Ghost Stories

15Instead, speaking the truth in love, (the impact in our communities, the way the church should be) we will in all things grow up into him who is (here comes the visual aid) the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV) This passage begins with two very important points.  It tells us what to…

14Then we will no longer be infants, (the maturity of the believer in the church) tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)   In the previous verse (verse 13) it talks about becoming mature and “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Verse 14 begins by stating how we “will no longer…

12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that (the reason for it) the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all (“until” implies ongoing till the goal is met, and the goal is “all”) reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Ephesians 4:12-13 (NIV) The previous verse talks about how God called some to be apostles,…

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 11It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, Ephesians 4:7; 11 (NIV) Every gift is given by God for a specific purpose.  As we can see in the verse above, God called some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (and He gives the ability to fulfill those…

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) This is a great verse that highlights God’s intentionality as it relates specifically to you.  The Bible tells us that we are God’s “handiwork.”  That literally means you were handcrafted by God.  You are not some cosmic mistake.  You were created on purpose, at this specific time, to fulfill a specific purpose.  I imagine…

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized,…

32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Acts 2:32-33 (NLT) Yesterday’s devotional focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is only when Christ is back with the Father that the Holy Spirit is given to…

22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. Acts 2:22-24 (NLT) Peter…

No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Acts 2:16-17 (NLT) Peter explains what happened in the room when the violent wind blew and the tongues of fire appeared above the Believers.  Peter took the moment to remind these religious people of what was written in the Old Testament.  They should have understood and expected God…

 13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” 14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. Acts 2:13-15 (NLT) Pentecost:  An annual event that drew Jews from many places to celebrate in…

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:18-21 (NIV) In this verse it is comparing being under the…

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control… Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) The Holy Spirit is not some nameless, uncaring force. The Holy Spirit loves us. He wants the best for us and helps us. He fills us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Holy Spirit is with us at all times. The Holy Spirit wants what’s best for us and cares for us. Action…

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV)  We have the power over sin (through Christ Jesus) and we have the Holy Spirit helping us daily. We all have sin…

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:8-9 (NIV) The Holy Spirit is very powerful. He (the Holy Spirit) should not be viewed as the “other one,” and should not be…

7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 (NIV) In this verse, Jesus is explaining what will happen after He dies on the cross. He states that He is going to send the Advocate. He is talking about the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to go so that the…