July 26, 2010 Monday Message:

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on things of heaven.” Col. 3:1a

After Jesus conquered death, i.e. was raised from the grave, he did a number of things. Since we have similarly been “raised to new life” through Jesus, it’s appropriate that we also should do those things that Jesus modeled.

Jesus walked away from the tomb and never looked back. We should do the same. Our old sin-lives died when Jesus came to live inside of us, and we should be OK with letting our old-self die. It’s a new day, with a new agenda.

After the resurrection, Jesus spent His remaining earthly time ministering to others, not worrying about all he had just endured. It’s no longer about you. You can tell a new Christian really “gets it” when you catch him serving others. We were made to love one another and serve one another; put it into action.

Just as when He humanly walked the earth, the resurrected Jesus called down supernatural power to do impossible things. We call this power the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised this power to his followers, and told them to not only expect it, but specifically to not begin ministry without it. Then, as promised, the fire of heaven came down and filled the disciples of Jesus. We call this Pentecost.

People to this day speak, sing, prophesy, heal and live out their lives in the Spirit. Of course the Cessationists will tell you that gifts of the Spirit are no longer applicable, but I’ve seen miracles, healings and lives transformed in ways that can only be attributed to God, Jesus, angels, or the Holy Spirit.

Is your church Spirit-filled? Do your Pastors or prayer teams ever call down the power of the Holy Spirit? Or does your church seem kind of subdued? Many churches don’t know the Holy Spirit. They keep Him locked up in the creeds, only mentioning Him at a Baptism or on Pentecost Sunday. Maybe it’s time to let Him loose!

“Send the fire!” (William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army)

Norton Lawellin