As we focus on ways in which we can resolve to walk closer with the Lord this month, here is a reminder of the core essence of what it means to be one of God’s people:

IN WORD Paul had already reminded his readers in Corinth of his attitude when he came. He preached words not of human wisdom but of demonstrable power (1 Corinthians 2:4). Why? Because the message of the Kingdom is not a matter of talk. It’s a matter of experience, of change, of the Spirit actually at work in people’s lives. So as he confronts the “all talk” people in this letter, he states this truth again: At its core, the Kingdom life is a powerful one. It is not simply a different lens for looking at the world, a message of encouragement for the discouraged, or theological explanation of atonement. It is all those things, but it’s more. It’s a life fueled by the infinite Spirit flourishing within us. If the gospel of the Kingdom isn’t practical—something we can experience moment by moment—then it isn’t the good news we were looking for. That’s the conclusion many have come to, usually subconsciously. Plenty of Christians have given up on the gospel’s power, accepting it as a belief system but then looking elsewhere for practical help with daily life. But the Spirit of the Kingdom is available for insights, wisdom, miracles, breakthroughs, comfort, direction, and more. We can’t systematize His work or explain exactly when, where, and how He works, but we can emphatically decide that He does. And when we do—when we believe and ask and pursue—He leads us into a quality of life that surpasses whatever we have experienced before.
IN DEED Does that mean constant success and the end of hardships? Of course not. But it does mean we can truly overcome and receive real solutions to the obstacles and problems of life. We can never be content with a faith that consists of nothing more than words; we must relentlessly go after the Spirit’s power wherever and however He offers it. He did not come into this world so we could have great conversations; He came so we could have real life in all its fullness. “The same power that brought Christ back from the dead is operative within those who are Christ’s. The resurrection is an ongoing thing.” – Leon Morris (in “Heaven on Earth Devotional” by Chris Tiegreen)

Many people think that to be a Christian, “believing” (cognitive understanding) is enough. But the biblical understanding of “belief” is not just cognitive assent alone (consider the Pharisees and the epistle of James); it involves submitting to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. You have probably heard of the “chair analogy” where we not only believe that the chair can hold us; real belief is when we are willing to actually sit on the chair and let it hold us. This a good analogy for entrusting us to the Holy Spirit.
As we begin 2022, how are you experiencing the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? The epistle of Ephesians is a great way to start the year in understanding all that you have – and can become – in Christ. All the aspects mentioned in Ephesians 1:1-14 are essential for the Christian life. Take this week to reflect on a chapter each day and ask the Holy Spirit to increase His power in you daily. Have a blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam