This week, the Belimbing group delved into the next part of session 2 of The Way of Life, focusing on the second ingredient of power alongside purity. We recognised the vital role these elements play in cultivating a heavenly culture and ushering in God's presence among us.
Genevieve posed a thought-provoking question: why should power not be limited to compassion alone? Was Jesus solely motivated by compassion when performing miracles? Through our shared experiences, we uncovered a profound truth: while compassion may ignite our initial desire to aid our fellow humans, it is when we go beyond this and demonstrate the transformative love of Jesus that true miracles occur.
Do we merely seek to alleviate physical lacks or illnesses, or do we aspire to introduce individuals to the transformative power of Jesus, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17? This sentiment resonates with Bill Johnson’s assertion that every miracle is a testament to Jesus’ resurrection. The motivation for living a life of power lies in our ability to create a culture where we provide a foretaste of the fullness of resurrected life in heaven.
This discussion naturally led us to explore how the power of God is essential for overcoming personal weaknesses and living out the attractive lifestyle of manifesting the Kingdom of God in the midst of the world in which we live. Drawing from our past encounters with God’s goodness and power, we affirmed the truth of Romans 8:11 – that the same Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead resides within us, empowering us to conquer our weaknesses. Genevieve underscored the importance of recognising our identity in Christ, highlighting that our status as beloved children of God emboldens us to live out our Kingdom destinies with confidence.
Before concluding our discussion, we reflected on the importance of not “quenching the Spirit.” Richard and Helen shared an inspiring testimony of overcoming mortal fears of provision, doubt, and insecurity as they obediently followed God’s call to relocate from Singapore to Penang. Stepping out in faith and goodwill, God not only ensured a smooth transition but also provided abundantly, surpassing all expectations. Indeed, God's plans surpass our own, and as we allow the Spirit to flow, His power is made manifest in our lives.
On a broader scale, this week also saw the convening of our Annual General Meeting for the Talent Beacon group. Here, the unmistakable presence of God's power was palpable as we celebrated the group’s achievements in advancing God’s Kingdom within the communities we serve, coupled with the administrative excellence demonstrated by the team. In unity, all resolutions were passed, echoing the sentiment of Ephesians 4:4-6. This passage underscores the truth that within the body of Christ, a unified bond exists, underpinned by the flow of one Spirit. It's not merely about demonstrating power; it's also about cultivating harmony and mutual love among us.
Signing off,
Belimbing
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