Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “The Presence of the Lord”
Our Bible verse for today: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 NIV)
Our thought for today: “Being with Jesus makes all the difference.”
Throughout Scripture we read of how when someone had been in the presence of God, it made all the difference in their lives. In Genesis 26:28 it was said of Abraham, “We have clearly seen how the Lord has been with you” (HCSB). Over and over again we read in the story of Joseph that the Lord was with him and it showed in how he conducted himself even in the worst of circumstances.
In Exodus 34:29 we read of how when Moses had been in the presence of the Lord his face shone to the point that everyone noticed. The prophet Isaiah had an encounter with the Lord which altered the course of his entire life (Isaiah 6:1-13); and Daniel and his three friends were so in-tune with God that they stood head and shoulders above their contemporaries (Daniel 1:15).
Acts 4:13 is just one of the many instances recorded in the New Testament where the presence of the Lord in a believer’s life made a startling and undeniable difference. This should be true of us too. The presence of the Lord in our lives should be obvious and undeniable. This is what Jesus was calling for when in Matthew 5:16 He told us to let our light shine among men.
How does it happen? It is the work of the Holy Spirit in us. It’s not something we can manifest in ourselves through an act of our own will. It’s what Paul was writing about in Galatians 5:16 when he urged us to live by the Spirit. When we do that, it is the fruit of the Spirit which begins to show in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). This is the observable and undeniable proof that we have been with Jesus and that His Spirit lives within us: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Can people see Jesus in you? Is His presence in your life an observable and undeniable reality?
This Sunday at Oak Hill Baptist we will celebrate the reality of the incarnation of our Lord – “Immanuel: God with us”. We would love to have you celebrate with us. Sunday school is at 9:00 and the Christmas Service, beginning with two baptisms, a special presentation from the choir, and a Christmas message, all begin at 10:00. On Christmas Eve we will have a candlelight service beginning at 5:30. The incarnation is a wonderful reality which deserves to be celebrated. Please join us.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 