Two Questions
GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT was given to us.
Consider the magnitude of that statement.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
(The Letter of Paul to the Romans 5: 1-2 & 4b-5 NASB)
. . .
hope;
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
The apostles (the chosen followers of Jesus) were given authority to speak in the name of Jesus. From Jesus came this authority. Only through God’s Holy Spirit, that had been given, were the followers of Jesus able to speak. This ‘blessing’ was given AFTER Jesus had been glorified. THEN the disciples were able to teach the words of Jesus, that which they had been taught—by JESUS.
They preached. They taught. They applied. They uncovered the truths that Jesus had previously taught them. Everything began with Jesus Christ.
CHRIST—HE is the foundation.
CHRIST—HIS work, His ministry formed the platform.
CHRIST—HIS words (the words now recorded in red in the Bible) filled their hearts.
EVERYTHING BEGAN WITH JESUS CHRIST!
Eventually many of the apostles were martyred because of their faith.
Beaten.
Stoned.
Flogged.
Chained.
Incarcerated.
Executed.
These afflictions came because each one of Jesus’ disciples had been “justified by faith,” therefore they had received “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, . . .”
EVERYTHING BEGAN WITH JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD!
HIS HOPE.
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
“we exult in hope of the glory of God. hope; . . .”
With HOPE comes responsibility.
With HOPE comes duty.
With HOPE comes the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus.
With HOPE comes our personal testimony.
Believers in Jesus Christ, in His work on the cross and in the grave—Let us pause to consider the promises of God that you and I have received. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, that which He shed on the cross of Calvary for mankind, for the remission of sins.
Consider the magnitude of the statement: At the moment of salvation, GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT was given to each person who believes in Jesus, who has confessed his sins and who confesses Jesus as Lord.
Now consider the requirements God expects of us.
When we are obedient to God, committed to our faith, and when we serve as bondservants to the Lord, we proclaim God’s promises to the world.
When we dedicate our lives to Jesus, following His commandments, faithful within our marriage vows, and walk in service with fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ in the church—THEN we show the world how we have pledged our lives to our Savior and Lord.
“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
JESUS PROMISED ALL WHO BELIEVE IN HIM that the HIS HOLY SPIRIT would speak of HIM and would give us the words to say whenever the SPIRIT led us to give verbal witness of JESUS.
Standing Quietly OR Openly Rejecting.
Passively Denying OR Actively Denouncing Jesus.
Both Reveal the failure to Follow Christ Jesus.
Two Questions we must ask ourselves: Am I Faithful to Jesus? & Am I Loyal to Him?
We have received the gift of God’s salvation, and because we have, we are to openly confess Christ before others. We may face opposition, slander, incarnation, conflict, and even execution.
Nevertheless, we must daily proclaim to ourselves and to others: Jesus Is Worth Everything!