God Working with Us

I am the vine, ye are the branches.   He that abideth in me and I in him, the same 

bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:5

Jesus was known for speaking in parables to explain spiritual aspects of the Kingdom of God.  He used the natural aspect of the vine with its branches and fruit to explain how we, His followers, are connected to Him; our Lord and Savior. 

In the natural world, life comes from the vine. The vine sends a life flow into the branches of a plant to produce fruit. The branch does not bear fruit of its own. If it is separated from the main vine, it ceases to bear and eventually dies.  This is the example Jesus used to illustrate the flow of God's power in the spiritual world. We are the branches that bear the fruit. Jesus is the vine. We do not in our own strength produce the fruit, we just uphold it. 

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  John 15:4

The powerful miracles of New Testament times were not Peter's miracles. They were not the work of Apostle Paul's hands. They were a result of the Holy Spirit of God flowing through them as spiritual branches bringing forth spiritual fruit.

These men did what God had commanded them. They preached the Word. They laid hands on the sick. They commanded demons to loose their hold on the lives of men and women. They obeyed and left the results to God.

Obey God and leave the results in His hands. 

We are not the miracle worker, we are the miracle-working vessel. 

God is the source of power. When we are obedient to God and act on His Word, then it is up to Him. He produces the power through us.  Peter and John, filled with the power of God, walked in power and authority granted by God and miracles were performed:

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.  Acts 3:6-9

Peter was such a miracle working vessel that people just wanted to pass under his shadow:

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.  Acts 5:15

Peter was not the only one, all the disciples were miracle working vessels:

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Acts 5:10-13

When the disciples asked, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God?” Jesus answered. . .

. . . This is the work of God: that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.  John 6:29

The Holy Spirit is the One who works through us. He is the One who has delegated the authority. We do not have to work up the power by emotionalism. We do not have to "pray it down". It is the power of God working in and through us.  In the day of the disciples, Jesus was there working with them:

. . . they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following.    Mark 16:20

Often in ministry this pattern is switched. Many try to work for God. But the method that brings powerful results is "The Lord working with them" through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told the disciples:

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon we: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.    Luke 24:49

The Holy Spirit is the life flow between man and God.  If we are not connected to this source our attempts to do the ministry work; to bear the fruit of the vine will fail.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.   And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.  And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?  And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.   Acts 19:13-18

Many ministries and people fail because they go forth before receiving the enduement of spiritual power. If we are to meet the challenges of the great responsibility Jesus gave us, we must do so in the authority and power of God given to us through Jesus Christ.  There is no other way to act in this power and authority except through Jesus Christ!

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.    John 14:16





(Biblical Studies)

06/06/17
11/17/18

07/24/20

07/14/22

* Power from on High

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye

 shall be  witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8

When Jesus concluded His earthly ministry and returned to Heaven, He left His followers with a tremendous responsibility: 

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  Matthew 28:19-20

The responsibility Jesus gave His followers was to reach the entire world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

There is a definite relationship between responsibility and authority. When someone is given a responsibility to do something, he must also be given the authority to do it. That authority must be delegated by someone greater than he.

For example, a policeman is given the responsibility to maintain order in a city. He is also given authority to fulfill that responsibility. He is given authority to act out his duties and given a weapon to give him power to walk out that authority.   The policeman does not have authority in himself. His authority is delegated (given) to him by his superiors. He is a man working with power delegated to him by a higher authority. He represents the government.

Jesus gave His followers the responsibility of reaching the world with the Gospel. He also gave them the authority and the power to accomplish the task. 

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues . . .  Mark 16:17

You cannot give someone responsibility without giving them the authority and necessary tools to carry out that responsibility. What was this authority? The authority was the name of Jesus and the power was the Holy Spirit; spiritual power-- great spiritual power: 

. . . All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.   Matthew 28:18-20

When Jesus came to this earth, He came with power and authority. Jesus had "all power" delegated from God. Because of this, Jesus had the authority to delegate both responsibility and power to His followers:

And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Matthew 10:1

And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach,

And to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils.    Mark 3:14-15

And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits.  Mark 6:7

Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.   Luke 9:1

It was not emotionalism or material blessings which Jesus delegated to His disciples. He did not establish an organized base of operations in Jerusalem. He knew these alone would not accomplish the task. He delegated Power.

The power which Jesus delegated to His followers is greater than the power of the enemy:

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.             Luke 10:19

Satan is not afraid of us. He will not respect us, but he fears our God-given authority.

Authority is based on relationship. For example, the policeman has authority because of his relationship with the government. Our authority is based on our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ; our connection to the vine.  Attached to us is Jesus with "all power." When we realize this truth, our life will change.  

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.    Luke 24:49

When the Disciples were endued with this power they were changed from fearful, unbelieving, doubting men to men of authority:

. . . they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following.  Mark 16:20

The book of Acts records how the promise of spiritual power was fulfilled in the lives of believers. The miracles, signs, and wonders described in this book are impressive. Each manifestation of God's power contributed towards the fulfillment of the great responsibility of reaching the world with the Gospel.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.   Luke 10:19

The power Jesus gave His followers carried with it a specific responsibility: It was to be used to extend the Gospel to the nations of the world:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Acts 1:8

This power is for the purpose of extending the Gospel to the nations of the world.

Jesus told a parable illustrating this truth:

For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to His servants, and to every man His work, and commanded the porter to watch.   Mark 13:34

The authority was given to accomplish a work. That work is the extension of the Gospel to the nations of the world.

Some people believe that spiritual power was only for the early church. They say it was only for the disciples. They claim the day of miracles is past.

But this begs the question, has the entire world been reached with the Gospel? The assignment  Jesus left to His followers is not yet finished. We still have the responsibility of reaching the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom.   Even as Apostle Paul neared the end of his journey, he began preparing Timothy, whom he had discipled, to carry on fulfilling the commission.   Jesus would not withdraw the authority before the responsibility was fulfilled.

Consider the account of Jesus’ conversation with Martha regarding Lazarus’ death:

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.  Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.  Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.     John 11:21-24

®     Martha believed Jesus could have raised Lazarus in the past 
           (". . . if thou hadst been here").  
®     She believed Jesus could raise him in the future 
           ("in the last day"). 

Jesus shared a very important truth with her.  ("I AM the resurrection and life”)  "I am" is speaking in the present tense.  Then He raised Lazarus from the dead.   

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:   John 11:25

There is no such thing as a past day of miracles. There is no such thing as a future day of miracles. In every age there is power to work miracles to meet the needs of people. In every day and age, God is manifesting His power. He says to you, "I AM"--present tense.

(Biblical Studies)

02/17/17
11/13/18
02/20/20

07/13/22

Year of Jubilee

And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed. For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.   Leviticus 25:8-12

FREEDOM AND RESTORATION is the nature of what the year of Jubilee is all about.  

I love the natural application but I realize that it is temporal while the spiritual application is eternal.

Freedom and Restoration on a spiritual level is to be celebrated also. I ran across a research paper where some one had calculated every 70 x 70 +1 year from the time of Adam in the Garden and found key events in the bible that correlated to God's plan to reconcile mankind to Him. Knowing that God is always working in our midst according to the calculation (70 x 70) that HE gave is noteworthy because it lends credence to the fact that He is always working behind the scenes to accomplish His will.

Satan perpetrated a wrong but God had a plan to right the wrong (AVENGE) that was done in the garden of Eden. That plan was to bridge the gap that was created by Satan. It was very interesting for me to note that every 70 x 70 years from Adam's fall, God did something that brought us closer to redemption. From the calling out of Abraham to a new land that God would show him to the great exodus of the children of Israel to the death and resurrection of Jesus - all these things were done by God at the 70 x 70th year from Adam so that we can have FREEDOM from the bondage of sin and the death that it brings and RESTORATION of our spiritual inheritance (eternity with God)!

Food for thought, in this Year of Jubilee, freedom and restoration is the reason to be jubilant. It is just our nature to get excited over the probability of good things coming our way. We see ourselves as the victors; coming out ahead. But do we, as Jesus did, consider the victims; the ones who are in bondage. Jesus read what the prophet Isaiah foretold:

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah 61.1). And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to

- preach the gospel to the poor; - he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, - to preach deliverance to the captives, and - recovering of sight to the blind, - to set at liberty them that are bruised, - To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:17-19

Just as Jesus walked this earth doing good and just as God is working behind the scenes on our behalf, as we are the image; the reflection of God, the question becomes:

In this year of Jubilee, what will you do to reach the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blinded and the bruised?

The Year of Jubilee calls for something more - it is the time of restoration, and release or freedom from something that you had lost or been bound by. In this day, we, as individuals, do not hold people physically captive nor do we take possession of peoples' property and yet we hold people emotionally captive, we know what the world needs to set them free from eternal death and bondage to sin, we know of the needs of the poor, the brokenhearted, and the wounded. So in this year of Jubilee should we not attend to the needs of others instead of just thinking how we will be released and/or restored. Jesus is our perfect example of how we should incorporate the needs of others particularly during the year of Jubilee.

* The Hope of Salvation

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with

 every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby

 they lie in wait to  deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him

 in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  From whom the whole body fitly

 joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to

 the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body

 unto the edifying of itself in love. 

Ephesians 4:14-16

Our enemy hates that we have chosen the path of salvation and will stop at nothing to destroy us because of it. Just as the helmet protects the vital but vulnerable head from otherwise fatal blows, the hope of salvation can protect our thoughts from our enemy's attacks and temptations to disobey God.

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.  Matthew 13:22

Without the helmet of salvation, we are unprotected from the "cares of this world" that bombard our thoughts and feelings. Imagine not knowing what the future ultimately holds. The worries and problems produced by living in this world would overwhelm us! 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1

With the helmet securely fastened, we can have the same confidence that Apostle Paul had:

"the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"  Romans 8:18 

We understand that it doesn't matter what happens to us now. No matter what trials we face, we know that at the end of it all waits God's Kingdom and an eternity of His perfect reign—and what could be better than that?

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.  Luke 12:4-5

Apostle Paul speaks to the church at Ephesus about the "helmet of salvation" as part of the armor of God. What exactly does the Bible mean by salvation, and why is it portrayed as a helmet?

It's incredible to think that the absence or presence of a helmet can make so much of a difference that a skateboarding accident can prove fatal without one while being run over by a car can be survived with one. One of the pieces of our spiritual armor is the helmet of salvation, and, as we can see from these two incidents, a helmet is not a piece of equipment to be underestimated.

In the book of Isaiah, a description of God shows Him as having put on both the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.  Isaiah 59:17

In referencing this Old Testament scripture, Apostle Paul drives home the point that it is in every sense of the word the armor of God—the same armor He Himself wears. But it also leads us to consider what salvation is, what it has to do with a helmet and what it means for us.

Apostle Paul's description of the armor of God mirrored the Roman soldiers attire.  What purpose did the helmet serve in the Roman army?  The Roman helmet, like helmets today, protected the head from the attacks of the enemy.

So how is the helmet linked to salvation?  Salvation basically means to be saved or delivered from something:

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.  Exodus 14:13  

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.

Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.  Micah 7:6-8

In the New Testament, it is generally used to refer to deliverance from the eternal death penalty of sin and deliverance into God's Kingdom.

What is the penalty of our sins, and how can we be saved from that penalty?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  Romans 5:8-10

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:3-4

To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins,  Luke 1:77

Every human being has thought and acted in ways that are abominable to God. Our sins break God's laws designed for our good. Sin is so vile to God that it requires the death penalty. God's justice requires that penalty. But God's loving mercy provided the most incredible substitute. Jesus Christ was willing to die in our place! To be saved, we need a Savior.  How do we get salvation?

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  Acts 2:38

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

We can receive tremendous hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Christ gave to save us and the amazing Kingdom that is the goal of our salvation. This hope works like a helmet to protect our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world.

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

Remember that salvation comes from God, and that God is on our side. If we commit to fully follow and obey Him, it is impossible for us to lose our battle or our salvation.   By committing and submitting, we'll no longer be like children, tossed around here and there upon ocean waves, picked up by every gust of religious teaching spoken by liars or swindlers or deceivers. Instead, by truth spoken in love, we are to grow in every way into Him—the Anointed One, Jesus Christ who is our perfect example.  He joins and holds together the whole body with its ligaments providing the support needed so each part works to its proper design to form a healthy, growing, and mature body that builds itself up in love.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  Revelation 21:1-4

This is the salvation we are fighting for—to enter this glorious Kingdom! Never lose sight of this. This coming Kingdom, with its infinite peace and prosperity, makes every price in this life worth paying. No matter what comes, no matter how vicious the attacks our enemy lands on us, we know that as long as we remain with God, we are moving slowly but unstoppable toward an eternal victory. What wouldn't we give for that?

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.   2 Timothy 4:6-8

Biblical Studies

05/17/16

06/19/17

02/19/20

07/12/22

Be Determined

And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: 

and he preached the word unto them.

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, 

they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, 

Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

(Mark 2:1-5)

How big is your faith? Is it big enough to do that extraordinary thing?  There's some things God has to do when He sees your faith.  With the power of God inside of you, you can do anything.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  (1 John 4:4)

You have to have faith for yourself!  No one else can have faith for you.  You may connect with someone else's faith, but you must have your own.

You have to understand when it's God working. 

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, (Mark 2:6)

Can God see your faith? God allows us to be put in situations so that He can see your faith.  In order for God to see our faith there must be a situation.  Know that it's just a situation.  We are glory carriers.   In order for God to get the glory there must be a situation.  (Daniel 3:19-30)

It's too many people holding you back because they are not carrying you when you need to be carried.   Be careful who you are connected to.  There are going to be some times when you need some help.   Get some people in your life that believe like you do.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalms 1:1)

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20)

You are coming out of the situation with what God intended for you to have.

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (Daniel 6:3)

The same person that oppressed you, now that person has to turn around and bless you.

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: (Exodus 3:21)

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. (Proverbs 13:22)

If you handle the situation like you want it to be handled, how will the thought of God be fulfilled?   Your situation cannot be over because God hasn't got the glory!  

The situations come so someone can see what God can do. 

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? (Matthew 26:53-54)

When we handle situations our own way we don't receive what God intended for us to have.

If you don't go through the way God wants you to go through you don't qualify for the blessing!

So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. (Job 42:12)

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11)

We must qualify for the blessings that God has for us.  

There is a standard that must be upheld.  What is that standard? The Word of God. . .  

So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19)

God can bring you out of anything.   It's just a situation.   

Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,  

. . . And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.  (2 Kings 20:2, 6)

God wants you to know this:

❤     You’re coming out of this looking good!  

❤     Each and every one of us are so very valuable in the kingdom!

The question becomes:

         Ö     When God steps in your situation what will He find you doing?

         Ö     Are you doing what God called you to do?

(Sermonette)

- Associate Pastor Tim Lofton





05/19/16
01/16/19

How Is God's Power Working IN You?

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: 

and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in

 Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8

God’s Holy Spirit is the enduement of power from on high.  

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.   Luke 24:49

Because of the adamic nature we inherited, it is necessary to have something within us to assist us in fulfilling and achieving the will of God.   That ‘something within’ is spiritual power which Jesus promised to us upon His ascension.

The one of the purposes of spiritual power is salvation:

But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.  John 1:12

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.   1 Corinthians 1:18

The demonstration of God's power results in salvation. The villages of Lydda and Sharon were converted when Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bed ridden for eight years, was healed (Acts 9).

A major purpose of the spiritual power delegated to believers was given when Jesus first promised this power:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.   Acts 1:8

The power Jesus delegated to His followers was to come upon them after  the coming of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the power was to extend a mighty Gospel witness, starting in Jerusalem and spreading to the ends of the earth.

The first demonstration of this spiritual power was seen in the Apostle Peter. After receiving the Holy Spirit, he gave powerful witness to the Gospel which resulted in salvation for 3,000 people. This was the same Peter who fled at the time of Jesus' arrest. This was the same Peter who denied even knowing the Lord. What had happened?  Peter had been endued with spiritual power!

Our witness of the Gospel must include both testimony and evidence. Evidence is the demonstration of God's power:

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  Acts 4:33

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.   1 Thessalonians 1:5

Jesus promised to work with those who fulfill the command to go into the world as witnesses to every creature. Some people seek powerful signs in their ministry, but they are not fulfilling the command to go. The power Jesus promised is to those who fulfill this command.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7

In the early Church, the Gospel went forth in boldness because of the enduement of spiritual power:

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.   Acts 4:31

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.  Acts 9:27

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.   Acts 18:26

And He went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God.   Acts 19:8

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 1 Thessalonians 2:2

The disciples were amazed at the powerful works of Jesus:

And He (Jesus) went out from thence, and came into His own country; and His disciples follow Him.  And when the sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands?   Mark 6:1-2

Jesus said:

I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.  John 9:4

Jesus had a definite purpose: He was to do the works of God. This was His motivation. After witnessing these works for a time, the disciples came to Jesus with this question:

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?   John 6:28

Jesus answered:

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.   John 6:29

The greatest work of God was manifested in Jesus. The Lord focused the attention of His disciples upon this fact rather than the visible demonstration of signs and wonders. True miracles always exalt Jesus. This is the work of God.

Later, Jesus told His followers:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.   John 14:12

His followers were to do the same works He had done.  They would do greater works. These works would be greater in quantity, not quality--because Jesus must return to Heaven.

His promise came true. Throughout the book of Acts, we witness believers doing the works of God. The sick are healed, demons are cast out, prison doors are opened, and the dead are raised again to life.

One reason God demonstrates His power on earth is to reveal Himself to man. Spiritual power delegated to believers is also for this purpose:

But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.   Matthew 9:8

Through a powerful Church, God desires to reveal Himself to the entire world:

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.  Ephesians 3:10

The purpose of this revelation through power is to:

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.  Acts 26:18

Power demonstrates the Kingdom of God in action:

Ö        Casting out demons signals God's invasion of the realm of Satan and his final destruction: 

Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. Matthew 12:29; 

(Also see:  Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21; John 12:31; Revelation 20:1)

Ö       Healing the sick looks forward to the day when all suffering will end: 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Revelation 21:4

Ö      Miraculous provision of food tells us of a day when all human need will end: 

And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.  Revelation 7:1

Ö      Stilling the storms looks forward to victory over the powers using nature to threaten the earth:

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  Revelation 21:1

Ö     Raising the dead announces that death will be forever done away with:

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  1 Corinthians 15:26

Powerful signs and wonders confirm the Word of God:

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.  Acts 14:3

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy WORD.  By stretching forth thine hand to heal: and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.  Acts 4:29-30

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.   Mark 16:20

The power of God rested on Jesus to equip Him for ministry:

And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.  Isaiah 11:2

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.   Isaiah 61:1

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil; for God was with Him.   Acts 10:38

And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.   Mark 1:22

This same power was evident in the ministries of believers in the early church. Apostle Paul said:

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.   Ephesians 3:7

The effectual working of God's power within you results in ministry. Your ministry comes into being and develops into maturity through the power of God at work in you. Apostle Paul said:

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.  1 Corinthians 2:4-5

The early Church was born in a demonstration of God’s power, not through great orators or theological debate. This permitted their faith to be in God instead of the charismatic, skillful speaking abilities of men.  God's power enables all areas of spiritual ministry: 

• Spreading of the Gospel, 
• ministering to the sick, 
• oppressed, and 
• those bound with demonic powers:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:   Matthew 28:18-19

And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.          Mark 16:17-18

.And when He had called them unto Him, His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease  Matthew 10:1

You are approved as a minister of God by the power of God:

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,   2 Corinthians 6:4,7

Biblical Studies

05/11/16

05/31/17
11/08/18
02/18/20

07/11/22