A WAY AWAY FROM CONFLICT

Some points we referenced in our message last evening at FCC.  www.FCCToday.org

THESE IDEAS ARE FROM:

http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/030401.html

There are a number of good questions to ask yourself if you are in a conflict situation

1. Have I fueled this conflict by my own pride, stubbornness or defensiveness?

First, there will be true humility. The King James uses the lovely phrase “lowliness of mind.” This is a word that in classical Greek meant to grovel before someone else. Paul takes this negative word and elevates it into a Christian virtue. In this context it means to have a proper estimate of yourself so that there is no need for self-promotion.Someone once asked St. Augustine, “What is the first mark of true religion?” “Humility,” he replied. “And the second mark?” “Humility.” “And the third mark?” “Humility.” True religion always begins with humility because unless you humble yourself before the Lord, you can never be saved. The proud go to hell because they will not bend the knee to Jesus Christ. Only the humble can ever be saved.

2. Have I contributed to this conflict by hurtful words, aggressive tactics, or by twisting what really happened?
3. .Have I refused to give someone the benefit of the doubt and instead concluded that I know what the motives of another really are?
4. Have I hindered reconciliation by my bitterness, evil thoughts, or stubbornness?
5. Am I acting like I have no responsibility for the problems that exist?
6. Am I guilty of resisting God by refusing to extend forgiveness and seek reconciliation
7. Am I guilty of perpetuating this conflict by my laziness?
8. Am I waiting for the other person to make the first move and thus violating Paul's command to do everything that we can do to be reconciled?

It is amazing how fast reconciliation comes in a situation if people honestly are willing to admit and address their responsibility in a conflict situation. As we look at our own hearts and attitudes we are taking a step toward reconciliation.

the following is found at: http://www.thegracetabernacle.org/studies/gtsn_conflict.html RULES OF ENGAGEMENT: ( R E C O N C I L E D ) R Respect the relationship more than winning the argument • (Rom. 15:2) E Enlist Scripture as the final word • (2 Tim. 3:16) C Concede to each other the benefit of doubt • (Rom. 12:10). Believe and hope all things • (1 Cor. 13:7) O Only speak the truth in love • (Rom. 8:6-8; Eph. 4:15) N Never gossip with those not involved in the situation • (2 Cor. 12:20) C Consider one another with respect, love and dignity • (Eph. 4:32; Col 3:13) I Involve other people only when agreed upon and absolutely necessary • (Pr. 25:9; Mt. 18:15) L Let each other have the opportunity to be heard • (Pr. 18:2, 13; Jas. 1:19) E Earnestly work together until the conflict is resolved • (Rom. 12:18; Phil. 2:1-4) D Desire God’s glory • (Jos. 22:5; 1 Cor. 10:31) and the testimony of His church as the highest goal • (1 Cor. 6:7; 10:32) STEPS TO RESOLVING CONFLICT Go to God in prayer (Eph. 6:18) Ask God to search your heart (Psm. 139:23-24) Confess your sins to God (1 Jn. 1:8-9) "Take the log out of your own eye" (Mt. 7:3-5) Ask God for humility (Jas. 4:6) Ask God to help you love the individual (Mt. 5:44-45; Rom. 12:9-10, 21) Ask God for wisdom (Jas. 1:5) Correct perception of the situation Knowing when to go (Ecc. 3:1, 7), what to say (Pr. 15:28) and how to say it (Pr. 15:4, 28; 16:21) Go to the individual in private (Mt. 5:23-24; 18:15) Pray together before the meeting begins (Jas. 4:2) Review and agree upon the "Rules of Engagement" Come to a mutual agreement on the exact issue of conflict Deal with one issue at a time Ask each other to specifically express personal concerns Confess any necessary sins (Pr. 28:13; Jas. 5:16) State a plan of repentance to prevent the sin from reoccurring Make restitution if necessary (Lk. 19:8) Forgive one another (Mt. 18:21-22; Eph. 4:32) Mutually determine specific steps necessary to resolve the conflict - be realistic Restore the peace with others who may have been adversely affected (Eph. 4:3) Enlist accountability from others if necessary (Pr. 11:14) End the meeting in prayer (Jas. 5:16) If the conflict still cannot be resolved: Seek a mediator (objective outside individual(s) who can hear both sides and offer solutions — (Pr. 11:14) Seek an arbitrator (same as above, only now the individual(s) offers a binding decision to settle the conflict to be agreed upon by both individuals in conflict — 1 Cor. 6:4) Seek a witness (most likely one from above) and initiate/continue the process of church discipline (Mt. 18:16-17) DO’S AND DON’T’S OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION DON’T Assume you know all the facts. Never pass judgment without hearing the other’s side of the story (Pr. 18:17) Betray confidential information to "bolster" your case (Pr. 11:13) Wait for the other person to initiate the resolution process (Mt. 5:23-24) Compromise the Word of God to resolve a conflict (1 Thes. 2:13; 2 Tim. 4:1-4) Minimize sin (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15) Try to read the other’s mind or expect the other person to read your mind. They may be unaware that their actions were wrong and/or hurtful (1 Cor. 13:7) "Unforgive" that which you have previously forgiven someone (Jer. 31:34) Vilify the person. Odds are, they are not as evil as your mind has concocted them to be (Tit. 3:3) Justify your wrongs by the repeated use of blame shifting, excuses and "but" statements (Lk. 14:18) Expect sinless perfection in the other (Rom. 15:1) DO Take time to cool off and pray (Pr. 29:20) Pursue genuine peace as soon as possible (Rom. 14:19; Heb. 12:14) Control your spirit. Especially be slow to anger (Pr. 12:16; 15:1; 16:32) Keep your emotions in control, but still be sure to express your feelings. Overlook insignificant offenses (Pr. 19:11) unless they are: Dishonoring to God Damaging to the relationship Hurting or might hurt others (including the offender) Trust God for the results, ultimate justice (Rom. 12:19) and His work in the other’s life Attack the issue, not the person (Gal. 5:15; Jas. 4:1-3) Ask Questions. Questions soften the blow and stimulate thinking (Jn. 21:15-17) Reaffirm your love for each other and all that you have in common (Phil. 2:2) Forgive on the basis of one’s statement (1 Cor. 4:5)

THOSE CHRISTMAS CRITICS, CYNICS, AND CENSORS

From the Sunday Bulletin at FCC, Sunday, December 9 2012

Today is the second of the four Sundays known as the Advent Season in the Christian
Calendar.  Advent means “Coming” and speaks  of our Lord’s Birth.  Our theme this year is both Scriptural and popular Carol lyric, “Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy!”

Have you heard of the “War on Christmas?”  Several years ago school calendars replaced “Christmas Break” with “Winter Break.”  Recently retailers have instructed their clerks to wish shoppers, “Happy holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas.”  The Governor of Rhode Island now insists that the traditional Christmas tree be called a Holiday Tree.  The name of Christ is being systematically removed from the public square.

Others have seen the threat of crass materialism and debt-ridden gift-giving that crowded Christ out of His rightful place as the reason for the season.

Historically, some Christians feared that the celebration Christ’s hallowed birth might trivialize or minimize the spiritual significance of the day.  Others feared that Christmas would become a ritual rather than a remembrance of the Savior.

So from the left and the right, from the unbelievers to the true believers, Christmas has had its share of critics, cynics, and censors.

Yet the significance of this day will never be lost on those of us who know the Savior who was born on the first Christmas day.  This Savior is worthy of our highest praise.  He changed the world forever.  He changed our lives forever.  And, because He came, He changed our forever forever.

 He came for you!

WE NEED BETTER AMERICANS

Sow to yourselves in righteousness,

reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for

IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD

Till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

 H   O   S   E   A       1   0   :   1   2

Good Morning Friends of FCC,

Two weeks from today Americans will head to the polls to elect a President, 33 senators, and 435 members of the House of Representatives.  Here in Missouri we will be choosing a Governor, a Secretary of State, and a host of representatives.

When asked by pollsters about the direction of our nation, most citizens believe that America is on the wrong track.  We could not agree more. 

Poverty is stubbornly high.  Violence is rampant.  Drug (illegal and prescription) and alcohol abuse is epidemic.  Child abuse is sickening.  Nearly every cultural indicator is negative.  Church attendance is down 50% from a few decades ago.  Marriage is on the decline.  Sexual immorality is pervasive.  Pornography is ubiquitous. Almost half of the children born in our nation are born into single parent families. Student scores are too low. Suicide rates are on the rise. Corporate and individual greed is unchecked. We are a nation adrift.

All of this has come at great cost to society and to the public treasury.  Our Federal Government borrows 40 cents of every dollar they spend.  Our national debt is $16,000,000,000,000.00 and climbing at a rate of $3,800,000,000.00 a day. From 1776 to 2008, the total debt grew to $9.86 trillion dollars.  From 2008 to 2012 it has grown another $5 trillion. 

There is a practical, workable, sound, tried, tested, and sure way to resolve these problems. 

ALL THAT WE NEED TO HAVE A BETTER AMERICA IS BETTER AMERICANS!

So long as we are not what we ought to be, our nation will not be what it ought to be. 

Because we are a representative democracy, we are the government. Our leaders reflect who we are.

Because we have capitalistic free-markets, we are the producers and owners of the means of production—we are the businessmen, we are the managers, and we are the workers.

Because our laws were written to guarantee the greatest degree of liberty to the greatest number of citizens, our ideal is a government that is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”  We have never fully realized our ideal, yet we are sure that our constitutional government has secured the God given rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” to more citizens in our United States of America than any other government or form of government has secured in the history of the world.

Who are these “Better Americans?” 

The question itself implies that there are some Americans who are not “better.”  Indeed. Some are better than others.  Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” 

Better Americans are not of a particular race. 

Better Americans are not of a particular cultural heritage.

Better Americans are not of a particular economic class. 

Better Americans are not of a particular region in the nation. 

Better Americans are not of a particular denomination, political party, or organizational affiliation.

Better Americans are better because they think prudently—they look ahead.

Better Americans are better because they act with temperance—they are disciplined and work hard.

Better Americans are better because they uphold justice—with “liberty and justice for all.”

Better Americans are better because they are courageous—who “more than self their country love, and mercy more than life.”

Better Americans are inspired by faith in the God of our Fathers, encouraged by hope, and motivated by self-less love.

Better Americans are moral—they want to think right.

Better Americans are ethical—they want to act right.

Better Americans are virtuous—they want to be right.

Better Americans are known by the content of the character.

To what standard do these “Better Americans” ascribe?

Better Americans honor the previous generation.

Better Americans respect life as God-given.

Better Americans are moral in their relationships.

Better Americans are respectful.

Better Americans are truthful.

Better Americans are not greedy.

I would like to think that I discovered these principles, but God revealed them to Moses 3,400 years ago. Think how different our nation would be if Americans would follow the 10 Commandments. 

Better Americans honor the previous generation.

HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER

Better Americans respect life as God-given.

THOU SHALT NOT KILL.

Better Americans are moral and sexually disciplined in their relationships.

THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.

Better Americans are respectful of other people and their property.

THOU SHALT NOT STEAL.

Better Americans are truthful.

THOU SHALT NOT LIE.

Better Americans are not greedy.

THOU SHALT NOT COVET.

These principles are so foundational to peace and societal happiness that nearly every major world religion espouses them.  But recognizing the rectitude and necessity of these principles is not the same as possessing them. 

How are “Better Americans” made?

Better Americans are made when their minds are serious about the first four of the Ten Commandments.

THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME.

THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE.

THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN.

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY.

And better Americans are made when their hearts are transformed by Christ.  “Ye must be born again.” (John 3:3) Christians, called to “salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,” (2 Thessalonians 2:13) are the salt and light that is so essential to making our nation a better nation.

For most of our nation’s history, Americans admired and desired Christianity.  There were no laws that demanded that citizens be Christians.  There was no formal constitutional or legislative directive that our nation be designated a Christian nation.  Yet as David Aikman observed in the Wall Street Journal “America was Christian in the values and morality that most people wanted to observe.” 

But today’s America is increasingly secular.  We say “In God We Trust,” but according to recent surveys, more and more Americans say that they are not affiliated with any religion.  Among those who are affiliated, more and more are aberrant and non-orthodox in their doctrine.  The Apostle Paul warned of a day when people would “have a form of godliness,” “giving heed to seducing spirits,” “having their conscience seared,” and be “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.”  We are there.

That’s why we are convinced that our nation stands in desperate need of a GREAT AWAKENING!

1. We will be better…when we recognize that God is the ultimate moral authority.
2. We will be better…when we acknowledge that the Bible is true—inspired and inerrant.
3. We will be better…when we believe that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
4. We will be better…when we repent—humbly acknowledge our sins and turn from them.
5. We will be better…when we decide to “pursue peace with all men and holiness without which no man will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14).
6. We will be better…when Christ is Lord of all—our resources, our energies, our talents, our time, our relationships, our entertainments, our adornments, our all.  If Christ is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.
7. We will be better…when the Love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said that His disciples would be known not by their wealth, not by their popularity, not by their physical beauty or impressive skills, but by their love!  Love for God without a rival.  Love for one another that is sacrificial.

ELECTION DAY IS COMING

As you consider your vote in the upcoming election, I trust that you will join me in praying that those candidates that would most advance the cause of Biblical righteousness will be elected to office.

God cannot bless a nation that wantonly disregards His will.  Without God’s blessing our nation will stand unprotected, impoverished, and dissatisfied. It’s time to seek the Lord!

If we can help you in any way please let us know.  We love and appreciate you every one!

Onward!

Pastor Richard M. Jones

FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH –  Crusaders Church USA

2969 North Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri  63074 - Telephone (314) 298-5840; Cell (314) 607-1424

E-mail: PastorRick@FCCToday.org          www.pastorrickjones@blogspot.com

IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD

There is a sense in which it can be said that the circumstances we face and the choices we make on a daily basis are all important.  Like invested funds we accrue interest on our use of the resources we have been given.  Those that use their time wisely accomplish more.  Those that use their money wisely can earn and save and give more.  Those that order their lives wisely know the peace and satisfaction of God’s blessing.

But it cannot be said that every circumstance and every choice are of equal consequence.  History is punctuated with red-letter dates—moments when choices and circumstances produced significant change—fundamental transformation.   

The birth of the Christian Church on the Day of Pentecost was one such moment.  The day that Constantine officially recognized Christianity as a legitimate religion was another.  When Martin Luther nailed the “95 Theses for Debate” on the door of the Church at Wittenberg, Germany, it was a red-letter date. 

In the life of the American republic there have been red letter dates.  The day the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence was a signal event.  The day the British surrendered to George Washington and the Continental Army was another such moment.  The day that Americans began to fight one another over the future of this fledgling democracy was a decisive and horribly costly moment.  When Congress and the States ratified the 13^th Amendment to our Constitution outlawing slavery and involuntary servitude it was a day with far reaching consequences.  There have been many important choices our people and leaders have made, yet some that have proven more notable than others.

In their wisdom, the founders of our nation established a government “of, and by, and for the people,” so that every citizen is able to make known their choice of leaders.  Our leaders are not chosen for us, we choose them. 

As Americans go to the polls on November 6 we are facing an existential choice—our future is certainly at stake.  We must make the right decision. Our national security, our financial future, and our personal liberty will be determined by the choices—millions of choices that are made. Yet convincing the deciders—those who will be casting their votes—is particularly challenging.

When…

…The truth is obscured,

…The facts are denied,

…The agendas are hidden,

…The logic is unchallenged,

…The implications are not thoughtfully considered, and

...The morality is denied or diminished,

…it is no wonder that confused electorates make choices that are shortsighted and self defeating. 

It occurs to us that if blind eyes, closed minds, and hard hearts are to be convinced, it will require the assistance of God Himself.  If candidates are to be known, we will need God’s help. 

For that reason we have chosen as our 40 DAY THEME leading up to this year’s NATIONAL ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 6, “IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD!”  Join us in praying every day and fasting, as the Lord directs, for God’s will to be done as Americans elect a President, a Congress, and a third of the Senators.  

KINGDOM FIRST

"Seek first the KINGDOM OF GOD; and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS 

and all these things shall be added unto you."   

Matthew 6:33

Within weeks Americans will go to the polls to elect a President, 435 members of the House of Representatives, and 33 Senators. The airwaves are filled with political advertising, talk shows are dominated by candidates and pundits, and partisans are pressing the case for their chosen candidate.

But frankly I'm discomfited by the entire spectacle.  

I started to list the problems we are facing as a nation, but we know them.  I deleted them. We know them all too well.

I think I should point to the Answer. 

Jesus said, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" and then "all these things shall be added unto you."  (Matthew 6:33).  

When our national priorities are lifted from the pain of our present circumstances, to fervently seeking after God and His righteousness (not our own) we will right this drifting ship of state.

The moment we stop looking for solutions from slick politicians, government programs, or political parties, and start seeking first the Kingdom of God we will get our nation back on the right track.

When righteousness is exalted and evidenced in our personal and public lives, then and only then, will we know the blessings of Providence.

Trying times are revealing times. They reveal the depth of our faith, the strength of our commitments, and the lengths to which we will go--living out our faith and commitment.  

What is true for nations is true for individuals.  We must seek first the Kingdom of God.  We must make Kingdom priorities our priorities. And we must live righteous lives.  Jesus said if we would do these things, then all the things we need will be added to us.  I believe Him.

One final note: Christ's promise was given to disciples who languished under the heavy hand of Roman rule. The governments of the first century were no friends of Christ or His people. Yet in the midst of that godless age, Christ kept His word.  As His people sought first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, their needs were met.  

And Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Seek first the Kingdom!

FATHER'S DAY REFLECTIONS

THIS WEEKEND IS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND! 

It is right that we should revere Christian Fatherhood.

               It is fatherlessness that is at the root of our nation’s greatest social problems.  Scientific research, Sociological analysis, and Practical experience confirm that children without fathers are more likely to end up in prison, on drugs, dropping out of school, and having children outside wedlock.  That’s even true for those who have stretched the limits of credulity and thought that two “married” women were as good as a husband and wife.  The children of same sex parents are profoundly troubled.  Dr. Keith Ablow a certified psychiatrist released findings this week that prove the point.

               When fathers are refused their place of provider and protector, the entire family suffers. This week the Brookings Institution reported to Congress “Young people can virtually assure that they and their families will avoid poverty if they follow three elementary rules for success—complete at least a high school education, work full time, and wait until 21 and get married before having a baby.”  They found out that people who follow these rules have only a 2% chance of being in poverty and a 72% chance of joining the middle class defined as incomes above $55,000 .  For people who violated all three rules, their chances of being poor are 77% and their chance of making the middle class is 4%.

               I am absolutely convinced that Christian Father’s are a key part of the success of their children.  Mother’s of children should praise, and appreciate Christian fatherhood!  Children should honor, respect, and obey their Christian fathers.

               Men who come to Christ later are a tremendous example.  They can literally change history for themselves and their families. We are seeing that at FCC!  Praise God!

It is great that we admire Christian Fathers.

               I get weary of wives and mothers and children who do not appreciate their Christian fathers.  With all the pressures on men to “redefine masculinity” or to live life at the animal level, it is so great to see men who will stand up for Jesus!  I am so grateful for a wonderful Christian heritage—I’m a fourth Generation preacher of the Gospel.  If you are a fourth or a first generation Christian father we are thrilled!  You are to be highly commended.

               If you have a father who is a Christian, you should thank God and then thank HIM!  Make Him know how much you value and appreciate His help and concern.  If your Dad is human, your Dad is not perfect.  Yet He is worthy of your admiration. 

               It’s not enough to think about Him.  Tell Him you love him and appreciate His godly counsel, his loyalty, and his help.  And show your gratitude by your attitude and your actions!

And, it is good that we inspire (and insist) on Christian Fathers.

               For young ladies looking for suitable men to marry, you should not ever consider a non-Christian. 
For mothers who are married to men who are not yet Christians, you should encourage and inspire Him to follow the Lord Jesus.  For wives and mothers of men who are Christians, don’t tear them down—build them up!  Harangue is not holy.  An attitude of gratitude will accomplish far more than nattering nabobs of negativity.  My father in law says, “Brag on an idiot and watch him work.”  LOL

               Marry a winner not a sinner. 

1 DAY TO PENTECOST

THE EPHESIAN PENTECOST

TEXT:  ACTS 19:1-20

¹And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

² He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

³ And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

⁴ Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

⁵ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

⁷ And all the men were about twelve.

⁸ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

⁹ But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

¹⁰ And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

¹¹ And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

¹² So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

¹³ Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

¹⁴ And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

¹⁵ And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

¹⁶ And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

¹⁷ And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

¹⁸ And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

¹⁹ Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

²⁰ So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

KEY TEXT:  Acts 19:2 “…Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? …”

REFLECTION:  

Like sparks shooting from a red-hot blaze the Spirit of Pentecost flashed and ignited tender hearts across the ancient world.  From the great capital cities—Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome—to the lesser known towns and villages, the Spirit-driven disciples displayed Christ and prayed that the Spirit of Christ would fill the hearts of those “hungering and thirsting after righteousness.” (Matthew 5: ).  Time after time their prayers were answered. 

They prayed in Jerusalem, and the Spirit was poured out upon them.

They prayed in Samaria, and the Spirit filled their hearts.

They prayed in Caesarea, and the Spirit fell upon them.

When Paul arrived in Ephesus he found nearly a dozen disciples who had heard of, believed in, and been baptized into John’s baptism—the baptism of repentance.  They repented, literally “changed their minds” about sin.  Transformed by the knowledge of God’s will¹ John’s disciples were notable.  They…

+Prepared the way of the Lord, making their paths straight. (Matthew 3:3, Luke 3:4)

+Confessed their sins (Matthew 3:6)

+Brought forth fruit that evidenced repentance (Matthew 3:10)

+Did not consider themselves accepted by God on account of their ancestry. (Luke 3:8)

+Gave one of their two coats away to those with no coats. (Luke 3:11)

+Shared their food with those who had none. (Luke 3:11)

+Stopped over-taxing the citizens as tax collectors. (Luke 3:12)

+Shunned unnecessary violence, false accusation, and agreed to their wages as soldiers. (Luke 3:14)

+Followed John’s example, “he was a just man and holy” (Mark 6:20), And

+Endorsed John’s indictment of Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:18).

Yet these sincere men did not have the “Spirit of Christ.” (Romans 8:9). Paul asked them, “Have you received the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 19:2)  Writing from the perspective of a 21^st century Christian their answer seems almost unbelievable, “we have not heard that there is any Holy Spirit.”

The Apostle Paul preached Christ to these sincere inquirers.  He urged them to believe in the Savior that John the Baptist himself taught was “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”  Right then they were baptized in the name of Jesus—literally “according to the will of Jesus”—and as Paul laid his hands upon them and prayed for them they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Like the disciples at Jerusalem on the first Christian Pentecost, they too spoke in languages and magnified God.

True disciples of Jesus Christ have the Spirit of Christ—the Holy Spirit.  It is this Spirit who convicts, convinces, and converts. It is this Spirit, the Spirit of Holiness, who sanctifies and satisfies. It is this Spirit who gifts and imparts fruit.  And it is this Spirit who finishes what He begins—sanctifying wholly the hearts of all who are walking in the light. 

It was not long until all of Ephesus was filled with the doctrine of Christ.  As sinners were awakened, the forces of evil were stirred. Converts broke with sin and burned their evil books. The same demons who provoked the possessed to oppose the Church, tormented the possessed to oppose themselves—“they ran out naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:16)

When the Spirit filled the faithful in Ephesus, the Word of God “mightily grew,” and “prevailed!” (Acts 19:20).  It is that Spirit we must have today.

¹Repentance was defined as “knowledge that transforms by ancient writers

PRAYER: Our Father in Heaven, You made us to be your dwelling place!  For Thy great plan of redemption—to repair what sin has broken, to restore what Satan has robbed, to recover thy Spirit within, and to renew our love for Thee—we are eternally grateful.  We pray that the same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead, would raise us up to walk in righteousness and true holiness.  May the Spirit of Pentecost fill our hearts, empower our churches, and transform our times.  Thou art able.  We are willing.  “Come Holy Ghost, We need Thee!”  In Jesus name we pray, Amen. “Our Father, &c.”