VATIC Expressions
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
Enjoy this excerpt from:
God's Holy Spirit: Maturing Believers for the Building of His Kingdom
by Tina Augustus
Introduction
There are a number of people who came to faith in Jesus Christ thinking all of their troubles would end. They thought their lives would be free from turmoil, temptation, and trials. So when they are assaulted with opposition, persecution, lies, lack, loneliness, insecurity, or prejudice by “…the thief,” who only comes “…to kill, steal and destroy” (John 10:10 KJV), they often get discouraged.
But the Bible instructs us in 1 Peter 5:8 KJV to, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” He does this by using mind tactics, witchcraft, persuasion, and any other means necessary to prevent Believers from realizing their true identity in Christ Jesus. We are sons and daughters whose lives have been ransomed – paid for by the sacrifice of the Holy One, Christ Jesus.
Often times when Believers fall to temptation, they give up on living for Christ. This is due, in part, to their lack of understanding about God’s Will and His Love for us. Others allow pride to take over. They work hard to cover up their sin through lies. Or, they push the ones whom God placed in their lives away. Once this happens, it’s only a matter of time before they are only drawn to and want to be around people doing the same thing – those whose end is destruction.
But we should take heart because Jesus sent Holy Spirit in His place so that His Father’s work could continue on earth. That work is changing the mindsets of Believers and nonbelievers. Holy Spirit helps them to realize their true identity in Christ Jesus.
Holy Spirit gives us the Power to overcome anything the enemy places in our paths. He is the Power within us to achieve the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the inconceivable, and the incredible. Nothing is impossible with God!
Holy Spirit said to me as He gave instructions for this book:
“Many people do not know who I am nor do they understand the power I possess to liberate and heal souls. Tell them about Me through My Word. Be sure to highlight the role I have played in the lives of mankind throughout time. Write about Me, but only include stories about your life, as it relates to Me. Show how I was and how I am always with you.
Include testimonies from others of how I played a part in their growth and walk with Christ. I want Believers and unbelievers to know how great My Love is. They, too, can be filled with My Spirit – allowing Me to dwell within. With My help, they will learn how to use the Power I promised they would receive.
As you do, people will see just how necessary My participation is in setting captives free. They will yearn to know more about Me, and desire to be closer to Me. In the end, they will become witnesses unto the world. So read, study, seek Me, then write about My wondrous gifts – freely available to all who ask.”
For you who have not made up your mind as to whether or not you want to completely give your life to Christ, this book will demonstrate both how and why you should. It will teach you exactly what being born again, taking up your cross, and following Him entails.
This will be the most liberating decision you could make in your life. This action will determine the pitfalls you will avoid. It is guaranteed to help you mature into the ambassador God is calling you to be for others to follow. Hope can be restored and lives renewed! It can happen with the help of Holy Spirit.
You can have the confirmation of His abiding presence in your life. The evidence will be in the virtues that manifest in your life. They are more commonly known as the Fruit of the Spirit. This great manifestation will produce a willingness in every Believer to assume the responsibility of bringing restoration and reconciliation to those in need.
The Word of God is Powerful. Holy Spirit is Supernatural Power. Treasures of knowledge lie within the pages of the Holy Bible. With that knowledge, Believers are endowed with the power to experience a deeper, fuller, and more meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ, God our Creator, and Holy Spirit.
© 2013 Tina Augustus
Disclaimer: This book excerpt is the work of an author who was not a client of Vatic Publishing® at the time of publication, and the book was not edited by Vatic Publishing® staff. All of the content herein, however, has been edited by an in-house, and the content found throughout the Vatic Publishing® site represents our commitment to excellence in copy editing.