ARE YOU AN ONLOOKER OR PARTAKER? (2)
*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*ARE YOU AN ONLOOKER OR*
*PARTAKER?* *(2)*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Acts 11:1-3 *And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.*
*And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,*
*Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.*
*Insight and Highlight*
Onlookers are far from seeing, too far to see and are sad to see the move of God.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
We must look forward to gathering before God with a true heart in order to receive.
Many may remain onlookers while others receive.
Even after the Pentecost, there were *"...of the circumcision..."*who contended with Peter on the conversion of the Gentiles' conversion"*, Acts 11:2.
The failed to see and even when they saw they were sad to see what they saw.
They saw the outpouring but were contentious. They did not believe what they saw.
Peter defended the Gentiles' conversion. He told the astonished people asking who can *....withstand God?..", so *"...they held their peace and glorified God....."*, Acts 11:17b
So, we see another pattern of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Gentiles received the Holy Ghost baptism before water baptism, Acts 10:47.
God chose another form of operation to manifest to a believing group of Gentiles.
We see Jesus who was first baptized, after which the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in Luke 3; 21-22.
*"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.* Acts 10:38
The problem with onlookers and what makes them so is that they believe God is straitjacket. Though we may know His ways we must also know that God is not a prisoner of His Sovereign will. He can choose any way He wishes to do His things.
Do you want to be a partaker? Move along wilth the dictates of God.
Partakers partake with God. God leads them and they follow.
Let Him lead while you follow.
*Remorse corner.*
Onlookers become so, because they have traditional and conventional attitudes:
A straitjacket attitude that hinders and prevents effectiveness and efficiency.
*Call to Word action.*
Think positively and objectively.
Just because it looks right does not make it right before God (Prov 14:12)
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Just because everyone is doing it does not make it right and just because it is the way we used to do it, does not mean we cannot change it, if change is needed. Just be willing and obedient!
*Prayer.*
Isaiah 1:19 *If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:*
Lord, let me in simple obedience be a partaker of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day today.
God bless you.