A. Effective calling is the work of God's Spirit by which he convinces us of our sin and misery, enlightens our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, and so persuades and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12,13)
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Eph. 6:17)
Thoughts: The Spirit is often perceived as a source of power (Jehovah's Witnesses call the Holy Spirit an energy like electricity). Some see the Spirit as a source of comfort and counsel. But the Spirit is the "Holy" Spirit who convicts us when we are not holy.
The Spirit often uses the Word of God- "the sword of the Spirit." The Spirit inspired the scriptures and also illuminates the scriptures to make them not just words, but the Word of God for us. The scriptures convict us if we have ears to hear. If we do cannot listen, we will not understand. The scriptures speak of one of the most evil times as being at the end of history- a time of rebellion when people will not listen to the Spirits rebuke- and will not repent of sin (2 Tim. 3; Rev. 3,9).
It is a blessing from God to be able to be convicted. A pig has to know the pig pen is a mess in order to leave it. One of the steps toward salvation (especially of an adult) is to recognize that our situation on earth needs changing and we begin to desire another world with a real God.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12,13)
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Eph. 6:17)
Thoughts: The Spirit is often perceived as a source of power (Jehovah's Witnesses call the Holy Spirit an energy like electricity). Some see the Spirit as a source of comfort and counsel. But the Spirit is the "Holy" Spirit who convicts us when we are not holy.
The Spirit often uses the Word of God- "the sword of the Spirit." The Spirit inspired the scriptures and also illuminates the scriptures to make them not just words, but the Word of God for us. The scriptures convict us if we have ears to hear. If we do cannot listen, we will not understand. The scriptures speak of one of the most evil times as being at the end of history- a time of rebellion when people will not listen to the Spirits rebuke- and will not repent of sin (2 Tim. 3; Rev. 3,9).
It is a blessing from God to be able to be convicted. A pig has to know the pig pen is a mess in order to leave it. One of the steps toward salvation (especially of an adult) is to recognize that our situation on earth needs changing and we begin to desire another world with a real God.
No comments:
Post a Comment