~ 04/16/2014 ~ THE PROMISE OF HOPE FOR ALL MANKIND.....WHY WE NEED GODS SPIRIT..... Humanly speaking, no matter how hard we try not to, we still sin ( 1 Kings 8:46; Romans 3:23). Acknowledging this inherent weakness of humanity. God lamented in Deut. 5:29, Oh , that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments that it might be well with them and with their children forever ! Hear God explains that humankind has a heart problem. Academic knowledge of the law does not enable us to think like God. Becoming godly in our thoughts , attitudes and actions is beyond the comprehension and ability of men and women without an additional ingredient.....Gods Spirit. Gods way of thinking produces peace, happiness and concern for others. Jesus complimented a religious scholar who correctly quoted the essence of Gods law: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and [love] your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). This man quoted Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18, from two books of the Pentateuch ( the first five books of the Old Testament). Jesus here confirmed that the Old Testament Scriptures are based on these two great principles of love( Matt.22:40). The essence of Gods law is love (Rom. 13:8-10; 1 Thess. 4:9). God gave His commandments because He loves us. Writing to Christians who had Gods Spirit, John said By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5: 2-3). Because Gods Spirit was now residing in the Church, its members could express genuine love. A new commandment I give to you, Jesus had said, that you love one another ; as I have loved you.....By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another ( John 13:34-35). Gods gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost made it possible for the Church to fully express Gods commandments of love. Amen ~ Pastor Bryant ~
Posted on: Wed, 16 Apr 2014 14:27:57 +0000
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