Pray.

Pray.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Concerning the Times and the Seasons - James Tharp

The apostle Paul felt the Holy Spirit's urgent call to prepare believers to be ready for Christ's return. He is simply following the same admonitions given by Jesus. Jesus refused to answer the disciples' question concerning the time of His return; He was faithful to describe the signs of the times preceding His return -- 
"Many will come in My name, saying 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many; wars and rumors of war; nation will rise against nation; famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places; tribulation for believers; false prophets; because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold; this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:5-13)
The apostles Paul, Peter, and John and the author of Hebrews shared Jesus' concern that His followers be ready for His Second Coming. They did not want them confused, misled, deceived, or spiritually dead. 

Saturday, December 6, 2014

The Wind of the Spirit - James Tharp

Jesus said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:8).”

The distinguished Jewish theologian could no longer deny the miraculous power of God at work in the life and ministry of the Galilean. Nor could he quench his thirst to meet Jesus face to face.
So, humbling himself and putting his reputation on the line, Nicodemus went one night to confess that Jesus was from God and inquire of Him the way of salvation.

Jesus responded to Israel's prominent thinker by making an issue of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. No one can enter the kingdom of God without a spiritual transformation, Jesus explained, and this requires the Spirit of God to bring about the miracle of regeneration.