Life, Love and Liberty
“Deep down, we’re all tired of wars, hierarchies and cliques. We all want unity and less division”.
A quote from Andrew Ollerton's wonderful book The Bible, a Story that makes sense of life.
We’re told that diversity is good, and in some ways it is. Division as far as the Body of Christ goes shouldn’t be a thing. Diversity however...... well that's a bit different.
A different as we all are, we, as the Body of Christ, are one big body with the blessing of many abilities. Many varied gifts enjoyed by each member can be shared and put to use, making the body a well rounded, healthy, grounded, breathing, living, moving entity.
“This body,” writes Andrew, “embodies hope by being ‘one’ even though we’re not the same”.
To a fractured world this is a bold statement that says “come in”, “be welcome”, “we can offer you something this world cannot give you”.
Ollerton goes on to say that,
“God’s people transcend culture, gender, race and class”.
These things should not be important in the body of Christ today because they were never intended to be.
A body needs to exude life, love and liberty and where these three staples are found within a body, then you will see it thrive. You’ll see it grow, mature and you’ll see it bear fruit.
One way that spiritual growth comes is by boldly sharing our faith. Sharing what God has done for you and enabled you to carry on, even under extreme pressure is contagious. It instills hope and inspires others to want to know more.
This is what happened to the disciples directly after Pentecost, as a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit. These followers of Christ – most of whom were simple, unlearned men and women, rough round the edges, fearful, doubtful and no doubt heavily traumatised by preceding events – became supernaturally emboldened with the result that 3000 people were added to their number in one day. The Holy Spirit descended upon them with flames of fire that kindled a new kind of empowerment, a way of fueling their commission to go forth and make disciples of the nations.
The explosion of noise and joyous chatter that ensued following the Holy Spirit’s filling at Pentecost meant that visitors to Jerusalem thought everyone must be drunk. Imagine everyone under the influence, staggering around, laughing helplessly and uncontrollably babbling nonsensical words – all at just 9am in the morning. Anyone would think they were in university! Can you picture the joy and freedom that the Holy Spirit brought to these people to enable them to become so bold and forget their inhibitions, fears and trauma? Because that’s what happens when you’re filled with the Holy Spirit. You become emboldened, ‘on fire’ for God. The Holy Spirit gives us extraordinary courage under fire and sends us out under His influence.
Following the filling of the Holy Spirit, the message of Christ spread literally like wild fire. Tiny sparks flew from Judea outwards, far and wide, to ignite hearts all over the world.
Philip was sent from Jerusalem through tough desert conditions to Gaza especially to minister to a travelling Ethiopian royal treasurer who questioned Philip about his faith. Philip shared with him how the Holy Spirit enables us to understand the scriptures, and he baptised the Ethiopian who took that message with him back to his own people.
Peter brought the message of Christ to Cornelius, a Roman Centurion living in Samaria. The message changed him and his family, all of whom were Gentiles. And we all know the story of Saul – persecutor of all those who were of ‘The Way’ and how Christ Himself met with him along the road to Damascus.
Ananias was sent to Saul and converted him from a man who breathed threats and murder to a spirit filled believer, empowered to preach the good news to the people of Malta, Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonica, Antioch, Macedonia and further. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision “Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent”. (Acts 18:9)
Yes, it all started as a Jewish thing – it’s roots firmly set in Judea, but it quickly transcended all race and culture. Remember, even Israel emerged from Abraham, a pagan from Chaldea.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, nor is there male or female – you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
Have you noticed how abruptly the book of Acts ends? It ends simply but lacks finality. This is because the Holy Spirit’s work is still going strong. He hasn’t finished yet. The Gospel is reaching every nook and every cranny. The notable acts and exploits of men and women of faith in the message of Jesus Christ is all noted and recorded and will be presented to generations yet to come. My friends, we are still in the book of Acts. You and I are included in the cast. Every time you see the words in scripture Christ/believer/Body of Christ – that includes you! We, as the body are one together and when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, nothing and no one can stop us!
Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Say this simple prayer:
Lord Jesus, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with overwhelming joy and freedom to serve You. Enable me to boldly proclaim the good news of Your life, Your love and Your liberty to those I meet. Even if they don’t accept that message at first, let the Holy Spirit’s contagious sparks ignite a flame inside them that spreads quickly.
I purpose to stay connected to the Holy Spirit through your Word and through prayer each day. Thank you for the comfort and teaching of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus for sending your Holy Spirit to minister to me and through me, fueling me with Your abilities. Now send me out in the power of Your Name. Amen.
Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and bring such joy and gladness in your heart that great boldness to share your faith with others will overwhelm you and ignite in you and those you meet the contagious sparks of Christ’s life, love and liberty.
