Aug 25, 2010 
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
worshipping God, building up His church, reaching the world
Browsing the archives for the Holy Spirit tag
No Comments So, you are a temple of the Holy Spirit – what does that get you? You are not only a temple but you are empowered! 2 Timothy 1:7 says you have a spirit of power, love and self-control – this will greatly impact your life.
If you are born again, you are a temple of the Holy Spirit – this is what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Knowing and living this out will greatly impact your life for Christ.
“I am more and more convinced that Christianity has lost control of Western culture because it has failed to spend time and money on the cultivation of the mind. The result is a modernism that cannot transform culture because it has capitulated to paganism, and a fundamentalism which has no traction because it is out of touch. The only way we can avoid these polar dangers of destructive and protective enculturation is to invest time, money and prayer where the impact is the greatest: in the formation of Christian hearts and minds. Warm hearts alone will not conquer a culture unless we wield the instructments that govern the central mindset of society: ideas. But ideas alone will be powerless unless they are controlled and directed by Spriit-filled hearts.”
Richard F. Lovelace, Renewal as a Way of Life, IVP, 1985, p. 192.
The Practice of Godliness is an excellent book by Jerry Bridges. It is a re-release of his sequel to the first book, The Pursuit of Holiness. In this book he addresses areas to grow in, “to put on” the new self and grow in Christian character. Pastor Bridges establishes three core elements (fear of God, love of God, desire for God = devotion to God) and the nature and need for training, and then briefly overviews each of 12 characteristics of God and His followers. Pastor Bridges’ book is heavily rooted in the Word but in an easy and flowing writing style. It is a practical exposition, encouraging the reader to apply what is developed. The author correctly focuses on internal heart and mind change in order to impact our outward behaviors – “good fruit can only grow from good roots and proper nourishment.” It is not necessary to read these chapters in order; the reader can “skip around” if needed. It would be helpful for the reader to read and study more on the areas of immediate concern. The additional study guide is helpful for further discussion and study. This is an excellent book to read and study through and apply in the life of any believer and follower of Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dear Tiger Woods,
I saw you make your speech at the press conference today. You seemed sincere and moved – I understand this was a hard thing to do and it is a difficult time for you and your family.
With much concern and love, I must tell you you are looking for answers down the wrong path. You will not find forgiveness or peace or empowerment in Buddhism. To me, I heard a lot about “gaining respect” and “trying your best” to live up to the ideals of Buddhism, seeking rest and peace and a state of non-want. This is not the best way to overcome your issues. No amount of psychology therapy will help you either. You will fail again.
The only place to find forgiveness and empowerment is in Christ. You have sinned against God and your family and all your fans. You have broken God’s rules and there must be justice served. This justice is served through Christ’s atonement on the cross. “He who knew no sin became sin for you” and you can be forgiven of your sin in the eyes of God. “Christ died for you while you were His enemy” but “God loved you so much He gave His son’s life for you, so that you may be forgiven and have eternal life.”
If you are born again and acknowledge your sin and receive Christ as Lord and Savior, you will be on the true path of recovery. God will give you His Holy Spirit to live inside you and empower you and enable you to overcome your issues. I urge you to confess to the living, creator God of the Bible and walk in new life, “become a new creature in Christ Jesus.”
God bless you and make Himself known to you during this hard time
Pastor Leigh
God does not reveal Himself “just for the fun of it.” His purpose can be seen in Ezekiel 2 through His MESSAGE, METHOD, and MODE of operation.
“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 1:11-12
We can only do so much to sow seeds and work as laborers in the field and preach the gospel. It is God who works, to reveal Himself and His Son, through the Spirit.
What God did for us is not man’s invention, it never could be. Only God can open the eye’s of a man’s heart to show him the truth, Himself.
Jerry Bridges has written a powerful new book of hope for all Christians, Respectable Sins. This book is for all sinners, especially evangelical Christians. It is a painful book to read because it forces us to be honest with our ugliness in all its forms, yet it is hopeful because he reminds us of 1 Peter 5:5, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” It is easy to read and consistent with much of his previous writings. In the first half of the book he provides an overview of the gospel and its effects upon our lives; in the second half he applies it practically in dealing with specific and “respectable” sins we tolerate in ourselves, such as discontent, pride, and unthankfulness. Jerry Bridges draws upon years of wisdom and experience in his book and is honest and personal in admitting his struggles and successes and weaknesses in his walk with the Lord. An optional study guide is available for purchase as well. This is an excellent book for spiritual formation and our progressive sanctification and deeper growth and commitment to the Lord.
This is a book review for www.navpress.com
This is my sermon on holiness from Zechariah 5:1-11, September 20, 2009.
I quoted Jerry Bridges from his Pursuit of Holiness. I like his picture of the farmer who is dependent upon God for his crop yet he must work at the task of having the crop – this is the same as our holiness, both that we are dependent on God and yet we are responsible for working it out as well.
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