Sunday, July 13, 2020
“This time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) Jesus was anointed as the Messiah, at His baptism and now He was ready to begin His ministry. Now He was empowered from heaven, as the Holy Spirit fell upon Him.
Here is something for us to consider; Jesus was conceived and born by the Spirit’s power and sinless His whole lifetime, He did not attempt ministry without the Spirit’s power. He insisted John baptize Him, not for repentance, but because He knew the Holy Spirit would come upon Him at that time. From that time, He is led of the Spirit and moves into ministry – declaring the presence of God’s kingdom and manifesting its miracle, signs, and wonders.
This pathway points each believer to the need for power, if kingdom ministry is to be advanced through us and through the church. Like Him, we, too, are “born of the Spirit.” Though obviously, our spiritual birth is not as His biological virgin birth, the point remains. Spiritual rebirth saves, but spiritual enduement is needed for ministering in kingdom power.
Similarly, our justification in Christ – being declared sinless – does not qualify for kingdom power in ministry. In His incarnation Jesus’ Person and perfection exceeded ours in every way, yet Jesus still acknowledged the need for His own receiving of the power of the Holy Spirit to pursue His ministry.
What more needs to be said? Let each of us personally hear His command: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” (John 20:21) When dealing in the “Supernatural Realm” we need everything that heaven has to offer.
You are loved, Pastor Don
Cornerstone Worship Center 