Throughout history, we have seen the evolution of Christianity. First, preaching in the synagogues, and sharing the truths about the Lord Jesus Christ. Jews and Gentiles alike, were convinced and we watched as this group of believers originally called the "sent ones" grow despite the persecutions that befell them. This growth came, because of the focus of the believers. This first group had been instructed by Jesus to go and wait in the upper room for the arrival of the Holy Spirit. I find it interesting that this is such a clear directive and yet not fully analyzed by our generation.Why did the believers particularly the disciples forsake all other activities to wait?
To fully answer that question we will need to look at what took place at the last supper.
Joh 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Jesus is explaining about rank. Jesus is fixing to talk about many important topics in the next few minutes. Before He does, He frames His conversation with this rule. We realize in this topic, that Jesus is implying that He is not greater than God who sent him. Nor, are the disciples greater than Jesus who sends them. Jesus continues into verse 20 that whoever receives the ONE that He sends receives or HONORS Him.
Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever,
Now let's get to the meat of the matter. Jesus had made a statement in the previous verse, if you love me you will keep my commandments. The AND in this verse connects these two verses together. So in other words the qualifier for this verse is that you keep his commands. As a former Police Officer this makes sense to me. You swear an Oath to the city state or county in which you are working for, to protect it and it's citizens. If you love it you will keep it's law. Jesus said He was leaving, but His commands were for the disciples to remain. If you love me you will obey me. So why did the believers forsake everything to go to the upper room? Because that was the command of the King. Jesus said I will ask the Father to send you ANOTHER, that means someone that is the same as, not greater or lesser but the same as. To send another Comforter. Today, He would say another advocate or intercessor, A go between. The Holy Spirit is not a blanket as some feel good preachers or teachers would have you think.
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. We see then the Comforter/Advocate or Go-Between is identified in the next statement. The word "even" is italicized indicating it was added by the translator, but not in the original text. Let's remove that and you will realize that Jesus is being very precise in His identification of the Holy Spirit. First, He identifies the overall role for the Holy Spirit in His government. The Holy Spirit is to be the Advocate or Go-between. Then Jesus names the go between, He is the Holy Spirit. Why is this so important? Because, He, the Holy Spirit, is a person. He occupies space. He is the leader for the time that Jesus is away. Why do we need a leader. Because, Jesus already stated He is leaving to go and prepare a place for us. So who is our leader currently? The Holy Spirit. God has sent Him in the place or Name of Jesus. So, all of the goals, dreams, ambitions of Jesus are to be achieved through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. What are these goals. To establish a ruling government in the Earth that will work to fulfill the "will" of the Father! Jesus was to establish His government in the Earth. How do I know that? Isa 9:6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this.
Jesus came into the Earth to become the sacrificial lamb for mankind. However, If all that we teach is that, then we have failed miserably in the overall plans of the Father. Remember, when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray? Jesus was more than happy to do so. Jesus taught them ; Mat 6:9 Therefore pray in this way: Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Mat 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven
Jesus wanted the believers to pray the government of Christ. The believers, who were looking for the Messiah were more than happy to do this! It was a proclamation of the desires of their heart. Imagine, if the United States was under the rule of a foreign power, and everyone had been talking that there would come a leader some day, that would destroy all oppressing powers and lead your oppressed country to freedom with his own government. You would be glad to pray this prayer. Jesus came to set up His government and become the sacrifice for mankind. There is a rumor going around that the nations are trying to come together to make a one world government. It will never happen. Why? Because, there is already a one world government and it is the government of Christ. When we begin to understand this as Christians we will walk in a new level of prosperity. The Apostle Paul said it best when he stated that we (the Christians) were Ambassadors of this kingdom. The spotlight of tragedy was focused on the role of an Ambassador in Libya. Ambassador Stevens was a representative of the United States. There are some things that I want to highlight and address that has been mute in the reporting of media.
While Libya was in chaos our Ambassador was in that region to perform certain duties. First, to represent our country and secondly to provide a place of safe haven for those in that region. As a representative in Libya, he was in that country but not of that country. Why was he attacked? Because, the Ambassador represented another government. As Ambassadors of the Government of Christ, we also provide a place of safe haven as well as represent our country of origin. I know this is simplistic in thought, but it explains why enemies of the government of Christ bring attacks on it's Ambassadors. While the U.S. has failed to find and bring those who have committed this great crime to justice, Jesus will not allow the enemies of his government to escape! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is soon to appear! The bible tells us that when He returns with His saints, that He is returning with JUSTICE! Those that have defied the government of Christ and attacked His Ambassadors will not escape His justice. As we have been called to be Ambassadors of that kingdom, we have an obligation to work within and be an extension of that government. The problem with a majority of believers, is escaping the religious theology that has bombarded them. Most teachers or preachers would have you think one of two things concerning the church. It is a religious assembly or that it is a building where you meet. Either is wrong. I know I stepped on toes with that statement, so be it. When we begin to understand that "Church" means government, then we will begin to do the works as commanded. Why do you think Christianity in the U.S. has been bombarded by Atheists and unbelievers for years to keep it separated from government? However, Islam, today is demanding that America accepts Sharia Law. I listened to a statement by Walid Shoebat, who stated that the Western mind set is no challenge to the Eastern mind. The Eastern mind set which has been at a state of war for thousands of years analytically looks for the weakness of others in order to defeat them. The western mind is tolerant of others. Tolerance is the key to their main attack. It opens the door for them to promote from within your own country and turn those citizens against you. Interestingly, it was the devil's plan that was put into play from the very beginning in the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve tolerated speech subversive to God's commands. You can search the bible and you will not find a place where God said to tolerate others beliefs. Jesus stated that he didn't come to bring peace but a sword! Wow! Religion will tell you to lay down your life for others as Jesus laid down His. Huh?
Luk 22:35 Then Jesus said to them, "When I sent you out without a wallet, traveling bag, or sandals, you didn't lack anything, did you?" "Not a thing!" they answered.
Luk 22:36 Then he said to them, "But now, the person who has a wallet and a traveling bag should take them along. The person who doesn't have a sword should sell his coat and buy one.
Luk 22:37 I can guarantee that the Scripture passage which says, 'He was counted with criminals,' must find its fulfillment in me. Indeed, whatever is written about me will come true." Friend we are in a hostile world that has been claimed by an enemy. We are right in understanding that we have a battle to wage and a place to fight. We are to be active in our place of origin. Christians have been martyred in the past. What we fail to realize is that the reason they were martyred is because they could be found! The reason that Ambassador Stevens was murdered is because he was found doing the job to which he was assigned to do. I am going to say another inflammatory statement that I am sure will cause the facebook commentators to go nuts with their rants, well rant away. One of the things I can say about Westboro Baptist is they are out there preaching! It may be wrong, but they are doing it. I hear folks say you shouldn't just repeat what others say and out of the other corner of their mouth say you need to go to school and learn. What? And learn from another what to say? While we debate over messages and actions and programs, the enemy is stealing the harvest! It is time for the sleeper to AWAKE!! If we were at the Embassy would the enemy be able to find us doing our job? Or would he find the halls of the embassy strangely silent? I can remember as a child the news cameras showing a street preacher preaching on the sidewalk and then throwing his bible at a passing car that was mocking him. Well, a little over the top but hey, at least they could find him. The news mocked him asking is this the demonstration of what Christianity is? Today, they can't find a Christian demonstrating anything unless it is with a sign that says down with something! Could anyone find a safe haven with a Christian today? Or would they be the next topic on the telephone of who you need to pray for? This brother needs prayer you're not going to believe what he did.
Perhaps, this is why our congregations are filled with powerless believers who are corrupt in their nature? We are so focused on politics, our culture and religion that we have lost sight of what really matters. We try to convince each other that the philosophies we are currently teaching and preaching are so much better for you than what you hear from a pulpit of another church.
Convincing others of the right or wrong foods to eat or clothes to wear. Convincing others of the greatness of our faith and the weakness of others. Meanwhile, creating a split in the church over the correct color of carpet for the sanctuary. How pathetic is that? Is there something better? Have we become so institutionalized in our thinking, beliefs and preaching that we have become ensnared in our own cares, concerns and worries? So consumed with us that we have failed Him? My preacher is better than yours. Oh well we believe this at our church, or we just started a new ministry reaching out to that area. When are we going to set ourselves aside and pray to God and listen to the Holy Spirit?
Our concept of the comforter is just that. Something, not someone, that wraps us up in a big ole' blanket and keeps us warm and comfortable. The main reason I put this picture on here is because all the other pictures to reflect the Holy Spirit are of doves or a flame. Our leader is a person not a thing. He has a voice, yet we don't hear it. Look in Acts 8:29 you will see the Holy Spirit spoke to Philip. Then after Philip obeyed and finished the work he was commanded to do what happened? It says the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, caught Philip away and the eunuch saw him no more. In Acts chapter 10 Peter had a vision. While having the vision a voice spoke to him. What voice? The voice of the Holy Spirit. We know this because in verse 19 it says the Spirit(Holy Spirit) spoke to him. In chapter 13 of Acts the Holy Spirit spoke to the body of believers in Antioch to separate Barnabas and Saul for a work. The Holy Spirit is working and commanding throughout the books of Acts. Why? Because the believers are following His commands. Today, we don't wait for the Holy Spirit to set aside men for a particular task? No! We let them choose. I remember years ago talking with a young man. I asked him what he planned on going to college for. He replied he was going to go to a bible college and become a preacher. I replied, wonderful! So God has called you into the ministry? He replied, well all I know is that I can start out making $30,000 a year and that is more than a teacher is making today. Huh? I have seen this over and over. Religion and entertainment has taken hold of the believers and their motivation is the desires of their stomachs. How do we stop this? We humble ourselves and repent. Ask God to forgive us. Recognize that we are in a poor beggarly spiritual condition. Though we may have riches in this world, we are broke, destitute, and in need of rescue. Remember when Jesus said He would ask the Father and the Father would send the Comforter? He said the Comforter would remind us of what Jesus said and instruct us. We need to be taught! We need to shut up, and listen.
Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit has been sent to us. Do I need to ask God to send me the Holy Spirit? No! Would you go to McDonalds and ask them to start carrying Big Macs? They would look at you like your were crazy. Why would you ask for something that has already been done? We need to repent of our ways and return to what was originally given.
When Jesus began preaching throughout Israel He preached a message to them that was just for them. Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand. Today He would say to us, Wake Up! You are driving the wrong way on a one way! In other words you are headed down a path that I didn't send you on. Turn around before someone gets killed! Get on the other side of the freeway! The children of Israel had been taught throughout their lives that they were followers of God and His government. Why do you think Abraham made the statement I will not let anyone be able to brag that they made Abraham rich except God. In our society, we would call him strange. A Jesus freak! Abraham found his place in God's government and he lived there. When Jesus came into Israel they had forgotten the way. We have lost our way and if we repent, turn around, get in line with the direction of God and listen the Holy Spirit will speak. How will we know when the Holy Spirit shows up? He will let you know with the blast of His presence. When He arrived in the upper chamber the disciples recorded that there was a violent tempest blast. The Holy Spirit is not shy. He will shake you up to an awareness of His presence. Father in heaven let us be shaken by the presence of your Holy Spirit once again. Holy Spirit speak to your servant I pray and command once us once more.
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