This week, Michael writes: In the midst of tribulation, The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome: Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. (Romans 12:10-12) In other words, stoke the fire of the Holy Spirit. Despite the persecution, the fellowship of the church, the body of Christ, binds us together in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
The God-rejecting world stands against the truth of the Word of God. Men and women of God are called to lead their families in the love of God. According to 3 John 1:4, I have no greater joy than to see that my children walk in truth, loving God. The naturalistic world and the popular culture, influenced by the god of this world [the devil], has marginalized men and women in our society. The most-used adjective to describe our secular society today is the word “toxic.” They say the term “toxic humanity” is redundant. However, the Word of God says, God has called the people of God to stand for the truth of His world. Our righteousness is not in our own ability, but in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation is both a one-time event and also an ongoing practice. This is why Philippians 2:12 says, work out your own salvation, your wholeness, your ongoing redemption, with fear and reverence, with awe, respect, and love of God. Maintaining our vertical relationship in fellowship with God is ongoing; it is taking action intentionally, and purposefully, moment by moment to deliberately and lovingly walk with the Lord.
As men and women of God, our responsibility is our response to God’s ability. Following after Christ, growing in the love of God, and fanning the flame of the Holy Spirit is based on five foundational truths. The first is Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives. Second, the Word of God is truth. Therefore, the Bible is our sole rule of faith and practice. The third is, We are men and women of prayer. Fourth, we link together with likeminded Believers. Fifth, we give the Gospel away in order to help others find Jesus.
The Apostle Paul said, quench not the Spirit. Sin will quench the Spirit of God. Sin separates our heart from God’s heart. Sin focuses on the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Sin puts the desires of the flesh over the desires of the Spirit of God in Christ. To turn from sin is to repent and return to our Lord Jesus Christ. If our concept of God is that He is a hard taskmaster whose purpose is to condemn us when we sin, then we will fall away from the grace, mercy, and love of God. The parable of the talents is an illustration of the steward who was motivated by fear instead of love.
Let's continue Michael's message on Christian living in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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