SPIRIT-LED MINISTRY

September 29, 2021

SPIRIT-LED MINISTRY

 

Just because a church or a pastor names the name doesn’t mean they are engaged in ministry as God desires. The picture of an effective, God-glorifying church is given to us in the pages of the book of Acts.

In Acts 13, we see a beautiful picture of how the church is to function. It begins with leaders who seek the Lord fervently.

“While we were ministering to the Lord and fasting.” (vs. 2)

These leaders turned to the Head of the church, listening and responding to the Holy Spirit to lead and empower. And look what the Spirit did (and will do for all who follow His leadership).

THE SPIRIT SPEAKS

While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (vs. 2-3)

THE SPIRIT SENDS

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (vs. 4)

THE SPIRIT PROCLAIMS THE WORD OF GOD

When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. (vs. 5)

THE SPIRIT DISCERNS AND CONFRONTS

But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. (vs. 9-11)

THE SPIRIT SAVES

When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. (vs. 48-49)

THE SPIRIT BRINGS JOY!

And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (vs. 52)

If you long to build God’s church, God’s way, you must let God’s Spirit lead. This calls for continual, intentional dependence, indicated by continual prayer and fasting, and spiritual pursuit. There is no shortcut.

Father, give us spiritual leaders who will pursue you relentlessly and follow you implicitly. Let us not bend to humanistic ideas and methods, but let You lead by Your Spirit. And when You work, Lord, give us the humility to give You all the glory!





Also in Graceful Truth

LIFTING THE KNIFE BEFORE THE GOD-WHO-SEES
LIFTING THE KNIFE BEFORE THE GOD-WHO-SEES

September 26, 2023

Everything in the life that God has designed for man is about faith. We were made to live on God and no other. Drawn away from this dependency, we flounder in useless pursuits, our lives missing the whole point of our existence.

Continue Reading

THE RESCUING HAND OF GOD
THE RESCUING HAND OF GOD

September 25, 2023

More numerous than you know are the moments when God has pulled you out of the pit by His compassion. Rescued you because of the pure grace of His mercy. Delivered you because of previous promises He has made, perhaps even to your own parents. Shown kindness to you that you did not deserve simply because of His great love and eternal purposes.

Continue Reading

A SETTLED LIFE OF SEPARATION
A SETTLED LIFE OF SEPARATION

September 20, 2023

The beginning pages of Genesis give us the operating principles upon which God and man were to function. God, in mercy, provided a garden with every possible goodness. He intended for man to enjoy this perfect environment but, most importantly, to enjoy God’s continual presence. God and man and wife would walk together.

Continue Reading