Powered by the Holy Spirit, led by Love

Have you ever wanted to give up?

Acts 1:8, Matt 5: 13-16

Christ, and knowing him changes the world. And Christ calls us to partner with him, to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.

I can think of a few situations where it has been incredibly difficult and costly and I wanted to take my bat and ball and go home. I’m sure you have been in similar situations. The task or the obstacles seem too big, and you don’t believe you can get through. What keeps us to the task and pressing forward?

For we who believe in Jesus, we have been called to a purpose that seems impossible. Jesus said to his disciples:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NIV )

I am sure the disciples wondered how they could ever achieve this task even with the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet something happened after the Spirit came. They experienced again the voice of Christ, His power and enabling, and they believed in faith enough to begin.

Timothy Keller speaks of being on mission as living for a cause more important than ourselves and a cause that will make a difference in the world. That cause is a person, Christ, and knowing him changes the world. And Christ calls us to partner with him, to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.

So, what keeps us going in our witness to the world?

We desperately believe that Christ is more important than ourselves and He can change the world, so we will make sacrifices. We trust in the person and power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to go the distance in taking the gospel into the world, one person at a time. We are convinced of God’s love for us and his love for others, which compels us to help people find and know this love of Christ.

Let us take a step beyond ourselves to a person God is leading us to. Have a look at the Mission Challenges and ask God to help you be intentional in mission. And this Pentecost, believe the Spirit will empower your witness to those around you.

God Bless,

Pastor Stephen