The Ministry of the Spirit in the gospels was to fill, lead and empower Jesus. He in turn promised his successors that they would enjoy the same ‘success!’ His promise to his intimates was that after he left them, the same Spirit that empowered him would empower them and succeeding generations of believers in the same way. This Holy Spirit would dwell within them ministering to them and through them enabling them to be what the Apostle Paul would later come to call Ministers of Reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:19). He is the regenerator, empowerer, teacher, leader, comforter, encourager, and intercessor for us and multiplies this ministry to others through us (2 Cor 1:3-7).
In the community of the Spirit humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself it means thinking of yourself less. Consequently, one of the more observable features of the gospel accounts is that Jesus, who is to be worshipped nonetheless deferred glory to the Father. Now we see in Acts that The Spirit, who is also to be worshipped, refers glory to the Son. In many respects this aspect of how the Godhead interacts is one of the more interesting insights that Luke offers. Humility, giving credit to another, is proof positive of whether one is enamored by the love of power or the power of love.
power and grace are no longer mutually exclusive
If you’ve been listening to the talks from Grace East recently you will have gathered that this is an assumption that we are seeking to challenge. If we are to build the “best church in the world” (yes you did read correctly) then we better recognize that to do that we will need both grace and power. Last weekend Hayley and I were heading out somewhere and I noticed an advertisement what the car manufactures Mercedes have dubbed “The new generation SL.” I’d driven past the billboard several times that week and whilst I had noticed the gleaming new car I hadn’t read the strap line. On Saturday I read it and it was one of those prophetic moments of divine revelation, confirmation affirmation all rolled into one. The strap line boomed “No longer are power and grace mutually exclusive.” What a truth and what a truth for us to grasp this Pentecost.
I know I have said this before but you know there was a time when God used to talk to the world though the church but increasingly he seems to be talking to the church through the world. This weekend we celebrate Pentecost it ought to one of the most important days in the Christian calendar yet for many people in the Exchanged Life community the day will pass almost without notice. That is a great shame it really is. The battle lines seem to me to have been clearly drawn, if your for grace then your against power and if your for power then your not likely to be drawn to grace teaching
Some time ago I posted a blog asking people to let me know the things they were interested in discussing in respect of making the transition from law to grace. I was delighted with the response. G.I.A.N.T. Steps (Grace In A Nutshell Talks) is the output of that survey. In this new series we will be looking at some of the foundational principles of the Christian life. The series begins next month with Step One which will look at evangelism, giving, faith and worship.
So again if you find yourself in or around East London area on a Sunday morning why don’t you visit us at the take the opportunity to come pay us a visit? I think you’ll find a refreshing brand of church that might just cause you to want to make it home. Grace East is The Grace Project’s church in London. You’ll find a rich and renewing blend of welcome, worship, word and welfare.
Services start at 11.00 am at UEL Duncan House High St Stratford E15 2JB
The Grace Project is a christian charity which is supported by its friends & ministry partners if you'd like to contribute why not click & make a donation online.
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