Sunday, May 1, 2022
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)
Jesus ministry did not begin until He received His “anointing” as the Messiah. The empowering that came through the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him (Mark 1:10). Though He was conceived and born by the Spirit’s power (Luke 1:35) and sinless His whole lifetime (John 8:46), He did not attempt ministry without the Spirit’s power.
He insisted John baptized Him not for repentance, but because He knew the Holy Spirit would come upon Him at that time (Matthew 3:13-17). From that time, He is led by the Spirit and moves into ministry – declaring the presence of God’s kingdom and manifesting its miracles, signs and wonders (Luke 4:14-15; Matthew 4:23-25).
This pathway points each believer to the need for heavenly power, if kingdom ministry is to be advanced through us and His church. Like Him, we, too are “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5-6). Though obviously, our spiritual birth is not as is biological virgin birth, the point remains. Spiritual rebirth saves, but heavenly spiritual endowment is needed for ministering in kingdom power. Without it, we are ministering in our own power and it falls short of the glory of God. Can we hear Jesus’ word to us today: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” (John 20:22). Then and only then can we minister in heavenly power.
You are loved, Pastor Don
Cornerstone Worship Center 