In this week’s Blog edition, I have tried to capture the thoughts and impartation of Fergus McIntyre, as he ministered and spoke into the life of our Church this weekend. I trust that in the manner in which I have framed this into some key elements or thoughts, you would catch them as the Holy Spirit brings them back to your remembrance.
In the intricate design of the Bible, certain principles shine through with unparalleled brilliance. These are the principles surrounding God’s power, presence, and grace. As we delve into these concepts, we’ll explore a touching narrative that parallels the contemporary dilemma of missing the essence of faith, much like the Pharisees did during Jesus’ time.
The Pharisees’ Dilemma: Information vs. True Connection
Imagine a group of individuals deeply knowledgeable about the scriptures yet ironically disconnected from the very presence of God among them. The Pharisees of Jesus’ time is a moving reminder that having a wealth of information is not enough if it remains confined to our minds. Their story represents the trap of intellectualism, where the pursuit of understanding can cloud our ability to perceive the divine presence around us.
Brother Hagin always used to say, “The Word without the Spirit dries up, the Spirit without the Word blows up, but those with the Word and Spirit combined grow up.”
Faith: Beyond Head Knowledge
The central theme of faith emerges as a crucial antidote to the Pharisees’ dilemma. The lesson is clear: faith goes beyond mere intellectual comprehension. It’s not about amassing information but about allowing our hearts to be touched by God’s presence. The journey of faith takes us beyond the realm of data and into the realm of intimate connection with God Himself and His presence.
Labouring to Rest: The Hebrews Connection
In the book of Hebrews, we encounter the intriguing phrase “labour to enter your rest.” This paradoxical statement beckons us to embrace a spiritual discipline that involves actively seeking and yielding to God’s peace. The Pharisees’ struggle highlights the importance of finding that delicate balance between knowledge-seeking and resting in the assurance of God’s presence.
“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:11 NKJV
The Temple of the Holy Spirit
One of the foundational truths that emerge from Scripture is that believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit. This concept underscores the significance of being vessels for God’s presence in the world we live. This includes all spheres, family, Church, work and social. The Pharisees’ oversight is a cautionary tale, reminding us that our connection with God should be a vibrant reality, not just theoretical knowledge.
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”
1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJV
Intimacy: More than Religious Practice
While Churches and leaders can certainly inspire and ignite our spiritual hunger, they are not substitutes for the personal intimacy we can experience with God. The story of the Pharisees underscores the distinction between corporate worship and the profound one-on-one connection with our Heavenly Father. True transformation takes place in the secret place of intimacy.
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 6:6 NKJV
The Call of a Father’s Generation
We live in a generation hungry for a more profound experience of God’s power and presence. However, there is often nervousness when encountering the Holy Spirit’s fullness. The lessons from the Pharisees remind us that when God’s Spirit moves, it can transform us into vessels of His glory. Embracing this transformation requires overcoming fear and embracing a new level of openness to God’s work within us.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Grace: The Key to Faith
In exploring faith, it’s crucial to understand the role of grace. Grace is not merely an unmerited favour; it’s a divine influence that touches our hearts and enables us to trust in God’s promises. The Pharisees’ experience demonstrates that faith is birthed not from striving but from experiencing God’s character through His grace.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
Embracing the Father’s Love
Central to the message of the Gospel is God’s profound love for humanity. Understanding and experiencing this love is pivotal for our faith journey. The Pharisees’ struggle indicates the importance of anchoring our faith in the Father’s love. When we truly grasp and internalise His love, our lives are transformed, and our actions reflect that love.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4:-18-19 NKJV
Shifting Perspectives: A Heart Altar
The contrast between David’s and Jeroboam’s altars illustrates the essence of a heart connected to God. The Pharisees’ story reinforces the significance of cultivating a living altar within our hearts. Such an altar is where God’s life-giving presence dwells, and His power and grace flow into every facet of our lives.
Embracing Obedience and Hunger
The narrative of a man prophesying rain by diligently driving around his land speaks of the interplay between obedience and hunger. The lessons from the Pharisees highlight that our thirst for God’s presence should cause us to seek Him obediently. Obedience and hunger together create an environment where God’s miracles are unlocked in our lives.
Waiting in God’s Presence
Waiting upon the Lord is more than a passive act; it’s an intentional pursuit of His presence. The Pharisees’ story teaches us that waiting on God involves silencing the distractions of our minds and immersing ourselves in His presence. We find clarity, peace, and a deeper connection with the Divine through waiting.
Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalms 27:14 NKJV
Conclusion: The Promise of Miracles
Ultimately, the lessons drawn from the Pharisees’ experience resonate powerfully in our lives today. Their intellectualism, lack of intimacy, and inability to fully embrace God’s grace are warnings and guides for our spiritual journey. By internalising these principles of power, presence, and grace, we are poised to unlock the miraculous potential that God has placed within us. Let us embrace a faith that goes beyond mere information and leads us to intimate encounters with the living God.
May the Lord bless you, keep you and may His face shine upon you. May His presence enthrone your lives always.
Thank you Ps Shaun. A very well presented message. I always love to observe parallels in many instances in our lives today, with the pharasees of the bible times. Even with our modern tools available to us in abundance, we often still get it wrong.
Well done, and keep the messages coming.
God bless.