In last Friday’s session, we focused on one article written by Paul Kroll entitled, “The Holy Spirit is the Presence of God Himself.” It’s always good to see that we as a group had greater realizations as we studied the article which gave us deeper and more understanding about the Holy Spirit. Some common questions against the Trinity doctrine and specially on the Holy Spirit were answered by the author of the article to the satisfaction of the group.
Despite the heavy downpour, a couple diligently attends our meetings although their residence is quite a distance from the meeting place.
I gave a sermon on “Live by the Spirit” to my home church, the ReThink Community, a local church of Grace Communion International last August 20, 2017 and I based my message on the passage found in Galatians 5:16-25. As Christians living in this “present evil age” (Gal. 1:4) I reminded them about the need to be led (Gal. 5:18), to live by, and to keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 25).
Salvation: Work of the Whole God
Additionally, I also wanted to emphasize in this message that on the basis that Christ had already finished his earthly work some 2,000 years ago, the ministry of the Holy Spirit is a continuing work leading, guiding and transforming people to become like Christ — “until Christ is formed” (Gal. 4:19) in them . This is a continuing work of the Holy Spirit since the time the church was established at Pentecost (Acts 2) and will continue until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ or when we die — whichever comes first.
I showed to the church members that God’s work of salvation is one complete whole with the involvement of the whole God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father decided from before the foundation of the world to adopt all of humanity into his family. The Son became human assuming our humanity to reconcile everyone back to God. The Holy Spirit works in each person helping each one to personally respond and experience the love of God which transforms them to become like Christ. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all involved in the work of reconciliation.
Living in Between the Times
Although living in this “present evil age,” Christians should resist the power of sin, resist the devil, be led by the Spirit, live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit.
Here are excerpts of that sermon. It’s about 9 minutes long:
I really believe this is very important for everyone to understand. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is ongoing because of the finished work of Christ. It’s the work of the whole God: Father, Son and Spirit.
I’ve heard the term “In the Sweet By and By” since I was a young boy but I have never really taken the time to find out what this was all about. I knew it was an old hymn but I really didn’t know much about it until now.
Last night, as I attended the wake of my aunt who died a few days ago, this hymn was sung by the sisters and cousin of the deceased. No doubt they knew the hymn very well because all of them are choir members in their Christian church. They sang the song in acapella and I was touched by how they sang it and the lyrics of the hymn really inspired me. It was a fitting song for the occasion.
I found out later on the internet that this song is entitled “In the Sweet By and By” and it was written by Sanford F. Bennett in 1868! That’s one and a half centuries ago! The lyrics are quite simple but it’s really inspiring for those who hope, wait and trust in the Lord for their salvation. It gives hope and encouragement for people to carry on, despite life’s challenges, difficulties and even in the face of death.
May I share it here:
In the sweet by and by (Sanford F. Bennett, 1868)
There’s a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it afar; For the Father waits over the way To prepare us a dwelling place there.
Refrain: In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore; In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore The melodious songs of the blessed; And our spirits shall sorrow no more, Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
To our bountiful Father above, We will offer our tribute of praise For the glorious gift of His love And the blessings that hallow our days.
Here’s a short video during that evening:
Songs do touch the heart. And old hymns from centuries ago make it even more meaningful. Wouldn’t you agree?
It’s amazing that we have now met for the 21st time for our weekly Discover the Word, which is a discipleship class of the ReThink Community, a local congregation of the Grace Communion International here is Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Due to my health condition, my wife and I visit the Nuvali Lakeside Picnic Grounds at least twice each week for an early morning brisk walk in the hope that it will help improve my health somewhat. It actually feels good when I’m able to have my morning exercise.
The place is really quite nice and it has lots of scenic spots which I can’t help but take snapshots of. I guess I’ll never get out of this habit of taking snapshots wherever I go. Every time my wife and I go there, I always take snapshots and short videos. It has become a habit. If I have the time, I will gather all those shots and make it into one album and share it here in my blog site. For most of my recent shots (photos and videos), I’ve been using my Sony Xperia (F3216) smartphone.
Let me share a video which I took today at Nuvali.
