JOHN 7:40–44 So there was a division among the people because of Him (John 7:43). When Jesus preached, the effect was not what one would normally expect. In verses 40–44 we read that some people tended to believe Him, others were skeptical because of their ignorance concerning His origin, and others were outright hostile. The … Continue reading “WHERE’S THE PEACE?”
GROWING IN HOLINESS
PHILIPPIANS 3:12–16 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me (Phil. 3:12). One of the greatest jewels in the Christian’s crown is that he is set apart as a child of God. … Continue reading “GROWING IN HOLINESS”
CREATING NEW LIFE
JOHN 3:1–21 “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’ ” (John 3:7). Like the dark expanse before creation that the Spirit hovered over, the soul of man is lost in darkness and ruled by chaos. Sin corrupted that which was once pure and robbed it of life and light. Only … Continue reading “CREATING NEW LIFE”
ANOINTING FOR SERVICE
EXODUS 31:1–11 “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” (Ex. 31:3). The Holy Spirit is responsible for giving man those intellectual, moral, spiritual, and aesthetic characteristics that set him apart from the rest of creation. Unlike apes, birds, cattle, and other … Continue reading “ANOINTING FOR SERVICE”
THE POWER OF CREATION
GENESIS 1:1–2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Gen. 2:7). The activity of the Spirit bursts onto the scene from the very dawn of history. The Scriptures tell us that the Spirit of God … Continue reading “THE POWER OF CREATION”
WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
PSALM 139:7–12 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? (Ps. 139:7). From Genesis on, we see the Holy Spirit as active. He endows men with gifts of service, anoints for particular tasks, sustains creation and creates new life. But who is this mysterious figure? First, He is … Continue reading “WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?”
THE SPIRIT’S OUTPOURING
ACTS 2:1–39 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:3–4). In John 7, Jesus refers to the fulfillment of prophecy when the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the church at Pentecost. Because this activity … Continue reading “THE SPIRIT’S OUTPOURING”
THE WELLS OF SALVATION
JOHN 7:37–39 “He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). The day that Jesus made this glorious proclamation of salvation, the temple was busy with activity. On each of the seven feast-days, a priest would fill a golden pitcher with water … Continue reading “THE WELLS OF SALVATION”
PURSUING, BUT NOT IN FAITH
JOHN 7:32–36 “You will seek me and not find me, and where I am you cannot come” (John 7:34). When the Pharisees pursued Jesus for the sole purpose of putting Him to death, Jesus stood His ground. The time for Him to leave this world had not yet come. The Jews who were pursuing Him … Continue reading “PURSUING, BUT NOT IN FAITH”
CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S PLAN
JOHN 7:25–31 “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him” (John 7:25–26). Unlike some of the crowds from other regions, the citizens from Jerusalem were more informed about the intentions of the Jewish leaders. They realized that the claims Jesus was making, if … Continue reading “CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S PLAN”