Ed Horak's Blog

           

Exodus 12:3-4

‘On the tenth day of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household.

 John 1:29

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

 1 Corinthians 5:7

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

1 Peter 1:18-20

18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

When God does something He does it well. This is magnificently illustrated in the glorious fulfillment in Christ of the Passover Lamb. Moses had given clear instructions about the sacrificial lamb to be slain at that historical first Passover meal. The Passover Feast was powerfully instituted at the time of the Israelites miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage after four hundred and thirty years.

Animal sacrifice may not be your ‘cup of tea’ and in fact it was never God’s either (Isaiah 1:11)! Yet, because of His consuming love for us, He sent His only Son to be the fulfillment of Passover sacrificial lamb offered up for our sakes.

Consider the following comparisons between the lamb of sacrifice in Moses time from Exodus 12:1-51 and the dramatic fulfillment of this covenant meal in Jesus Christ the ‘lamb of God’.

Vs 3 – It was to be a lamb, and Christ is the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

Vs 5 – The lamb was to be a male of the first year, mature and in its prime. Christ was mature at age thirty (Numbers 4:3) and was offered up as the supreme sacrifice in His prime (Luke 3:23).

Vs 5 – The lamb was to be without blemish which speaks of Jesus’ purity – a lamb without spot (1 Peter 1:19).

Vs 3, 6 – The lamb was set apart for four days. Jesus entered Jerusalem four days before The Passover Feast (Matthew 21:1-10).

Vs 6-9 – The lamb was to be slain at twilight. Jesus died at three in the afternoon or twilight according to Jewish time (Matthew 27:46).

Vs 21 – The elders picked out the lambs for themselves. Jesus was put up for trial by the elders of the day (John 18:3).

Vs 46 – No bones of the lamb were to be broken. Jesus did not have His bones broken when he was crucified (John 19:33-36).

There is no doubt that Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb of God slain for us at the cross for our salvation or wholeness: spirit, soul and body.

God’s choice of a lamb as the animal for sacrifice speaks of Christ’s meekness and innocence. This was something that the farmers and animal herders of the day would understand. Jesus laid down His life for us on purpose. He was dependent on and fully submitted to His Heavenly Father’s leadership and chose to drink of the cup of suffering without trying to defend His position.

 Isaiah 53:7

7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

Yet He opened not His mouth;

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,

And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

So He opened not His mouth.

He was victimized so that we might become victors. God has eternally confounded the wisdom of man with His seeming ‘foolishness’ in dying as the lamb on the cross. Through this apparent helpless situation and defeat, great victory has come for all who will humble themselves to receive Him (John 1:12). Through death, Jesus conquered him who had the power of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

The Spotless Lamb

For the Passover sacrifice to satisfy God’s demands it had to be perfect. That is why Jesus was intensively inspected in His ministry.

First, he was inspected (tempted) by satan at the start of His three and half year ministry. Then time and gain the religious people of His day tried to find fault with Him and His mission. Then third, Jesus was subjected to six or seven distinct inspections depending on whether you count Pilate’s dealings with Jesus as one or two events.

Consider the following inspections that Jesus ‘passed’ in His last hours before the crucifixion.

1. King Herod admitted that Jesus was without blame (Luke 23:13-15).

2. Annas, the father-in-law of the high priest (Caiaphas) obviously found no fault with Jesus as he passed Him on to son-in-law (John 18:12-14, 24).

3. Caiaphas, the high priest, then inspected Jesus and no fault was found in the spotless lamb (John 18).

4. Pilate, a gentile, examined Jesus also and on two occasions declared that he could find “no fault” in Jesus (John 18:28-38 and John 19:4).

5. The centurion assigned to Jesus’ crucifixion scrutinized Jesus and concluded that He was truly the “Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).

6. Even the thief on the cross had the sense in the end to conclude that Jesus had done nothing wrong (Luke 23:40-42).

Every single inspection resulted in a confession of Jesus’ innocence as the spotless Lamb of God. God made Jesus who knew no sin to be made sin for us in a great spiritual exchange.

We were guilty and deserving of judgment, whereas Jesus was perfectly righteous, yet it was God’s plan to satisfy the claims of justice in the eternal courts of heaven by sending Him to the cross on our behalf. We (the guilty) are now saved by Jesus (the innocent) in the greatest act of love which we celebrate at The Lord’s Supper.

2 Corinthians 5:21

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

On the cross, Jesus supreme act of sacrifice on our behalf accomplished both the removal of our sins and the impartation of His righteousness to us. It was dramatic two way transfer.

With this one act Jesus also fulfilled all the five offerings required under the Levitical law, which historically were ‘shadows’ pointing to His perfect offering made ‘once and for all’ (Hebrews 9:12). Here we focus on two only sacrifices: the ‘sin’ and ‘burnt’ offering (Leviticus 1-4).

First, the sinner was to bring his ‘sin offering’ to the priest to be inspected for any blemish. The sinner was to lay his hands on the animal (a bull if the whole nation sinned, a male kid / lamb if a ruler sinned, and a female kid / lamb or two turtle doves if a commoner sinned) and the animal was sacrificed.

 Identification And Access

This act of identification meant that the sin of the offerer was transferred to the lamb and the innocence (or righteousness) of the lamb was transferred to the offerer. At the conclusion of the sacrifice, the focus was to be on the fact that sin had now been atoned for, and that all that remained was the imputed or transferred righteousness. The ‘price for sin’ had been paid and God’s justice satisfied.

The other main offering called the ‘burnt offering’ (Leviticus 1:9) also involved a sacrifice of an unblemished animal that resulted in the transfer of God’s favor by means of the sacrifice on the altar. Here the emphasis was on the righteousness being transferred towards the person in question. This offering was like a ‘sweet aroma’ to the Lord, and signified acceptance into the His presence. The sin offering, you might say, took away the negative, while the burnt offering brought the plus to the recipient.

Today we not only have forgiveness of sin, but also righteousness or right standing with God at His right hand in Christ. We have access to the Lord’s presence through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice alone, and not through our efforts or ‘self righteousness’.

If you are in God’s family, you are expected to grow up into maturity and that is going to involve some changes. It takes courage to let go of habits and patterns that you have come to rely on. The Bible teaches that God is not going to change, so we are without any options. We are the ones who are to make the changes. We are faced with a choice: see the light of God’s plan or feel the heat of negative circumstances that force you to seek deliverance.

 It is natural to feel secure in what you have always been doing. In a weird way, you many people are comfortable in old habits where things are predictable, even if the circumstances are not good. However, God sees things differently. He loves you too much to leave you the way you have been. He’s committed to your success and wants to you to walk free from old destructive lifestyles.

 Things You Need to Know About Change

 Most people change only when they feel the heat, changing just enough to get away from their immediate problems. They escape from the heat, get some relief, but are not enlightened to completely break free. They cut off a branch or two, but don’t deal with the root issues. The old issues come back after a while. This can be very discouraging. Have you ever painted an old rusty piece of metal? After a while you are back to square one. You have to paint it again.

 Still others want to change the circumstances around them to improve their lives, but don’t want to change their lives to improve their circumstances. The solution to solving spiritual problems is to work from the inside out, not from the outside in.  For example if you are unhappy, going out and buying some new thing at the shops may temporarily get your mind off your circumstances. But very soon the same old ache is there. You have to receive and walk in the Lord’s joy that is not dependent on circumstances but on His everlasting and unchanging love.

 When you are not prepared to pay the immediate price of change, you will wind up paying the ultimate price. All change requires some discomfort and uncertainty. It’s the price you have to pay.

 You cannot afford to have false hopes about change either. You cannot hope for different results without changing your old habits. To get to where you have never been, you have to do something you have never done before. It takes courage to make changes. Thank God, He has more than enough courage to give those who see the light of a better place, ask for His help and make the necessary changes.

 Remember that simply having a desire to change is not enough. In order to enjoy the delight that successful changes bring, you have to undergo the discipline it takes to get there. That is why patience is a virtue you must cultivate. Your ship does not always turn around on a dime. Some situations are quite involved and take time to change. The Bible teaches that through both faith and patience we inherit the benefits of God’s promises (Hebrews 6:12). Start making decisions that point you in another direction and be patient. God is faithful.

 Encouraging Examples of People who Changed

 Gideon had a poor self-image but changed to become God’s mighty man of valor. Moses was a man who took matters into his own hand, murdered someone, but was later called to lead a nation. Peter, who started off as an impulsive headstrong fisherman, changed from being like ‘shifting sand’ to a ‘solid rock’. He became dependable and reliable, a pillar in the church. Doubting Thomas changed from walking by sight to walking by faith. Saul was a religious zealot who changed into a super saint under the power of God’s word. God gave us all these examples to instill hope in us. Be of good courage. The best is yet to come.

 Called to Reign in This Life

 There is a purpose behind change. You are called to rule and reign over sin, sickness and all that the enemy tries to throw at you (Romans 5:17). To establish this position of dominion requires change, and change requires growth. To reign as a king over negative circumstances, you have to grow up in the ways of a king.

 Yes, you have been born into God’s royal family, called to serve Him as a royal priesthood, but to enjoy that fulfillment you have to grow up spiritually in that position given to you when you were born again.

 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people… 1 Peter 2:9

He is the Third Person of God

The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

T

he aching void in mankind can only be filled with a meaningful and fulfilling fellowship with our creator. The good news is that God can be known and enjoyed as a person. Through Christ we can get as close to God as we want. Communion or fellowship is the Holy Spirit’s specialty. In this book we explore what the Word has to say about the Holy Spirit and how we can get to know Him better so as to better cooperate with God’s plan for our lives.

As a young virgin, Mary had the most incredible experience of her life. She was overshadowed by the mighty Holy Spirit in the most profound way to conceive the savior of the world. This miracle has fascinated mankind for centuries. Today the Holy Spirit wants to overshadow your life so that you too can experience Christ in the womb of your spirit, and bear the fruit of God’s plan for your life.

Jesus promised His followers that He would not leave them as ‘orphans’ or without spiritual parents (John 14:18). He would come to them again by the Holy Spirit. This wonderful mystery was fulfilled when He arose from the dead and breathed on His disciples saying, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22).

There seems to be a resurging awareness of the need for strong supportive fellowship in a world that in many respects is not holding together too well. The Holy Spirit is poised and eager to fulfill that need in your life. He has been given to be your helper.

Fellowship Defined:

 Where You Fit in the Big Picture

John 14:16, 26

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever…

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

God the Father orchestrated the plan of salvation. In the fullness of time Jesus came in fulfillment of prophecy to deal with the issue of sin. He then sent the Holy Spirit to be our ‘helper’ in this dispensation. Our responsibility is to co-labor with the Holy Spirit in fulfilling the commission given to the church. The ‘fellowship’ every believer enjoys with the Holy Spirit is to participate together with Him in the cause of Christ to reach the world with God’s love.

 Who Is the Holy Spirit?

 First, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the God head. His supremacy is revealed by His name. He is called the ‘Spirit of God’ (1 Corinthians 3:16) and has all the divine attributes. For example, the Holy Spirit is everywhere present (Psalm 139:7-10), and has creative powers that only the supreme God can possess. For example, He was present and active when the world the world was created (Genesis 1:2). Only God can be and do these things. It is marvelous to think that we can have close fellowship with the one who was ‘hovering over the face of the waters’ when God spoke the world into existence.

            Second, the Holy Spirit is not some impersonal force or influence like gravity. He is a person who speaks like a person, experiences emotion like a person, and has a will and power of choice like a person. When was the last time an impersonal force like gravity talked to you? It does not happen.

He speaks as a person:

John 16:13

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

Acts 10:19-21

While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

He feels as a person: (impersonal forces do not feel grief)

Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…

He makes choices as a person would as an act of His will:

1 Corinthians 12:11

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

 

 Relating to the Holy Spirit As A Person

If you are to have a meaningful walk or enjoy fellowship with the Holy Spirit you must address Him as a person and not an ‘it’. Try talking to your wife, friend, family member as ‘it’ and see how much that helps in the relationship!

In addressing Him as a person, remember that He is God, and as such is to be properly respected and reverenced as supreme, the one to whom all of us will someday have to give account for our lives.

Your fellowship with the Holy Spirit can be cultivated when you recognize that He is a person. Take time to think about the above scriptures so that your fellowship with Him can begin to grow in a new and fresh way.

 My Own Experience

             When my wife gave her heart to the Lord, she prayed that the Holy Spirit would convict me of my need for Jesus. I can say without a doubt that for two years I experienced an intense awareness of my need. The Holy Spirit was ‘convicting’ me every moment of the day. I could not get away from thinking about Jesus and God’s plan of salvation. My wife’s prayer was certainly answered.

Then, after I had given my heart to the Lord, I remember a specific time and even the place where the Holy Spirit ‘came over’ me and impressed upon me to “learn how to pray”. His presence was tangible in that I felt His weighty presence in the study of our rented house in Johannesburg South Africa, whilst sitting at my grandfathers old roll top oak desk. I have never forgotten that experience and many others over the years since then.

To me the scripture is true. The Holy is a person to be known and enjoyed in sweet, comforting fellowship.

Living without regret 01 

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It’s Not All Up To God

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

You and I have a responsibility to stay free. Jesus sets you free with His power, so that you can walk free and stay free. It is your responsibility to take hold of what you have been given, and resist becoming entangled again in bondage. In this chapter learn how to stay on track and maintain the liberty you have in Christ. The Bible teaches that you have to resist the devil. God will not do it for you. Yes, He will help you stand your ground. But you have to resist the devil for yourself.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7-8

Why will the devil flee as in terror from you? You have the risen Christ living in you, and He is greater than the devil! When you speak His Word, the devil sees and hears Jesus coming through you, and this frightens him! The Holy Spirit in you is greater than the devil. Be sure not to talk up the devil’s power. The only power he has is the power he convinces you he has.

The Highway of Holiness

God’s pathway or the ‘Highway of Holiness’ is not set aside for some special holy men, but for all New Testament believers. We are called as a holy nation, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), and God’s protection and provision is found on this Highway.

A highway shall be there, and a road,

And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness .

The unclean shall not pass over it,

But it shall be for others.

Whoever walks the road, although a fool,

Shall not go astray.

No lion shall be there,

Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it;

It shall not be found there.

But the redeemed shall walk there, Isaiah 35:8-9

Though you and I may act foolishly at times, and even consider ourselves to be simple, because God is in our lives, we can walk tall and safely on His ancient pathway.

How to Stay on Track

You may start well with all good intentions, and that is good. However, we live in a world that will distract us from the straight and narrow path if we let it. Ponder the following pointers in order to stay on track.

Forever remember God’s benefits.    

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness

and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:2-5

God wants you enjoy the daily load of benefits he has for you. Forgiveness, healing, redemption, mercy, good things are all yours in what Jesus has done for you on the cross. Exalt His grace above all the negativity in your life. He has taken you from minus to plus. Walk in the plus zone!

Fellowship regularly with your God.

You and I were created for healthy open fellowship with God. Sin entered in and spoilt that closeness when Adam sinned. But, thank God, Jesus came to reestablish close fellowship. The bible teaches that you can get as close to God as you want.

When you sin as a Christian, close fellowship is broken, but not your relationship with God. The accuser (the devil)will exploit this situation and try to heap guilt and shame on you, if you let him.

Be prepared to admit to God that, at times you have missed the mark and sinned. At the same time, reassert your faith in His righteousness in you as His gift. When you do, you walk in the light, are forgiven and even ‘cleansed’ from any tainting that came through the sin. This speaks of your conscience.

I believe God gives you a lot of room to grow. Not that He is slack and to be taken as the “Big Easy” who lets anything go. He knows and identifies with your infirmities, (Jesus faced temptation too), and so gives you ‘room’ to make mistakes as you grow. Of course He does not want you to take advantage of His grace and use it as a ‘license to sin’. On the contrary he wants His grace to be seen as a license to grow out of sinful habits. Otherwise you will be so tight and when you do slip up, as you are sure to do, you won’t spiral into despair and unnecessary guilt because you have done it again!

Think of the Corinthian Church, riddled with partisan strife, immorality, lawsuits, holding disorderly church and communion services, yet Paul describes them as still in the ‘church’ and ‘called to be saints’ (1 Corinthians 1:1-5).

He was ‘cultivating’ their faith by bringing to them sound doctrine, rebuke, correction and instruction all rolled into one letter. He called them brothers as they were still accepted in the beloved, and part of the body of Christ. Their position and calling was secure, even though their practice and conduct was shaky.

This speaks to me that God is well aware that you still fall short on the journey, and the grace, mercy and forgiveness that got you saved in the first place, will keep you saved.

Forget looking behind you.    

“Do not remember the former things,

Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing,

Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?

I will even make a road in the wilderness

And rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:18-19

You have parted company with the devil, and now walk with God. Be forward looking. He has a future and a hope for you, not a past! Paul had to forget his religious past where he done much harm as an accomplice to murder, (Acts 8:1), and press on. He now based his life on God’s forgiveness and mercy, and refused to wallow in regret and self-pity. He was now moved by conviction, not convenience, circumstance or comfort! You don’t have to pay penance for past sins, only persevere in God’s new purposes.

Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit            

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:14-15

You don’t want to get ahead of God. Let Him lead you by His Spirit. Avoid pressing ahead in presumption without fully pursuing His perspective on things. It is what you learn after you think you have a handle on something that really counts. Let something settle before moving out. He will never lead you back into bondage. However, the enemy will take advantage of your zeal and subtlety position you for a fall if you are not safely behind the Lord’s leading.

Flow together in with others of ‘like faith’.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

One of the key reasons why the early church was so vibrant was because they understood the value of sticking together under God’s local covering apostolic fellowship. Today, people are often so casual about the church they engage with. The life that flows into you through your fellowship ought to be healthy. When you need to turn to someone to help you carry a load, you had better be amongst your own company of like-minded believers.

Finish the race.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul had to fight and keep the faith in order to finish his race. The enemy tried to distract, discourage and deceive him along the way. He learnt that the circumstances he faced that seemed to overwhelm him were never bigger than God’s grace.

Realize that the good work God has begun in you He will see to completion, and whatever He does is forever. All else is subject to change. The devil is liar, and God is always truthful. He will keep you on track as you listen to His voice and wait upon Him to strengthen you on the journey.

There is a price to pay to finish the race. God will take from you only that which holds you back. In turn, He will always give you what you need to prosper on your journey. He is faithful and has never let anyone down yet.

As you grow in the Lord, remember that things take time to play out. There are seasons, and the word has to be sown in good soil and watered before reaping season follows.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:7-9

If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing to the finish. Wait on the Lord, minister to Him in praise and worship and let His strength become yours so that you can finish the race and enjoy His abundant life and the way!

Throwing the Spotlight in the Right Place!

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

We are made up of the inner and outer man. God speaks to our hearts – the inner man. However what it hears is processed through the mind – the realm of intellect, emotions and will. The mentality or posture people adopt towards life is found in the soulish or mind realm. If we have a way of thinking or a mindset that does not line up with the word of God, then confusion prevails. The Word of God is given to divide, pierce, or separate out the spirit from the soul or mind. Much like a ruler, it becomes the standard against which all our thinking is measured. God and his Word are one. When we become one with God through Jesus, we become one with His Word. Our thinking has to be renewed to the Word.

The Importance of Recognizing the ‘Victim Mentality’

A person with a victim mentality will have a twisted view on life. Let me illustrate. As a sportsman I sustained injuries to my back on a couple of occasions. My back reacted by cramping up in muscle spasms. It was trying to compensate for the injury and in some way try to balance out the pain. It literally caused me to twist up and I could not even walk upright. Fortunately through time and therapy, things came right and I straightened up and regained my strength.

Likewise, the inner man can adopt a posture or attitude that compensates for emotional and spiritual pain. Relational hurts, harsh words, disappointments and family strife, for example, can cause people to react and become ‘bent.’ Subsequently even good things are now viewed with distrust, and misunderstood.

If we are not watchful, we may harbor hurts that cause us to look at life with less and less hope and optimism. We begin to view things in a cynical light and develop what we feel are defensive postures designed to protect us from further harm. The next step is to feel sorry for ourselves and ask what we did to deserve all this. If we do not get the Lord’s help at this stage we shift the blame onto others and start building a destructive victim mentality.

Our relationship with God and others becomes warped, and we lose perspective of the way things really are.

The ‘Fruit’ of a Victim Mentality

A tree is recognized by its fruit. When a person struggles with a victim mentality they usually show certain symptoms. First of all, there is a tendency to ‘shift the blame’ onto anyone else when things go wrong. This started early back in the garden when Adam would not accept responsibility for his own sin, and so shifted the blame to Eve.

The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.  Genesis 3:12

In our day we can see this tendency all around us. Think of how the government is blamed for everything from the price of gas to the level of reading and writing in schools! Look at who gets blamed for failures in church, marriage, business, and even some sporting events. Referees get blamed, the coach…and so it goes. I have heard people blame their parents for in some cases what they did, or then in others for what they did not do. The point is not really where the blame is or is not, but what happens to our hearts in times of difficulty. Unjust and unfair things do happen but if our faith in God’s forgiveness is secure, we avoid playing the blame game. We will focus on moving on, and do what is necessary to ensure that our tomorrows will be free from yesterday’s hurts.

Criticism and fault-finding is another fruit of the ‘victim mentality.’ When the focus is shifted to others we don’t have to face our own faults. It is easier to point the finger at someone else than at oneself. I have found that whenever I get to the point of admitting my mistakes and failings, there is a sense of release, and I can build on what God wants for me at that point.

Frequent use of the words ‘It’s just not fair’ or ‘why did this happen to me?’ are further victim expressions. Some people spend a lifetime trying to equalize things out, yet the Bible reveals that God has already squared up all unfairness through the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ:

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. Romans 5:18

He paid the price for unfairness. To many it is unfair that we suffer so much because of what Adam did. Think of all of the ravaging consequences of sin: sickness, distress, murder, pillage, famine, and earthquakes. Yet it is equally unfair that we enjoy the wonderful benefits of God’s salvation because of what Jesus did. The awesome thing is that we enjoy God’s forgiveness, provision and protection even though we don’t deserve it! Life is not about fairness, but about faith.

A ‘victim mentality’ causes warped relationships with God and man.  Correction and discipline is seen as rejection and punishment rather than an expression of love. Love and discipline are not mutually exclusive.  Earthly fathers educate, train, and discipline their natural children, and our heavenly Father does no less. He not only nurtures, but also admonishes. There are two sides to the coin of growing up in the Lord.

People who suffer with feelings of victimization generally struggle with being generous with their words and substance. They find it hard to praise God freely and pass on compliments to those around them. They display a subtle tendency to pull others down by speaking negatively about them. Some describe this as the ‘Crab bucket’ syndrome. If you can’t get out the bucket yourself, make sure that no one else does!

Frequent ‘pity parties’ and depression is another choice people make in an attempt to validate their suffering. They attempt to drown out the feelings of despair with diversions that do not address root issues. Substance abuse: drinking, drugging, even obsessive eating, are physical attempts to avoid facing reality. The Bible has several examples of people that have run from their problems only to find themselves and the problem at the end of the run! Think of Moses, Elijah, Jonah, and Peter. They all ran at some time in their lives, but God brought them back to reality and faith, restoring them all back to their calling and ministry. Thank God He is patient, and challenges our pouting behavior.

Escape is another symptom of the victim mentality. Hope is lost of ever changing things, and so comfort is found in food, alcohol, or other substance abuse. These represent short-lived efforts to swamp or dull the pain, but really do not provide real escape. So another dose has to be taken and so on. Only God can provide the true lasting way of escape.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

Summary

A person who feels victimized in life will struggle to relate to God and other people. They will not see the positive opportunities that every setback presents, and will stick on the treadmill of self-pity, rather than step up on the back of their problems and turn them into stepping-stones.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

 

The Holy Spirit helps you enjoy the ‘divine advantage’ Jesus promised when the Holy Spirit came. You might say He helps you ‘draw water from the wells of salvation’ (John 4:13) – things that benefit you personally.

 

In this article we look at  what the Holy Spirit does through you for the benefit of others. His power now flows out of you like a river (John 7:38-39).

 

 

What He does Through You for the Benefit of Others

 

Acts 1:8

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

 

When Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit’s power before launching out into the world, He introduced what has come to be known as the ‘baptism’ or ‘immersion’ in the Holy Spirit.  John the Baptist pointed out that Jesus would be the baptizer in this baptism. He would baptize the believer with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt 3: 11), giving them power to be His witnesses.

 

                                   

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

 

This baptism was promised in Acts 1:4-8, and fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4 after the disciples had spent ten days preparing their hearts to receive this outpouring on the Day of Pentecost. Although they had experienced miracles before, now they were to step through the gateway of baptism into a lifestyle characterized by the miraculous.

 

Acts 2:1-4

Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

Note that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, not just some only. From this scripture, and also Acts 8:14-17 / Acts 10:44, it is clear that God’s will is for all believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter in his Pentecost sermon boldly declared that the gift of the Holy Spirit’s power was to all generations in all places (Acts 2:39).

 

As on the Day of Pentecost, where the initial outward evidence was speaking in tongues, later recipients of the baptism also spoke in tongues. Although this may be controversial to some, it need not be, as the scripture is clear even down to Acts 19:6, that when a believer is truly baptized with the Holy Spirit, they will speak in tongues.

 

Acts 19:6-7

And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

 

The people Paul laid his hands on were already believers who previously had only been taught the baptism of John, a baptism of repentance. Paul thus took them further in their knowledge of God by introducing them to the Holy Spirit. This subsequent infilling empowered them for fruitful service and witness.

 

 

Devotional and Ministry Tongues

 

The Word teaches a difference between what may be called a ‘devotional tongue’ or ‘prayer language’ that is received when a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit, and the ‘ministry gift’ of speaking in tongues in a public setting for the edification of all.

 

1 Corinthians 14:4-5

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

 

When you read around this passage you find that the context of Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian Church is how to properly conduct public meetings with regard to the use of the gifts. If a person speaks in tongues in a public setting, there ought to be an interpretation, and given for the purpose of edifying everyone else, not just themselves. In no way does he forbid speaking in tongues for personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:39. That practice of personal ‘devotional’ tongues is to be treasured, and exercised regularly for personal edification (Jude 20). However, when together in a public setting with ‘uninformed’ people present, when you speak in your ‘ministry gift’ tongue it ought to be interpreted, so that others can be edified. The public practice of tongues must conform to guidelines (two or three at a time) so that all things are done decently and in order.

 

Having said that, there times when believers get together in a meeting, and in unison ‘magnify’ God together by speaking and even singing in tongues at the same time. This is not out of order.

 

Personally, there have been many times when I and fellow believers have been mightily edified as we magnified God together by yielding to the Holy Spirit and making melody in our hearts by singing in tongues. On other occasions we have prayed or interceded for others in tongues when we did not know how to pray for them ‘as we ought’ according to Romans 8:26. The divine ‘helper’, the Holy Spirit was there for us in our ‘weakness’ or inability to pray properly as we ought. But, when a message in ‘ministry’ tongues was given, an interpretation was expected.

 

 

Jesus was Anointed

 

Acts 10:38

…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

 

The anointing or empowerment of the Holy Spirit was one key aspect that defined Jesus as the Messiah. Messiah literally means ‘anointed one.’ He was anointed for service at age 30 years after growing up in the Word all His life.

 

The Holy Spirit settled upon Him in the river Jordan when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in water to fulfill all righteousness. From that moment on, Jesus began to perform miracles (John 2:11). His miracle ministry began because He submitted to God’s will for empowerment.

 

If Jesus submitted to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for service, how much more do we need to step through the gateway of Holy Spirit baptism into the miraculous? Signs and wonders should follow all believers.

 

 

How to Receive the Holy Spirit Baptism

 

Acts 8:14-15

 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit .

 

First, respect and reverence God’s desire to empower you through the Holy Spirit’s baptism by asking Him to fill you to overflowing.

 

Second, realize that speaking in tongues has three key benefits:

 

• Speaking in tongues helps you magnify or exalt God in a special way that takes you beyond your regular devotion. (Acts 10:46 / John 4: 23-24).

 

• Speaking in tongues edifies or strengthens you spiritually. It is as if your spiritual battery is being recharged. (Jude 20 / 1 Corinthians 14:4 / Eph 5:15-21).

 

• Speaking or praying in tongues helps you intercede more effectively in matters not always clear to you. (Romans 8:26).

 

Third, recognize that receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is an act of your will that requires you to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4 / 1 Corinthians 14: 15).

 

Prepare your heart through prayer and confession, ask the Lord to baptize you with His Spirit (either on your own, or with a minister who has experienced this baptism himself), and yield to the Holy Spirit by taking a breath and speaking out your new heavenly prayer language (tongues).

 

Remember that, like a good father, if you ask God for the Holy Spirit, you will receive the Holy Spirit and no other foreign spirit. Be comforted by this.

 

Luke 11:10-13

For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish , will he give him a serpent instead of a fish ? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

 

 

The Holy Spirit’s Power to Witness in Word and Deed

 

You might have noticed that in some Christian circles most of what is said about the Holy Spirit baptism revolves around speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is no doubt a unique manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s power in the New Testament. Yet it is equally important to see the following examples of God’s manifest power that are still available to every believer. These are not for someone else in another place and time. They are for every believer empowered by the Holy Spirit to extend God’s kingdom.

 

• Boldness in the face of intimidation: Acts 4:31

In this account the disciples were ‘refilled’ with the Holy Spirit – ‘topped up’ you might say, and began to speak God’s word with boldness.

 

• Continued faithful witness under persecution: Acts 5:28-42

Here Peter and the apostles continued to faithfully teach and preach Jesus even after being unfairly beaten by the religious authorities.

 

• Stephen’s Spirit-filled witness before he was stoned to death: Acts 6:8-7:60

Stephen was able to plead for their forgiveness with his dying breath by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

• Phillip performed healing miracles and deliverances: Acts 8:5-8

God’s miracle working power brought great joy to Samaria.

 

• Peter’s Spirit anointed preaching at Cornelius’ household: Acts 10:34-47

The Holy Spirit fell as Peter preached.

 

• Paul casts out a demon spirit by the power of God: Acts 16:18

Then, He and Silas were then thrown in prison, yet were mightily comforted by the Holy Spirit throughout the night. Their praise invoked God’s miraculous deliverance at midnight!

 

I encourage you to seek God in prayer, for His power to play your part in the consummation of the great end time harvest that has already begun.

 

 

The Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit Work Together

 

Typically, some factions in Christendom emphasize the fruit whilst others the gifts. God does not want you not to get involved in arguing one against the other. Both are vital for a well rounded Christian witness.

 

Take the view that each compliments the other. The same way as character compliments charisma, the fruit compliments the gifts and vice versa.

 

Whereas fruit is developed over time through continued abiding in Christ, gifts on the other hand, are given or imparted at a particular time for miraculous service. That is why a ‘gifted’ believer who has simply received a gift may yet have to grow in Christ likeness, that is, develop fruit. They may act up carnally at times yet still operate in the gifts. This may be confusing to some, but not to God who gives gifts as He wills, not on the basis of maturity but on openness and desire. He continually works with all His children to bring them to spiritual maturity. Let Him be the judge. Your part is to that all believers grow in Christ like character.

 

Furthermore, fruit speaks of who we are created to be, whereas the gifts speak more to what we are to do in breaking spiritual yokes with God’s power or anointing.