Inner Strength

The greatest “event” possible in the life of anyone is to obtain eternal life. Eternal life actually begins the moment we are saved. A spiritual strength begins to build inside of us. This strength was never there before. It is a sign to us that something real has taken place in our life. Our new abilities enable us to live in a way that pleases God. Some church people have made the mistake of thinking that simply walking down the aisle is enough. The formal action of joining a church has fooled some people into thinking they are saved. Thankfully, at some later time in life, some of these deceived people do have an actual encounter with God. When we become saved there will be a whole different motivation for our new life.

When the Spirit of God moves inside a person they should take this special time of awareness to dedicate their life to God. This is what Jesus said: If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.  Mark 8:34-36 (NLT) There are only a few humble people who will listen to the inner voice that will ask them to repent and spend their life for God. It is responding to God with our whole life that contains the assurance of being delivered from judgment day. Most people will hold on to their worldly life until they die. 

If real salvation comes to us the new birth event will include the Spirit moving into our body and our whole life will then belong to the Lord. Jesus said: I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of … the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.  So don’t be surprised when I say, "You must be born again.”  John 3:5-8 (NLT) Never fear the Spirit living in you because Jesus tells us that His burden is light. When the new birth event takes place most people are not cognitive of the Spirit’s presence in their body. We will learn to know Him as our new life grows. Jesus said that every human must be born for a second time. 

At our salvation, the Spirit moves in and brings everything with Him that God has offered to a redeemed human. We must accept every new thing He has for us. Immediately after salvation a person will usually feel as if the weight of sin has been lifted off their shoulders and elation carries them along for a few months. However, spiritual maturity will require a process of perception to be fostered in regard to the Spirit. Most of us are unaware of the Spirits many gifts which at some point will require us to move from our childish beginnings toward spiritual adulthood. At first we are usually unaware of the presence of Jesus inside us. Then, as we begin to have experiences with the Spirit, He will become our dearest friend. 

When we begin to experience the Spirit in our daily life it is the most wonderful thing that can happen to us. Paul said: You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.  Romans 8:9-11 (NLT) Things like love, joy, and peace will accompany our awakening to the guidance of the Spirit. As we learn to perceive the presence of the Spirit we will notice that spiritual experiences that are becoming part of our everyday life. Our salvation event becomes a continuing experience. 

The purpose of the Spirit in us is to work a twofold manifestation. First, is that our personal life is completely changed. Second, we begin to see ourselves as part of a church. Look at the beauty of Paul’s description: we are God’s masterpiece. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. Eph 2:19-22 (NLT) We are God’s masterpiece and His plan is to use us as part of His holy temple. WOW! There is nothing that human’s can experience to ever compare with the building of God’s temple. 

To really know God personally, we must move beyond our salvation and begin to have conscious experiences with the Spirit. For example, there is always a discussion about whether or not a Christian is perfect. If a person has only had the event of salvation it may soon be argued that this man is certainly not perfect. However, when a Christian becomes aware of the Spirit working in them they will begin to realize their new power. The Bible says: He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Eph 2:10 We are completely new in Jesus Christ when the Spirit controls our life. This completion or perfection is how we are able to die perfect and go directly to be with God. 

There is a purpose for the Christian life. It is to be a servant of God. We are not saved for any other reason. Paul wanted us to know the Spirit: I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Eph 3:16-17 (NLT) Somehow many American believers have become afraid to even discuss the Spirit. They are limiting the most important experience needed for living a proper Christian life. Can we see how important it is for us to become aware of the Spirit in us and to experience a life controlled by Him? How great it is that we are allowed to follow the leading of the Spirit and become a part of God’s eternity.

Everything that needs to happen for a redeemed person to enter a life with God has already been done, excluding the change of our physical body. Our job is to simply accept all that Jesus has done as our own truth. Jesus is the head of the church and a church is perfect when the life of the Spirit is flowing through it. We are part of something big: Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.  Eph 4:3-6 (NLT) There was no church in the Old Testament. Thank the Lord we have been born at a time when the Spirit comes to live in Christians.

Jesus ascended to His Throne of the Redeemer and then God sent the Spirit down to live in His family.  The possibility of building the Church is now a reality. After the salvation event a human can now begin to experience their growth into part of Christ’s Body. Paul said: growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Eph 4:15-16 (NLT) Because of our position in the body of Christ, the Bible says that we help display God’s wisdom. We are members of God’s family and He relies on us to be good servants. 

Paul taught us that the local church must be doing the work of God. It is important that we belong to a local Christian group. There is no way that an individual can do the work that God wants done without the help of brothers and sisters. When we attend church, we should be excited about the opportunity to encourage the other members. The body of Christ is greatly loved by God. We must work together so that the power of God will touch someone’s life. Every Christian has the responsibility to live as much like the Savior as possible. Remember that Jesus is the Head and we are intended to be a small part of His Church. Christian friend, ask God to expand your born-again event into a wonderful life-long experience.

Oasis of Relief

It’s a great feeling when our favorite movie character who has been suffering in the desert sees a green area in the distance. Their laughter of relief cannot be held back as they eventually lie in the shade beside the little spring-fed pool and drinks the water. The Lord has made us into a church for the purpose of being an oasis for the relief of our community. The church is a spiritual oasis but not everyone can see how it will help. Most people in the world will not respond to their need for spiritual water. However, the church is available to deliver living water to any repentant individual. The Bible says: God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. (2 Cor 1:3-4 NLT). Water is freely given for salvation and also to refresh our daily lives. 

Offering living water to the world is the perfect work that the Lord has given to us. There are believers who want the relief our Lord gives but they will not comfort other people. Jesus is certainly disappointed with them. We are responsible to be a member of the Church that is continually ready to provide relief for some other person. Many Americans have the wrong idea of spiritual comfort. We tend to think of a couple of pillows and the recliner but that is not the biblical idea. Comfort in the original language means “encouragement.” There are many different jobs in the church but every Christian must learn to encourage others. This includes cheering up some, sponsoring others, or simply encouraging people in general.

The relief that Christians provide to others may not be rewarded here on earth. However, we can rest assured that it will be worth it all someday. Paul tells us without a doubt: We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. (2 Cor 1:7 NLT). We must work to be an overcomer so that we can enjoy the encouragement of our Lord. The mercy of God is not a recliner; it is for those who desire God enough to put their lives on the line for Him. It may be difficult to accept the fact that we receive more encouragement only as we have more suffering. The people of the church have collectively endured much for Jesus. We must be ready to comfort others at any time. 

The body of believers is an oasis for relief from many fears. At the same time, Christians are to live in the fear of the Lord. There is a great difference between our many negative fears and the positive fear of God. The Bible says: The church then had peace … and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. (Acts 9:31 NLT). In this verse we see an example of the comfort of the Holy Spirit in the Church. This encouragement came to the people as they feared the Lord. This type of fear is an attitude that encourages our righteous living and reverence of our God. It is the same attitude that motivates us to lead others to salvation. 

Collectively, the church contains a large share of the understanding that is taught in the Scriptures. People needing spiritual relief certainly require this collective wisdom in their lives. Paul said it like this: Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.  (Romans 15:4-6 NLT). The Lord is giving us everything as a group and it is right that we encourage each other toward the goal. When a person comes to this spiritual oasis they deserve a collective effort for their relief. Some people have their own agendas and do not contribute to the work of God as the Spirit directs the family group. The Church is a haven when the believers conform to Jesus Christ by the leading of the Spirit.

The greatest hope on earth is the return of Jesus for His family. The Church will all go together into Heaven and will no longer be represented on this earth. We should be doubling our efforts to bring other people to the Savior. God has always been on our side. Paul advises us: For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thess 5:9-11 NLT). What a relief it is to be with people who are continually building us up. The world is a very harsh environment for Christians. We must encourage each other.

The church holds forth the Gospel and together we look forward to our trip home. Here is our instruction:  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. (1 Thess 4:17-18 NLT). The raptured Church family, physically both the dead and the living, will leave this earth as one single group. We must tell our friends about our spiritual oasis so that they might join us and drink the living water! A reverent fear of God is a good thing and it is part of the redemption plan that will give us victory. It will draw us together into the oasis so that we can be of help to all people.