He is the Holy Spirit…

In teaching on the Holy Spirit’s role in Acts, I saw a few things I wanted to share about Him:

*  He can’t be caught. “Catching the Spirit” is an expression that is tied to tradition and not truth.  The Spirit can move in a church service (Acts 2), but he can move any and anywhere he feels.  He is God.  Acts 5:3-4

*He is not an it.  The Spirit is not an it or impersonal force.  He is a person.  John 16:7

*He is the third person of the Triune God.  Matthew 28:19.  But the members of the Trinity are still one God.  Romans 6:4

*He is the Gift that God the Father gives to those who trust in Jesus for salvation.  Acts 2:38

*He won’t leave you.  He comes to live inside of you and is a seal of your salvation.  Ephesians 1:14; Romans 8:12.

*He is necessary to live out the lifestyle of the believer in Jesus.  Romans 8:5, Galations 5:16.

*He changes the worship game.  Before Jesus came to earth, the Holy Spirit lived in the temple, which was where you came to worship.  There was one place that people came to worship the One God and that was the temple in Jerusalem.  Now, the Holy Spirit lives in those who have trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  We become the temples and the places of worship.  Our life and how we live it becomes an act of worship to God.  John 4:24; Romans 12:1.

*He makes living the a life in Christ exciting.  Listen for Him!

[Day 1] The Chu’ch: Together We Stand — The Issues at Ephesus, Part 1

 

 

 

Because of the length of this post I divided it into three posts.  What follows is a part of Acts 19 and one of the issues that the people in Ephesus struggled with.  The next two posts will deal with Negative Spirituality and Idolatry.

 

And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all. Acts 19: 1-7

 

Religious but No Understanding of the Gospel

 

     These guys Paul met in Ephesus were religious, but something about these guys tipped Paul off to ask the question, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  Said another way: “Do you have God living inside of you?”  The Bible declares that they were disciples.  Disciples of what?  Disciples of whom?  They clearly were religious.  They acted the right way.  They said the right religious words.  “Paul, I’m blessed and highly favored.”  They knew the right scriptures to quote.  They even knew how to behave religiously.  But something that Paul perceived, caused him to say, “Yall look very religious and all, but have you ever met the living God?”

 

Then, Paul asks them, what were you baptized into?  They said, “John’s baptism.”  So,these folk had no idea about whom John was pointing to.  They thought John was the one.  Paul tells them, “No, John was not just preaching get right with God.  Repent.”  That’s religion.  “John was also pointing to the The Savior Jesus and wanted people to trust Him to save us from our sins.”  The religious disciples knew  that sin was bad and that they needed to repent, but they did not understand the second part of the message which is to “believe in Jesus.”  Mark 1:15.  We need somebody to save us from our sins.

 

What are some signs that you may have not have heard or understood the good news?  Here are a few:

 

• Some folk don’t have a clear understanding of the Gospel.  For instance, when you hear the word Gospel, you instantly think of music.
• You know God, but you know him like you know Kobe Bryant.  You have seen him at work, but you have no personal relationship with him.  You believe sin is wrong, but you’ve never trusted in Jesus to save you and heal you from your sins. 
• You are religious, but have no relationship with a living God.
• You have all the rules down, but don’t know the joy of living a free life in Christ.
• You believe that you have to do things in order to be accepted by God.  For instance, I go to church on Sunday, right after doing something bad on Saturday, because I feel guilty will help me feel better.
• You go to church, but you feel no connection to God. 
• You are trying to get into heaven by being a good person.

 

If any of these are you, please take some time to ask God for help to see and understand the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ.  Find a Christian pastor/teacher who can help you to understand the message of the gospel.  It is life and its liberating!  I have a couple of blog posts on the gospel here and here.    Definitely check, here!  Also, I will be more than happy to rap with you about your questions.  You can either post them here or email me at pngwolo@gmail.com.

Dont Waste your Life Commercial

LeCrae and ‘em are at it again. This one is so funny, but it is so true. Hip-hop music today has limited subject matter. What do you think?

iamsecond.com

I like this site!  It’s got a lot of celebrities, preachers, and normal folk expounding on why they are second check it out you might like it.  Tony Evans video on race was especially thought provoking.  www.iamsecond.com

Don’t Waste Your Life Video!

 

Man, this LeCrae song goes hard and so does the video check it out.  Chu’ch!  Let me know what you think

“Never Alone”

This is an awesome and powerful hymn:

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain
No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain
No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!

Refrain
No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they pierced His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waiteth in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain
No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

A Heavenly Valentine’s Day Gift…

Valentine’s Day is the day that a good number of people are most aware of their need for love. For some people, it’s a happy day because they are receiving what they feel to be love from somebody else. For other people, it is a sad day because they are not receiving what they feel is love. Some folks have dates, some don’t!  Loneliness and depression can quickly set in.  Even if you are with a significant other or getting attention from somebody, it can sometimes feel forced and artificial.  Where can we find some real love!  Well I think God has a word for us this Valentine’s Day.

I John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for^[a] our sins.

Love, real love,  is measured by the sacrifice God made for folk who do not love him back. He gave his adored Son, for folk who did not deserve it, so that those same folk could be close to him forever.  What an awesome privilege to know that you are loved and more importantly to have an opportunity to experience that love in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ!  Regardless of your earthly dating dilemma, take comfort in your loving relationship with God –believers.

Dying to Live Free: Day 4 — Only Jesus Saves

Man, again, I had a great time in bible study looking at Romans 3.  There was a point towards the end that everything just got stone quiet and I think God was dealing with all of us differently.  The Good News of Jesus is that powerful!  Yes, the world is under the wrath of God, but in three power -packed words, Paul helps us to understand exactly what Jesus did for us.

Redemption:  God breaks it down and lets us know that God has wrath stored up for all of humanity.  There is a price to be paid for our sin and God has decreed that price to be death.  (Romans 6:23) But for those who trust him, Jesus redeemed us.  (Romans 3:24) In the Letter to the Romans, to redeem means to buy back from the power of sin and Satan.  Back in the time of American slavery, if a slave wanted his freedom, he would need somebody to redeem him — to buy his freedom.  The death of God’s Son was the price that would buy back our freedom.  Only a sinless man is worthy enough to die, but no one but God is sinless.  Jesus is divinity and humanity in one, and worthy enough to pay the price!

Propitiation: The scripture also tells us Jesus became our propitiation.  (Romans 3:25)  God was angry with the world and with humans and he had anger and wrath stored up against us.  (Romans 1, 2)  A propitiation is a sacrifice that satisfies the wrath of God.  In ancient times, (and even today), some people believed that the gods were angry and that a human sacrifice or propitiation was necessary in order to appease them.  So they would find the appropriate person to throw in the fire.  (Think about the natives in Indiana Jones or The Mummy.)  Well Jesus was our propitiation – our sacrifice that satisfied God’s wrath against humanity.  When Jesus, says, “It is finished,” God was done making Jesus his spiritual punching bag.  The agony and pain he felt on the cross was not only physical, but he felt the psychic burden of the sin and guilt of all humanity for all time.   In his divine fury, God let Jesus have it – FOR US.  So when Jesus assignment was done He says, “It is finished.” (John 19:30).  God literally was holding back a portion of his anger that had been building up from the beginning of time, he saved it and let all out on Jesus.  It was a bad time for Jesus, but a good time for us, for the wrath of God was satisfied.

Justification:  Because Jesus is our redemption and our propitiation, God justifies us. (Romans 3:26)  Justification is a legal declaration from the throne of God that you are “not guilty.”  Isn’t this an awesome thought!  Satan accuses you before God of every sin you commit, but God looks back at you and says to you, “My child, you are not guilty.” In fact, you are a righteous saint and God looks at you just like he looks at His Son Jesus.  God shows himself to be just because he punishes all sin, “big and little” in Jesus Christ and a justifier, because He declares us righteous.   (Romans 3:26).  Said another way, Jesus exchanges places with you and he becomes the guilty and you become the innocent and righteous person that Jesus is.  This substitutionary sacrifice for our sin is made available to anybody who would trust Jesus. (Romans 3:22) ITS FREE! Just believe that He died, buried, and was resurrected for your sins and you shall be saved.  (Romans 10:9).  

Are Men of Today Really Men?

 

Dr. Voddie Baucham, an itinerant preacher in Houston,  suggests that men aren’t stepping into the role that God has ordained for men because of feminism.  As much as it has helped women in America, I am thinking that it could be a factor.  What do you think?  Watch the video and sound off!

Was that Necessary, Joseph Lowery?

Now in Rev. Joseph Lowery said some things on Inauguration Day that I am not sure should have been in a prayer:

“We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.”

 

Some people consider Mr. Lowery’s prayer offensive to the particular ethnic groups mentioned.  But my feeling is that regardless of whom it is addressed to, I was struck by the lack of authenticity.  I often wonder if some people are genuinely praying to God, or they are praying to be heard primarily by men.  (Matthew 6:5-8)   Mr. Lowery started rhyming! Rhyming!  If I had to put some good money on it, I believe he was praying to be heard.

God gives us a blueprint for prayer in Matthew 6 – The Lord’s Prayer.  However, there is no one size fits all prayer.  Sometimes your prayer may be short — “I love you God.”  Or it may be long — “Lord, I’ve got to tell you all that stuff I did during inauguration week…”  Prayer is simply communicating with God.  Don’t worry about getting every single word right.  For believers, the Bible tells us that the Spirit prays for us when don’t know what to pray for.  (Romans 8:26).  So even when we are tongue tied or asking for the wrong stuff the Sprit has us covered already.  Speak with God in your way.   Just be open and wait for his answer!