Lincoln Forlong

Be encouraged to recognise God’s Spirit in salvation

The apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 1:13 the life changing work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. “In him (Christ) you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him (Christ), were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” As always, God’s Spirit is active in people’s lives bringing them to saving faith in Jesus Christ, then sealing their salvation as complete and irreversible.

Salvation brings many changes, but no change would occur without God’s Spirit indwelling and proactively ministering Christ within the new believer. This infiltration is the beginning of the new Christian’s life. “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him” (Romans 8:9). Every new believer needs to know that there is no secondary indwelling’s to be had. The new child of God gets to experience the entirety of the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation. The first and most obvious evidence is the shift in attitude from being sin and self-centered, to being Christ centered.

One truth leads to another

As we have already learned; the Holy Spirit’s purpose is to promote Jesus Christ as Lord in all things. So, this same purpose should be evidenced through every Spirit filled Christian also. Of course, this can only happen at the exclusion of self. Selfishness is the greatest expression of a sin controlled life, just as selflessness gives evidence to a Spirit controlled life where Christ is Lord.

Paul explained to the Galatian believers how to further identify evidence of Holy Spirit activity in their lives. The positive proofs are visible; as “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Equally, the negative proof is also visible; for those who “walk by the Spirit …will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

It’s incredible, as Christians, to consider that “the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).  Without God’s Spirit there is only enslavement to sin in its various forms and with differing expressions in our differing lives.

Holy Spirit freedom in Christ

With all that said; the Holy Spirit sets the believer free to grow in ever increasing Christ-likeness. Obviously, this does not happen within a day or two. This is a life-long activity which God the Spirit is committed to in every believer’s life. Upon attaining to a new level of Christ’s glory through sanctified living, the Spirit sets about moving the believer towards the next level of Christ-like character. Neither the Holy Spirit nor the believer are ever stagnant in this ongoing business of ever increasing glorification of Christ.

Understanding these truths shines a whole new light on the impact salvation has; because “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Today, be encouraged to recognise God’s Spirit in salvation by recognising His purposeful activity in your life.

 

I encourage you to consider the purposeful ministry of God’s Holy Spirit

God is purposeful in all His activities. Consequentially, one of the many privileges assigned to every believer is a growing desire to know Christ more. Grasping the knowledge of Christ with a sharpening focus and an ever deepening intimacy is an unparalleled honour. As we all know, this developing desire does not come natural to mortals. The truth is, this is the direct work of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Scripture reveals the Spirit’s purposeful interaction with humanity in every sphere of Jesus’s life and ministry. Primary to His divine activity in this world is the promotion and exaltation of Christ. From the initiation of Christ’s incarnation, Mary “was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” As the angel explained to Joseph; “that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18, 20).

When the time for baby Jesus presentation to the Lord arrived, the old man Simeon had already been prepared. “It had been revealed to him (Simeon) by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). “He (Simeon) took him (Jesus) up in his arms and blessed God” (Luke 2:28). The Holy Spirit never seeks attention or glory for Himself, even though He is God. His primary purpose in this world is to promote Christ, to bring praises and glory to God through Christ, and to enable mankind to do the same.

John’s Testimony

John the Baptist gave this testimony; “for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he (Jesus) might be revealed to Israel” (John 1:31). John continues; “He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’” (John 1:33). There exists a powerful synchronism within the Godhead that makes their character and workings inseparable. The Spirit paved the way for Jesus, yet it would be Jesus who would pave the way for the Holy Spirit to enter and seal people’s lives.

The Bible never shows the Holy Spirit doing His own thing. He works in harmony with the Father and Son as the stealth member of the Godhead. He invisibly and sovereignly administers the Fathers will in order for Christ to be revealed. After all, the Spirit revealed to the apostle Paul the Christ centeredness of creation; “all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). Therefore, every single atom in the cosmos exists for Christ.

Privilege beyond compare

With that said, Christians have the extraordinary privilege of aligning with the purposeful work of the Holy Spirit. Paul elaborates; “In him (Jesus) you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him (Jesus), were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his (Jesus) glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14). From salvation to the glory of eternity, believers are to reveal and exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anticipating His departure, Jesus explained what would happen following His ascension. “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” (John 14:26). This is the legacy left to us who are in Christ.

Today, be encouraged to consider the purposeful ministry of God’s Holy Spirit. Share it, pass it on, assure God’s children with it.

 

I encourage you to be a peacemaker for Christ’s sake

A peacemaker not only appreciates peace from God, but they also enable others to experience it. Peace is mentioned approximately 340 times in the Bible, so it must be of importance to both God and humanity. We read in Romans 5:1 that only believers in Christ “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. Therefore, Christ alone is the divine peacemaker, mediating between God and man (1Ti 2:5; Heb 9:15).

Since believers experience peace with God, they are best equipped to embark upon two significant peace missions. First, they point unbelievers who live indifferent toward God to Christ who alone can break sin’s grip. Second, they point fellow believers to living at peace with each other as an expression of Christ’s love.

For the Christian, peace is not optional. It’s divinely implanted and must translate into earthly relationships. As Christ “is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14), the child of God has divine resources at their disposal equipping them to “be at peace with one another” (Mark 9:50).

Here’s the connection every believer should make. Since Christ has purchased your peace from God the Father, so you should live His peace through your attitudes, words, and behaviour toward others. This is where the rubber hits the road. Due to the deceptive nature of the human heart (Jer 17:9), and the fragile nature of relationships, peace needs to be applied in multiple ways.

Real life application

Being a peacemaker requires intimate prayer and demands much patience. Often forgiveness will be required, even to the order of 70 times 7 (Mt 18:22). Grace that may even hurt you needs to be shown, along with mercy that costs, just as it was for the Lord who saved you and I.  You see, reconciliation is the work of a peacemaker.

Only an uncompromising walk of faith committed to a long term vision will satisfy a peacemaker. The apostle Paul put it this way; “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). So, the child of God employs all means at their disposal, but “never avenge yourselves” (Romans 12:19). Peace should never be acquired through sin, fear, anger, or error.

As Jesus explained to His disciples, “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” (John 14:27). The world offers a peace that requires indifference toward God accompanied by a self-centered attitude toward others.

The world’s peace invariably conflicts with biblical values and causes heart ache and fear. As you know, sin and peace counter each other. While sin offers peace, it actually creates an even greater need for it due to the ever increasing sense of discontentment and enmity with God.

God’s peacemaker is different

A Christian peacemaker recognises that; “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love” (2 John 1:3). It’s the love of God which inspires the child of God to pursue peace in the truthfulness of Christ-like character, being filled with His Word (Col 3:16).

Finally, a peacemaker is dependent upon the Lord’s peace to accomplish what they cannot. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

I encourage you to be a peacemaker for Christ’s sake. Christ will be pleased, others will be relieved, and you shall be filled with joy. Live it and share it, but never forget it.

 

Be encouraged, stand firm in the peace which is from God

Peace would be one of the few universal needs acknowledged by almost all of mankind. The desire for peace instills most individuals and nations, yet it proves to be one of the most difficult to obtain. So many internal and external factors come into play in the quest for it. Globally, spiritual peace also proves to be desirable yet difficult to achieve.

Why is this? Because of two instinctive failings; First, mankind struggles to accurately define peace. Second, mankind looks in all the wrong places for it, and usually they’re looking for the wrong thing anyway (Due to reason number one).

However, for the believer in Jesus Christ, they can say; “we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This profound statement by the apostle Paul satisfies both aspects of our question. First, peace is understood as a restored and tranquil relationship with God. Second, this relationship with God can only be discovered through faith in Jesus Christ’s death on the cross of Calvary in your place. Paul said this peace grows out of Jesus justifying the believer. That is, Jesus acquits the repentant sinner from ultimate guilt of sin; He then declares the repentant sinner to be right before God.

Paul further explains this peace to the Colossians; “But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence” (Colossians 1:22 GNB). WOW! “God has made you his friends.” The enormity of this God given gift is magnified by the preceding verse; “At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought” (Colossians 1:21 GNB).

Christ is the peace answer

So, peace is quantified by the friendship nature of the relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This relationship is only possible through trust in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Yet, knowing this is still not enough! Faith must be actual, real, and consciously exercised in order to translate belief into loving obedience. Peace is therefore with God and from God, to be enjoyed by the believer. No other way, no other religion, no other philosophy promises such supreme peace.

Therefore, we find ultimate eternal peace with God in Christ, He is our peace! No wonder Paul says that the praying, thankful Christian has “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, (and) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Once this unique relationship is sealed (Eph 1:13), the friend of God lives with a totally different outlook on life. Now, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the believer understands that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Living for righteousness instead of for self and sin changes the Christian’s perspective totally.

Since Christ is our peace, living out His righteousness is primary. Righteous living is the Christian’s vehicle for expressing authentic faith; because “the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever” (Isaiah 32:17). I suspect everyone would like to live with peace, quietness and trust permeating their lives nonstop.

Today Christian friend, be encouraged to stand firm in the peace which is from God. Pass it on. The Lord will be pleased and the recipient will get the blessing.

 

Be encouraged, you were reconciled for the ministry of reconciliation

“Now that we are reconciled… we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:10b-11). This is not simply a theoretical change, nor is it only a future transition towards closeness with God. No reconciliation has already been accomplished, and believers have already received 100% of it in their relationship with the Lord.  Therefore, reconciliation is to have two very practical impacts upon the Christian life.

The first is explained by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. “God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; …entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”

Your life-time job

By default, every believer upon receiving salvation is appointed to the office of ‘Reconciling Ambassador.’ Believers were not interviewed, nor did they have to sign an employment agreement. No, they were instantaneously assigned to this public service on behalf of Almighty God the moment they received Christ as Lord and Saviour. The ministry of reconciliation is not an optional extra in your walk of faith, it’s an inherent component of your new identity in Christ.

The repentant sinner now has a story to tell the world. They now have an ‘out of this world’ driving force within; “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died” (2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV). This love doesn’t settle with silent or secret faith, it has an irresistible urge to live and speak out the new life of Christ

The second inescapable result of being reconciled to God is that you will want your relationships to experience the sweetness of Christ-like reconciliation. Paul captured the essence of this reality in 2 Corinthians 13:11; “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you”. God’s children are those who go above and beyond the normal human boundaries of relational unity. It’s blue-printed into a believer’s spiritual DNA.

Paul understood the difficulty and even pain of this relational reconciliation well. When he first wrote to the stumbling Christians in Corinth he used his own life as an example. “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat [Conciliate]…” (1 Corinthians 4:12-13). Paul had both feet realistically on the ground. His emotions had been overtaken by the power of reconciliation. This was evidenced by the extraordinary efforts made to see damaged relationships reconciled as an expression of divine reconciliation.

It looks like love

Reconciliation looks like love, it forgives even when not apologized to, it overlooks irritations, and it never makes demands, not ever. Enjoyable marriages are fuel by reconciliation as are healthy work place relationships. Church fellowship accompanied by willing acts of service are ignited by reconciliation. Every relationship needs the blessing of obedient Christian reconciliation.

Be encouraged Christian friend, your life-long employment as Christ’s ambassador gives you time and opportunity to reclaim damaged relationships for God’s glory. Yes, great humility will be needed. Yes, intense pray will be the filling station of Christ’s love to motivate you to accomplish this uncomfortable assignment. Yes, time bathing in God’s Word will be necessary to acquire the inner wisdom and fear of God to energise such a Christ centered activity.  But reconciliation must be experienced by those around us, through us, and even at our expense just as it was at Christ’s expense.

 Be encouraged, you were reconciled for the ministry of reconciliation.