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Thoughts Archived > The First Group


19 Aug 2012

                                   

 

August 19, 2012

    The First Group    

Luke 9: 1 - 6

 

Luke

One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases.  Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  "Don't even take along a walking stick," he instructed them, "nor a traveler's bag, nor food, nor money.  Not even an extra coat.  When you enter each village, be a guest in only one home.  If the people of the village won't receive your message when you enter it, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave.  It is a sign that you have abandoned that village to its fate."

So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.  

 

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Thoughts.....

 

I considered the title of 'The Movement Begins', but Jesus began this movement.  Today we see how Jesus begins to expand his ministry.  I expect Jesus may have prayed like Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)  "Oh, that you would bless me and extend my lands!  Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!  And God granted him his request."  Perhaps he prayed it for his Disciples/Apostles as well.

Jesus knew it was time to reach out, that he couldn't reach all who he wanted to reach without help from others.  This is God's example of multi-level marketing.  Like any company or business anywhere, it takes more than one to spread the word, do the job, offer to the masses, etc.  I wish that all businesses had for their leader God, Jesus, Holy Spirit before man, and that all would follow the way of Christianity.  Ahhhh, but I'm an idealist it seems. 

So Jesus chose 12 men to begin the expansion.  The first in a series of millions and millions to go forth.  These guys were to be his friend, be by his side, uplift him.  They were people he could rely on to go the distance, people he trusted to hear what he had to say, who would respect him, who had a desire to learn who he was and more about God and Holy Spirit.  Folks who wanted to emulate Jesus, so to become one with him and God and Holy Spirit.  They needed to be teachable, for they would teach.  Strengthened by by the Word, for they would pray for him and others.  Willing to be empowered, for they would speak for him about God, give a new testament, share a resurrection power about eternal life.  These were leadership qualities, for they would lead nations. 

Disciples were/are followers of Jesus Christ.  Apostles were/are also Disciples.  Apostles were/are divinely appointed to pray, preach and teach the Word to the world.  'Listen' closely to what I am about to tell you.  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, and you follow him, you are a Disciple of Jesus Christ.  I classify this as the 'Listen' phase (or the 'Belong' phase....the one that allows you to say you belong to a group, accepted) more than the 'Do' phase (or the 'Engage' or 'Action' phase.....you are willing to engage your mouth, and take action through sharing what you know).  If you have made Jesus Lord of your life, you will understand scripture, you are then divinely appointed to pray, preach and teach the Word to the world.  This would be a 'Listen and Do' phase.  You have the power and the authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases.  If you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, you have been anointed as well as appointed, and MUST pray, preach and teach the Word to the world.  You have the power and the authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases...and MORE.  This could be classified as the 'Get Out of the Way: God, Jesus & Holy Spirit are Coming Through!' phase.  I do not entirely jest.  Have you made Jesus Lord of your life?  Have you received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus sent the first twelve to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  We should do today exactly as they did.

Jesus instructed the guys to not take along a walking stick, a traveler's bag, no food, nor money.  Not even an extra coat.

He told them to be a guest in only one home in each village.

He said, "If the people of the village won't receive your message when you enter it, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave.  It is a sign that you have abondoned that village to its fate."

Okay.....so I get that in todays world that all of that is not entirely possible.  Back then, they walked or rode animals.  They had lots of fabric for one garment to fit into a traveler's bag....yes, I do understand the clothing industry of today and suitcases.  They didn't bathe, perfume, or change as we do today.  Be not fruitful when you pack a suitcase.  God must be doing back bends with the weight of todays world on his shoulders.  Jesus said to take no food.  In the world today with a large population of over eaters, no extra food could be a problem.  Feed on the Word of God and eat light.  No money....'what's up with that?' as my friend might say.  Here's the deal....Jesus did not want anything to get in the way of the focus, which was to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God.  He didn't want someone to appear frail by using a walking stick.  He didn't want vanity to get in the way by carrying many articles of clothing.  He did not want food to get in the way of being a cleansed vessel for God, so to be better able to hear God.  He did not want people to buy their way to heaven through bribes or purchases.  He wanted folks to be covered and embraced with the Word of God, warmed, but not by a false outer covering. 

In Revelations 3:15 Jesus wishes we were either hot or cold, the lukewarm he spits out.  It would seem from todays reference, he dusts off those who are cold....those who do not choose him, those he sends on his behalf, or the message of the Kingdom of God.  You are either to be 'fer him or agin' him'.  Jesus instructed his Apostles then, and he instructs us today the same, "If the people of the village won't receive your message when you enter it, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave.  It is a sign that you have abandoned that village to its fate."  Please note this applies to areas other than just villages.  Christian, look around you.  Who and what surrounds you?  Have you shared the message?  Have others listened?  Why are you still hangin' with them?  Rise above' em.  Show who you belong to....the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  If you don't feel this way....start prayin'.

Scripture today closes with the following:  So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.  So.....where ya goin' later?  Whatcha gonna do?  Now, you can visit by phone.  That might be a good place to start.  Or how about the kitchen table?  How's the family doin'?  Meet folks at the office cooler?  I bet the cashier at the store or the bank could use the Word.  But don't stop there.  Maybe the person sitting next to you in church could use to hear more.  EXTEND your lands....horizons.  Enter other villages.  Go into the world. 

Jesus sent the first twelve out to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  He's sending you now to do the same.  He needs us no less than he needed the first 12 then.  Be to him everything the first twelve were.  Read again paragraph 3 above to see who you need to be to Jesus and to others in his name.  Then pray.  Then step forth preaching and teaching the Kingdom of God and heal the sick!

What will you say and do to make God's day?   And others' lives....will you give them the offer to be forgiven of their sins, the opportunity for eternal life?   And your own?  Will you be embraced, spit out, or dusted off?   Hmmmm....choose wisely this day whom you will serve.     

I hope you'll be one of the first in your local village to share the Kingdom of God and heal the sick.            

 

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Let Us Pray

 

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit let the journey begin!  I am ready to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and heal the sick.  From the biways and the highways to the fiords in the streams.  From the mountains to the deserts, and seas to shining shores.  May you be exalted and glorified!  Blessed and praised!  May the people see your might...the gifts you bring.  Forgiveness of sins, eternal life, healings and more.  Oh, God, thank you that I've been wonderfully made by you.  Lamb of God, my Savior and Lord of my life, I thank you for living and dying for me.   For being willing to be resurrected to a new life, that I may follow you.  Holy Spirit, thank you for being in me, and with me, teaching me and being my comfort at all times....ever present.  God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, help me to always love you, hear you, follow you with humbleness of heart, and fire!  May I always be a powerful witness to your resurrection.  Thank you for the appointing and the anointing.  Thank you that I may always share the Kingdom of God and heal the sick by the power of your Holy Spirit.  My God reigns!  I'm telling it from the mountains to the world.  Thanks, Lord, for todays technology whereby I can preach your Gospel to the world!  I love you.  Amen.                 

      

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

 

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

 

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

 

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

 

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

 

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

 

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  Our Current Cause

 

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Now and always, the Church of the Holy Spirit also needs your support.  I pray you will find it in your heart to give today.           

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you! 

BesidesBesid   

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In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

 

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    One last thing....

 

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

 

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

 

  Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

 

And the people said,

"Amen."

 

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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Bible Authors and Minister