Category Archives: Holy Spirit

Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Holy Spirit, Promises, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

JOIN THE CLUB

ROMANS 4:24

“but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,”

Most clubs you join require you to agree to a certain code of conduct and make a commitment to hold up the stated values of the club. I was part of a civic club years ago and was expected to attend weekly meetings and other events sponsored by the club. I dropped out because it took way too much time away from my family and ministry. They were good people doing good things, but it just wasn’t right for me.

By believing in Jesus and following Him, we are made part of God’s club, so to speak. Let me share some thoughts from Albert Barnes on this verse. “The main or leading truths that God has made known to us are, that he has given his Son to die; that he has raised him up; and that through him he is ready to pardon. To put confidence in these truths is to believe now. Doing this, we believe in the same God that Abraham did; we evince the same spirit; and thus, show that we are the friends of the same God and may be treated in the same manner. This is faith under the gospel and shows that the faith of Abraham and of all true believers is substantially the same and is varied only by the difference of the truths made known.”

APPLICATION

I know that was a lot to digest so go back and read it again. I’ll wait…ready? What Paul is saying and what Barnes is interpreting is we belong to God just like Abraham. Abraham believed to the extent to what God disclosed to him. We believe to the extent to what God discloses to us. We have one huge benefit over Abraham, though. We have the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, to speak in us through the Father.

Abraham’s promise of a nation was birthed through his son, Isaac. Our promise of a promised eternal home was birthed through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son to prove his faith. God sacrificed His Son to give us faith. Abraham dwells now in heaven as one of the righteous dead before Christ. We will dwell in heaven one day because of the righteousness of Christ.

So many similarities between us and Abraham, between our faith and his. Yes, we share the same God. And yes, because the Father and the Son are One, we share the same Savior. His came through his faith in Jehovah. Ours comes from our faith in Jesus, His Son. I can’t wait to meet Abraham one day. I wonder if he knows that song about the seven sons of Abraham, lol.

Lord, I praise You for giving me full access to the heavenly club You have established through Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Father, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Son, Trinity

THE ONE

ROMANS 3:30

“since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.”

When I met my wife back in 1985, I didn’t know she would be the one I would marry just a few months later. We only dated about 2 ½ months before we tied the knot. Through almost forty years of marriage God has shown me time and time again that she is “the one” He had for me. She completes me. She supports me. She truly is my help mate.

Paul uses the Greek word for “one” in today’s verse intentionally. It is not an implied “one.” It is actually in the text. The Topical Lexicon says this about that little Greek word for “one.” “The word translated ‘one’ is woven through the New Testament to denote singularity, uniqueness, unity, or an individual item or person. Its appearances range from everyday enumeration to the loftiest theological affirmations, binding together the Bible’s testimony about God, Christ, salvation, and the church.” This “one” God includes the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There is no confusion about that in Paul’s mind.

APPLICATION

Back in Deuteronomy 6:4, Moses declares this often quoted phrase. “‘Hear, Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!’” This phrase meant something then, and it means something now. Our God is the only one God. Just as in the days of the Old Testament, there are hundreds of gods being worshipped around the world. But they are all false gods with no power and no truth. Never forget that.

Isaiah 43:10 tells us something similar. “‘You are My witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘And My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.’”

And then we have Jesus telling us in John 10:30, “‘I and the Father are one.’” In Christian arithmetic we have 1+1+1=1. That makes no sense to our finite minds. It’s no wonder Christians were accused and still are accused of worshipping three gods (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). You can study the Trinity until you are blue in the face, but it finally comes down to faith. I believe what the Bible says – period. It says it and that settles it, whether you believe it or not. God is One. And He is God for all who will come to Him and receive His Son and allow His Holy Spirit to indwell them through repentance and faith. I pray you have done that. Encourage someone else today to do the same.

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, I thank You that You are the One true God.


If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

GOD OF ALL

ROMANS 3:29

“Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,” 

There is a major lie being spread all over the world that every religion has a pathway to God. Sorry to disappoint, but that just isn’t the truth. Jesus clearly said in John 14:6, “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’” That leaves out every other religion except the Christian religion. Buddha won’t get you there. Muhammed won’t get you there. Nor will any of the Hindu gods that are worshipped. He is God of all to those who accept His Son.

Paul dispels the idea among the Jews that they had sole claim on God. He was sent as a messenger by God to the Gentiles, even though he was a Jew himself. Paul knew firsthand the danger of this exclusionary thought. For the past two chapters Paul has been presenting both sides – the Jews and the Gentiles, and there is only one conclusion – He is God of both the Jews and the Gentiles if…they turn to Jesus.

APPLICATION

So, how do we apply this verse to our lives today? We must be the proclaimer of this truth to the world. That is why we send Christian missionaries around the world. We know that we have the hope for all mankind. Billions will be lost and spend eternity separated from God if we aren’t obedient to that Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. We’ve been given our marching orders. Are you in line?

But Carl I haven’t been called to go to a foreign country. Okay, if you have not heard that specific call, then God has called you to present the Gospel right where you are. I had a conversation this weekend with a man who was complaining about his work environment. He said everyone he works with are lost and are constantly taking God’s name in vain. They mock him or isolate him if he presents anything spiritual. I told him to expect no different from the lost. But God has placed him in a ripe harvest field. He just needs to be Jesus and love them anyway.

I know, I know. That’s hard. Yes, it is. But just think of the way they treated our Lord. He was scourged and crucified. He was spit on. He was humiliated. But He said on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Can’t we pray that same prayer and love them anyway? I struggle at times doing this. God understands this, but I know He can empower me through His Holy Spirit Who lives within me to love them with His love. Will you join me?

Lord, I have to admit that is hard to love those who curse me and hurl insults, but through Your strength I will love them because You do.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Circumcision, Covenant, Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Law, Obedience, Scripture

IT’S NOT THE OUTSIDE THAT MATTERS

ROMANS 2:25

“For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a violator of the Law, your circumcision has turned into uncircumcision.” 

So many Christians work and work and work to try to achieve some measure of grace from God. If they do this or that; or if they don’t do this or that then they have accomplished something. Wrong! I knew a guy in seminary who refused to go out to eat on Sundays because it forced someone to work to prepare his food and serve him. I don’t criticize his devotion to resting on Sunday, but nothing he did or didn’t do would change the fact that those people were still going to work. Maybe they even had to in order to keep their jobs.

Paul dives into a subject that was well…tender to the Jews. They took pride in the fact that their physical circumcision set them apart from the pagans. This was a law that began with Abraham and was to be a distinguishing mark of their covenant with God to obey His commandments. So, just being circumcised didn’t do a thing for the Jews. Paul says if they violated the Law, it meant nothing.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes gives these remarks about this verse. “No external advantages, no name, or rite, or ceremony will save you. God requires the obedience of the heart and of the life. Where there is a disposition to render that, there is an advantage in possessing the external means of grace. Where that is missing, no rite or profession can save.” No external advantage. You can’t cut your hair short enough. You can’t wear your dress long enough.

What are you doing to try to gain God’s love? Most of us think if we do certain things, we will be more spiritual. What makes us spiritual? It’s the Spirit of God in us. When we come to Christ and receive His gift of grace, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul tells us, “19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

Did you catch that? Your body is holy not because of something you do or don’t do. You are holy because God’s very Spirit dwells within you. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! As the old preacher said, “That’s shouting ground stuff!” Are you resting in the Spirit instead of trying to achieve something for God? He loves you, no matter what you do or don’t do. Yes, we should all try to obey His commands. But God loves you – period!

Father, I am so thankful that I can rest in knowing my salvation does not depend on one single thing I do or don’t do. It rests in Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Fruit, Holy Spirit, Kindness, Scripture, Testimony

THE KIND GOD

ROMANS 2:4

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” 

Kindness is a lost virtue nowadays, isn’t it? We watch the news and all we see are muggings, shootings and other crimes against humanity. My wife and I like to watch a reality show (don’t judge, lol) about police officers. It’s a live broadcast that follows various law enforcement departments around the country. Kindness is not exemplified very much on that show. But sometimes…you will see it from someone you least expect to show it. That’s always refreshing.

Paul uses two different forms of the Greek word for “kindness.” The first word is the noun form of “kindness” – xrēstótēs which means “useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable…refers to meeting real needs, in God’s way, in His timing (fashion). Hence xrēstótēs is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).” (HELPS Word studies). The second word for “kindness” is xrēstós which is the adjective form of the same word. We don’t really have a word in the English that adequately defines these words. But we do know that God is a kind and gracious God.

APPLICATION

Since the second “kindness” in today’s verse is an adjective, you could translate the last phrase of today’s verse this way, “not knowing that the kind God leads you to repentance?” I like that. God is so kind to lead us to repentance. He wants to really meet our needs and even our wants sometime. God exemplifies true kindness by welcoming us into His family.

I have known some very kind people in my life. Some of those are my African brothers and sisters. When I have the privilege to visit there, they welcome as one of the family. Whatever I need they seek to provide. They go out of their way to make me feel at home. If I get sick (which has occurred from time to time), they are so caring and comforting. Their kindness is incredible.

Do you have that fruit of the Spirit? Well, of course you do. If you are a believer and Christ is your life, you have all the fruit of the Spirit in you. We choose not to live them out. Your kindness toward others speaks volumes. You may be able to reach some people for Jesus just by showing them kindness. Try it today. Let the kind God give you His kindness to share with others.

O Lord, thank You for being so kind to me and drawing me to Yourself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Evidence, Holy Spirit, Manifested, Revelation, Scripture

UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE

ROMANS 1:19

“because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.”

I don’t normally suggest books to you (other than the Bible), but today’s verse sparked my recollection of two books that you may find worthy of reading. “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell and “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel are both great books that take a look at the reason why we should believe in Jesus and follow Him. If you haven’t read these Christian classics, I suggest you grab a copy of each and read them along with the Word.

Strong’s describes this knowledge of God being made evident this way. “Phaneroó portrays the active unveiling of what would otherwise remain unseen. Whether the subject is divine glory, hidden motives, or future destiny, the verb marks the moment when something steps from concealment into the light.” Don’t you just love that? Paul is saying in today’s verse that God is not trying to hide Himself. He openly manifests Himself to those who are searching.

APPLICATION

Are you searching? Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” What an invitation! This word phaneroó is used in John 21:1 when it talks about Jesus revealing Himself to His disciples after His resurrection. I bet Jesus was just giddy to see them again. He had spent so much time with them over the previous three years. He knew them well. He wanted to manifest Himself again to them before He ascended to heaven.

Jesus wants to manifest Himself to us. He does this through the gift of His Holy Spirit. We have the privilege of being able to walk with Him every day in the light of His presence. He has removed the concealment. Jesus is an open book for us. Don’t you believe that? How has He shown Himself to you lately? I see it just about every morning when I walk and see the sunrise.

Check out these verses from Paul in 2 Corinthians 4. “10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.” That’s what Paul is taking about in today’s verse! God reveals Himself to us and through us. Be His windowpane today.

Lord, let others see You in me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Spiritual

SHARE YOUR GIFT

ROMANS 1:11

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;”

Often when I travel overseas, I deliver gifts to my friends. On a trip last year to Africa, I was able to deliver monetary gifts to some friends in three different countries. What a blessing to see them receive this, knowing how much it blessed them. I am not sure who was blessed more – them, me or the ones who gave the money. Gifts have a way of continuing to bless others, don’t they?

This verse has been highly discussed by many scholars. Some think Paul was going to lay hands on them and bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. Other scholars disagree with that, seeing that believers receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. They claim Paul meant to share of his spiritual gifts with them. The word “impart” can also be translated “share,” as it is Luke 3:11 and Ephesians 4:28.

APPLICATION

So, what do you have to “share” or “impart” to others? What spiritual gift do you feel is your primary gift? In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 we read what Paul wrote about the spiritual gifts. “7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

You see, our spiritual gifts are meant to help others in their walk with Christ. They are not to be hoarded and kept private. My particular gifts are teaching and administration. But I also have all the rest of the gifts present within me through the Holy Spirit. I have to work at exercising those gifts sometimes. Others come easily. But they are all present for others.

To whom can you share your gift with today? You may have the gift of encouragement. You are a “Barnabus,” who was called the Son of Encouragement. I was encouraged the other morning by a dear brother. I really needed to hear what he had to say. He had no idea when he texted me, but God knew and prompted his spirit to reach out. That’s how our gifts work. Let your gift work today.

O Lord, the gifts You have given me are such a blessing. Help me to share them with others today.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Distractions, Flesh, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Walking

KEEP STRAIGHT

PHILIPPIANS 3:16

“however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”

You may have heard the expression “It’s not how high you jump. It’s how straight you walk when you come down.” What in the world does that mean? Well, many in the Christian world focus so much on the emotional aspects of worship. They can jump around, dance, raise their hands and do all other sorts of highly charged things in the name of Christ. Now, I am not going to judge whether those individuals are truly in the Spirit or not. What is important is how straight they walk the rest of the time.

Paul uses a word in this verse that is not fully illustrated by the English words. The phrase “let’s keep living” is the Greek word stoichein. Literally, it can be translated as “to walk straight.” HELPS Word studies defines it this way, “(from stoixos, ‘a row, line, or rank’) – properly, walk in line, in strict accordance to a particular pace (‘stride’); walk in cadence, ‘keep in step.’” Get the picture?

APPLICATION

In Acts 21:24, this word is translated as “walk orderly.” In Romans 4:12, Paul uses it again to say, “…who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.” Then in Galatians 5:25, right after the discourse about the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, Paul says, “If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.” You see, it’s not just living in the Spirit. We also have to follow Him, walk straight with Him.

Most mornings I take a walk around my neighborhood. About half of my route includes sidewalks, which I like because it keeps me off the streets and out of the way of cars. Undoubtedly, every morning there will be two or three places where cars have parked across the sidewalk, so I have to veer off course to get around the vehicle. But I am quick to get back on the sidewalk as soon as possible. I just feel safer there.

Hmmm, that could apply here, couldn’t it? There will be times when you or I veer off course for one reason or the other. The flesh is strong and will work against us all the time. We have to be quick to recognize this waywardness and get back on the safe path, the path with Jesus. Keep straight on the narrow path, my friends.

Father God, You are the beacon which lights my path. Help me be quick to see when I am off course.

Standard
Bible, Compassion, Holy Spirit, Mercy, Scripture

LORD, HAVE MERCY

PHILIPPIANS 2:27

“For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.”

We have probably all at some point in our life begged God for mercy. Maybe it was over a sick child or relative. It could have been over a situation in which you saw no way of escape. You may have even asked this in a prayer about an act or deed that is threatening the innocent life of a newborn. We know God does hear and grant mercy. He is a merciful God.

Paul had undoubtedly prayed for God’s mercy on behalf of Epaphroditus when he became ill. This wasn’t just seasonal allergies or a head cold. No! Paul says, “he was sick to the point of death.” We don’t know how he became ill or exactly what he was suffering from, but we do know it was serious. If Epaphroditus had died, it would have not only grieved the Philippian church but Paul himself. God’s mercy extended to everyone.

APPLICATION

Paul uses the verb form of the word for “mercy,” eleeó, which means “to show mercy as God defines it, i.e. as it accords with His truth (covenant) which expresses ‘God’s covenant-loyalty-mercy’ (i.e. acting only on His terms)” (HELPS Word Studies) No one is able to show true mercy except God. A common definition of mercy is “not getting what you deserve.”

I have visited a lot of people who were in the hospital and needed mercy. When I have prayed for these individuals, I almost always ask for God to show mercy, to do what doctors cannot do, thus signifying it was a divine act. I have, in some cases, seen God do just that. He relieved them of suffering in a way that only He could do. This was, not doubt, what Paul was describing in today’s verse concerning Epaphroditus.

But let’s get real personal for a moment. To whom can you show mercy? I have a friend who was robbed by a passenger in his taxi a few years ago. He had a choice to make. Does he chase this person down and press charges or does he show him mercy? He chose the latter. Showing mercy is not a natural human trait. Only through the power of the Spirit are we able to do that. Will you show mercy today?

O Lord, I know mercy is Your nature and not mine. Help me show mercy as You have shown mercy to me.

Standard
Bible, Holy Spirit, Information, Love, Scripture

INFORMER

COLOSSIANS 1:8

“and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.”

In law enforcement people are often recruited as Confidential Informants. These are people who are usually involved in something illegal, are busted by the law and are “turned” to provide information about crimes. CIs are not the most trustworthy bunch. After all, they come out of the crime world themselves. They can, however, give information that can prevent future crimes or lead to the arrest of others.

Epaphras was NOT a CI. He was informing on the Colossian church to Paul while they were in prison together, but his news was not going to get anyone arrested. His information was going to give Paul joy. Look what he shared – their “love in the Spirit.” Now, that may not seem like much, but it was. These believers had learned to love as Christ loves. They were loving each other in the midst of potential persecution. They were there for each other. That must have truly warmed Paul’s heart.

APPLICATION

Paul didn’t always get good news about churches. In 1 Corinthians 1:11 we read, “For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.” How embarrassing! Don’t you think these believers were made to feel ashamed when they received this letter from Paul. You may be required at some point to share some less than flattering news about a brother or sister in Christ, in order to protect them and the church. Weigh that decision heavily. Seek godly counsel before doing so.

Do you know who else informs us of things? Jesus! Look at 2 Peter 1:14. “knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.” Jesus still speaks to us – if we are listening. He will reveal to us or inform us of things we need to know. That make come in a variety of ways – prayer, Bible study, other believers, quiet listening or circumstances. So, stay tuned in to His frequency to get your daily reports, lol.

What do you want to know about God? Ask Him! He’s not keeping secrets from us. He may not reveal everything to you at once. That’s how it’s been in my life. He usually gives it to me piece by piece because He knows how much I can handle. He may give you a bigger chunk. God wants to share with you His plans for your life. Once you ask and receive, do what He says. Amen? Amen!

O Lord, I can rely on the truth of Your information. All You speak is truth.

Standard