Present Purpose-Part 2
Posted By on Wednesday, January 27, 2016
In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were called to be a witness, but they lacked the grace or the empowerment to fulfill their calling. In the New Testament we have that grace through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
“A new heart also will I give you…and I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes…” Ezekiel 36:26-27
What a privilege to live in the day we are in! To be a New Covenant body of Believers! What grace (empowerment) is available to us today, if we will but reach out for it!
Today, where there is uncertainty, conflict, and fear, there is an assurance we can demonstrate in Christ Jesus. Some see only man’s systems failing; yet others understand God’s purposes are moving forward. In the midst of all that is happening, there is a people being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a witness unto the Lord today.
Following the crucifixion of Jesus, the early church was in confusion and fear. After the resurrected Christ appeared to the disciples, their whole perspective changed. Even in the midst of great pressure, they were able to see the sovereignty of God and focus on His purpose being fulfilled, as they asked for boldness to declare the Word of God.
“The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ…for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” Acts 4:26-29
In the presence of the risen Lord, the fact of His sovereignty became a reality to the early church. From that point on, circumstances no longer caused them to become fearful or confused. They stood bold in their witness of the resurrected Jesus, even to the point of death.
“Parousia” is a New Testament Greek word that relates to the second coming of Christ; this word also relates to the “Presencing” of the Lord, in which He is beginning to reveal Himself in a greater and more personal way to those who have come apart to seek Him.
“A new heart also will I give you…and I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes…” Ezekiel 36:26-27
What a privilege to live in the day we are in! To be a New Covenant body of Believers! What grace (empowerment) is available to us today, if we will but reach out for it!
Today, where there is uncertainty, conflict, and fear, there is an assurance we can demonstrate in Christ Jesus. Some see only man’s systems failing; yet others understand God’s purposes are moving forward. In the midst of all that is happening, there is a people being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a witness unto the Lord today.
Following the crucifixion of Jesus, the early church was in confusion and fear. After the resurrected Christ appeared to the disciples, their whole perspective changed. Even in the midst of great pressure, they were able to see the sovereignty of God and focus on His purpose being fulfilled, as they asked for boldness to declare the Word of God.
“The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ…for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” Acts 4:26-29
In the presence of the risen Lord, the fact of His sovereignty became a reality to the early church. From that point on, circumstances no longer caused them to become fearful or confused. They stood bold in their witness of the resurrected Jesus, even to the point of death.
“Parousia” is a New Testament Greek word that relates to the second coming of Christ; this word also relates to the “Presencing” of the Lord, in which He is beginning to reveal Himself in a greater and more personal way to those who have come apart to seek Him.
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