Scripture Focus…
(8) “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God’s consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out], (9) Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus. (10) [The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. (11) This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord, (12) In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear). (13) So I ask you not to lose heart [not to faint or become despondent through fear] at what I am suffering in your behalf. [Rather glory in it] for it is an honor to you. (14) For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name]. (16) May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. (17) May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, (18) That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; (19) [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! (20) Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— (21) To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).”
(Eph. 3:8–21 Amp.)
(3) “He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high….”
(Heb. 1:3 Amp.)
(15) “If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. (16) And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever….”
(John 14:15–16 Amp.)
(17) “[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, (18) By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), (19) And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, (20) Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], (21) Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come. (22) And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], (23) Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].”
(Eph. 1:17–23 Amp.)
Shared…
The following commentary for John 14:16 is taken from the Spirit Filled Study Bible:
Allos (al-loss); Strong’s #243: One besides, another of the same kind. The word shows similarities but diversities of operation and ministries. Jesus’ use of allos for sending another Comforter equals “one besides Me and in addition to Me but one just like Me. He will do in My absence what I would do if I were physically present with you.” The Spirit’s coming assures continuity with what Jesus did and taught.
The following excerpt is taken from John G. Lake: His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith:
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost
Birthday of Christianity
The day of Pentecost was the birthday of Christianity. Christianity never existed until the Holy Ghost came from heaven. The ministry of Jesus in the world was His own divine preparation of the world for His ultimate and final ministry. His ultimate and final ministry was to be BY THE SPIRIT.
If you would like to purchase this book, please contact the LW Store online or call (763) 315-7015.
Prayed…
Father, we pray that not even one of our members would lose heart or fall short
We pray for everyone to be strengthened in their inner man—strength to hear and obey
Father, we want fullness and completion in the Church
Lord, we are looking for the Holy Ghost to be our helper
That we would preach Christ—the hope of glory to all the world
You have given us diverse gifts and talents
We are looking for Your fullness to overflow in every denomination, teacher, and pastor!
Father, we are not going to try to define the working of it—we just ask for more!
You have called the Church to be the very place of habitation of Your Spirit
We pray for the veil to be torn back by Your Spirit, that we would walk carefully before You
Receiving answers from heaven now!
We believe to not have even one empty vessel
Lord, we stand in agreement and believe for the Spirit to apprehend them!
Receiving the spirit of wisdom and revelation
We do not take the ministry of the Spirit lightly, and we believe for Him to be on display
Seeing a strengthening today!
Releasing the power of Your Spirit to pastors that have been under oppression
The blood of Jesus is against the lies of the enemy—no longer being earthly minded!
Lifting up missionaries!
Applying the blood over them and calling for a redefining of their mission and plan
Now is the time to take a stand
The Spirit opening up doors that have been closed
Holy Ghost, bring them answers to help them bust through and move forth
Send them helpers that see naturally and spiritually
Chapters are being written today!
Knowing how to make the changes
Covering the missionary staff that they would know how to cooperate and stand firm
Calling for the rain of the Holy Spirit—rain down on those seeds!
Lifting up all of the intercessors and pray-ers—give yourself more unto the Spirit!
Calling for all of the elements and parts to come right in time!
We will not depart—there must be an esteeming of the parts
Applying the blood over the intercity churches that have been empty and need encouragement
Father, visit them all across this nation!
Let the pastors, lay leaders, and pray-ers see that their work has not been in vain
There must be a joining together now
We are looking for the set-apart ones, for the world to see and say there is something unique in them
Calling for a supernatural strengthening
Father, that we would come up and go into the highways and byways
Specific fields are calling for specific harvesters
Men, women, and even children stepping up and saying, “Send me!”
We are calling the backsliders to come back now!
Let them forget their shame and run to the finish line!
You said the Church would go from glory to glory, and we are looking to You!
Our eyes are only upon You!
Father, touch every child of the fivefold ministry gifts
Lord, we love and worship You!
