I thought I would share some of the things God taught me today. Some of these are things I learned in church today. Some are things He taught me personally. God is so good...always teaching, always patient, always loving.
1. I finally understand the concept of the unpardonable sin. I have always struggled with this concept, trying to figure out just what it meant. I had trouble differentiating between blaspheming Jesus and blaspheming the Holy Spirit. I mean, aren't they one and the same? Well, yes they are...but then they are also different. Dr. Bisagno explained it this way...and I finally got it! See, the Holy Spirit is God's last attempt to draw man to Himself. Man has rejected God's revelation, his prophets, his Word, and even His Son. After Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension, God sent the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin and draws people's hearts toward God. As Dr. B said this morning...God isn't sending anyone else. No one else is coming for us. The Holy Spirit is God's last attempt to save us.
2. The Gifts of the Spirit are manifested in our ministry. They enable us to grow more Christlike as we serve and minister like Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit is manifested in our personality, so that we grow more Christlike in who we are and how we act.
3. The things we dwell on determine who we become and how we respond. Dr. B referred to "feeding the Spirit"...dwelling on God's Word and communing with Him in prayer feeds His Spirit in us and consequently is manifested in our actions, reactions and relationships. Max Lucado compares our heart to a greenhouse...
Consider for a moment your thoughts as seed. Some thoughts become flowers. Others become weeds...The proof is everywhere you look. Ever wonder why some people have the Teflon capacity to resist negativism and remain patient, optimistic and forgiving? Could it be that they have diligently sown seeds of goodness and are enjoying the harvest?
Ever wonder why others have such a sour outlook? Such a gloomy attitude? You would, too, if your heart were a greenhouse full of weeds and thorns. (Grace For The Moment by Max Lucado).
This week I resolve to feed the Spirit in me on God's Word, to be consistent in prayer, to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit in my personality and responses, to exercise the Gifts of the Spirit in my ministry, and to try to demonstrate to others around me God's unfailing, merciful love that is calling them through His Spirit to salvation. What about you?
3 comments:
You should read The Shack - it is a fictional novel - but it deals a lot with the trinity and how man perceives it. The basis of the book is the abduction of a child so there are some disturbing concepts - but I think you might find it worthwhile. I don't know the author off the top of my head - and of course, my copy is in the U.S. - but google it and see if it piques your interest.
I am also currently reading The Shack. The author is William P. Young. I am only about 1/4 way through it but I agree that you should read it (but why do I bet you already have). Thank you for sharing that lesson with us.
hmmmm...you made me think :)
I have never thought about the first part-i mean, I know it is true but at the same time it has a huge impact when you are reminded again.
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