By Eligio & Juanita Nuñez
To be led by the Spirit, it is important to know what Jesus did, said, and taught. We find in Acts 1:1: “In my former book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach… (NIV)” We then may ask, what truth is implied in this verse? We can understand that the continuation of Jesus’ work would remain in the hands of his disciples and then in us, his followers.
Jesus left instructions the disciples should remember. Acts 1:4 says, “On one occasion, while [Jesus] was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.’” So they returned to Jerusalem and gathered to pray and wait. This is a fitting example of following Jesus, which is essential and relevant in the life of every disciple.
In the same way, the Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses to our generation. The Gospel of John says, “But the Advocate, 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 (14:26).”
Later in the book of Acts: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (1:8).”
The true life of the church flows from the Spirit of God, who guides, strengthens, and reveals the Father’s purpose. It is a lifestyle that transforms everything we do. We cannot live the Christian life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We see the congregations of our district living the mission of LMC to be a Spirit-led movement. They seek souls in prayer and teach God’s Word to bring others to the Lord. Our mission serves as a motivator to lead people to Christ. Everything we do as LMC congregations must be intentional, knowing that it is important to share the good news with the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. We take the Great Commission seriously because making disciples of Christ is our number one priority.
So, let us take a moment to reflect:
Jesus taught us that it is by being led by the Spirit that we will impact others with our testimony and lifestyle. Let us continue to listen to what the Spirit is saying—and also listen to each other. Then we will see that, by our growing intimacy with the Lord, he will bring us all to the fulfillment of his holy, perfect, and divine will.
Eligio and Juana Nuñez are currently the Pastors of Ebenezer Christian Church in Apopka, FL. They also serve as Bishops in the Southeast Mennonite Conference, LMC. They have been married for 49 years—20 of those in ministry together. They are blessed to have three children and two grandchildren.