Dear beloved: Though we are not all called to the office of apostle, prophet, or evangelist, pastor or teacher, we are all called to preach the gospel, that is the fulfillment of the great commission. A commission is an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner, often the authority to act in the place of another. When Jesus gave the great commission in Matthew 28:19, he was giving every believer not only a command, but also the authority to act in His behalf. In verse 28:18 He declares His authority by saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Then He gives it away to all of us in verse 19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, v20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I will be with you always, even to the end of the age." And so we have been given the authority to make disciples, to preach and teach and observe all the commandments.
In referring to yesterday's teaching, Anointing pt9, we see that God took a man who was violently opposed to the spread of the gospel and turned him around to bring glory to His own name. If the Lord can do that for Paul, just think what He can do with you. Paul says this about himself in 1 Timothy 12:1 I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, putting me into service; v13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly and in unbelief; v14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love that are found in Jesus Christ. v15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost of all. And then in 2Timothy1:7 Paul says, For God has not given us a spirit of timidity(fear), but of power and love and discipline. v8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, v9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.
The power of the Holy Spirit anointing is not only for ourselves, but to flow through us to others, so that they may come to know Jesus Christ and His grace and mercy also. Paul became a preacher of the gospel because he felt the love and mercy Jesus had for him and felt obligated to share that with others. 2 Timothy 1:11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. v12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Beloved, do not let fear cripple and stifle what God wants to do through you to spread the gospel. Romans 10:14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? v15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!"
Beloved, God wants to bless your feet today. Have your spiritual eyes open to the needs of others, to those who are broken, without hope, and lost in sin and darkness. You may be the very person God is calling to bring hope and good news into their life. Don't miss the opportunity! May God bless you this day and you share the hope in Jesus name. In Christ, Jim
No comments:
Post a Comment