From a historical perspective, God’s ability to communicate with human beings has varied throughout time. In the earliest days on earth, Moses writes about Adam and Enoch walking and talking with God like going on a walk with a friend. Following the flood and Tower of Babel, God spoke to the forefathers of Israel, usually in the mountains. This period was replaced overtime as God began to speak to Judges and prophets. Prior to Jesus’ birth, there was 400 years of silence before Emmanuel was awakened.
Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power. 13 Food [is intended] for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will finally end [the functions of] both and bring them to nothing. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but [is intended] for the Lord, and the Lord [is intended] for the body [[a]to save, sanctify, and raise it again]. 14 And God both raised the Lord to life and will also raise us up by His power. 15 Do you not see and know that your bodies are members (bodily parts) of Christ (the Messiah)? Am I therefore to take the parts of Christ and make [them] parts of a prostitute? Never! Never! – 1 Corinthians 6:12-15.
Every Christmas clergy seek to come up with a creative message to celebrate the birth of Jesus. While some sermons have been unique to me, there’s a better way to awaken the Spirit of Emmanuel. Unfortunately, Jesus realized that God’s Spirit is willing, but human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41. The apostle Paul reinforces this fact to the Church at Corinth. If you don’t spiritually exercise your body with Bible Study and prayer, Christians can become weak to the point of defiling and corrupting our bodies.
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge]. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit,] Galatians 5:22-25.
The only way to reconnect with God is learning to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. While having access to 5G on your phone is amazing, this doesn’t block out the sinful nature which is in direct conflict with the Holy Spirit, Romans 8:5-8. This is why the apostle Paul calls Christians at Colosse to put to death your old self, Colossians 3:1-9. Only when these appetites and desires are crucified will you have a clear connection with the Holy Spirit. Follow the advice of one of Jesus’ disciples to use the power of the Holy Spirit to awaken Emmanuel, God with us in our daily and personal lives on earth, now and forever, 2 Peter 1:3-4.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 