Andrew Murray- "The mystery of Christ . . . as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ" (Ephesians 3:4-6)
The more one studies Paul's letter to the Ephesians, the deeper the impression becomes that the true standard of New Testament faith is faintly realized in the Church today. (Google image, The Apostle writing)
The tone of the letter is intensely supernatural. Only a life identified with the life of Christ and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit can grasp its full meaning.
In the first chapter, Paul set before us the source of the divine life. His unceasing prayer was that supernatural life would be revealed by the Holy Spirit in the heart of believers.
In chapter two, we had the communication of that life. God made us alive in Christ, and we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Now, we are taught that the proclamation of that divine life is also the work of God and His Spirit.
As definitely as the origin and communication of His life is supernatural, so the provision for its being made known in the world is entirely supernatural, too. God's grace is set before us in a new light.
In chapter one we had "his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved . . . the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:6-7).
In chapter two we had "the exceeding riches of his grace" (Ephesians 2:7). Now in chapter 3 we have "the dispensation of the grace of God which is given . . . unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit' (Ephesians 3:2, 5).
Paul was made a minister of this grace, "according to the gift of the grace of God by the effectual working of his power" (Ephesians 3:7).
In the ministry of the gospel, the riches of God's grace are greatly magnified. Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ and says it has now been revealed by the Holy Spirit.
The Gentiles are fellow-heirs and fellow-partakers in Christ Jesus. Through the Spirit, the revelation of what had been hidden in God through the ages was revealed.
Led By The Spirit
Throughout the book of Acts, we read of the Spirit guiding the steps of Philip, Peter, Barnabas, and Paul. They spoke under the power and anointing of the Spirit, and many received the word with joy.
The Holy Spirit was entrusted with the whole work of revealing and carrying out through the ages to come the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles—"Christ in you, the hope of Glory" (Colossians 1:27).
All mission work has been placed under the direction of the Holy Spirit. In every area of that work, His guidance is to be sought and can be counted on. Missions are indeed the work of the Holy Spirit.
Why is so little use made of the language of Scripture in our evangelism today? The Holy Spirit will reveal the great mystery of God in the heart, awaken its affections and its purpose, and empower it with all that is needed to carry out God's blessed will.
It is not enough that the Spirit reveals this hidden mystery of God to preachers so that through them the Church may become acquainted with His plans. Each believer needs to receive the teaching of the Spirit personally if the blessed secret is to master him.
(Chapter 9, pp. 44-46, italics added)
by Andrew Murray
Copyright © 1984
Copyright © 1984
by Whitaker House
Used by permission
Let's pray-
Father, The apostle Paul sets before us in the 1st. chapter of Ephesians, that the source of the divine life is in Your Holy Spirit, alive within the hearts of believers.
As Christ's Spirit makes us alive in Him, we become His workmanship, created in Him, for good works. We're taught that proclaiming this divine life is the work of His Spirit.
Throughout the book of Acts, we read where men such as Philip, Peter, Barnabas and Paul spoke under the power and anointing of the Spirit, with many receiving their word with great joy.
As the Holy Spirit was entrusted with the whole work of revealing and carrying out through the ages to come the riches of the glory of this mystery, we are today given the same message.
We see that it is not enough that the Spirit reveals this hidden mystery of God in Christ to just preachers, but that each believer needs to receive the Spirit personally if the secret is to master him.
May we be open for the Spirit to speak to us through the Bible, by good preaching, teaching and personal study, so we will become people of faith, to share the Good News with those around us, and in whatever manner He directs us individually to do.
We ask this in Christ's name. Amen
Today's Bible verses-
Psalm 37:5-6 (MSG) “Open up before God, keep
nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done:
He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day
and stamp you with approval at high noon.”
God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you
have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you
and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Today's quote-
~ Lisa Buffaloe- "Please know, never forget, that Thanksgiving is a word that means so much more. Thanksgiving is a word that brings joy in spite of the realities of pain and loneliness. Thanksgiving is a thankful heart for the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Savior who comes to live in hearts that have felt distanced, have painful memories, sin, death of dreams and loved ones, and heartache. Jesus comes inside hearts and lives, and restores, and redeems, and never leaves, and always loves."
Words of wisdom-
~ Our privilege of hearing God speak to the depths of our soul, trains us to have a heart that overflows with gratitude.
~ Strength and encouragement from God comes because of our obedience to what He intends for us.
Today's question-
Is there more to it after receiving/believing in Christ for salvation?
Not for securing our salvation itself, but for what should take place after we acknowledge Christ as our Savior. There is much to learn to be like Him, and it will take time to adjust to His way of thinking, as to our habits and beliefs. As we hear and read the Bible, we will learn what is pleasing to Him, grow in grace and wisdom, and learn what it is He would have us do.
We will need to examine ourselves from time to time, to search for sinful activities, habits, bondages and bad attitudes. His Holy Spirit gives us the power to succeed in our new journey as born again believers.
We're here to work for King Jesus, so we need to ask Him what the Father wants us to do. Churches are our practice grounds in our preparation for heaven.
List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam NY church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!
He Chose You, He's Sending You, Don't Get Comfortable
Eric Trelease, Potsdam church, Oct. 13, Matt. 10
He Chose You, He's Sending You, Don't Get Comfortable
Eric Trelease, Potsdam church, Oct. 13, Matt. 10
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)
Helpful ways the Lord helped me in my marriage
Upcoming posts:
Another Chance
30th- Saturday's post by Patricia Raybon #19 Answering Our Call
12/3rd- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray
#20 Opening the Door to Power
5th- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray
Better Than Ever
7th- Saturday's post by Dave Brandon
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