True Worship

In John 16, Jesus instructed His disciples that the Spirit of truth will come and guide you in all truth. He will not speak His own words; He will speak what He hears, revealing the things to come and bringing glory to God. The Spirit has unlimited access to Jesus, to all that He possesses and knows, just as everything the Father has belongs to Jesus. That is the reason Jesus was confident that the Holy Spirit would care for His own and reveal the path to each and everyone who professes Him as Lord.

Jesus warns the disciples of the mistreatment His followers can expect in the last days. He disarms their fears by noting the most important things. If the life giving Spirit is within, there is no reason to fear.

In fact, the church will thrive under persecution as it follows God’s plan. But, humans are obsessed with power and political prominence as a means to influence the culture. 

As Christian citizens we have an obligation to strive for justice and freedom through the transforming power of the Spirit in people’s lives. Rather than exerting temporal power, the real work of the Kingdom often thrives under fierce attack and opposition. Jesus announces this coming persecution to His followers, believing this will lead to their finest hour.

Jesus told the early disciples all of this so that they would avoid the offenses that would coming following His departure. He was telling them all this so that when it comes to pass they would remember what they had heard. It was not important for Him to give them this information in the beginning when He was with them. Yet, He was about to go away.

This news must have been heartbreaking and overwhelming for the disciples. The truth is that His departure would be a gift that would serve them well in the assignment they had been given to go and make disciples of all nation, teaching them to obey God’s Word. (Matt. 28:19-20). If He didn’t leave, the Holy Spirit (Helper, Comforter, Guide) would not come to their aid.

Jesus informed them that the Holy Spirit will uncover the sins of the world, expose unbelief as sin, and allow all to see their sins in the light of righteousness for the first time. At this present time the Spirit is working to expose humanity’s sinfulness in light of God’s righteous plumb line (standards).

This new awareness of righteousness is important because Jesus was going to the Father and would no longer be present with them. Jesus also said, “The Spirit will also carry My judgment because the one who rules in this world has already defeated.” (John 16:1-11)

Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus has already conquered the world. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

As I read and ponder over these words, I am comforted knowing that the life giving Spirit will do the same for me as I strive to bring the gospel message in a time of chaos and political confusion. It’s no easy feat because the gospel message has been watered down throughout the history of the church.

The Lord laid a burden on my heart beginning in 2008. At that time it made very little sense to me. Over the past twelve years things are becoming more clear to me as I trust the Spirit to guide me during this new era of what He is saying to the church today. In this series of messages I hope to share with you what has been on my heart regarding the church in this new era.

In the days ahead, the Spirit of truth will guide the church in all truth. He will not speak His own words; He will speak what He hears, revealing to the church the things to come and bringing glory to God. 

As we walk in the light, the glory of the Lord will rise upon the Church. 

Blessings,

Dr. A