Acts 19:6 “and when Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them: and they spoke with tongues.”
“I can do all things through Christ”. Yes I can, all things where made through Him. When I set my mind on what Christ has done for me. I must apply the working knowledge that I know. Or better put, my full trust in Him. If you really believe this, it will change the way you think about life. You won’t just copy what others say about the world. Abide in Christ by having His words on your lips. Train your heart to believe the word, speak according to the word. Don’t just trust the thoughts you have. Judge them by what you know in the Word. Truly only the Holy Spirit can reveal the truth. Which He desires to do, keep moving forward with Him. This verse puts you in a state of mind, a way of thinking. As you’re being led by the Spirit “in Christ”. You will not fail if you don’t quit.
You can be a good parent in Christ, for example. By instructing the child in the way that he or she should go. Some will say, “let the child choose if they want to follow God.” That is not what the scripture teaches. They will have plenty of opportunity for that as they mature into adulthood. A fool has no idea what he is doing, a wise man seeks knowledge and understanding. Part of raising a child is trusting God. Plus there are promises in scripture that need to be believed and stood on. Train up a child in the way that he should go for when he is older he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Believing and standing on the word in concept is simple, but easily misunderstood. It is not enough to believe that God is able and all powerful, or even willing. Also you’re faith can’t stay reliant on what others say about God. You have to make it your own. Taking personal responsibility for your believing. There is a spiritual connection to our faith that is more than just believing in God. It is an inner hope of absolute certainty in His word that must be adhered too. Not passive, or lazy: directive and personal. God shows no partiality, meaning He will react to His word applied to your life, no matter where you are at in life. Contend with Him, believe what He said. Abraham had great faith, with no Bible or written instruction. We have the full collection of God’s Word! Read the whole Bible, but narrow it down to some simple instructions. We almost have to much instruction, where we can take on to much.
Abraham had just a few words from the Lord, we need to focus in on passages and concepts in the scripture and truly grasp them with our hearts. This is only the work of the Holy Spirit, but we must be willing and diligent to put ourselves before the Master to be taught be Him.
For example. Some of my favourites.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
This is a promise that God will guide you and be your instructor. It is not enough to know about this scripture or even believe it. Yes the scripture brings hope, and it’s more than just a promise, it is who God is. He is not just a God in the distance or behind the scenes. He is ever present, always with us. Follow the pattern of Christ, spend time with Him in prayer and in His word. This passage is coming from David that did just that, to expect that God will guide you like David or Jesus, you need to follow their foot steps so to speak. Time with God, not just going about your day.
I think Christians have lost touch of their faith who don’t seek God, or never truly needed Him in the first place. Most believers understand this yet don’t do it. Why?
Psalm 32: 9
Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you.
Stubbornness and pride refusing instruction wanting your own way. Repent, change your direction, you do it, don’t wait for God, you do it. Don’t over spiritualize the situation.
Refusing correction from the word will lead to slavery. Overspending by not having a budget will put you into dept, then you cry the blues and say “why God, why?” Not listing to the Lord in who to marry, can lead to divorce and more bondage. Failing to control you’re passions can lead to pornography, sexual uncleanness, fornication of all kinds, which will put you on the road to hell. There is strength in His Word and much hope, turn and follow Him. As you can see I have no supporting scripture that says you can lead a life of sin and receive salvation. It is by grace through faith that you are saved, not of works, but you must turn from the old man and embrace the new. There is no scriptures that I am aware of, that says lusting, and fornication, is not a problem. It is a problem, repent today! God loves you.
Psalm 32:10
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.
Trust in Him, He loves you, He sent His Son to die and raised Jesus from the dead. His Holy Spirit is with and in you. With God all things are possible, just believe and begin again to hunger for His eternal, most powerful, life changing word. Lean into Him and shout!