Dear Brethren and Friends,
As we prepare to observe the Feast of Pentecost, we should reflect on what has happened in each of our lives through the calling of God and His gift of the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, and he reminded them:
“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
Paul continues:
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
In his writing, Paul draws an emphatic contrast between the world and those of us who have been given the Spirit of God, also noting that “we have the mind of Christ’” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Do we?
Are we utilizing the awesome power of God to overcome sin and to bear fruits of the Holy Spirit? Consider: we are instructed to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5); we are to be “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5); and we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Most of us are long-time members in the Church of God. All of us have faced trials—sometimes so overwhelming that we might have questioned whether or not we could even make it! But we have, and the Word of God reminds us:
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Brethren, we know that trials will continue—in fact, we need to understand that the time ahead of us will be the worst period in all of human history! (Matthew 24:21). We are living now in the generation “upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:11).
God has called us to be part of the “elect”—to be among those who will receive His divine protection (Matthew 24:22). This will only prove true if we continue to endure, to overcome and to be faithful servants in fulfilling the Work of the Church of God (Matthew 24:46).
Brethren, THANK YOU for the love and encouragement you supply to one another! While the world grows more defiant in its rebellion against God, let us take the admonishment we receive to heart, and, with renewed zeal, be filled with the Spirit of God!
In Christ’s Service,
Dave Harris
