Category Archives: Saints

Bible, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Romans, Saints, Scripture

BULLSEYE

ROMANS 8:27

“and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Every year when I start the hunting season, I like to take my gun out and zero in the scope. That requires setting up a target with a bullseye downrange and taking some shots. I want my bullet to hit within the area of that bullseye so that when I go out hunting, I will hit my target. If I don’t do that, my bullet will never land where it is intended.

Why all this talk about bullseyes and targets? The word used here by Paul for “intercedes” is not the same word he used in verse 26. It’s similar, but not the same.  HELPS Word-studies tells us that entygxánō comes from en, “in” which intensifies tygxánō, “to obtain by hitting the mark.” To go a little further, the root of tygxánō means “to strike, hit the bulls-eye. It is even used as the antonym of harmartia “to miss the mark, sin.” So, Paul is saying that the Holy Spirit is “spot on” when it comes to going to the Father for us. We can rest assured that His words will hit the bullseye of God’s heart.

APPLICATION

I love how Albert Barnes explains our relationship with the Spirit. “We are poor, and needy, and ignorant, and blind; we are the creatures of a day and are crushed before the moth. But in the midst of our feebleness, we may look to God for the aid of His Spirit, and rejoice in His presence, and in His power to sustain us in our sighings, and to guide us in our wanderings.” Isn’t that great? I just love the picture that paints for us.

You see, God knows our hearts. Proverbs 21:2 says, “All the ways of a man seem right in his own eyes, but God weighs the heart.” That’s not talking about how many kilograms your physical heart weighs. God weighs the heaviness of our hearts when we are going through those difficult times. You know how that feels, don’t you? We’ve all been there at some time. That is why God gave us the Spirit. It is He who goes before us to the Father, and He never misses.

I want to encourage you today that you are not alone. As a follower of Christ, you will never be left alone. Sure, human companions can abandon you. Family members can estrange you. But the Spirit of God will never, ever leave you. Why? Because He is on a mission orchestrated and implemented on your behalf. That’s shouting ground stuff right there.

Lord, I praise You for the “bullseye” ability of the Spirit to speak on my behalf.

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

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Bible, Called, Calling, Eternity, Saints, Scripture

THE CALLED OF CHRIST

ROMANS 1:6

“among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;”

I have been called a lot of things in my life. I’ve been called a boy, a son, a brother, a man, a husband, father, Papa, Poppy, Uncle, Pastor and friend. Those are a lot of titles, right? I bet if you started naming all the things you have been called, you could name a few also. But those titles used by my family mean the most (husband, father, Papa, Poppy). Certain titles mean more than others.

Paul tells us today that we are “the called of Jesus Christ.” You won’t find a better thing to be called, in this life or the one to come. Of all the titles we could have, being named among the called of Christ reigns supreme. In Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, he says this calling is “an internal special call by the grace of God;…” Without getting too deep in the doctrine of the elect, every called one of Christ is part of the elect. Christ woos us through His Holy Spirit, and when we respond in faith, He names us “the called.” Praise the Lord! 

APPLICATION

We are called other things in Christ, as well. Look in 1 Peter 2:9 where it says, “But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Peter says there that we are called four things (chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s possession). But I particularly like the last part of that verse. We have been “called…out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This calling brings me into His light.

In Revelation 17:14, John says Jesus will overcome the beast with “those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” You see, we continue to be part of the called throughout eternity. This title isn’t just for now. Once we are called “the called” we will be forever called “the called.” (Hey, that’s pretty catchy.) That is just one more confirmation of our security in Christ.

One more – we are also called “saints.” Now, I’m no saint, believe me. But according to God’s Word, I am. In the introduction of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes this in verse 2 of chapter 1. “…to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:…” Wow! “Saints by calling”! So, don’t argue with the Lord’s Word. He has called you His saints. We should do all we can to live up to that calling. Don’t you agree?

I have heard Your call, Lord, and having responded in faith, I am now a part of Your called ones.

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

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