Salt & Light Blog

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Pray for One Another

9/4/2015

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Why do we pray for each other? Do our prayers really affect anything? Yes, our prayers affect The Kingdom of Heaven, the church, the world, and each of us. Verse 1 reads,

“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,”

Our prayers influence the church as we work toward making disciples. The workers are made bolder and The Spirit within us strengthens us and works through us because of our prayers for one another. The hearts of the people who we meet are softened, opened, or broken in preparation for the Word of The Lord. It was someone’s prayers which affected each of us and brought us to a place where we could meet, accept, and come to know Jesus.

We are told numerous times to pray for one another. We are one body, whether near or far from each other. Our prayers united us further. James 5:13-16 reads,

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Whether sick, sad, happy, or wavering the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ help us. Prayer in Jesus’ name is powerful. (John 14:12-14). Adding “in Jesus’ name” to the end of a prayer is not authoritative. Those words have no effect on the prayer. It is faith with Jesus’ authority for His will that makes the person righteous and the prayer formidable.

Prayer grows our faith and protects us from attacks of the enemy. Verses 2-3 read,

“and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.’

The devil is out to destroy our witness. He doesn’t want us glorifying Jesus and so he attacks those who are strong in The Lord. Once we’re weak he is thrilled. There is nothing for him to fear from a weak Christian. because Satan is afraid of us. That is one of his primary reasons for attacking us.. 1 Peter 5:6-11 reads,

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

But our prayers for one another make us more aware of the spiritual warfare going on around us, and strengthen us, making the enemies attacks futile. Ephesians 6:14-20 says,

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Asking for prayer is not a weakness, it takes courage. Asking for prayer gives an opportunity to hear the Word of The Lord spoken through His servants, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Praying in The Spirit and in Truth is a weapon against the devil. That kind of prayer changes us individually and corporately. 1 Corinthians 14:14-19 says,

“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

We should be praying privately, but we should also be praying together, out loud in The Spirit with plain language. Verses 4-5 read,

“And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”

Prayer as we commune with The Holy Spirit, who is so much more abundantly present when we are together and even when we are praying for each other although we are apart fortifies our walk, allows us to hear the Word of God, obey the Word of God, and follow His guidance. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 says,

“Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.”

Believer, do not think that prayer is a last resort when our efforts have come to no avail. Prayer is the first step, and present throughout every step of the Follower of Christ. It is a powerful tool, an authoritative weapon, and a light to us and the world. It keeps The Spirit’s fire hot in us and allows us to Glorify Jesus Christ.

0 Comments

Titus 3 Saved by Faith for Good Works

4/21/2015

0 Comments

Titus Chapter 3

Who were you before you were saved? What were you like before you were born again? What you’re your desires, your plans, and your hopes? They were likely different from your current desires. You were probably a very different person. But when you recognized Jesus as your savior, His Spirit entered you and made you new. He changed you and He continues to change you. Your will aligns more closely to God’s will.

We must be diligent about standing out from the world and being the image of Christ to them. They are lost and we can be the light that leads them to the Truth, the Life, and the Way. Paul encourages us to be different and live out our salvation, and to always be ready to do good for people. Verses 1-2 read,

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

What if the other person is mean, rude, or a really bad sinner? Do we have to be kind to them? Do we have to do good for the person who is trying to con old ladies out of their pensions or the drug addict? Paul tells us to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Everyone needs Jesus, no one deserves His grace and mercy. You were once lost. What was it that brought you to Jesus? Did someone argue with you, judge you, and tell you to turn or burn? Is that what brought you to redemption? I doubt it. Or did someone lead you to Jesus with love, kindness, and truth? Verses 3-7 say,

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life”

What He did for us, is not meant to be kept for us alone. He washed us and renewed us. He changed us. He poured Himself into us lavishly. We are saved by grace and now have the hope of eternal life for a purpose. We can’t continue living the way we used to live anymore because we are no longer the people we used to be. We are saved by grace but we are saved so that we can do good works. The good we do doesn’t justify us. It doesn’t make up for any sin. But it does give an expression to the Holy Spirit. It does testify to the greatness of The Spirit, the power of Christ, and the love of The Father.

The lost are lost because they’ve been led astray by the prince of this world. Jesus gave us the authority to show them the way to salvation. We show them the Way, the Truth, and the Life through good works, which is God’s love expressed and God’s word manifested. Faith saved us. Grace justified us. But it is good works, the exercising of our spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit that builds the church and leads the lost to Jesus. Verse 8 reads,

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”

Good works not only include working outside the church building but within it. Good works include using our gifts to edify one another, grow in knowledge and love, and become more like Jesus. Building up of the church and loving one another makes us more unified. Unity is a sign of maturity and shows the Holy Spirit in us. Union allows Him to work within us as a group and be manifested even more powerfully than He is as individuals. When Jesus was teaching about church unity and how to handle sin among the brethren He said,

“Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

How He wants to do great and good things with us and through us! Jesus’ promise is not a little thing. He promised that our unity would make anything we ask happen. He promised that even if only two of us come together to agree that He would grant us our request. He promised that even if only two or three of us come together in His name (that is as His representatives doing His will) that He is there with us.

So it is very important to maintain unity. It is extremely important to ensure no one among us is teaching lies, starting arguments, and causing dissention. The dissident causes us to look like the world. He makes us take our eyes off God’s work and puts our minds on foolishness. We are not able to do good works if we are busy arguing over the size of the church bell or whether eating pork is a sin. Verses 9-11 read,

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

We are not saved by good works. We are not saved by our behavior. We are saved by faith. It is His grace that redeems us. But following Christ means we will do as He wants. We want to obey Him. We want to love as He loves. We want to communicate our gratitude. We want to express the Holy Spirit within us. We are not saved by our good works. We are saved by Jesus’ good work. We were led to Christ because a brother or sister did good works and we saw Jesus in them.

Verse 14 says,

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

0 Comments

Philippians 2:1-11 Who is the Most Important Member of the Body?

4/13/2015

0 Comments

Philippians Chapter 2 verses 1-11

Humility, the ability to submit to one another, and concern for what others want and need are key to the unity we should have within our fellowship of believers. The more mature and the more we have to be prideful about, the more humble we ought to be. Arrogance and pride serve only the self and too often hurt those around us. Paul encouraged s this way in verses 1-4,

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Humility and unity show the world a picture of the Kingdom of God that is more intricate than any spiel or sermon. The way we treat one another is a testimony to Jesus. Is there encouragement in Jesus? Do we have reason to be hopeful, joyful, and steadfast?

Do we have participation in the Spirit? Is He actively working in our lives, are we working with Him? Is He transforming us with our cooperation or is He dragging us kicking and screaming from the flesh to the Spirit? Is He manifested in our lives through the traits of Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit?

How humble are we? Imagine a group of people who all behave and think with humility, considering themselves as the least important, concerned with each other’s interests. That group of people would glorify the Lord, serving Him, not so they look good, but to show how good and great Jesus is. That group of people would not have a needy person among them. That is how our church is supposed to be. It is how we are supposed to be. We can’t wait for the entire church to repent and be humble before we are willing to be humble. We have to be like Jesus first. We have to be humble, serving, compassionate, kind, and patient regardless of whether there are one or two or twenty among us who are not.

We could tell someone how Jesus saved us and Jesus loves them until we are blue in the face. But when they see how we respond to hardship, hate, and hurdles with joy and love it speaks volumes. And they will wonder, and they will ask. Then when we answer they’ll listen because they’ve seen it for themselves in our hope, actions, and relationships.

When we were adopted as sons of God, He gave us His name, His nature, and His mind. Maybe some ignore these gifts, but He gave them to us and He wants us to exercise them. Jesus Christ, the Son of God came to earth not be served but to serve. We His children, His brethren, and His friends have so much less reason than Jesus to be proud or self-serving. We must exercise His nature and mind and be as unassuming as Jesus. We must remember how He served, even to the point of the worst kind of death imaginable, and serve like He did. Verses 5-8 read,

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

We are capable of serving and loving the way Jesus did, because we have His nature, His Spirit, His name, and His mind. While the world looks to see who can have the most power, recognition, and stuff, we strive to be humble and united giving all glory to God. We have the mind of Christ to enable us to understand the deeper value, the treasures and mysteries of the Gospel, and the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 says,

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

Jesus lowered Himself to servant. He was and is God, He could have come with fanfare. He could have come with His angel armies and simply destroyed and cut down all who refused to bow to Him. But instead He came as baby, born to a poor couple, raised in a poor town. He told people and showed people the truth through His service and wisdom. He gave everyone a chance to submit. If anyone ever had the right to be proud, to expect people to serve Him it was Jesus. But He served instead. He cared about others needs and trusted the Father to meet His needs. Verses 9-11 read,

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The name of Jesus Christ is the name above all names. He is so awesome that even His name is Holy and powerful. We only have to call on His name and He answers. We pray in His name because our will aligns with His and His righteousness is ours. He gave us His name! We are Christians, emulators of Christ, ambassadors of Christ, and brothers of Christ.

And one day He will come with all the fanfare He deserves. Trumpets will blow to announce Him. The clouds will carry Him. He will ride His horse and carry His sword. He will lead the angel armies and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. All those who were proud will be on their knees in submission. All those who loved Jesus will be on their knees praising Him.

One day every person will acquiesce to the Truth. It is better to do so now in faith and of free will, then to do it then when it will not take any faith to see the King of kings and bow down to the Lord God of Hosts.

Are you living the humble life Jesus did? Are you serving others? Are you as concerned with others’ needs as much as your own? Are you trying to be important? Are you exalting yourself or Jesus? Are you participating with the Spirit?

0 Comments

John 16:23-27 God Wants You to be Happy.

12/29/2014

0 Comments

John Chapter 16 Verses 23-27

Yesterday we read about how Jesus turns our sorrow to joy through the crucifixion and resurrection, and that the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to experience joy regardless of our circumstance. We have joy because we are saved. We have joy because we understand God’s plans and purposes, and even when we don’t understand them, we know He has reasons.

Today, we will continue reading as Jesus expounded on God’s relationship with us. Verses 23-24 read,

“In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

We don’t ask things of Jesus, He taught us to pray to the Father. Before the crucifixion the disciples didn’t ask in His name because He was with them. But when He returned to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit they became His representatives on earth, just as you and I are His representatives. So we ask in Jesus’ name.

Jesus said many times whatever we ask in His name, the Father would give it to us. He said it again here with the addition “that your joy may be full.” What does that mean? It means that our friendship and partnership with God, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit would be complete and comprehensive. The joy of that relationship is bigger than we can explain to someone who doesn’t have the Holy Spirit to help him grasp it. In that friendship, God allows us in on His plans. (John 15:15). He wants us to know Him and to be glad. He wants joy to radiate from us and emanate every area of our lives. We can ask the Father anything, as Jesus’ delegates on earth and the Father will give it because He wants that joy for us.

God wants you to be happy. He doesn’t want you to trudge through your life. He made it possible for you to be jubilant even through the most difficult times. You have hope. You know your future. You have promises. You have a relationship with God. That camaraderie and alliance with the LORD is absolutely a reason to celebrate no matter what. And the Father wants to prove it to you. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Verses 26-27 read,

“In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”

When you pray, you are not asking a priest or prophet to pray for you, and you are not waiting for a third party to tell you God’s response. You are not even asking Jesus to pray for you. You, yourself are going directly to Almighty God and asking. And He is listening because you are covered by Jesus’ blood. You are righteous and holy and you can talk to Holy Awesome God. You get to call Him Father. How amazing is that? Who are we? Yet, we get to enter into His presence anytime we want and enjoy fellowship with Him. And He loves us! He loves us a lot. He wants to bless us, give us gifts, and give us what we ask for!

Do you have children? Do you want them to be happy? Do you want them to succeed in life? Do you want them to meet the potential you see in them? Yes, of course you do. You are human, imagine how much deeper the perfect love of Love Himself is then. Luke 11:9-13 describes it like this,

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

You are more than God’s child, as if that isn’t enough. You are His friend, his partner. He adores you. He has so much He wants to give you. Just ask Him. Go ahead. If you aren’t sure if what you ask is wise or in His will, ask anyway. God knows His will. He won’t give you something outside His plans.

0 Comments

John 14:25-31 When Jesus Returned to Heaven, the Father Gave Us the Holy Spirit in Jesus' Name.

12/22/2014

0 Comments

John Chapter 14 Verses 25-31

Jesus was preparing the disciples for His impending death and upcoming return to Heaven. He told them they wouldn’t be left alone. Not only would He and the Father always be with them, but there was more good news. Verses 25-26 read,

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

Believer, the Father gave you the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Up to that point the Holy Spirit had been given for different reasons. He had a part in the Creation. He contended with men while they sinned and ignored Him before the flood. He enabled men to design and build the Temple. He empowered David to praise God and write psalms. He breathed the scriptures and allowed men to write them down. And He made it possible for people to prophesy, judge, and rule. But now the Father was sending Him with a new purpose. He sends the Spirit in Jesus’ name. And everything He does in us is toward the purposes of Jesus which, as Jesus said is to fulfill the will of the Father.

Jesus taught some groundbreaking things. He taught and did a great deal. The Spirit comes into us and reminds us of His teachings, helps us to understand the Bible, and teaches us more. For the disciples, He brought to mind everything Jesus had taught and allowed them to record it accurately and teach it as they spread Jesus name throughout the earth. He does the same for us.

I spend time with the Lord regularly, I read the Bible, pray and meditate on His teachings. When I have a conversation with someone, the Spirit will bring to mind a Bible verse to give them, wisdom I received from the discipline I went through, or a word of prophecy for them. He teaches me and He brings that teaching to mind in order to glorify Jesus’ name and bring people to a relationship with the Father. As I go through my day, He is with me guiding my steps and leading the way. I can follow Him or I can stifle Him and go my own way.

Jesus continued. Verse 27 reads,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Jesus also gives peace, His peace. His peace is not the peace of the world. It is not hippy peace. It is not false peace that comes from apathy. It is not like any peace the world has to offer. It is true and deep. It comes from no longer being in conflict with God. It comes from being righteous by Jesus’ blood. It comes from trusting God completely. We do not have to be anxious for anything. God is with is. We know God. He is Healer, Provider, Creator, Almighty, Friend, Father, Comforter, and LORD. He is I Am, so we do not have to be afraid. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Jesus was getting ready to return to the Father. And although the death He chose to die for us would be hard and watching His friends fall away would be difficult He saw the results and chose to rejoice over His death even through the pain. He saw that the Spirit would be with us, that we would continue to do His work, and that we would have a way to Salvation. But the disciples couldn’t yet see the marvelous consequences and they weren’t too thrilled over the idea of Jesus leaving them. Verses 28-29 read,

“You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.”

He knew they didn’t understand yet, but they would and then they would believe, understand, and be able to rejoice with Him. He wrapped up the Seder by telling them that He wouldn’t be able to talk to them much after this night. Verses 30-31 read,

“I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.”

Satan thought he was about to have a victory. It looked like that to the world. It looked like that to most of the disciples. Jesus was going to be arrested and crucified. But it was not Satan’s doing, even though God used him to get the job done. It was the Father’s will and Jesus choice. Jesus did it and rather than destroy God’s purpose as Satan hoped, Jesus’ sacrifice glorified God and made it possible for the world to know God and His love because Jesus’ love which was manifested through His obedience.

Believer, you have the Spirit of God with you and within you. He has gifted you, sanctioned and empowered you to do the work of Jesus on this earth. Manifest your love for God by obeying Him and making His love known to everyone.

If you are not a believer, then consider what Jesus did for you. Imagine the genuine peace Jesus offers to you and accept that gift now. All you have to do is accept it. Tell Him you need Him. Tell Him you know there is no way for you to befriend the Father without Him. You have sinned. Everyone has. But Jesus paid the price you could never pay and made the way for you. Just tell Jesus now that you believe Him and believe in Him. Make Him your Lord and He will be your friend. Ask God to be your King and He will be your Father. Ask God to be your God and He will be your Comforter.

0 Comments

John 14:12-17 You Will Do Greater Things than Jesus.

12/20/2014

1 Comment

John Chapter 14 Verses 12-17

One of the most amazing promises of the Bible is John 14:12-14, where Jesus says,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Have you ever thought about it? Have you ever mulled it over? Jesus says that if we believe in Him we will do the works the He does. But He doesn’t stop there. He continues with “and greater works than these” That is incredible! But it is true. Jesus did great things while He was walking the earth. What are some of the miracles He performed? He fed 5,000 men with a couple fish and a five loaves of bread. He healed men with leprosy. He healed the lame and the blind. He freed people from demons. He spoke into people’s hearts and lives. He raised people from the dead.

According to His promise, if you believe in Him, you will do all those things too. Remember belief isn’t about agreeing He exists. Belief is about trusting Him, acknowledging in your core that He is Christ, the Son of God, your savior, and depending on Him. It is remarkable to me that I should be doing all those amazing feats.

What could you or I possibly do that is greater than Jesus? Seriously? Yet He didn’t just say, “You can do greater things” or “You should do greater things.” He said, “You will.” What is it that you and I could possibly do? When Jesus returned to the Father He gave us a job. Matthew 28:18-20 reads,

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus considers that of the greatest importance. That is a hefty job and it was the last thing Jesus commanded before ascending to Heaven. It is a considerable undertaking but He makes it possible. He gave us a gift. He didn’t leave us here to fight it out alone, to wander lost and hope we were getting it right. The Holy Spirit came and He unites with those who believe. He fills up those who follow Jesus. He guides, comforts, transforms, and empowers us. Jesus describes Him in verses 15-17.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

We don’t just have God with us. He is not distant, looking down on us from Heaven hoping we do well on our mission. He is living within in us. God is inside you, Believer! Because He is in you, you can do the work of Jesus. You can reveal God to the world. You can do all those awesome and wonderful things Jesus did. Jesus loved people with every fiber of His being. He healed the sick. He comforted the hurting, even when He was hurting.

Are you doing that? Or is the power inside you quenched and grieved, stifled and depressed? Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” What are His commandments? They are simple. John 13:34 says,

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

And we just read Jesus parting words, our great commission from Matthew’s gospel. We are to make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded.

We cannot love one another without active implementation of the gifts we were given. Jesus didn’t love others by saying a prayer as He passed them by. He loved by connecting to and relating to people. He loved by meeting their needs. He loved by pointing people to repentance and directing them to the Father. He loved by teaching people what God wants. God wants love and relationship not sacrifice and ritual. Hosea 6:6 reads,

“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Examine your life and ask yourself if you are truly loving others as Jesus loved. Are you doing the work of Jesus? Maybe you are doing your own work. Maybe you are doing the work of your church. Who is being glorified by your acts? Is God being glorified when you can’t say no to every favor asked of you and work yourself into a tizzy? I doubt it. Is Jesus being glorified as you sit in your church pew and pray for the orphans and widows?

Even acts that seem great might not be loving others as Jesus loved if anyone but God is getting the glory. When you adopt the needy family for Christmas, is it you, your church, or God being praised? When you heal a broken arm is it you or God being exalted? When you feed the homeless man is God being adored?

Are there any works to examine? Is there active love happening in your life? If you love Jesus, then you should be loving others. You love Jesus by loving others. You are not saved by works. That is clear. But your love for God is manifested by good works. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (Verse 12). He said whoever believes in Him will do the works He did. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you love Jesus and you believe and follow Him if you are loving people in a concrete manner like Jesus. Don’t dupe yourself by saying your relationship with God is a private one and that God knows your heart and that is enough. Yes, God knows your heart, but He wants others to know His heart and He wants people to see you are His disciple. John 13:35, the verse directly after Jesus tells the disciples to love one another as He has loved, says,

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

So I challenge you to love others tangibly as Jesus loved and loves. I challenge you to do at least one great work today, and each day. I challenge you to unleash the power of God within you and obey Him in a way that might even frighten you a bit. Ask the Father anything in Jesus’ name and watch what Jesus will do for the person you lavish His love upon.

1 Comment

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Pray for One Another

Titus 3 Saved by Faith for Good Works

Philippians 2:1-11 Who is the Most Important Member of the Body?

John 16:23-27 God Wants You to be Happy.

John 14:25-31 When Jesus Returned to Heaven, the Father Gave Us the Holy Spirit in Jesus' Name.

John 14:12-17 You Will Do Greater Things than Jesus.

Donna Campbell

Subscribe to Salt & Light Daily

Archives

Categories