ROCKVILLE
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The resurrected Christ, after rebuking the apostles for their unbelief, gives them a command; “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”. Its amazing to think what was set in motion in that moment, and that here today we have almost seen the complete fulfillment of this. In the past 100 years the Gospel message has spread throughout the world like never before through the modern missions movement, and it all started with 11 faithful who obeyed Jesus.
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A promise was given that day to the 11 which has been faithfully shared and passed down throughout the years by the church; “He who believes and is baptized will be saved”. Many have come to a saving faith in Christ through the message of the Gospel as it continues to spread to the uttermost regions of the world and the deepest places in our hearts.
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The life of a believer is marked by “signs” which are brought on by the presence of the Holy Spirit within; demons will obey, new languages spoken, protection from all that kills, and healing for the sick through the laying on of hands. There is power in Jesus. All believers have experienced the power of God and the signs that going along with putting our trust and faith in Him alone for salvation through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, yet there is more. The Word of God teaches us to “desire the greater gifts” of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:31), and that God “gives the Spirit without measure” (John 3:34). There is more for us. More power, more signs, more miracles, more protection, more favor.
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After this, Jesus went up into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. What is He doing now? He “lives” to intercede (Hebrews 7:25). He is praying, praying for us, praying for you. Because He is praying, He is always able to save “to the uttermost those who come to God through Him”. The disciples knew this, and believed, and obeyed.
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What was their response to the Word of God and prayers of Jesus? They went out, they preached, God worked with them, the Spirit confirmed His Words to them, and the signs accompanied them.
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What about us? Where does that leave us as a church? Do we believe? Have we been baptized, not just with water but with the Spirit? Do we see the signs? Are we functioning in the gifts? A few weeks back we learned of the man with the mute spirit, he said “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.” God sees your faith, and wants to help you gain more, and experience more of Him through faith. Ask Him to help. Don’t give up.
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For such a time as this we have been placed on the earth, where we are, for the purposes of God. Seek first His Kingdom and the resurrection power of Jesus that is available to us through the Holy Spirit. As we consider all that Jesus died for, also consider all that He lives for even now today, in this world and in you. Christ in you is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). May the fullness of the blessing of the Holy Spirit rest on us and abide in us, and our faith in Jesus Christ allow us to believe that all of His promises are true, leading us to walk in that truth and lives lives of freedom in Jesus for the glory of God.
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