COMMUNION WITH THE SPIRIT - PART 3

FRIDAY 09 DECEMBER 2022

Our communion with the Holy Spirit is more important than any other thing in this world and in our personal lives. This is the reason apostle Paul pointed out that the Kingdom of God vibrates and transmits on the frequency of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Reference: Romans 14:17 New International Version (NIV) "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Although in a subject pertaining trivial matters, apostle Paul encouraged us to accommodate other born again Christians, yet he didn't mean it in a way that supports evil practices. For instance, when he said, "one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other", he meant that either way, people can have good reasons for such decisions. Therefore, each person is free to follow the convictions of good conscience in such matter, as long as its not a wrong or sinful practice. Also it's best to mind our own business and take care of our own personal life before God, as we please Him and live for His glory. Why? It's because, salvation is indeed a personal race.

On the other hand, if we confront or confuse fellow Christians by making a big issue over what they eat or don't eat, we are no longer a companion with them in love. You can't actually send someone to hell over an item in their diet, can you? Therefore, remember that they have the right to eat, and forget about deciding what's right for their stomach. Here's what you need to be concerned about: Their spiritual growth, and then, watch out for their desire to please God above everything else, if you love to be in their company.

Now watch this: Its important to understand that this encouragement or counsel has nothing to do with indulging in sin and its appearances. If in the context, apostle Paul was promoting or condoning sinful practices, then his message lacks or has lost the vigour and integrity of emphasizing on the true or original purpose of saving humankind from eternal damnation, which equally expresses the thought that the gospel truth is no longer glorious in itself, or that powerful to save men from sin. Got it? Pauline persuasion and mental analysis within this context wholly shares in the glory of Christ, and hosts "tolerance" as its theme or headline. If he meant evil practices or amoral concepts, then even the glorious gospel has failed in its purpose. Then Paul is guilty of deceit, thereby misleading the saints. Thankfully, this is not the case with Paul (see 1st Timothy 6:3-5).

According to Romans 1:16 (NIV), Paul noted his personal conviction which says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." That means, the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, is effective in saving any human soul, regardless of background, and it brings about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Now understand that the expression, "first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" automatically denotes tolerance because they are of different backgrounds.

So, according to the mandate given to the Apostle during his conversion, which is mainly for the Gentiles, his priority is to turn them from darkness to light, and to open their eyes to the truth, as he preaches the undiluted gospel of Christ, and not to educate them on what to eat or drink. Got it? Since time will fail me to continue, stay tuned for Part 4. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Matthew 7:1-2; Romans 14:1-4; Acts 10:28; Romans 16:17.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you because Christ lives in me and your Word is replete with eternal truths, which I live by. By heeding your counsel and walking in step with the Spirit, I extend grace to other Christians and it flows in my actions, thereby representing Christ in my world. With sincere and upright heart, I accommodate the saintly opinion of the wise and godly men in Christ, when in line with the truth of the glorious gospel, which shines brightly in the hearts of men. I therefore, bring vivid prominence to the great thought that Jesus, through His death, has demonstrated redeeming love and regard for every soul, and I preach that He died to save all from eternal damnation, in Jesus' Name, Amen!