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We are now living in a time in history when lives are completely stripped, devoid of goodness and fruitful life. We need to be the conduit through which God Himself can pour His life and into those who so desperately need Him.
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World history and the condition of this planet changed significantly when Jesus arrived on the scene. Many modern historians have criticized Christianity by pointing to the flaws of the Church over the centuries, but one thing cannot be denied. The early church was radical and its followers suffered immensely over the first two centuries, and because of them the known world experience radical change for the good. The history of the church since that time has not been superlative, but we are now living in times that need the same surge of life of those early believers. And what made the difference? Pastor Gerry Wilson peels that onion for us today.
Jesus stated that God is Spirit and that we are to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Ok, that sounds reasonable. But what, exactly, does that mean and what does that look like in practical terms?
Last week Nancy delved into the tightly knit relationship of our mind, heart and conscience and the relationship we were designed to have in interacting with the Holy Spirit. When everything is working, life is good. When we consistently ignore the Lord's leading, our consciences can sear over like a hot iron over a wound. Bad things happen, and oftentimes we don't even see it coming. Today we listen to an Old Testament story of just such an incident.
And the only thing you'll ever need. And it's not an it, it's a He. The Holy Spirit. Interesting, isn't it. Most folks interpret Jesus' discussion on "asking and receiving" as "just keep being persistent in your prayer and you'll get what you want". The Lord is not Santa, nor is He your genie in a bottle. The Holy Spirit is the only "thing" anyone will ever need in their entire life. If you have Him, your constant companion and guide, then you need nothing else. Are you in trouble? He'll help you get out. Do you have material needs? He'll provide. It's all about talking to Him first, not about trying to figure it out on your own. There's so much more to say, but let's listen for now.
Covid sure has turned the world upside down for many. Life is good when everything seems pretty secure and predictable. But, we live in a different age now, and maybe the future doesn't seem quite as predictable anymore. Maybe you didn't experience as much trauma as others these past few months, but should another shoe drop and it does touch your life, and in a big way, what then?
We live in a culture of death but God wants to transform it into a culture of life.
We've all seen what happens. Pond scum, not a pretty sight. Today we're looking at Moses' experience in the wilderness when needing to provide water for the newly freed Israelites. The story supplies some great images and a most necessary application.
Our guest speaker today brings an interesting perspective. If they say you're a door, or you're a signpost, as will be discussed this session, I think everyone understands that you're not, really. These are just examples, metaphors. But what about a temple? That's real, and that has power. Power to change you. Power to change others. Your life is completely and irrevocably changed when the power of the Living God, the person of the Holy Spirit, because of Jesus Himself, has taken control of you.
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