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Published: 03 October 2019

One doesn’t have to be a believer in Jesus to know the power of temptation.  Every human that has walked this earth has been enticed to pursue something God has forbidden.  To be human is to be tempted.  Temptation is “common to man.”  We may have different temptations.  Some are tempted to steal, others, to eat too much or drink too much.  Some people are tempted to hurt themselves while some are tempted to over-indulge in pleasure.  Some are tempted to satisfy their sexual desires in ways that are not approved or designed by God for our wellness as humans.  Some people are tempted to carry out their anger in hurtful ways.  Some, who believe they have gained a mastery over their flesh, are tempted to pride-filled self-righteousness.  Deception is the foundational reality in temptation.  We must be aware that the world system (culture), the enemy (devil) and our own flesh (desires) are not trustworthy indicators of reality.  The only accurate source of truth is the Word of God.  The only pure Model of what life is about and how to live it is Jesus Christ.  The only Power Source always available to us is the Holy Spirit.  The only One whose gifts are good and perfect and come in due time are the Father’s.  You have faced temptations today and you will face them tomorrow and will have to deal with them every day of this life to one degree or another.  What will you do with this malady of the human condition?  God has a plan.  We’ll study it in preparation for the Lord’s Table this coming Sunday, Lord willing . 

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Published: 26 September 2019

We’ll be studying 1 Corinthians 12 this week, a lengthy treatise on matters of the Holy Spirit and His empowerment of the gifts He has given people.  Everyone has a gift.  In other words, everyone has something to contribute to the glory of God on this earth.  However, there are many people who do not submit their gift to the Spirit.  In that sense, their gift is not “spiritual,” it is not under the influence of the Holy Spirit.  Paul, Barnabas, Timothy and other missionaries of the first century submitted their gift to the Holy Spirit and their apostolic and evangelistic efforts reflected this empowerment.  The Spirit was enabling them, Jesus Christ was being exalted and the body of Jesus Christ was being edified.  This is what the Holy Spirit does.  Paul did not use his gift for his own promotion or pleasure.  His gift was empowered by the Spirit for the growth of the church to the glory of God.  Not all that happens in the church or on the mission field is spiritual, in that it is empowered by the Holy Spirit.  However, when it is, one or both of the Spirit’s principal intentions is taking place.  Jesus Christ is being magnified and the church is being “built up” in their faith.  Pray that our missionaries will use their gifts in the power and under the influence of the Holy Spirit.