(Is He now too busy rejoicing for a deserved victory, along with

the inhabitants in heaven.)

Main texts: Acts 9:1-19, especially verses 3-6; Hebrews 4:15;
Revelation 6:9-11

Does God with His massive victory over sin, through His Son
Jesus Christ, now live and only part of in an eternal, infinite
heavenly bubble, eagerly and happily awaiting us to join Him?

Yes & No: There is great rejoicing in heaven for every soul that
joins the great Feast of the Lamb (Luke 15:7) and it is ongoing for
eternity but there is also a divine awareness, intercession
(Hebrews 7:25) and empathetic feeling from the top down (from
God and the saints.) (Revelation 6:9-11)

They are not only rejoicing but feel our persecutions down here
(note the Lord’s rebuke of Saul in Acts 9:3-6.)

We who still live and work in this fallen world remain in all aspects
of life deeply entangled with our personal Lord, not from afar or
with an aloofness but with great empathy: “Saul why are you
persecuting me…” This statement is not just an example of
empathetic symbolism or a statement by the Lord as to how He

remembers how it felt when He was persecuted, rather it is a
“now” reality expressed in the present tense. And it applies also to
our present relationship with Christ. He, in His intercession for us
(Hebrews 7:25) “… is touched by the feelings of our infirmities
(KJV)” or my paraphrase of the NIV version: “for we do not have a
high priest who is unable to empathize (actually feel with us) in
our varied pains and struggles, very much part of this fallen world:
He somehow suffers with us (and so does heaven’s saints,
implied in Revelation 6:9-11.)

And He will act in all our situation in His time and manner. The
risen Lord confronted Paul on his way to Damascus to persecute
the Christians but Jesus, feeling their persecution, confronted and
stopped him. This was part of His intercession for His children
and even for their persecutor.

With His powerful revelatory act, He eased the believer’s
persecution by converting the persecutor.

Again, consider Jesus words to “Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me.” Again, this illustrates how God touched when His
children hurt: He somehow hurts with them and replies in His time
and manner.

Jeremiah 29:1-14; 2 Corinthians 9:11; Matthew 6:32-33

Mark 10:28-31 (earthly things gained with possible persecution); 

Galatians 5:22-24 (The fruit or product of Spirit living in and through us); 

Roman 12:2 (The developing of the mind/attitude that Jesus portrayed and Paul’s inner desire expressed in Philippians 3:10, his central driving force in his life and ministry).

These passages highlight the varied aspects of Biblical prosperity, especially clarified in the New Testament. It covers the whole sphere of life’s possibilities in a fallen world; where we are called to be living witnesses, which includes both experiences of resurrection power and sufferings (again not Philippians 3:10).

Jeremiah’s letter to the first of the Jewish exiles to Babylon (597 B.C.) instructed them on how to behave in their current situation of captivity: The message is found in verses 5-9. They were to settle down, accept God’s discipline and experience divine prosperity even in the context of their captivity.

Even in the Old Testament, Romans 8:28 was relevant. They were even expected to pray for the prosperity of their captors (verse 7); of course, the false prophets kept a hacking Jeremiah’s message concerning this (see Jeremiah 29:15-23).

God again rebukes them, tells them there would be many more deportations to Babylon. Therefore, learn to accept prosperity even in your captivity. Also read James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6-7.

This would be a lesson that both Old Testament and New Testament followers had to experience and learn: Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up; Peter adds “in due time” and Galatians 6:9 adds “if you faint not or give up.” Therefore, to prosper in the Lord includes all of the above verses that point to not only physical or earthly prosperity but spiritual prosperity; and developing, by the Spirit in all circumstances, the mind or attitude of Christ. And God’s support, both to the captives in Jeremiah’s time and us, who live and work in this fallen, challenging world, will be given continued support in spite the fact that we remain imperfect saints; again, note Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11-14 (read again).

Some ways God wants to prosper us;

1–Guide us in our praying for His personal purposes for our lives, in all areas of living and witnessing (Romans 8:28); (Mark 10:28-31); (Matthew 6:32-33)

2-Pray especially that we will develop the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) and the mind/attitude of Christ in our dealings with the world: This is our primary goal and prosperity (Matthew 6:33).

3-Pray that you and I will function selflessly in the prosperity of the Body of Christ; and, ask and receive the spiritual gifting chosen for us by the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 4:4-11” “… for the common good”, not for our egos!

4-Consider the fact that in the whole process of prospering in the Lord, our mistakes and the world’s challenges will be covered by the Lord, Romans 8:28 “… for our good.”

Consider the fact that “God is able to do more abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.” So that we prosper in all areas of living and witnessing, considering also Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And His plans for all of us is to prosper us holistically, but more importantly to be more like Christ in the midst of all our captivities.

AMEN

A Sermon expounded from John 17:1-26.

Matthew 6:9-14; Luke 11:2-4; Galatians 4:1-7 and Romans 8:14-17

Our relationship with God our Savior and Lord is illustrated in the N.T. with the deepest, most loving relationship possible in this life: Parent to child. When this relationship is good it provides, world wide, the greatest example of love, joy, but when the parents are bad or evil, it becomes repulsive and shocking to all good parents everywhere. God manifested His love for us by sending His Son to atone for our sins, while we were yet sinners. We become adopted children, precious in His sight. He asks us to refer to Him primarily not as oh Powerful God, but as “Father” (Matthew 6:9) and even “Dad or Daddy” in Luke 11:2 (See also Galatians 4:6, “Abba Father” Romans 8:14-17)

And even when scripture tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; it is referring to awe and respect for our creator parent and sustainer not to be scared of Him. Both renditions of the Lord’s prayer reminds us to develop a respectful intimacy with God our Father and our dad, daddy (“Abba”). The aspects of God, parenthood can be summarized by the following points:

1. Respect “Our Father”
   1. Matthew 6:9-10. Remember the danger of over familiarity especially in relationship to heavenly Father.
   2. Intimacy (love) Father! Luke 11:2
      1. see also Galatians 4:1-7 and Romans 8:14-17; verse 17 “Abba”
   3. Adopted Children; In ancient societies, Roman and Jewish was very important and precious; See Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:14-16
   4. As our Divine Parent He is delighted to provide for us
      1. Note the second part of the Lord’s prayer in both Matthew 6:11-13 and Luke 11:3-4; Note these provisions come after worship and respect for our all powerful and loving parents.
   5. The primary things He wants us to develop;  “the chip off the old block.” Develop HIs character. The fruit of the Spirit, especially, forgiveness (Matthew 6:13-15; Luke 11:4; Galatians 5:22-26)

Read Genesis 17:1-26, especially verse 17; Genesis 18:1-15, especially verses 10-13

When Paul rehearses the theological significance of God’s dealing with Abraham and Sarah’s, he presents a picture of faith, and rightly so, but seemingly without much struggle and no mention of their laughter (See Romans 4:1-25, especially verses 18-25). Not only did Abraham and Sarah laugh at God’s seemingly ridiculous proposal, but they lived an imperfect life, in spite of the fact that all along the way God spoke to them directly. But, there were long times of silence when their lack of understanding and faith manifested in their actions, examples: lying to Pharaoh when they lived in Egypt during a famine about Sarah not being his wife; a similar episode with King Abimilek lying again with Sarah not being his wife (20:1-18); Abraham’’s relationship with Hagar had produced Ishmael, but God insisted that Sarah, not anyone else, would produce the miracle Son of Promise (16:1-16). Abraham and Sarah were not so perfect as Paul describes in Romans 4:18-25, note especially verses 19-20 “... yet he and she did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, what? In the passage in Genesis clearly presents a more realistic human picture of them. The major challenges to their faith was their time waiting and their ages: Abraham was 99(17:24) and Sarah way passed child bearing age (Romans 4:18-19 “...Her womb was dead.”) But from God’s point of view and ability He reiterated that he and Sarah must be the parents. At this he fell face down and laughed, “but to himself” (Sarah was close to 90 years of age!) But, God knew they laughed, see also 18:17, even though they thought they were hiding it from God. But, nothing can be hidden from our God, so better to be honest. And even though they lied, God remained faithful, because He realized that they were only human. But, I don’t think that their laughter was a sin of disrespect but a sort of nervous laughter overwhelmed by the promise!

1. 1. Finally sometimes in certain difficult to believe situations we need divine hope: Paul suggests in Romans 4:18, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…” This idea may be connected to one of Paul’s gifts of the Spirit: the gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9 a special impartation of faith, beyond saving faith, to empower to remain hopeful for the miracle promised to happen. This is what I think Abraham, Paul and others received and although remaining imperfect, God brought these promises to pass.

Re-read Romans 4:18; Hebrews 10:23-25; Philippians 1:6

Ezekiel 1:25-2:1; Revelation 1:9-17

While these types of experiences seem rare, they can occur today, not only to great prophets but those that consider themselves ordinary believers. They are especially crafted by God to produce “Awe”, or what we call the “Fear of the Lord” which is a foundational experience (Proverb 1:7, 9:10) which aids the believer to develop “Compassionate wisdom.” This type of experience usually induced by either theophany or angelic appearance can be shocking to the surprised recipient but it is given to produce awe of God. This experience prepares the believer for a very challenging call and mission. This type of experience can also resolve the subtle evil of becoming “over-familiar” with God: all daddy and no Lord; which may lead to a primarily egocentric relationship, where God becomes an easy broker or a soft touch: Remember that in the Lord’s prayer “your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” come before Give us today our daily bread etc. God has for all of us His will to be done on earth and sometimes it is so challenging that He gives such shocking experiences. It helps produce awe, respect, reverence for God that surpasses the normal human responses like fear because of the difficult call and challenge to their faith. And as in Paul’s life, God given radical manifestation began his ministry and continued throughout his ministry (Acts 9:23:11; 27:23)

Our key passages (Ephesians 1:25-2:1; Revelation 1:9-17) Continue to illustrate the humanly uncomfortable manifestations for God’s prophets’ but what begins as a shock ends with wisdom, confidence in God and His plan.

1. Usually these shocking manifestation of God occur when God’s macro/major plans are revealed: Other examples are easy to locate in Scripture.  
2. Abraham’s call in Genesis 12:3 “Where he fell face down” before God’s revelation.
3. Moses Burning Bush experience in Exodus 3, The whole chapter records Moses shock and human reticence
4. Isaiah’s reaction in Isaiah 6:1-5 especially verse 5, “woe to me!” I am ruined… because eyes have seen the king, the Lord almighty” Remember also Job 42:1-5)
5. Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel, Luke 1:29-30 “... Mary was greatly troubled and confused at the angel’s words’
6. The disciples at Jesus’s transfiguration (Matthew 17:6 “When the disciples heard the voice of the Lord, declaring Jesus as His son, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified!

While these experiences themselves seem to be far from a blessing they all lead to a great respect for God and HIs personal call in their lives, an “Awe” and confidence that He who calls us is able to empower us to get it done (Philippians 1:6) a shock experience that leads to glory.

1. Finally these experiences can be distinguished from an Ananias and Sapphira type of experience. Which illustrates a judgment from God. John the revelator’s “falling at the risen Jesus’s feet”, as though dead that produced great fear” was only a prelude to His call that produced great awe before God: John was “awestruck” before Jesus and His great Revelation. He received an experience while in prison at the island of Patmos, to encourage him to continue to see and write God’s final Revelation. John still had a purpose for the Kingdom & God had not abandoned him, even in prison.

Amen 

Read 1 Samuel 24 (See also a second similar experience in 1 Samuel 26); Romans 12:9-21 (See also Hebrews 10:30-31)

David, pursued by a spiritually declining King Saul, who lost his throne because of disobedience to God (1 Samuel 15) hid with his small band of misfits in the cave of Adullam: In Chapter 26 a similar experience of pursuit is detailed where as in Chapter 24 by divine design Saul was given information as to David’s general whereabouts: “The desert of Enged,” (24:1); yet not an exact location. In chapter 24 it is assured that God in His providence led Saul to David’s exact cave, where he and his men were hiding. Saul entered this cave alone to relive himself. How convenient for David to be alone with Saul undetected in the cave. David was given by God a golden opportunity for revenge against his very real enemy and God’s rebellious king; wouldn’t he be doing himself and God a favor in killing him? And doesn’t he have a biblical right, although he wasn’t an official judge or jury, according to the Torah(e.g. Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20: Deuteronomy 19:21, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, wouldn’t it be justice to enact his personal revenge? The answer according to David’s Inaction (verses 3-7) and the N.T. (Matthew 5:38-48 and Romans 12:9-21, is No! According to the concept of progressive revelation and in the shadow of Jesus' revelation concerning His teachers against personal retribution: it’s not allowed except for self-defense. Only God the creative sustainer and atoner remains the ultimate Judge. This is especially clear in the N.T. but not absent in O.T, for note David’s “stricken conscience,”(24:5) and a God supported reaction of mercy again paralleling N.T. teaching on the topic of judgment (again note Romans 12:9-21). Saul was still King, although a very backslidden royal, was still the anointed of God and David respects that. David even regretted cutting off a small corner of Saul’s robe, to demonstrate what he could have done to Saul. And it seems in Saul’s reaction, what looked like the possible reconciliation between David and Saul; and through Saul’s conciliatory words a possible peace between Him and God. 

But according to 24:16-24 Saul’s words of seeming repentance lasted only a moment and not long lasting as to Saul’s further behaviors in chapter 26 indicate and also 24:25, David was not counting on Saul’s rehabilitation.

Saul’s further spiritual decline is recorded in his consultation with the medium/ witch of Endor, since God was no-longer speaking to him and Samuel was dead, in chapter 28; and his ignominious death, with his sons, even Jonathan, in chapter 31. But, what can we as N.T. believers be reminded of David's inaction?

1. As answer to the question: If God chose David to replace Saul for valid reasons as King, why allow Saul to pursue David? He loves David, chose him and is almighty, could He not put an end to Saul before the pursuit?
   1. Possible answer: David was also being tested by God to learn something about himself: would he continue to trust God in this seeming paradoxical situation? Even Jesus, in His humanity was tested (Matthew 4, Luke 4) tempted and had to learn something about humanity, “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15) James 1:2-4 underlines God’s use of tests to further our growth in developing the mind of Christ.
   2. David as chosen king expressed the correct, divinely approved behavior in regards to Saul. But, David was far from perfect as the rest of his monarchy demonstrates(remember David and Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11; but he proved to be a great repenter not a rationalizer, see Psalm 51.)
2. Since it was God, working behind the scenes that brought Saul to David's doorstep in Chapter 24 & 26, so that David could wax N.T. How can we know when God is orchestrating a personal test to gauge our trust in Him in paradoxical situations? The answer is, as in

Luke 10:38-42 (Verse 42) Matthew 6:32-33; Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (Treasures in Heaven)

This brief text underlines two main points: first, that Jesus looks to both men and women to be dedicated disciples; Second, that in our physical, societal lives our goals and priorities are more easily earthly, the heavenly goals are more difficult and ethereal. This is part of our fallen human nature and it’s focus that’s why the Gospels present such episodes our text where earthly practiced good duties are considered important but we should also include and make room for the spiritual and as difficult as it may be for us fallen humans, Christ’s Kingdom and calling should be prioritized not only by full-time ministers, but for every believer and as I emphasized many times before, God promises to provide needed help( Matthew 6:32-33; Luke 11:3) This brief episode in Mary and Martha’s (Lazarus sisters), lives demonstrates that what can distract us from our expected devotion to Christ, His calling and Kingdom are good, practical earthly things, in this case a cultural expectations for honorable women to prepare a feast for an honored rabbi; what would be wrong with this? But, this text interprets this good thing being done as a distraction(verse 40) in contrast to Mary’s adoration of Jesus “... (sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said(His word)? While Martha was covering all the basis of societal, cultural expectations for such an event Mary seemed to not be doing her part for the honored guest and this bothered Martha. And she demanded that He command Martha to “help me”. Jesus' response to Martha is culturally counter intuitive in that society. Martha Martha… you are worried about many good things but compared to them there are more important things, summarized as only “a few or even one.” Mary has come up short for the expected societal demand, but has chosen what is better and even if the soup prepared gets cold, her taking time to worship Jesus will be accepted. This does not mean that Martha, Mary don’t also have good earthly duties beyond hospitality and even more important societal responsibilities to family, careers, comfort, upward mobility, but these come also because they are not easily detectable distractions as to our calling from Christ. While we strive to not commit clear heinous sins that are obvious to all, there exist other demons behind the so-called respectable actions that take up too much of our time and energies and they then become a distraction to our relationship with God and our service to Him. Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Luke 4) included some good practical earthly suggestions for a fasting, starving Jesus: “Jesus turn the stones to bread, for you are physically hungry, this would be a good thing, even a good thing to do, but Jesus said No! (“It is written, humans and even Jesus, shall not live on bread alone (Luke 4:4).” It would have been a good thing but Jesus taking this road would have led to a distraction from His mission. Other stories of women ministry to Jesus make similar points: first, a sinful woman anoints Jesus feet with tears, even pouring expensive perfume on them in the supper at the Pharisee’s house. Jesus becomes a display of repentance but for the Pharisee, this was a distraction from holiness and proof that Jesus may not be a true prophet. After all and possibly a waste of something very expensive. Second, possibly the same event in Mark 14:3-9 Jesus becomes was rebuked by those present as a waste of a years wages that could have been sold and given to the poor; but to Jesus it was a “beautiful thing she did to prepare for His burial,” as out of worship, their seeming reasonableness in this situation became a distraction. Judas Iscariot was one of the critics who shortly after the betrayal of Jesus (verses 10-11). Third, a similar strong reprisal in Matthew 26:6-13 Jesus' indignant audience spiritually could not see beyond their legalistic no

Luke 18:1-8 (See also Luke 11:5-8)

Ephesians 6:10-13

When we are born from above we begin our training to become a child of heaven, but most of the time He keeps us in this fallen world. He permits us to be opposed in many areas of our lives, even our prayer. We are not only temples of the Holy Spirit, but also retain our fallen nature or flesh. So there exists opposition from within and without in many areas of our lives and Christian walk. This parable as well as the accompanying passages illustrates these difficulties in praying, even if we are filled with the Spirit (Romans 8:26-28). Our main passage illustrates this by addressing an unfair balance of power: The powerless, weak widow (considered the least in a Patriarchal society) and the most powerful, an unjust judge. This judge illustrated here, neither feared God or cared for people, especially a poor, powerless widow. He didn’t even care as to how he was perceived by society(verse 2). And it goes without saying, no lawyer would touch her case. But, the one characteristic this widow had that eventually the judge acquiesced to was her “importunity” or “bold” persistence”: She kept coming and coming with her plea, “grant me justice against my adversary”(verse 3) This stubborn, unjust, uncaring judge for sometime(long time) refused to hear her. Finally gave in for a very self-centered reason (verses 4-5). The NIV version implies that in his eyes she looked unbalanced: This self-centered, unjust, uncaring judge could only think of himself.

The widow depicts, I think, the believer who is engaged in oppositional prayer, who has to persevere in order to finally get justice. But, what gives us hope from this parable and supports it’s main theme or lesson i n Luke 18:1 is that the antagonist and judge is replaced by a supremely caring God and sustaining God(John 3:16) Who is eager to provide all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19) but what He doesn’t do is eliminate all opposition to our prayer existing in this fallen world(Ephesians 6:10-13).

God is characterized in this parable as the total opposite of the unjust judge (note verses 6-8) But because we still pray in a fallen oppositional environment we still have to pray with a similar importunity and even desperation “crying out to HIm day and night” and it seems that “He also keeps putting them off”(Verse 7) but he’s not, although He remains sovereign and He sets the time and manner of His responses to our prayers. Also He permits His children to be opposed by the world (Ephesians 6:100-13) These points require us to show boldness, perseverance and faith.

1)This parable “Especially applicable to the Parousia: The 2nd coming, victory and judgments etc. This will be the greatest event in human history(Verse 8) But the lesson of this parable(See verse 1) can apply to other needs and events in our lives: while opposition will continue in our praying, God promises to provide what we need, in His time and manner but only if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9) It almost seems at times that God is opposing us: Seems opposite to reality for the wordsays (Philippians 4:19), He is our provider and sustainer, but in His time and manner.

2) But while God is the opposite of the unjust judge, He still permits us to  be engaged in this sinful world full of unjust judges and by a similar importunity of the poor widow is needed, by us to face the oppositions from the devil, demons, and our sinful flesh: Ephesians 6. Consider again (Galatians 6:9) “if we faint or give up, because God is committed to meet all our needs and accomplish His goals for our lives, but there remains a straining required of us, against the world, the flesh and the devil. Read Philippians 3:12-14.

3) And most importantly God promises to help us in our praying against these oppositional forces(note Romans 2:26-28; Hebrews 4:4-16)

… He is

Acts. 10:23-48, note especially verses 44-46. [Read in the context of Luke 24:49 & Acts 2:1-4, The Jewish Pentecost].

The Jewish believers in Jerusalem, after the resurrection of Jesus, were admonished to be in quasi hiding which refer to as an “”upper room” (1:4, 2:1).. They were told to not go anywhere until they received “power from on high”” (Luke 24:49) or baptized, immersed, bathed in the Holy Spirit’s power: only then go out in His direction and power(1:4). They were not told when this would happen or that it would happen in 50 days later, at the Jewish feast of Pentecost: note the word “suddenly”(2:1). The Spirit came in His time and manner and in grand fashion(read 2:1-4, The primary sign was “Other tongues”(Verse 4), not also verse 3, “Tongues of fire”. Tongues have to do with communication, Supernatural Communication. It’s not just the words of the gospel preached but the anointing or power of the Spirit behind them even in their praying (1 Corinthians 13:1; 14:1-2).

The time and manner for the Gentiles Spirit Baptism comes a little later in Acts 10 where God uses the Jewish believer, Peter, to reach out to the nations predicted in the Old Testament(Isaiah 49:6). Peter was not very opened minded so God had to give him a vision, or to open his religious mind; That Christ sacrificed is the cleansing, atoning for all people: 10:15 “...Don’t call anything impure that God has made clean “(repeated 3x - he’s a little stubborn). At this point the centurion’s men came to beckon Peter: God thought their devotion to the Jewish God deserved the progressive revelation to them, Peter was doing a pretty comprehensive job(10:23-43), but spoke too long according to the Spirit who was eager to empower the gentiles, so He interrupted Peter - (See verse 43) and similar to Acts 2:1-4, the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on them (verses 44-46)

Notice that their experience was exactly like the Jewish Pentecost. Peter and his circumcised entourage were “astonished” and pleased when they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God just like them (see 2:1-4; also Galatians 3:26-29)

The Spirit is depicted here as being very eager to Baptize them, but He couldn’t wait for Peter to finish his verbal dissertation in the Gospel. Peter was convinced(note verses 47-48) at least for a time:consider the confrontation Paul had with him in Galatians 2:11-21. Peter’s openness seems to have suffered a set-back in Galatia. He and we need to keep growing in our liberality towards those different from us.

  What can we today learn from this powerful story in Acts 10:

1)That God Prepares His people for further experiences in His Holy Spirit: a time of prayer and preparation (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; Peter and all involved had to be prepared.

Peter had to experience divine trance, or vision unrequested by him. He had to experience it; ex. To get him ready and be willing to go preach to the gentiles. Cornelius’s household were devout and clearly open Acts. 10:1-7. More prepared than Peter pre-vision.

II. God expects His people to be obedient even if what He asks of them is challenging. And He is willing to do His part, by His Spirit, to gift them to action: He did this to the early Spirit filled Jewish believers; He did it to Peter by His visions. THe promise of Luke:24:49 and Acts 2 is enacted through the book of Acts and Christian history by the Spirit’s power we also need in our day in His time and manner.

III. God is eager, is His time, to extend His call to the Gentile that He interrupts, even Peter’s eloquent sermon. It’s not only about his or our words, dogmas etc. it’s by His Spirit(read Zechariah 4:4:6… Not by [human] might [only] but by my Spirit, says the Lord.

Read also Acts 1:8

Amen