The great commission is given and the Holy Spirit empowers the church for service. God personally teaches and instructs His flock by speaking to their hearts. The meek and mild boldly perform miraculous healing and carry the gospel to foreign lands.
God's Word presented in song and verse.
in those quiet times spent alone with Him and in His Word. After nine years composing, arranging and recording... The Alpha & Omega Suite was finished at the end of 2008 and is ready for distribution in 2009! The Suite consists of thirty five parts which span two hours and forty minutes. This inspired music praises God and His Word; introduces His laws; His doctrines; His decrees; His covenants; and His grace to those who may never be exposed to His written Word otherwise. No glory, honor, or prestige is given to this earthly vessel, only to the One Who deserves it and is worthy of it!
Story behind the song
Upon the premiere of Jesus' ministry, the Holy Spirit came upon Him with a power and strength never seen before or since. Everything Jesus said or did was miraculously empowered; verified; and approved by the Holy Spirit. The result was that He had a ministry full of incredible miracles, teachings, revelations and authority which represented God the Father with 100% accuracy! Mankind was shaken; hearts were changed; societies, cultures and individuals have been in a state of continual renewal and upheaval ever since.
Jesus knew His earthly ministry would only last but a few years and after His ascension. His followers would need special help in overcoming the pull of the world and the trials which would certainly come. He didn't desire for us to be abandoned, relying on our own strength and efforts, so He sent a special means for empowerment and guidance. He gave the same source of power which He had relied upon... the comforting; counseling; guiding; teaching; enabling; doctoring; and powerful Holy Spirit! This spirit would testify to Christ and enable the church to fulfill the commission and ministry of sharing the gospel to the entire world.
When we repent and turn away from sin, accept Jesus' gift of salvation and receive eternal life, we become part of God's spiritual family and are indwelled with His Holy Spirit. This filling of the Spirit is a unique characteristic of the church of Jesus and is a distinct 'stamp of approval' bestowed by the one true God. No other religion or spiritual experience has the working of the Holy Spirit in their midst... He is guaranteed only to those who love and follow Christ! Skeptics might deny His existence and pagan religions might rely upon spiritual strength from other sources but God's Spirit alone admonishes believers that Jesus is who He said He is. And He said He is the truth; He is the way; He is the light to the world; He gives 'living water'; and He provides the only true pathway to God and to heaven! These are all strong claims but each have been substantiated and verified by the power of the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is also able to 'turbo charge' a person's spirit, enabling him to achieve and go far beyond what his own capabilities might allow. This empowering can take on many forms in the individual, such as: the performing of miracles; discernment of truth or falsehood; awareness of personal wrongdoing; proclamation of God's truths; prophesying of things to come; boldness; humbleness; compassion; peace; calmness; and many other signs which bring glory to God. Some of the Holy Spirit's empowerment is for the benefit of the believer but normally it is so that person can be a benefit and help to other people. When studying the many miracles which Jesus performed, not a single one was for His own benefit... every miracle happened for the help of someone else! The Holy Spirit's miracles happen so God might be glorified by working through His disciples in helping someone in need.
This spirit-based communication is what has provided the inspiration and means for the revealed written Word of God. The whisper of the Holy Spirit to man's subconscience spirit is referred to as "spirit breathed", meaning that skripture is written by the pen of man but quietly dictated and revealed by God's Spirit. His Spirit has given the Bible's revealed truths to the hearts of various people; covering many centuries; with a message which transcends time, culture and social standing. It is miraculously universal such as no other writings have ever been! It is uniquely the Word of God indeed!
"Counselor Of Comfort" is a tribute to the Holy Spirit and His part in enabling the saints for sharing the gospel. The song's title is a reference to two of His traits... both Counselor and Comforter. The lyrics also refer to other intimate titles and characteristics of the Holy Spirit and give thanks to Him for the many special ways He equips us to carry-out God's great commission. We have the p
Lyrics
(& the Continental Commission)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you
all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. (John 14:26-27)
(Verse one)
My Counselor, my Comforter� showing God's desire.
You're leading us to place our trust. Ignite my soul with fire.
Testify to every truth and the Gospel You do bring.
Faithful Messenger of our King.
(Verse two)
Oh Holy Ghost, my Guide, my Host. You plant the seed to grow.
Revealing truths, exposing lies, teaching what to know.
Commissioning us to take Your Word to far and distant shores.
Broken fellowships are restored.
(Chorus)
Hold our hand. Guide our way.
Light our path this day.
Whisper in our ear that You are there for us.
Jesus praised through song and by chorus.
(Verse three)
Forgiving Friend, Dedicated One. To Christ I do belong.
Humble me to fall on my knee. I admit all my wrongs.
You're sculpting me just like clay into a vessel you can use.
Equipping all the gifts that You choose.
(Verse four)
Oh Blazing flame, oh Gentle breeze. To You my soul does yield.
Bestowing strength to take a stand as on a battlefield.
In those times when vision blurs and tries to lead astray.
My faith You cause to grow. You show the way.
(Chorus)
Magnify the Lord. Testify to His Word.
Let Your message ring-out and be heard.
Enable us with skill given by Your design.
Spoken words of Christ You remind.
(Verse five)
Administrator, my Caregiver� enter and indwell.
Empower us with confidence. Impart Your wise counsel.
Painful trials come upon us� You wipe away all tears.
You crush and trample down all our fears.
