Second Blessing? Third-Fourth?

Why We Don’t Need a Second-Blessing Theology (But We Do Need a Third- and Fouth- and Fifth-)

D.A. Carson:

In short, I see biblical support for the thesis that although all true believers have received the Holy Spirit and have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, nevertheless the Holy Spirit is not necessarily poured out on each individual Christian in precisely equivalent quantities (if I may use the language of quantity inherent in the metaphor of “filling”). How else can we explain the peculiar unction that characterizes the service of some relatively unprepossessing ministers?
Although I find no biblical support for a second-blessing theology, I do find support for a second-, third-, fourth-, or fifth-blessing theology.
Although I find no charisma biblically established as the criterion of a second enduement of the Spirit, I do find that there are degrees of unction, blessing, service, and holy joy, along with some more currently celebrated gifts, associated with those whose hearts have been specially touched by the sovereign God.
Although I think it extremely dangerous to pursue a second blessing attested by tongues, I think it no less dangerous not to pant after God at all, and to be satisfied with a merely creedal Christianity that is kosher but complacent, orthodox but ossified, sound but soundly asleep. (Showing the Spirit, 160).

Ambassadors for Christ by Paul David Tripp

Ambassadors for Christ (Part 1)

?Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.? (2 Corinthians 5:20)

I love the Apostle Paul?s word choice here - ambassador.

The job of an ambassador is to represent someone or something. Everything he does and says must intentionally represent a leader who isn?t physically present. His calling isn?t limited to forty hours a week, to certain state events, or to times of international crisis. He?s always the king?s representative.

In other words, the work of an ambassador is incarnational. His actions, character, and words embody the king who isn?t present. In the same way, Paul says that God has called us all to function as His ambassadors. Everything we say and do has import because of the King we represent.

This isn?t a part-time calling. It?s a lifestyle. We represent God?s purposes to the people He places in our lives. The primary issue is, ?How can I best represent the King in this place, with this particular person?? This is much broader than a commitment to formal ministry occupying a portion of our schedule.

When we, as ambassadors, assume our responsibilities, our lives cease to be our own. We need to acknowledge that our lives belong to the King. Our lives don?t belong to us for our own fulfillment anymore.

Can you see where we get ourselves into trouble? Often we don?t really want to live as ambassadors. We want to live for ourselves. But I?ll discuss that next week. For now, here are the reflection questions. They are designed for personal study and small groups.

• Think of specific relationships where God is calling you to be an ambassador. How can you represent the King?
• In what ways may you be limiting your calling as ambassador to only formal ministry?
• When do you find it easiest to "retire" from your work of ambassador?

God bless

Paul David Tripp

"Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life"

Sunday Sermon - Sept. 16, 2012

Yesterday (September 16, 2012) I continued through the book of Romans being in Romans 13:1-2 preaching "The Providence of God."  This message deals with how God is in control of every government and ruler and how the church is to relate to government.  Here is the audio:

Nine Reasons to Praise God from Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Are you taking time to praise God? Here are nine reasons why we should develop a lifestyle of praise:

1. God loves praise and is looking for worshipers.
2. Praise is the primary occupation of heaven. We’ll do it for eternity.
3. God commands us to praise Him.
4. He deserves our worship and praise.
5. We were created to bring Him pleasure and praise Him.
6. Praise takes us into His presence.
7. Praise is a cure for spiritual dryness.
8. It defeats Satan.
9. Praise sets us free from spiritual bondage.

Sunday's Sermon (9-9-12) Audio and Notes

Yesterday, September 9, 2012, I continued the series through Romans 12 with "How to Deal with Your Enemies" from Romans 12: 14-21.  Here are the notes from the message and below is the audio: