him with our whole heart we will surely find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29; Jeremiah 29:13; Proverbs 8:17; Matthew 5:6)!

(Trish and I were never without Jesus, and were always able to rejoice in Christian fellowship with our family and friends and specially with one another. So we were never without "church", Jesus' "ecclesia").

Finding Fellowship

In her very busy life Trish leads a women's prayer meeting, praying "for families and the generations". Relationships are deepening among the women, they find their times together to be rich and purposeful. At school she teaches life skills in her Home Economics classes, and also "Bible"; she sees her relationships with her students grow in these classes.

I am part of a number of prayer and study groups. These also are rich and satisfying with growing relationships. And I write 'Psalms Of John' (and maintain the website). I love this work, it is a gift from Jesus, (even the name was given by Him); He and I work together. This is the most satisfying work I have ever done, it also deepens my relationship with our Lord, and  equips me for when I am in prayer and talking with people everywhere.

A year or so ago Trish and I found one local church, a half-hour drive from home, where there is a great Sunday evening gathering. We worship with rich Christian music, (much of it from Scripture and written by people in the group). There are opportunities for everyone to share and to pray for one another, also great teaching, and shared meals. Jesus is very present in these meetings. They call them "services" but I see them as Christian "meetings"; they are gatherings of God's people, not so much from-the-front and them-and-us (Acts 2:42)! 

A local church near our home held an "everyone welcome" combined-churches gathering one Sunday evening. Trish and I heard about it and went, (we were hungry for fellowship), and were delighted. The people there were very Christ centred. The songs, prayers, teaching and preaching were all full of love, full of Jesus, and were theologically sound. Many from different congregations contributed. We have been back there on other Sundays and are forming lovely connections among these Christians. We are beginning to think that this may be our new "home church".

To me all these events are "church"; essential to life in the ecclesia, or the gathered people of God. 

Definitions of ecclesia include a sense that they are a governing body, people who help keep the whole of society in good and righteous balance. Certainly a look at history shows that the most fair and egalitarian nations in the world had very strong Christian influence for centuries.

It was the Christians who established the first hospitals, schools and universities, and provided the first broad-scale welfare to the dispossessed. Christians fought for the vote for women and even for people who did not own land, they ended slavery, and pushed for better working conditions and paid vacations for employees. The list goes on. Christians were playing their proper rôle in societies.

Today we do not see this influence. Instead Christianity is progressively being marginalised in Western counties, as well as in India, the Middle East, Myanmar, North Korea and more. At the same time long established freedoms are being taken away. Freedoms of speech, of conscience, of privacy, association and religion, and the freedom to raise our own children according to our beliefs and values, (rather than according to a government defined ideology).

Perhaps most importantly, Jesus taught that every person is infinitely precious. From this grew the certainty that the people should always have more power and influence than governments and their officials; today our governments seem to be forgetting this.

Through Him

Jesus’ church just celebrated Pentecost Sunday, and where Trish and I went we saw a deep recognition of Jesus' love and care for His body. Not just us; the ministers fraternal for our part of this city have been drawing closer, coming into unity. They felt to call our regional ecclesia to a week of prayer, with a different local church hosting each evening - "from house to house" (Acts 5:42). Deep is calling to deep. Last night, Monday, there were about 30 of us gathered to worship and pray together. Trish and I know only a few of these brothers and sisters but by Sunday we, and more day by day, will be closer. We are connecting and Jesus is growing His people (Colossians 2:19)! Jesus is "building His church" (Matthew 16:18).

I am happy about Trish and me. We have fellowship and witness and Jesus' work and guidance, Jesus is providing for us (Luke 12:22-32). This is Jesus being Jesus, and faith in action.

With all the changes we see happening in the world it will be very good for each one of us to be in true and sincere relationships with a committed community of people who desire to live by, through and for Jesus and the Kingdom of God, just as in the early days of the church. Very good. Then we will all be better established in Jesus when we are in the world, helping (Ephesians 4:11-16).

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen" (Romans 11:36).

Jesus is Head over all the church, it belongs to Him and He is her Saviour (Ephesians 5:23). We cannot even see the church as she truly is. It is Jesus' job to shape her and to draw people into the joy and fullness of Christian life (Acts 2:47), so that His church will assume its ordained rôle in our world.

"Jesus gave Himself up for His church, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present her to Himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27 paraphrased).

To God be the glory. Let us pray that we may grow in fellowship .. and in loving and serving our Lord.

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Corinthians 13:14). 

Favourite Bible Verses

"Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live" (1 Corinthians 8:6).

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life — the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us — that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:1-3).

"Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident" (2 Corinthians 1:20 Message). 

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased" (Luke 2:14).

Praise Jesus.

Amen.

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Praise Jesus.