No Variableness, Change or Cessation with God

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, August 14, 2025

Today's Text: Acts 13:1-11

Key Verse: Acts 13:2 (RSV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”"

Recently, our commission sought some affinity with a Christian body only for them to drop the ball on us because we believe, affirm and uphold biblical position that the character of God and his administration of the spirit continues steadfast till this very day. We rejoice to be in that position to take a stand for biblical truth. However, our age continues to wallow in the midst of the confusion about the cessation of spiritual gifts. Many believers, like that body, find themselves questioning the relevance of the Holy Spirit's manifestations and/operations in today's world. They are called cessationists. They argue that the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, such as prophecy, gifts of tongues and healing, ended with the apostles and the completion of the New Testament canon.

However, a closer look at the New Testament reveals a different narrative. The book of Acts and the epistles are replete with examples of prophets, prophecies, and the leading of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers; of which millions of modern believers bear witness by experience. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), suggesting that His work through the Spirit is not limited to a specific time or era. As we meditate through today's devotional guide, the Holy Spirit's role in empowering and guiding the church stands clear as a consistent scriptural truth. Today's text and others point to a continuation of spiritual gifts and manifestations beyond the apostolic age. This devotional aims at examining the biblical basis for the continuation of spiritual gifts, and to encourage believers to embrace the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit in their lives today.

Imagine being in a room filled with fellow believers, earnestly seeking God's will. The atmosphere is one of worship and expectation. Suddenly, a clear, unmistakable message is heard from or through the Holy Spirit. This is the scene in Acts 13, where the early church in Antioch experiences a powerful, direct intervention from God, setting the course for a new missionary journey. This narrative introduces the theme of divine guidance and the Holy Spirit's active role in the church's life: a role not limited to salvation and sanctification; but one that empowers and guides believers in ministry. Acts 13:2 provides a clear example of clear divine initiative and direct guidance that set Barnabas and Saul apart for a specific mission.

The presence of prophets and teachers in the Antioch church, whose ministries included forth-telling, speaking in tongues, and foretelling a direct challenge to all cessationist views. There is no doubting or questioning whether or not the revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit are ongoing, personal, authoritative, and central in His involvement in the church. Apart from the events in Acts 13:2 which clearly demonstrates how the Holy Spirit provides direct and specific guidance to the church, challenging cessationism, we are blessed by several examples of prophets in the New Testament. Such as: John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-12, Luke 3:1-20), Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 21:11, Luke 24:19), Agabus (Acts 11:27-28, Acts 21:10-11), daughters of Philip (Acts 21:8-9), prophets in the church at Antioch including Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul, who were prophets and teachers (Acts 13:1), Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32), and elder Simeon and Anna, daughter of Phanuel (Luke 2:36-38).

Action Steps: Consider how you seek God's guidance in your life. Do you rely solely on human wisdom, or are you open to the Holy Spirit's direct leading? Spend time in prayer and worship, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal His plans for you. Be attentive to the counsel of wise, Spirit-filled believers around you.

Quote for the Day: "The Holy Spirit's guidance is not just a historical footnote; it is a present reality for those who are willing to listen and obey." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit who guides and directs us. Help us to be more attentive to His voice and willing to follow His leading, even when it challenges our human understanding. Empower us to fulfill the work You have called us to do, for the glory of Your most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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