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What Now?
Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 25, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: The Bible explains Jesus’ mission as He would leave every believer. John 14:16-17NASB I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it do
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What Now? John 14:1-3NASB
Here’s the greatest news ever, to every believer, Jesus settled heaven through His life, death, burial and resurrection. He doesn’t mix words about eternity. He commands just one thing- believe.
However on this earth, there’s even more help for you while you wait on eternity. That’s a good question to ask you- “How do you wait?” (Hands in your pocket.)
Funerals: John 14:1-3NASB “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
True story: Last week on the news, I heard that a small girl was being abducted, her grandmother caught the man in progress, so she took off in a full run and tackled the abductor. It’s been proven when someone is in a survival mood can do the extra ordinary.
Listen, for every believer, heaven is a done deal, but what should you do while you wait? (Hands in pocket.)
*Jesus is all about eternity; moreover, He’s presently
praying for you. (Hebrews 7:25)
The Bible explains Jesus’ mission as He would leave every believer. John 14:16-17NASB I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
Key verse: According to John 16:7KJ Jesus said, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Expedient: suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance. (Proper, or the thing to do)
The Holy Spirit has been belittled by millions. Some say, “the Holy Spirit came in as I was saved.” True, however, the Holy Spirit came to enhance everything Jesus was accomplishing through individuals in His 3 years of ministry, and now the Holy Spirit is limitless.
I was preaching a Community Sunrise Service some three years ago, and I had a strong burden to talk about the Holy Spirit. As I did, I quoted Romans 8:11NASB But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
At the concussion of the service, one of our community pastor’s came up to me and he said, “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” (Funny look)
Here’s my cry: “Oh the Holy Spirit has been mocked, the Holy Spirit has been placed in the confines of a small box.” However, just as Paul and Silas were in prison about midnight they begin to invoke the Lord with their praises. Suddenly, the prison doors were opened and the chains fell off every prisoner.
“God sent me to give you a few life quickening words.”
1. He’s your fruit and gifts.
Our churches confession is to be a people of Love, Prayer and Grace.
2. He (The Holy Spirit) will expel fear, discouragement and disillusionment.
Remember, Acts 2:1-4NKJ When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
He (The Holy Spirit) changed their lives forever!
3. The Holy Spirit came to lift Jesus higher.
“Around 28-30 years ago Marais Lamb was preaching a revival at my local church. I left humming, my wife Jenny and I stopped to get some milk, as I approached the local grocery store, and was next in line, the sales clerk heard me humming, she said, “You sure are happy tonight, I rebuttled back, I have the joy of the Lord within me. She said, I want that! I found the night manager and ask him if I could take her outside. He quickly replied- yes. So here we go, as I begin to pray for her suddenly about 15 more people from that same revival gathered around. She was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit on the spot.”