The subject
of the Holy Spirit and accompanying gifts has often been the subject of
division within the Body of Christ. What
a shame! The works of the Holy Spirit
cover an enormous span of particulars (sanctification, discernment, comfort, healing,
guidance, prayer…), and yet, all of those particulars play into the larger
purpose of God –a purpose of which we are invited to be a part, in unity.
We may
get frustrated with other believers and/or the world around us, but there is
really no time for laziness and wishful thinking about the return of
Christ. Before that happens, the
disciples of Jesus, (including we ourselves), must be witness and communicate
the Truth to every tribe, tongue and
nation. The “end” will not come until this
has occurred. (See Mark13:10)
1.
What indicates that a person has been baptized in, or received, the Holy
Spirit? ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2.
Do you think someone can be a Christian before, or without the baptism of the
Holy Spirit? _______Support your answer, and use these texts to help you
do so: Acts 2:38, 8:15-17, 8:35-39, 9:17, 10:44-48. Is there a
“normal” pattern or method here?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3. Why or how is this important in fulfilling
the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all people, baptizing them in
the name of Jesus? _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
We are to
being doing this both near to our homes as well as far away. Maybe you are not a linguist, or a
cross-cultural missionary. Then what? Anyone can be involved in extending the
gospel, and it will be powerful with the Holy Spirit’s involvement—
1.
In your sphere of
influence, the way you live your life, alongside words of truth, will speak
volumes, and impact hearts and lives with God’s love.
2.
Prayer for other
people and nations who do not yet have the Good News of Jesus Christ.
3.
Prayer for (and thus
partnering with), those who are currently doing the tangible work of Bible
translation, evangelism, church planting, and/or other service or development ministries
in the name of Christ.
4.
If you are not yet
involved beyond your own circle of friends and associates, why not become a
larger part of the fulfillment of the great commission? You can access some of the organizations
either through your church, or online. [1]
Read and Pray: Luke 4:1, John
14:26-27, 16:8-11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-13, Revelation 22:17
[1]
Check these out if you need a connection:
http://www.wycliffe.org/ , http://www.persecution.com/ . http://www.worldvision.org/ , http://www.prisonfellowship.org/prison-fellowship-home
, http://www.mcc.org/
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