Ephesians 3:16, 17

How do we move beyond being mere religion theorists; possessors of great truth, sacred knowledge, accurate information, and precise prophetic understanding? Is there any significance and application that connects our profession with life’s challenges?

Year’s ago a fast food chain had a commercial emphasizing the size of their hamburgers over their competitors. A diminutive older lady with a booming voice intoned the question, “Where’s the beef?” The world, especially young people are asking – no, demanding- “Where’s the relevancy in religion and Christianity? Where’s the beef?

These are legitimate questions that require not only a response but preferably the demonstration of Spirit-filled and directed lives of true disciples of Jesus Christ. Timothy tells us that this type of life requires more than rituals and religious dramatics: “Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3:5.

Paul emphasizes the essence of Spirit generated discipleship when he said “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20. The Message Bible translates this verse this way: “God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life!” Herein lays the demise of cheap religious rhetoric.

This power electrocutes “the flesh,” destroying the desire and power of sin that’s intertwined in our DNA. Our old heart, the one Jeremiah exclaimed that is “desperately wicked, who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) is exposed, excavated, and destroyed when we receive the resurrection power of God that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. See Ephesians 1:19, 20.

God imparts to us this glorious, overwhelming supernatural power by His Spirit in our “inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Ephesians 3:17. Herein lays the extravagance and extensiveness of God’s love and power! The Holy Spirit brings and reveals Jesus Christ in our hearts. This is His work and ministry!

Can you see why we stand in urgent desperation for the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit? Do you understand why the Spirit is our greatest need, especially in the closing hours of earth’s history?

Ellen White wrote this inspired statement: “They are destitute of the Holy Spirit. . . The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible: but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will fall under the masterful temptations of Satan.”

I welcome Jesus into my heart today. I am encouraging you to do the same.