I love
church terminology. Nothing scares people off faster than using hundred dollar
words and expecting everyone in the building to understand just what it means. Many
years ago I remember sitting in the church and hearing terms like eschatology, ecclesiastical,
justification, reformation, sanctification, glorification and the odd diaspora
and restoration thrown in to really confused me. For those who grew up in the
church, these words and concepts meant something but for me, it just added to
the confusion and I felt like I was on the outside looking in.
Sanctifying
power of the Holy Spirit. Why is something so wonderful so difficult to
understand? Sanctify in Latin is Sanctus which means Holy, set apart, purify,
cleanse or unburden. These are terms I can understand. Now, let's expand this a
bit more:
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the
flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their
minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Romans 8:5 NIV
Now, that's
all cool but what is it the Holy Spirit desires of us?
The mind governed by
the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV
The mind
given over completely to Holy Spirit, completely sold out to God, growing in
the life, the joy, the peace of God. Every day we are growing in the love of
the Holy Spirit and dying a little bit more to self, that is, the flesh.
Sanctification means giving up the reigns to God and letting Him steer.
Over the
next few weeks leading up to Pentecost we are going to explore Holy Spirit. It
will prove to be enlightening for many.
Blessings
Pastor Todd
At the time of salvation did God's spirit not fully enter us and Adams spirit was removed ( spiritual rebirth).Making us a new creation completly sanctified ,forgiven and righteous. I am called to renew my mind or agree with what God says about my new identity . I think i need to separate behavior ( fleshy old ways) from my new identity. E.g.. God loves us now and the behavior issues with the spirits help will eventually line up with that new identity.
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