Protocol To Power
Why does Scripture delcare that the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power? Why power? It is because the means by which all is changed, or transformed, in the spiritual life is by the power of God. Power is needed for the new birth. It is also needed in order to walk with God. It is a gift of God to those who truly wait upon Him for of their hourly needs.
Hunger And Fulness
Why do we have a hunger for that which is better, higher, and good? Where do the thirsts come from which draw us to God, or even the consideration of God? It is very apparent that God uses hunger and thirst, especially from a soul standpoint, to draw us to Himself, as there is clearly nothing else that can meet the need. This is one way we can be sure that God is working in a life, even our own, by the thirst that we have for Him.
The Making Of A Man Of Faith
How does God work in a heart and life to make of that person an individual of faith? How does one become distinguished among the crowd, as being one who truly believes in God? Though God works in mysterious ways, there is a very straightforward order to His dealings with us. He reveals Himself in His word, and in nature. Every day in each, the Lord speaks, and unveils to the seeking heart that which is essential to know, that one might come to a true and living faith, knowing God.
The Essential Of Christ's Power
Essential to all else in the Christian life is the matter of power. This power, or strength, coupled with the authority of Christ, is essential for everything in the life, if one is to glorify God, and accomplish His will. It is a power from God, from on high, that is very real and active, and certainly available to any believer needing it. It is given in response to faith in a Faithful God, who will always come to the aid of those who truly wait on Him.
The Confirmation Of God
Does God confirm His will, His way, His word, and His blessing? The same Spirit that has been given to the believer to know the things freely given to him by God in Christ, is that One who convinces the believere concerning that which he must do. He confirms this with His peace, and the conviction that the Spirit alone will give, and does give, to the one who looks to Him alone.
Restored In Twenty Seconds
How long does it take to be restored to fellowship with God? Only as much time as one is willing to place sin upon the head of Christ for forgiveness, and under His feet for deliverance. Confession, repentance, and faith, go hand in hand to bring the believer to the assurance that his sins are forgiven, and that he is now restored to fellowship. The essential element at this point is faith, faith in the faithfulness of God to forgive, cleanse, restore, and renew.
Preparing To Meet The Messiah
There is always a preparation to meet Christ, whether for the salvation of one's soul, or the embracing of one's mission in life. For both salvation and sanctification, that entire devotion to God, there is a preparation. It is a heart preparation whereby rough places are made smooth, and crooked places are made straight. In other words, there is the direct, and straightforward seeking of the Messiah. Then He will be found.
Forgetting And Fruitfulness
What does God desire that we do with the past? Is it not that we should leave it in His hands, and live in the immediate present? How can one appropriate Jesus Christ for present needs and blessing upon others, unless He is sought, and believed on in the present moment? God's objective is that we should bear fruit, not just some fruit, but much. This is only possible by the Spirit, in the present time by present faith.
True Faith's Commitment
What does it mean to be committed to Christ? Is it not principally a commitment of faith, of trust, and thus, of abandonment to Him? And is not the great reason for such a commitment the worthiness of Christ? Who, other than Him, is faithful, true, loving, and perfectly just, never failing but always true.
The Imperative Of Power
Essential to the new birth is the intervening power of God. John wrote, "...to them gave He power to become the sons of God." (Jn. 1:12) This is the same power, from the same source, which enables the Christian to live by faith, and appropriate Christ as his life. Pentecost was a declaration to mankind, that God gives His power to the one who will truly humbly seek Him.