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Posts Tagged ‘Romans 8’

From Asking & Waiting to Thanking & Doing

Posted in Belief, Benefits, Christ, Experience, Feelings, Holy Spirit, tagged , , , , on January 3, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” — Romans 8:8-9a

Being “in the Spirit” is not based on how close God feels but on the presence of God’s Holy Spirit. The two are not the same.

Believers don’t always agree on exactly when the Holy Spirit is received but they do agree he is found in Christ, a promised Gift for assurance and comfort.

“You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance” — Ephesians 1:13 (CEB)

In Christ the Holy Spirit no longer comes and goes but remains even as our feelings change.

It’s time for us to stop asking, singing, pleading for him to come and time start thanking him for being here, moving on to what he wants us to do now that he is.

— fritz

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Ancient Object Lessons — Ark’s Contents, Manna

Posted in Ark Of The Covenant, Explanations, Temple, tagged , , on February 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Ancient religious artifacts of the Old Testament are actually object lessons for us, today.

The Tabernacle is symbolical of the human body, soul, and spirit. The Ark of the Covenant symbolical of the believer’s “heart” — covered with Christ, sheltered under angelic protection, the place where we hear God’s voice.

The items inside the Ark of the Covenant are symbolical, too. A copy of the Law was put there representing the God’s law written in our hearts,  Aaron’s rod was placed inside symbolical of us being personally chosen by God for his service.

There was something else there, too — a jar of Manna.

The Israelites quickly ran out of food on their trek to the Promised Land so God sent what they called, “Manna”, meaning “What is it?”.   An important fact about Manna was its shelf life — one day.   Whatever wasn’t eaten that day went rancid with two exceptions — the manna gathered on Friday remained good through the Sabbath and the manna Moses put inside the Ark of the Covenant never went bad.

Jesus said his body was the true “Manna” from heaven. He said his followers would eat his flesh and drink his blood — well, that caused quite a stir!   They had a hard time with metaphors. That manna inside the Ark could represent Jesus in our hearts (we are all free to draw our own conclusions) but I think it primarily symbolizes God’s sustaining power through difficulties.

Anyone can make it through the easy stuff — but what about when life gets hard and lonely? Christ’s followers have some unique internal resources to sustain through trial and that sustaining presence of Jesus never goes rancid.

“Peace I leave with you,” Jesus said, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

When the natural resources of those around us play out and we continue to press into God’s grace with peace, that’s when opportunities arise to point to Jesus.

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you — 1st Peter 3:15

— fritz

1 – Hebrews 9:4, Exodus 25:10-20, Numbers 17:10

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Ancient Object Lessons — Ark’s Contents, Aaron’s Rod

Posted in Ark Of The Covenant, Explanations, Temple, tagged , , , , on February 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The ancient religious artifacts of the Old Testament are actually object lessons for us, today.

The Tabernacle with its three sections is symbolic of the human body, soul, and spirit. The Ark of the Covenant symbolical of the believer’s “heart” — covered with Christ, sheltered under angelic protection, the place where we hear God’s voice.

The items inside the Ark of the Covenant are symbolical, too. A copy of the ten commandments was put there representing the law of God written in our hearts.

There was a second item inside the Ark of the Covenant – Aaron’s rod.

There’s a little history behind this artifact. Moses’ and Aaron’s authority was challenged so all the tribal leaders were commanded to put their walking sticks in God’s tent. God promised to reveal his choice. The very next day Aaron’s rod had not only grown leaves and flowers but yielded ripe almonds.

With the placement of Aaron’s rod inside the Ark of the Covenant Israel was reminded of God’s choice for High Priest and we are reminded of his chosen priesthood is inside of us. Like the ancient priests

  • We are not just tolerated but chosen;
  • God is our inheritance
  • God’s kingdom is our home
  • worship is our job.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” — 1st Peter 2:9

We do this, not by all becoming a pastor (though some may serve that way), but by serving Jesus in everything we do.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men — Colossians 3:23

— fritz

1 – Hebrews 9:4, Exodus 25:10-20, Numbers 17:10

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