Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Evidence of the Spirit
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Evidence of the Spirit
Like many lists Paul creates in his letters, his list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 should not be taken as exhaustive. Rather, they are nine godly characteristics of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. They could also be taken as characteristics of Christ.
It is helpful to note that “fruit” is singular while the list that follows is not. We could substitute the word “evidence” for the word “fruit” in verse 22—“the evidence of the presence of the Spirit is.” And peace is a significant part of the evidence of the Spirit’s presence and empowering. That is, if we are anxious and worried, we are displaying evidence that we are not trusting the Holy Spirit’s leading in our life in that situation. How do we maintain peace in trying circumstances? By following Paul’s teaching in Philippians 4:6-7. Instead of being anxious, commit every concern to God through prayer, with thanksgiving, and receive God’s peace in your heart and mind.
If you are anxious, commit your concerns to God in prayer and trust that His peace will replace your worries.
The Christian should resemble a fruit tree, not a Christmas tree!
John R. W. Stott
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).