Holy Spirit: the Seal, the Pledge and the Witness

(The following article is adapted from the preaching of Rev Bobby Chaw at City Harvest Church on 2 November 2019.)

Even though Jesus Christ has ascended to heaven, we are not left as orphans for the Holy Spirit is with us.

As Jesus has said in John 14:15-18 (NKJV), “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:15-18 NKJV).

Let the Presence of the Holy Spirit encourages you to keep thanking, praising and worshipping God while believing for the substance, breakthroughs and miracles that you have been praying for. 

Knowing and reminding yourself constantly about the significance of the Holy Spirit in His roles as the Seal, the Pledge and the Witness will certainly go the distance to strengthen your walk of faith in God.  

1) The Seal 

"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise," (Ephesians 1:13 NKJV). 

The seal speaks of security in having the full backing of God as our Mighty Fortress, Deliverer and Avenger. 

For example, we can take heart of God's authority and protection like Psalm 91:1-2, 9-11 (NKJV), "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;my God, in Him I will trust.”....Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." 

The seal also signifies ownership; it is like the imprint of a signet ring. As Jesus our Good Shepherd has said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand" (John 10:27-29 NKJV).

2) The Pledge
 

The Holy Spirit is the guarantee or "the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:14 NRSV). 

A pledge encompasses a downpayment, an obligation to complete and a sample of what is to come. Our God is faithful and keeps His promises as He watches over His Words to perform it. 

"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 1:20-22 NKJV). 

We can look forward to a new and glorious body with the Holy Spirit as our pledge. "For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 5:1-5 NKJV).

3) The Witness 

The Holy Spirit is our witness concerning the things of God. He establishes certainty (truths), gives guidance, helps us to pray and provides assurance.

"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” It is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God," (Romans 8:15-16 NRSV). 

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you" (John 14:26 NRSV). 

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words" (Romans 8:26 NRSV). 

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14 NKJV). 

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2 NKJV). 

Today, the Holy Spirit is still witnessing to us. 

Selected Worship Songs

For your edification, you may wish to watch the following YouTube clips of worship songs:-

Kari Jobe - Forever


Francesca Battistelli - Holy Spirit (Official Video) 


NewsBoys - We Believe (Official Music Video) 

Walk On by Kong Hee

(Source: City Harvest Church news bulletin, September 27 - 28, 2014)

The Christian experience is often known in the New Testament as a “walk”. After we are saved and birthed into the kingdom of God, God expects us not to remain where we are, but to take action and walk progressively into the vision and destiny He has called us.

When Solomon was a teenager, his father David instructed him to walk in the ways of the Lord God … that he may prosper and have success (1 Kings 2:3). Later on, the Lord God Himself told Solomon that if he would walk in His ways as his father David did, God would lengthen Solomon’s days (1 Kings 3:14). When the time came for Solomon to construct the temple, the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying that if he would walk in His statutes, execute His judgment, keep all His commandments and walk in them … the Lord will dwell among the Israelites and will not forsake them (1 Kings 6:11-13).

From Solomon’s life, we can learn that a successful life is not just found in our position (as kings and priests unto God), but in our disposition, which is our walk. 

In the Old Testament, a priest had to walk out of his tent, enter the Outer Court, then into the Holy Place, and finally into the Holy of Holies, where the very Presence of God dwelled. Similarly, the New Testament gives us four instructions concerning our Christian walk, guiding us into the Presence and Power of God.


1. Walk In The Spirit, Not In The Flesh

Galatians 5:19-21 describes the flesh as sinful physical desires, wrong beliefs, negative emotions and carnal excesses. How can we as believers keep ourselves from walking in the flesh? A few verses earlier give us the answer …

Galatians 5:16 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

The Holy Spirit does not control us. He simply stands alongside us while we do the navigating through life. He leads us and guides us by bearing witness in our spirit.


2. Walk In Faith, Not In Fear

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. In fact, we still need faith even when we get to heaven. How do we obtain faith? By hearing the Word of God; if the Word of God says it, that settles it!

The opposite of faith is unbelief, which brings about fear. Interestingly, in the Bible, the number of times it is recorded that God says, “Fear not!” is 365 times! That means, we must have faith and be unafraid every single day – by standing on the promises of God’s Word.

3. Walk In Love, Not In Lust

Faith and love go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other. Galatians 5:6 says that faith can only work through love. That is to say that love keeps our faith working in the right direction, for the right purpose. 1 John 4:18 tells us that perfect love casts out all fear. One touch of God’s love and all our fear, anger and bitterness melt away. Friends, walk in love, because our God is love (1 John 4:*).

4. Walk In Light, Not In Darkness

As God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5), so must we endeavor to abandon every dark thought and every practice of darkness – especially when it comes to our relationship with others.

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

In the Bible, we read of men who have walked with God.

Revelation 3:4 “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”

Abraham walked with God in the path of faith.

Moses walked with God in the path of obedience.

David walked with God in the path of worship.

Elijah walked with God in the path of prayer.


Just like these heroes of faith, let us also continually walk on with Jesus as we serve faithfully in the different ministries in church; as we serve in our workplace and our schools; and as served in our home and our community. Church, let’s walk on with God in Spirit, faith, love and light!



Preaching the gospel of Christ in a way that’s both progressive and heartfelt, Dr. Kong Hee is a highly sought-after conference speaker worldwide, and his messages minister to millions of people around the world who are inspired to become true ambassadors for Christ wherever God has placed them. Kong is also the founder and senior pastor of City Harvest Church – a thriving, contemporary congregation in the heart of Singapore. His international TV program, Alive! With Kong, encourages millions around the world each week. For more information on Kong’s ministry and materials, please visit konghee.com.

What Can We Offer to God?

There are a good many things we can offer to God from whom all blessings flow. Everything we possess comes from Him; the earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof.

We can offer to God our tithes, offerings, time, talent and so forth for the advancement of His kingdom. All of these would constitute part of offering our body as a living sacrifice unto Him out of love translated into willing obedience. Additionally, we can offer sacrifices which are direct and personal to God Himself.

Today, the Holy Spirit beckons me to meditate on Psalms 50:14-15 (NKJV):-

"Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble;I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."

Yes, we can offer to God thanksgiving. Nobody is perfect, unless, of course, if your name is "Nobody". Let us, therefore, set a guard over our tongue and be mindful to give thanks to God habitually. 

When, where and what do we give thanks to God? 

"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)"

Why do we give thanks to God? 

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV)" "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8 (NKJV)"

Just as important as thanksgiving would be the keeping of our promises to God -- rendering unto Him what is due lest we be guilty of honouring Him only with our lips.

Then, when we call upon him in the day of great distraught and He will come to our rescue. The day of trouble speaks of a particular momentous day. It could be our Waterloo where the odds are turning against us. Alternatively, it could be the day when we face our Goliath. 

When God delivers us and saves the day for us, we shall proclaim His goodness and mercies all the more!

Thus, we do well to give Him thanks (and praise), pay our vows and call upon Him. At the very least, we could offer to God the sacrifices of praise and thanks. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. Psalms 50:23 (KJV)"

To wrap up our reflection for today, the following take on Psalms 50:7-15 from The Message is as follows for your edification:-

“Are you listening, dear people? I’m getting ready to speak;

    Israel, I’m about ready to bring you to trial.

This is God, your God,

    speaking to you.

I don’t find fault with your acts of worship,

    the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.

But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull,

    or more and more goats from your herds?

Every creature in the forest is mine,

    the wild animals on all the mountains.

I know every mountain bird by name;

    the scampering field mice are my friends.

If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you?

    All creation and its bounty are mine.

Do you think I feast on venison?

    or drink draughts of goats’ blood?

Spread for me a banquet of praise,

    serve High God a feast of kept promises,

And call for help when you’re in trouble—

    I’ll help you, and you’ll honor me.” 

Faith has a voice

Recently, the Holy Spirit spurred me to have a made-up mind to believe the Word of God before I even start to pray. What's the point of praying when there is unbelief? As a matter of fact, when we demonstrate unbelief it is akin to calling God a liar. Yes, it's that bad.

It's time for us to humble ourselves before God and take Him at His Word; God is not a man that He should lie. And, it's time for us to restore the fear of the LORD even in the House of the LORD. Let God be God, and mortals be mortals -- saved only by the Grace of God.

When God has said it and it is settled in my heart that His truth will prevail, I can pray believing that God hear and answer prayers if I pray according to His will and do not ask amiss of what's His best for me.

As I pray believing, I am reminded further by the Holy Spirit to pray audibly for my own hearing. While there is a time and place for contemplative praying, I find that praying aloud even during my own Quiet Time yield tremendous effect in the invisible or spirit realm. Our Words are powerful according to the Scripture!

When we speak the Word of God appropriately in our specific prayers, by having regard to the full counsel of God's Word, it is just as God is speaking His Words for accomplishment. For example, instead of just praying for me, myself and I, I could try praying along the line of being blessed in my career so that I could be a blessing to my family, employer, relatives, community and the Kingdom of God.

We can learn much from Solomon's prayer at Gibeon. As outlined by Pastor Jim Cymbala in his book "Breakthrough Prayers":

1. Solomon approached God first with thanks and praise (1 Kings 3:7a);

2. Solomon prayed with great humility (1 Kings 3:7b);

3. Solomon defined himself as God's servant, ready to do His will; and

4. Solomon asked for a blessing that would bless God's people.

Mind you, King Solomon did not just think his prayer but said it out. When Hannah was praying for her breakthrough to conceive a child even though her voice was not heard, her lips moved! (1 Samuel 1:13) Also, hadn't Jesus said to speak to our mountains rather than think away our problems?

As we bless others or cast all our cares upon Jesus through prayers, let's demonstrate faith by moving our lips or making our prayers audible to ourselves, i.e., the ears of our inner man. 

Faith a voice. Let God hear our voice!

  

Our Response to the Voice of God

On 28 December 2012 morning, while commuting to work, the following Bible verse from Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV) popped up on my mobile phone:-

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.

Having read and reflected on it, I left it at that and immersed myself with activities for the day. After work, I would take the train and alight at an interchange station and changeover to another train for my final stop. That evening though at the interchange, I had a clear and deep impression to board the next train towards its centre segment although I would usually get in at the front segment to my right.

I felt good and at peace to follow the prompting although I do not understand what this could mean. No big deal, I thought to myself. If that's what the Holy Spirit is directing, then that's what I need to do. Well, from the little experiences that I had had before on other circumstances, I have found that God already know in advance that which has not unfolded in the realm of time.

It was a humdrum ride and I alighted coolly at my final stop. As I proceeded to the exit, lo and behold, I saw one of my cell group member, Charles Cheong, seated on a bench waiting for the train which will be coming on the adjacent platform and heading to the opposite direction. Man, was I glad to bump into him. I felt like I had not seen him for the longest time (we were together in cell group meeting two Fridays ago). We talked and fellowshipped for a while before I went on my way.

Then, I knew what God was setting me up for. This is but a small glimpse of divine connection. It's like what Pastor Steven Furtick says in his book "Greater" that while we dream big dreams, we start smaller -- a whole lot smaller. In this connection, he also recalled that the German-born evangelist Reinhard Bonke had preached before that "Peter didn't actually walk on the water. He went walking on the word. He stepped out onto c-o-m-e." (page 45, Greater, by Steven Furtick).

Dear friends, the issue for us today is not whether God is still speaking. The truth is God is always speaking to us. Consider, Hebrews 1:1~2 (NIV):-

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe

As we spend time with God and study His word, we will hear His Voice. Get hold of Bible study resources in print or on the internet (e.g., www.biblegateway.com), and let the Holy Spirit teach us: What does the Word say?; What does it mean?; and How does it apply to me?.

Truly and verily, Jesus says to us in John 10:27 (NKJV) and Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) as follows, respectively,:-

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

God loves us and knows everything about us-- our hope, aspirations, dreams, shortcomings, shame, and what-nots. But, hey, God is speaking to us through Jesus today. And, eventhough, Jesus has ascended to heaven and seated at God's right hand, He has not left us as orphans by sending the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us in the way that we ought to proceed for His glory.

The crux of the matter is: What is our response to the voice of God? Will we come to Him when He says, "Come!" Will we go to all the worlds, when He says, "Go!"

There is no other way to be happy IN JESUS, but to Trust & Obey. After all, Almighty God Himself has this to say concerning His only begotten Son:-

Matthew 17:5 (NKJV)
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”

Mark 9:7 (NKJV)
And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

Luke 9:35 (NKJV)
And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

As we raise our flutes to greet the New Year 2013, let's toast it with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- Who is THE SUPREMO WHO'S WHO of our life.