“…so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:15)
Part One
The Apostle Paul wrote, “…we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13) God’s word, our personal testimonies, anointed preaching, and believing prayer are all the means by which the gospel has steadily moved across our world!
Redemption’s grace, which was made possible at Calvary, has now changed the lives of billions! The Gospel’s transforming power was first experienced by those in the early church. Then it passed down through countless empowered Christian witnesses (see Acts 1:8).
The four Gospels present what the Bible describes as the “…ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18) During these last two millenniums, through a faith-based personal relationship with our Creator, endless seekers have experienced the joy of spiritual birth! This is the loving work of our Savior. He said, “…if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to Myself.” (John 12:32)
Part Two
The amazing process of transforming faith has successfully taken God’s love, forgiveness, and cleansing from one changed life to another (see John 15:3). Heaven’s Good News of grace has been like a river flowing from one generation to the next.
Jesus described this reality saying – “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:38)
Each year, those who respond to our personal witness experience the energizing power of the Holy Spirit. In nature, mountain streams never strain – they simply cascade, flowing toward the sea. In that same natural way, we can observe the Holy Spirit accomplishing His life-changing work through us as we live by faith and serve Him (See Philippians 2:13).
Part Three
Ministry occurs spontaneously when we are controlled by the Holy Spirit. In response to our daily petitions for the opportunity to witness, His indwelling love begins to overflow the banks of our lives. His Spirit brings hope and help to the many seekers around us. Heaven’s joyful experience of spiritual rebirth is highly contagious!
The Bible explains that Christian disciples actually live and serve from the spiritual overflow of God’s grace. The Bible explains, “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) We are therefore taught to continually be – “… filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18)
Part Four
When there are spiritual dams in our lives caused by fear, indifference, or unacknowledged sin – it is our love for God that inspires us to move beyond such temporary self-created impediments. When this takes place on our knees, we either begin or resume a lifestyle of daily Christian witness. This produces a spirit of inner joy! The Bible says,
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
(Philippians 4:4)
Through surrender, we experience the fresh moment by moment control of the Holy Spirit. This lifestyle is what the Apostle Paul positively affirmed when He said, “… I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Part Five
Beware of spiritual mediocrity (see Revelation 3:16). Expressed differently, we must never settle for yesterday’s spiritual maturity. The Bible says, “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians3:14) In that spirit, pause for a minute and earnestly ask the Lord to increase your sensitivity to His leading. To His children He promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…” Gratefully, you can depend on His timeless promise,
“…I will guide you with My eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8) The key is to learn to listen.
All day long, stay ready to say “Yes” to God’s – instruction! Then you will experience the inner peace and fulfillment of personally being used to help fulfill the Lord’s Great Commission.
By Billie Hanks Jr.