“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
I recently prepared a sermon from (Colossians 1:19-23). In verse 19 it says that is pleased the Father to have his fullness dwell in Jesus. I have read that verse countless times before. However, this time I was confronted with the question “Does it please the father to have his Spirit dwell in me?”
To be honest that question wrecked my life for a few days. Is God happy with the way I live? Do I please the Father? Needless to say things got heavy in my personal devotion time. Sin had to be confronted and an examination of my life had to take place.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells us at the moment of conversion. The Spirit gives us power. Not just any power but power to be his witnesses wherever we go. Witnesses speak up about what they have seen and heard. Telling other people about Jesus is what we have been called to do as believers. The martyrs we read about in the New Testament were not killed because they served and ministered to other people. They experienced horrendous deaths because they spoke about Jesus. Silence to them was not an option.
Do you tell other people about Jesus? We have been commanded to go and tell the Good News. Not with just our lifestyles but with our very words. If you are not telling others about Jesus do you think the Father is pleased with you? All of that can change right now. You have a story to tell. Power has been given to you to proclaim Jesus. Therefore, be bold in your faith and be a witness for Christ. Others need to know the hope that you have.
Been reading through John 14-16 and this very thought entered my mind. Gods spirit is sent to us upon belief to convict us and continue to help us grow in holiness. But today I repented realizing that sometimes I don’t spend time pondering God my sin before God. God changes our heart and our affections. He doesn’t just want behavior modification!
Hey Important,
You are right, God does not want behavior modification he wants to change our hearts. When we realize that the Holy Spirit gives us power to fight the battles we can’t fight we are on the right path.