Praying Pint

 

Ephesians 3:17, 19.  May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love… that you may really come to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience.

 

The journey of faith often leads us to seek immediate answers and interventions from God, especially through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The indwelling Holy Spirit is a blessing: empowerment, instruction, conviction, strengthening, courage, and gifts to edify the church and others. Yet, these are not meant to replace the actual experiences of life. Sometimes, believers hope that God will perform miraculous interventions or instantly resolve challenges. However, the role of the Holy Spirit is not to bypass the growth that comes through experience, but rather to guide us into and through these experiences.

It is common to pray for solutions that require no personal involvement or struggle, expecting God to act as a divine problem-solver. But many times, the answer to prayer is not an immediate change in circumstances, but rather a journey through situations that shape character and faith. The Holy Spirit leads believers into these experiences, not as a means of avoidance, but as a pathway to growth.

When prayers are lifted for strength, wisdom, or deliverance, the response from God may come in the form of situations that require steadfastness and endurance. The answer is not always a miraculous, but rather an opportunity to develop the very qualities for which we prayed. As it is often said, “Steadfastness worketh experience.”  Without real experience, the knowledge or gifts we receive remain external; they do not become part of our inner life and character.

God’s answer may not align with our expectations. We may desire an immediate resolution, but God’s purpose is deeper: to make the answer a part of us, woven into our being by living through it. In this way, experience becomes the means by which prayers are truly answered, forming a foundation for lasting spiritual growth and maturing.

Experience, especially in the context of tribulation or difficulty, holds greater value than simply being delivered from trouble. The challenges and trials permitted by God are not arbitrary; they serve to cultivate endurance, wisdom, and maturity. Questions often arise: Why does God allow hardship? Why didn’t He prevent Adam’s fall or stop the world from descending into chaos? The answer, in many cases, lies in the necessity of experience.

Experience provides more than just information—it offers depth, perspective, and credibility. When real-life challenges arise, and the stakes are high, people do not look for theoretical answers; they seek guidance from those who have walked the path themselves. Experience, therefore, becomes the substance and quality of service, enabling believers to genuinely help others and fulfill their purpose in God’s plan.

The work of the God is not to offer shortcuts or shield believers from every difficulty. The Holy Spirit’s guidance leads followers through experiences that form character, deepen faith, and equip them for meaningful service. While divine gifts are invaluable, it is through experience that these gifts become integrated into one’s life, shaping not just what a person knows, but who they are. In the end, experience is not only the answer to many prayers, but also the foundation of a life that is useful and effective in service to God and others. (Sparks)

 

 

Deuteronomy 7:22-23  The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you. But the LORD your God will give them over to you and throw them into great confusion, until they are destroyed.

 

 

The Scripture says, “The LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little.” (Deuteronomy 7:22) This passage reminds us of the steady, patient progress by which God works to bring about victory for His people. In our spiritual walk and service, the triumph over evil is rarely instantaneous. Instead, it is a gradual process, requiring ongoing faith, perseverance, and unwavering commitment.

We are not to expect victory in the Lord Jesus by a single, decisive blow. The forces of evil—whether they be habits, societal wrongs, or personal vices—are deeply entrenched. They do not collapse at the first sign of resistance. In some places and hearts, it may take years of labor and prayer to root out even one vice that has taken hold. This reality calls for patient endurance and a willingness to fight on, even when outward results seem meager.

Our mission in this world is to conquer it for Jesus, not to settle for compromise or seek the approval of the world. We are called to wage an unceasing war against iniquity in all its forms: infidelity, false teachings, drunkenness, impurity, oppression, materialism, and error. There can be no half-measures or truces with evil—every area of darkness will be brought into the light of Christ.

Ultimately, it is the Lord our God who accomplishes this work. He chooses to act through His faithful servants, not for their glory but for His own. The promise is sure: “Jehovah thy God will put out those nations before thee.” Yet, He does so “by little and little,” teaching us valuable lessons in perseverance, deepening our faith, making us alert in prayer, and guarding us against complacency.

It is easy to become discouraged when progress seems slow, but every small victory is evidence of God’s faithfulness. We should thank Him for each step forward, no matter how modest, and continue to pray and labor for greater triumphs. Our journey is not completed until every stronghold is surrendered to Christ. We are not to rest or lay down our spiritual weapons until the whole land—every area of our lives and spheres of influence—is surrendered to Jesus.

Therefore, let courage fill our hearts. Let us move forward, little by little, keep our eyes on the ultimate goal, working diligently until every stronghold is conquered, knowing that many small advances will eventually result in a great and lasting victory. The Lord’s method is deliberate and wise, designed for our growth and His glory. Let us trust Him, persist in doing good, and look forward with hope to the fulfillment of all His promises. (Spurgeon)

 

Matthew 6:13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Proverbs 30:8     Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,

1 Corinthians 10:13     No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Peter 5:8     Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Revelation 2:10     Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 3:10     Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

 

Prayer is a central discipline in the Christian life, guiding not only our spiritual attitudes but also our practical actions. The passage above draws a strong connection between what we seek or avoid in prayer and how we should conduct ourselves in daily life. It emphasizes that our petitions before God must be matched by intentional choices and disciplined living.

Christians are taught to pray earnestly to avoid temptation, but this is not merely a spiritual exercise. The instruction is to be just as vigilant in our actions, deliberately steering clear of situations where we might be vulnerable to moral failure. The metaphor of not “entering the thicket in search of the lion” warns against seeking out or exposing oneself to unnecessary spiritual risks. Even if one emerges victorious from such encounters, the struggle is severe and costly. Thus, prudence dictates that believers should not dare or court temptation, but rather walk carefully in obedience, so as not to provoke spiritual adversaries.

Awareness of temptation’s certainty calls for constant vigilance. The adversary, Satan, is likened to a thief who attacks without warning. Experienced believers recognize that there are certain vulnerable seasons—times of spiritual dryness, fatigue, or complacency—when temptation is more likely to strike. Like preparing for an expected storm, Christians are urged to be “on double guard,” anticipating danger and making necessary preparations. This proactive stance helps avert spiritual harm, reinforcing the principle that “prevention is better than cure.” It is preferable to be so fortified in faith and discipline that temptation is deterred, rather than having to endure the struggle even if victory is achieved.

For a balanced Christian life—one that combines earnest prayer with practical wisdom and disciplined action. We are taught and encouraged to avoid unnecessary spiritual dangers, remain vigilant, and rely on God’s strength for deliverance. In doing so, believers walk in humility and dependence, trusting in God’s faithfulness to sustain them through every trial. (Sparks)

 

Romans 10:17    So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 6:6    We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Romans 6:11-13    So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body; to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

John 3:27  John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.

 

Walking in the Spirit requires a desire and heavenly focus, faith and God-reliance, yielding a thankful heart; while walking in the flesh is nothing more than an earthly desire, self-reliance, and focusing on what this world has to offer.

“Is it the mind of the Father which influences my faith and controls my actions, or is it the order of things around me here? The latter is the world. Faith overcomes the world. The world, in its influence on me, is the rival of God’s Word, and many a one who knows what faith is for the safety of his soul, is nevertheless not safe from the world.” -J.B.S.

“It is imperative that the believer knows his position in grace, because grace is the source of all spiritual supply. A man can take unto himself nothing except it be given him from heaven’ (John 3:27). Everything from beginning to end of the Christian life depends upon a proper faith-apprehension of that which the Father has bestowed upon him with and in His own Son in glory.” -J.C.M.

“Most growing believers rightly maintain that all must come from the risen Lord; but instead of taking their actual position of being dwellers in heaven, and coming from there to earth, they only look up to heaven for help as to their walk on earth; and their faith and labors are always influenced and dictated by the condition and order of things on earth; and instead of seeking the mind of the Lord as learned in heaven, they are occupied with the blessing of man on earth.” -J.B.S.

“Very little abiding growth and fruit can be known by the believer until he accepts the fact of identification (Rom. 6:6), and to it responds by an attitude of faith (Rom. 6:11), thus yielding himself to the Holy Spirit for the life of the Lord Jesus to be manifested in and through him (Rom. 6:13).” -G.W. (Compiled by Mile Stanford)

 

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. –2 Corinthians 12:12

Imagine if I stood at the pulpit one Sunday and said, “For two thousand years, Christianity has taught that the way to be forgiven of your sins is to trust in Jesus as your Savior. But I declare that God has initiated a new way of salvation. No longer do you need to trust in Jesus Christ; instead, if you come to the altar, stand on your head, and say ‘mumbo jumbo’ ten times, you will be saved.” How would the congregation know whether I was telling the truth? All they would have to do is turn to the New Testament, and they would realize I was preaching nonsense.   But what if there were no New Testament? What if there were no written authority that told us how to be saved?   In essence, that’s what the apostles faced in the early days of the church. They were telling their Jewish audience, “For fourteen hundred years, our forefathers have said the way to be in a right relationship with God is to offer the right sacrifices, observe all the festivals, and keep the dietary restrictions. But we’re here to tell you that the old covenant is null and void. God has initiated a new way of salvation, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ.”   How would the audience know whether the apostles really were speaking for God? There was no New Testament yet. The only way to judge the authenticity of an apostle and his message was by his ability to perform signs and wonders. Hebrews 2:3–4 says, “After [salvation] was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit.”   That was the purpose of healing in the New Testament: to point to the message of the healer and affirm that their message came from God. In fact, healing became rarer as the doctrines of the church became more established. Outside of James, one of the earliest books in the New Testament, there is no instruction about healing in the church. Healing became rarer as the church progressed because its purpose was greater than the physical act of healing.  (Jeffress)

 

Matthew 28:19-20    Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Colossians 3:16    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

1 Peter 2:9-10   But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Ephesians 2:19-22    So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:11    Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Hebrews 10:25    Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Acts 2:42    And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Ephesians 3:10   So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

James 5:14    Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 16:18    And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Ephesians 4:11-12    And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

1 Peter 2:4-5    As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9   But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

What is the Church’s True Purpose and Identity

The foundation of the Christian life does not rest on collective efforts or institutional structures, but begins with the individual. No matter how dedicated or unified a church may be, its pooled efforts alone cannot transform a lost person into a Christian. This transformation occurs only when an individual has a saving encounter with God—a personal moment where faith is awakened and new spiritual life is born. It is this direct, intimate relationship with God that marks the true beginning of a Christian journey.

Once an individual becomes a Christian, the local church provides the ideal environment for spiritual growth. The church serves as a nurturing community where believers can develop their faith to its fullest potential. Within this communion, Christians find support, encouragement, and accountability, fostering both personal and collective spiritual maturity. The church also offers a platform where individuals can exercise their God-given gifts and talents, contributing to the well-being of others and the mission of the church. This mutual participation not only strengthens the church as a whole but also enriches each member’s spiritual life.

Over time, the word “church” has taken on various meanings that stray from its original significance. For the true Christian, the meaning of “church” was established by Jesus Christ and His apostles, and this definition remains authoritative and unchanged. The church is not merely a building, a denomination, or a social organization. Instead, it is the living Body of Christ, the Bride of the Lamb, and the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit indwelling each individual. The church stands as the pillar and foundation of truth, entrusted with upholding and proclaiming the message of Christ to the world.

On a broader scale, the universal Church encompasses all true believers, forming the Body of Christ. This spiritual body transcends geographical and denominational boundaries, uniting Christians in a shared identity and purpose. The Church is described in Scripture as the Bride of the Lamb, signifying its intimate relationship with Christ, and as the habitation of God through the Spirit, highlighting its role as the dwelling place of the divine presence. The church is also called “the pillar and ground of the Truth,” emphasizing its responsibility to uphold and spread God’s truth in a world often clouded by confusion and error.

Without question, the Church of God, purchased with Christ’s own blood, is the most important body on earth. It is through the church (each saved person)  that God’s purposes are carried out, His truth is proclaimed, and His love is demonstrated. The church remains central to God’s plan for humanity, serving both as a spiritual family for believers and as a beacon of hope for the world. Recognizing and embracing the true meaning and mission of the church empowers Christians to live out their faith authentically and to participate fully in God’s ongoing work. (Tozer)

 

Colossians 1:13       “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

God the Father carried the love. He is the God no one has seen. But invisibility is not absence. It is transcendence — the declaration that he cannot be contained in any image or form created by human hands. A god small enough to fit inside a human-made frame is already smaller than the frame. The love this unseen God carried flowed toward the world through the Son he sent.

God the Son lived that love out in a body. John wrote it plainly: “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1) — the Logos, λόγος, who existed before creation put on human flesh and stepped into our world. Why? So that the invisible God could be seen. So that the voice we could not hear could be heard. So that the hand we could not touch could reach us. And in the end, when we had nothing to offer, he died for us on a cross. This is how love was made complete — not in words, but in a body. Not in declaration, but in wounds.

God the Spirit makes that love alive in us right now. After Jesus ascended, think of the fear the disciples must have felt — left behind, uncertain, exposed. Then came this promise: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). The reason a story from two thousand years ago in Palestine becomes my story today is that the Holy Spirit is at work in my heart at this very moment. When we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26).

In many religions, the divine stays at a distance. The human being must prove themselves worthy before drawing near. But the Triune God moved in the opposite direction. The Father loved us while we were still his enemies. The Son came when we had earned nothing. The Spirit meets us in our weakness and groans alongside us.

This is what grace means. Love poured out on those who don’t deserve it — love that moves toward us, not away.

Without the Father, there is no source of love. Without the Son, there is no proof of love. Without the Spirit, love never reaches us where we actually live. Remove any one, and love is left unfinished.   (Bibal Portal)

 

 

Colossians 1:13       “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

The Trinity is not a theological puzzle. It is the most complete picture of how God loves us.

Think about the people who first received this letter from Paul in Colossae. They lived surrounded by gods of every kind. Gods who kept their distance. Gods who demanded to be appeased and feared. But Paul speaks of a completely different God — one who reached out first, pulling humanity out of darkness.

The word “delivered” carries the weight of someone physically pulling another out of danger. We did not negotiate our way out. We did not escape on our own. Someone came in for us first.

That someone — and the structure of how he came — is what we call the Trinity. (Bible Portal)

 

 

Hebrews 3:12  Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.

Hebrews 11:6  And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:22   let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:39  But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

 

According to the Bible, humanity finds itself alienated from God due to a fundamental lack of trust and confidence in Him. This alienation is not simply a matter of harsh words or open hostility—it is an underlying condition that stems from unbelief and a broken relationship. The comparison to a friendship illustrates this vividly: if your closest friend were to declare that they no longer trust you, the foundation of your relationship would be shattered. Trust is essential for any meaningful connection, and without it, reconciliation is impossible.

The Bible teaches that, whether or not people openly profess their distrust in God, their actions often reveal a persistent unbelief. This is not always articulated in words, but it is demonstrated in the way people live and the choices they make. The consistency of this unbelief, the Bible says, is more convincing than words and underscores the depth of humanity’s separation from God.

People rarely stand before God and boldly declare their lack of confidence in Him. Instead, they live out their skepticism and doubt through daily actions. This alienation is universal, affecting individuals regardless of outward religious expression or moral behavior. The lack of trust in God destroys the possibility of true communion, just as distrust ruins human relationships.

Jesus Christ offers a way to bridge the gap between God and humanity. The process of restoration begins with faith: “He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” This means that reconciliation requires a reversal of the attitude that caused the alienation— repent, confess, and turn to trust, with confidence, by faith, in the character of God.

The remarkable message of the Gospel is that God Himself has taken responsibility for the wrong, making it possible for those who have been alienated to be saved and restored. Through Jesus Christ, God absorbs the consequences of a person’s unbelief, offering forgiveness and a renewed relationship. This act of grace is at the heart of the Christian faith and provides the foundation for reconciliation and communion with God.

The biblical account of alienation from God may sound harsh or extreme, but it reflects the serious consequences of broken trust in any relationship. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not leave humanity in this state of separation; it provides a clear path back to God through faith, repentance, trust, reliance, and the belief of His all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, being, abounding in grace, love, and mercy. By restoring trust and confidence in God, individuals can experience renewed communion and the profound rewards that come from seeking Him diligently. (Tozer)

 

Ephesians 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Ephesians 1:11  In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

 

The mystery of how human will interacts with divine sovereignty has long intrigued theologians, philosophers, and believers. The following reflections, drawn from the provided quotations, offer profound insight into the nature of God’s grace, human freedom, and the subtle interplay between the two. They invite us to consider how our will, when surrendered to God, aligns with His eternal purposes, all while preserving the dignity and reality of our personal choice.

Harmony Between Divine Will and Human Choice

The opening reflection sets the tone: “By His grace and mercy, our will becomes the Father’s will when we choose the Saviour. May it ever continue!” This statement encapsulates the transformative power of divine grace, suggesting that through our decision to embrace Christ, our intentions and desires are gently woven into the fabric of God’s overarching will. It is not by compulsion, but by a gracious invitation, that our hearts are drawn into alignment with the Father’s purposes.

The Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty

K.G.’s analogy of the master musician is both elegant and illuminating: “As the master musician knows exactly how the symphonic rendition will sound before its notes vibrate upon the air… so God knows precisely what will occur and keeps it under control, though enacted by independent moral agencies.” Here, God’s foreknowledge is compared to an artist’s anticipation of a masterpiece. Just as a composer foresees every nuance of a performance, God fully understands the outcomes of our choices, even though they are made freely. The “inner circle of freedom” is surrounded by the “outer circle of sovereignty,” signifying that our liberty exists within the secure boundaries of God’s omniscient plan.

The Method of Divine Influence

L.S.C. observes, “The will of man is guided by what he knows and what he desires. The divine method of reaching the will is by graciously increasing man’s knowledge and by stimulating his desires, while on the divine side of this method there remains not the shadow of possible failure.” This perspective highlights that God’s approach is neither forceful nor manipulative. Instead, He enlightens our minds and inspires our hearts, ensuring that our choices remain authentic and voluntary. The certainty of God’s purpose is matched by our genuine experience of making decisions, especially the pivotal choice to receive His grace in Christ.

Infinite Love and Wisdom in Election

K.G. further elaborates, “God’s elective purposes are carried out in such an incomprehensible way through the internal and external influences of infinite love and wisdom that man is at no time conscious of any external compulsion, but only of choices and decisions in the exercise of his own free will.” The process by which God fulfills His purposes is marked by subtlety and compassion. We are never forced, but rather drawn by love and wisdom to make decisions that, in retrospect, reveal the handiwork of divine election. Knowledge of God’s sovereign achievements arrives later, often through reflection on His Word, and deepens our appreciation for the freedom we have experienced.

Conclusion

These reflections invite us to trust that our freedom is not diminished by God’s sovereignty, but rather safeguarded and fulfilled within it. The relationship between divine control and human choice is not adversarial, but harmonious—like the interplay of notes in a symphony. As we respond to God’s grace, our will finds its true purpose in the Father’s will, and our choices become part of a larger, beautiful design that only He fully comprehends. May our journey ever continue in this grace, choosing the Savior and growing in the knowledge and desire that God graciously provides. (Stanford)