Showing posts with label fleshly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fleshly. Show all posts

Thursday, November 4, 2021

By the Spirit

photo by Judy Mattson
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 
                                                                                        (2 Cor 3:3-6 KJV)

We serve not because of fear of the law; but, by the indwelling spirit of God. The Holy Spirit works through us to lift up the lives of others around us. We are ministers of God serving others not because we are so good; not because we are so capable; but, because the love of God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit empowers us to do so.

The Spirit of God sets us free to live life to love and serve God; to love and serve others even as the Spirit of Christ loves and serves others through you. Live life in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Unity Cannot Be Legislated

 Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 
                                                                                    (Acts 4:31-33 KJV)

Everyone being with one heart and of one soul! Imagine that! How can that be possible? 

It is fallacy to think that we can legislate peace. Dictatorships do not bring about harmony among the people. Ordering people to think and act of one accord will only  bring about opposition and dissension. 

Our God is not a dictator. Yes, he gave us rules to follow. But, he also gave us the freedom to choose whether we do or not. He gave us the freedom to serve Him or reject Him. Dictators do not give the people that choice.

The early followers of Jesus were of one mind not because of any legislation. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit. They were cleansed by the blood of Christ and became new men and women in him by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit empowered them to live together with one heart and one soul with a desire to share the word of God with boldness so that others also might know the great grace bestowed upon us through the life and death and resurrection of  Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:"
                                                                                               (2 Cor 3:2-4)

God's Peace - Pr. J.