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A Call to Obedience

By Maky Fernandez

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Maky Fernandez
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-1620-2

Contents

INTRODUCTION................................................xvChapter 1 Obedience In The Holy Spirit......................1Chapter 2 Obedience In Loving God...........................21Chapter 3 Obedience In Marriage.............................47Chapter 4 Obedience In Ministry.............................69Chapter 5 Obedience In Career...............................89Chapter 6 Obedience In Honoring Parents.....................107Chapter 7 Obedience In Raising Children.....................121Chapter 8 Obedience In Finances.............................143REFERENCES..................................................172

Chapter One

Obedience In The Holy Spirit

In ballroom dancing, two individuals—one leader and one follower—move as one. Using well-rehearsed signals and gentle nudges, the leader communicates each step to the follower. When done correctly, the two appear to glide gracefully and effortlessly across the dance floor, in perfect unity. However, the success of the team rests on both individuals performing their roles. The leader must always be aware of his responsibility to set the pace and tone and the follower must wholly depend on the leader to direct each step. When both are in sync, the result is a beautifully executed pattern.

In many ways, obedience to the Holy Spirit is similar to ballroom dancing. When we allow the Holy Spirit to direct the steps of our lives, God's perfectly orchestrated plans will unfold. Our duty is to follow His lead. When we surrender to Him without struggling, resisting, or complaining, God's perfect plan for our lives will be accomplished.

Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit

"Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters" (Genesis 1:2).

The Holy Spirit is God. The Bible teaches that God is One, yet that He exists in three separate and distinct personages. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity—co-existent with God the Father and God the Son. While each is distinct in function, each shares the same deity and each reflects the divine attributes of one Holy God. This truth is a mystery that can be difficult for many to understand. However, there are some simple illustrations that can help us grasp God's infinite and divine triune nature with our finite human minds.

For instance, water can exist in three distinct forms—liquid, solid, or vapor, yet it is still one substance. It is still water. An egg is another example. Compromised of three separate and distinct parts—the shell, the white, and the yoke—yet it is still one egg. Another simplistic illustration is a flashlight. Made of three things—a light bulb, a battery, and a casing—yet you need all three for one flashlight.

Many things in our world exist in triune form. None of these can adequately define the nature of our God completely. He is unique. However, they help us conceptualize the idea that three distinct entities can function as one.

? God the Father is Sovereign. He orchestrates everything and rules over all. The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all. (Psalm 103:19, NASB)

? God the Son is Savior. Jesus died so that we could receive forgiveness of our sins and have eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

? God the Spirit is our Counselor. His role is to testify of Jesus. When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. (John 15:26)

Why Did He Come?

When speaking to His disciples shortly before His death Jesus spoke of what He expected of them. He also told them what was to come, and why He had to leave.

"If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love Him and show myself to Him." (John 14:15-21)

As a man, Jesus was limited by His humanity. However, after His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended upon all who believed in Jesus. Today it is the Holy Spirit, who is present and actively working in the world.

"But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." (John 16:7-8)

The role of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin and lead people to Jesus. He empowers believers to be able to live the Christian life and obey God's will. But it is up to each person whether they are going to yield and willingly follow and obey His leading. He will never force Himself upon anyone who is unwilling to follow Him.

Do You Know Jesus?

When a person makes a decision to believe in Jesus as his or her personal Savior they are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as God's own possession. So a decision for Jesus is essential in the life of every person.

It is amazing how many disregard the gospel and the hope that is available through Jesus. They continue living without him. To display indifference by not making a decisive stance for Jesus is the same as taking a stance against Him.

Have you made a decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Only those who have are saved, have been made right with God, and have His power working within them, in the person of the Holy Spirit.

When a person rejects the leading of the Holy Spirit and refuses to accept the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for sin, they will remain separated from God for all eternity. The Bible speaks of that as the only unpardonable sin. "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matthew 12:32)

Whoever rejects Jesus is rejecting the only hope they have for eternal life. Forgiveness of sin can be found in no other source, so rejection is blasphemy. "But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." (Mark 3:29)

If you have rejected the Holy Spirit's prodding to accept the truth of the gospel, now is the time to turn away from that sin and look to Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life. "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For...