TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 17:1-26
You received the Spirit of sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Briefly, let's look back at where we've been this month. We've spent the first half of this month exploring the content of the gospel. Specifically, on August 10, we turned our sights toward a New Testament examination of Jesus Christ. At the heart of the gospel, we've found historical and critical connections with God's Old Testament story. We've asserted the divinity of Christ, the spiritual and moral dimensions of His teachings, and His call for disciples. Finally, today, we look at one last element in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ: His power to connect us to the Father.

We've already acknowledged that the gospel message is a message of redemption. It tells the story of how God will set right a world broken by sin and death. And central to this message of redemption is a reconnection of people to the Father. Humanity had this in the Garden of Eden and lost it because of sin. Now God, through Jesus Christ, is making a way for us to regain eternal life.

This eternal life isn't a cloying picture of heavenly harps and choirs. Our reconciliation to God is much richer and grander than merely eternal bliss. We don't have to die to begin eternal life; it begins at the moment we place our faith in Christ. Eternal life is guaranteed by the Son, Jesus Christ. God Himself has given the Son authority to grant eternal life.

Suddenly we see that all the privileges of sonship are ours. The words that He has heard from the Father, He has given to us. The unity He has enjoyed with the Father is available to us as well. His joy, His peace, His protection are ours completely because we have now come into a restored relationship with the Father.

Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden. Now, through Jesus, that personal and intimate relationship with our Creator God is made available to us by the redeeming work He was sent to do on our behalf.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The gospel in its essence is very simple: through Christ's atoning death on the cross, we can have a repaired relationship with God. Leading up to your conversion, you no doubt hungered for a vital connection to your Maker. Has that continued? Or have you gotten busy and preoccupied? Intentionally pursue connection with God this week. Take a long walk in creation, listen to music that inspires worship, meditate on Scripture. In short, enjoy your God!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 3:1-26
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. - Acts 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Chuck Colson, presidential advisor to Richard Nixon, served seven months in prison for Watergate-related charges. Known as the White House “Hatchet Man,” Colson shocked the world when he committed his life to Christ in 1973. As the Boston Globe reported, “If Mr. Colson can repent of his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody.”

Just as in the life of Chuck Colson, the gospel is a life-changing force. As a message about the person and work of Jesus Christ, the gospel offers us theological truths to embrace. But it is more than doctrine. The gospel announces the advent of the New Covenant and the indwelling presence of God with His people. And His people will never be the same.

Peter and John aren't the same men we've known through the Gospels. In the story found in Acts 3, Peter and John were resolute and confident. They commanded the crippled man to his feet and told him to walk. And as they seemed to expect, he jumped to his feet and obeyed.

The crowd marveled at what had happened, but Peter and John quelled the intensity of reaction. They disavowed any personal power by which they could have performed this healing. “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (v. 12). But it did provide a perfect introduction to talk about the power and godliness of Jesus Christ.

Peter's address to the crowd underscores major elements of the gospel we've highlighted so far. Central to his discussion is the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter mentioned many different names for Jesus: Servant, Holy and Righteous One, Author of life, the Christ. He spoke of the death of Jesus Christ, but most importantly, about His resurrection. If Jesus Christ is in fact raised from the dead, then that resurrection power is available to His followers as we await the time of His return to earth.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Because of Pentecost and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (read Acts 2), the gospel brings power to ordinary people. Where do you need to see the power of God in your life? Are you praying impossible prayers that apart from God's power, could never be answered? Are you facing impossible circumstances for which you need supernatural strength? Has God called you to a daunting mission? Remember God's power made available to you. Memorize Ephesians 1:19 and 20 as an important reminder.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? - 1 Corinthians 6:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
It isn't uncommon for an aging generation to speak fondly of “the good old days.” They wistfully remember an era when family mattered, when young people worked hard, and when honesty was still the best policy. With their best days behind them, they find themselves constantly looking in the rearview mirror of life.

As people of the gospel, we, too, look back and remember the historic roots of our faith. Apart from the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have no foundation upon which to build our faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ speaks God's final word for matters concerning salvation. Another Savior will not come nor another plan be revealed. But as important as the past is to us, as much as that matters in our defense of the gospel, we must also respond to the present work of God's Spirit in the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church manifests God's presence today as believers exercise their spiritual gifts.

The list of spiritual gifts here in this text is by no means complete. Different passages of Scripture include other important spiritual gifts (cf. Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4). What should be highlighted about the particularity of this list is the overt spiritual dimension of each of the gifts listed. Some of the gifts listed in other passages might be understood as natural capacities or personalities that the Holy Spirit amplifies to serve others. But of the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, none could really be defended as a human talent or skill. All bear evidence of God's divine empowerment of His people.

Paul makes an important point here about the gospel. The gospel announces the coming of the Holy Spirit, a New Covenant by which God would indwell His people (see August 7). Now the people of God have the power of God: to speak, to understand, and to accomplish what only God could.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What's particularly beautiful about this picture of God's active presence through the church is the diversity of callings and gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to His people. As individual believers and even as churches, we will not always share the same vision. Nor should we! Churches function best when they call people to recognize the unique ways in which they have been gifted by God to love and to serve.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 4:32-5:11; Ephesians 5:1-7
There must not be even a hint of . . . any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. - Ephesians 5:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
A line from Francis Thompson's 1917 poem, “The Hound of Heaven,” describes God's relentless and loving pursuit of His people. From those strong Feet that followed, followed after. / But with unhurrying chase, / And unperturbId pace, / Deliberate speed, majestic instancy.

This is the gospel, the record of God's unwearied advances toward His people. He has never abandoned His original intent to befriend humanity. In the New Testament, starting with the book of Acts, the church emerges as the vision of God's reconciled relationship with men and women. Through the descriptions found in Acts and the prescriptions found in the Epistles, we learn what the gospel is meant to do for the people who embrace it. It is our most essential category, shaping how we think and who we become.

In Acts 4, the gospel has the power to transform selfishness into generosity. These men and women surrender their personal ambitions for the collective good. It's not just that they donate money to the church. They sell their investments, trading hope for a secure financial future for hope in the living God.

The story, then, of Ananias and Sapphira is startling. They were not coerced by the church to sell their property and give up the proceeds. They had liberty to do as they wished (v. 4). But their egregious error was their attempted deception. In greed, they wanted to keep back a portion for themselves. In pride, they wanted to appear as if they had given all.

The severity of their sin was reflected in its punishment. God, took their sin so seriously for the reasons mentioned in our key verse today. When God redeems men and women, He intends to make them holy. The gospel aims not just at our head but our heart. The gospel separates God's people, demanding that they live according to different values than the culture around them. We are to be transformed, imitating God in His love and holiness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“Not even a hint” challenges us to complete intolerance of sin in our lives. It's important to notice that sin isn't just a list of things to avoid (though this passage in Ephesians does offer some examples). Sin is also the neglect of doing what is good and right (cf. James 4:17). Our first responsibility is to “live a life of love.” Consider what prevents us from loving other people: busyness, self-absorption, misunderstanding, unforgiveness. Tolerate not even a hint of that which would prevent you from loving others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:1-29
Without holiness no one will see the Lord. - Hebrews 12:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
After Hurricane Katrina, Sam Thompson, a native of the ravaged coast of Mississippi, felt compelled to help. He embarked on an unusual mission: to run 50 marathons in 50 states for 50 consecutive days in an effort to raise money towards hurricane relief.

Sam Thompson understands the nature of a race, a metaphor used by the writer of Hebrews in our reading today. The gospel message, as we hear, understand, and confess it, sets us in motion. It propels us off the starting blocks for a journey of faithfully following Jesus Christ. Our destination is to see the Lord one day (v. 14).

To run well requires spiritual fitness. The Bible calls this holiness. In the first four verses of Hebrews 12, the writer explains what this entails. It requires spiritual determination to keep going when everything inside you and around you screams, “Stop!” It requires wisdom to anticipate potential roadblocks to spiritual growth and to chart a course, making provisions to avoid the entanglements of sin. It requires steadfast focus on Christ.

Holiness is not, however, a contest of self-effort. God determines that we will share in His holiness (vv. 5-11). He arranges the circumstances of our lives, allowing just enough pain so that we grow spiritually but without surrendering to defeat or discouragement. God superintends this process of making us holy.

Another dimension of holiness is relational (vv. 14-17). The writer calls us to peace and forgiveness. He urges us not to give in to bitterness. Holiness is not just a matter of an internal spiritual fervor. To be holy is to pursue right relationships with others.

And finally, holiness is a result of authentic worship. We have much for which to be thankful. The gospel has mediated a settlement for us with God. We are pardoned. We are guaranteed eternal life. It is the resulting joy and thanksgiving that gives us the perseverance with which we are to run this race.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Consider some questions this passage raises. First, are you running well by anticipating and avoiding sin that so easily entangles you? Second, if you are facing a painful circumstance in your life, can you remember that this discipline is a guarantee of the Father's love for you? Third, are you living a life of forgiveness and reconciliation with others? And finally, what are ways you're expressing your reverent worship and awe of God?

[Def]

why we can not put up attachement ???Pastor Éroger is that new..

[Def]

why we can not put up attachment ???Pastor Éroger is that new..

not that i care but it is a waist..no!

[Soldier4Christ]

This forum does not have the capability of putting up attachments. If a person wishes to post an attachment they must cut and paste it into the forum as a whole message not an attachment.

[Def]

but i always did say good night to you with a attachement Pastor Roger..remember my little dog,, in Jesus Def

[Soldier4Christ]

 

I'm not sure what you are meaning. Those were images that you posted, right? Attachments are when a person attaches to a wordpad or notepad type of message.

[Def]

remember the picture i sent you jesus hugging you when i goto" additional options" and then  to attach and then Parcourir i choose a little picture and then press post and you would get it now it dont come out just the smileys Why..Pastor Roger why

[Soldier4Christ]

Sister, I'm definitely confused now. I have never seen any attach function under additional options. I'm also afraid that I don't remember the picture either.

[Def]

are you the administrator here Pastor Roger.

[Soldier4Christ]

No, I am moderator not admin.

Sister, if you are trying to post a picture then you need to use the img function. It is the second button from the left just under the italicized I above. You need to have a url for the picture first. To get a url you must have the picture on your web site or on a web site like photobucket.com.

Then you click on the img button above and put the url in that.

[Def]

Sister, I'm definitely confused now. I have never seen any attach function under additional options. I'm also afraid that I don't remember the picture either.

peace be with you  Pastor Roger , For you see, i have your answer on the picture that I once  sent you a pink elephant ..that Tina sent to me once, i snatch from Her and i keep it , yes, your answer ,with you tell me thank you for the hug and the Pink elephant  on the picture..i am so so sorry Pastor Roger that you don't remember but it is OK my God does ..in Jesus Def  the shadow`s of darkness are coming again goodnight,take good care of yourself..