GLORIFYING OUR FATHER

 

There is no greater imperative for us than to glorify God. While we know this applies to all believers, the elders of the church must set the example in this. Jesus told us how—abide in Him and bear much fruit.

Christ calls us to FRUITFULNESS, (John 15:1-8). As a branch is connected to the grapevine, life flows into it, and fruit is produced from it. Without this vital connection, there will be no fruit. Abiding in Christ is essential. We can work our fingers to the bone and collapse in exhaustion and all we have done equals nothing!  How much of our effort will go up in smoke at the Judgment Seat of Christ because it was done in the energy of the flesh!

Christ calls us to FELLOWSHIP, (John 15:9-17).  Abiding in Him means abiding in Christ’s love and experiencing His abiding joy. This is the fellowship from being in the Word and on our knees in prayer, along with an ongoing sense of His presence. While it is our duty to serve Him, it is more. Jesus calls us His friends. This elevates our work from duty to delight. Our motivation is not obligation alone. It is passion that comes from devotion to our Friend. This is fruit that remains.  It is of eternal worth.  In the words of the old hymn, “What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms!”

Christ calls us to FAITHFULNESS, (John 15:18-16:4). This is not the way to becoming popular with the world. When the life of Jesus is manifested in and through us, the world will react to us as it did to Him. There was hate and rejection. They cursed Jesus and crucified Him. We have not signed up for a picnic, but persecution. Christ-likeness ignites the fury of Satan and all his minions.   Will we back down and back up, or will we abide in Him and stand resolute?  In the flesh, we will falter. Yet, we have the Spirit of God as our Helper. By His abiding power we can be faithful.

 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬‬).

TRUTH THAT FREES

I was reading this devotional from the late Stephen Olford and wanted to share it with you:

“The truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32 

It is interesting to note the working powers of the Word of God or Truth as revealed in this Gospel. Here are just a few: 

Its Liberating power. “The truth shall make you free.” The Word of God is that which snaps all chains of bondage. 

Its Pruning power. “You are already clean [pruned] because of the word which I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). This is pruning for greater fruitfulness. 

Its Sanctifying power. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Herein lies the secret of a sanctified life. 

Its Rejoicing power. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17). The keeping of His commandments has a special reward of happiness for the obedient believer. 

Thank You, Lord, for the liberating power of Your Word.  May Your Word have its way in my life. 

(According to Your Word, p. 76, Kindle Edition)

This is a reminder of another reason to preach the Word of God faithfully and fervently. It is the truth that sets people free!  During almost half a century of preaching, I have seen this again and again in people’s lives. May God give you liberty as you proclaim it with expectancy tomorrow!

A CRUCIAL COMMAND

 

Can you imagine if a preacher dared to enter the pulpit drunk?  It is likely (and likely should be) that he would be fired. Yet, how many preachers will stand before the congregation tomorrow—relying on their study, leaning on their skills, trusting in their strength. It may be that none will confront them—in fact, they may please the people and receive a pat on the back. But, they have sinned as much as the drunken preacher slurring his sermon!

“Be filled with the Spirit,” is as much an imperative as “be not drunk with wine.”  To disobey either is sin. It is just that one would be more obvious.  Yet, because it is not so apparent, the failure to be filled with the Spirit may be more insidious!

From the Day of Pentecost, there was this linkage between being filled with wine and being filled with the Spirit. Why?

One who is drunk is mastered by alcohol. It controls everything about them. It changes their thinking, their vision, their speech, their emotions, their walk. To be filled with the Spirit is to be under the Lordship of Jesus Christ—fully. So much so, that His Spirit affects the way we think, how we see, what we say, how we feel, the way we walk. 

This is a crucial command. Jesus demanded the disciples assemble for prayer after His ascension and not cease seeking the Spirit’s power until He came upon them. They did. He did. There were 3000 added to the church that day!  The world has never been the same. 

Pray!  Seek the fullness of the Spirit. Do not cease asking for His anointing on the preaching of the Word and ministries of the church. Be empty of self, that you may be full of the Spirit.

It is a crucial command!