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Bible Teachings
He is Able
Life Greatest Companion
The Covenant Names of God
Can a Saved Man Choose
to be Lost?
Righteousness - Seeking God in the Garden
Spiritual Warfare
Faith for Healing Is Based on Knowledge
Our Authority Releases Gods Power
Kenneth Copeland - A Life That Runs on Faith
Kenneth Copeland - Faith in Gods Everlasting Covenant
Kenneth Copeland - Master the Fundimentals of Faith
Kenneth Copeland - Jesus is Your Healer Today
Kenneth Copeland - What is Revelation Knowledge?
Kenneth Copeland - Gods Prescription for Good Health - Spirit, Soul, and Body
Spirit, Soul and Body
Heaven, Can't Wait
You are Healed
Key Events in End Times
The Holy Bible in a Nutshell
Holy Spirit - Seeing the Unseen
7 Aspects of the Holy Spirit
Activate Your Spirit-Man By the Holy Spirit
Isaiah 41:8, God is Your Friend
A Clear Mind
A Clean Heart
Breaking Free, Guard Your Heart
Hope in the Small Things
Spiritual Warfare - Angels, demons and satan
The Overflowing Cup
The Goodness of God
A Compassionate Father
A Gracious Father
A Patient Father
A Loving Father
A Faithful Father
A Fathers Discipline
Coming Home to the Father
Faithfulness
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Your Convictions About the Bible
Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - Part 1
Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - How To Develop a Strong Spirit - Part 2
Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - Indicators of a Strong Spirit - Part 3
Psalm 106, Wondering in the Wilderness
The Holy Spirit: The Giver of Gifts
Our Intimacy with God
The Natural Man, Spiritual Man, and Carnal Man
The Holy Spirit and Our Service
Help to Overcome Obstacles
Do NOT Be Manipulated by Man
Evil of the Enemy
They Revile and Persecute You, Insult You
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He is Able
via Marcus Lamb Ministry and DayStarTV
He is able to meet all your needs.
I want more, in Jesus name.
He gives abundantly, more than enough.
Praise God !!!
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14 (KJV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Malachi 3:6 (KJV)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
for He says, At a favorable time I listened to you, And on a day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a favorable time, behold, now is a day of salvation
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB)
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:2 (KJV)
He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
Job 26:12 (KJV)
Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
Psalm 65:6 (KJV)
The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
Psalm 93:4 (KJV)
Even from eternity I am He, And there is no one who can rescue from My hand; I act, and who can reverse it?
Isaiah 43:13 (NASB)
Who is this who comes from Edom, With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, This One who is majestic in His apparel, Marching in the greatness of His strength? It is I, the One who speaks in righteousness, mighty to save.
Isaiah 63:1 (NASB)
He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
Jeremiah 10:12 (KJV)
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In the gale and the storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet.
Nahum 1:3 (NASB)
The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)
Amaziah said to the man of God, But what are we to do about the hundred talents which I have given to the troops of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord has much more to give you than this.
2 Chronicles 25:9 (NASB)
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king.
Daniel 3:17 (NASB)
and do not assume that you can say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I tell you that God is able, from these stones, to raise up children for Abraham.
Matthew 3:9 (NASB)
And after He entered the house, the men who were blind came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, Yes, Lord. Then He touched their eyes, saying, It shall be done for you according to your faith.
Matthew 9:28-29 (NASB)
and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
Romans 4:21 (NASB)
For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB)
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:18 (NASB)
Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25 (NASB)
Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21 (NASB)
Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
John 17:17 (NASB)
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter responded, Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he? And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
Acts 10:44-48 (NASB)
And He said, If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and listen to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.
Exodus 15:26 (NASB)
Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you.
Mark 11:24 (NASB)
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
You lust and do not have, so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
James 4:2 (NASB)
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)
And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14 (NASB)
If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 15:7 (NASB)
for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
Philippians 4:16 (NASB)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
For what I fear comes upon me, And what I dread encounters me.
Job 3:25 (NASB) (Note: fear is the opposite of faith)
For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, Eat and drink! But his heart is not with you.
Proverbs 23:7 (NASB)
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 (NASB)
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:7-8 (KJV)
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Psalm 107:20 (KJV)
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Life Greatest Companion
via Marcus Lamb Ministry and Day Star TV
What we want in a companion:
1. Someone to depend on and trust
2. Someone to supply all our needs
3. Someone to love and someone to love us in return
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:20 (KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 (KJV)
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
Psalm 3:6 (KJV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 (KJV)
If an army encamps against me, My heart will not fear; If war arises against me, In spite of this I am confident.
Psalm 27:3 (NASB)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psalm 46:1-2 (KJV)
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Psalm 71:1 (KJV)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Psalm 91:5 (KJV)
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Psalm 91:15 (KJV)
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
Proverbs 29:25 (KJV)
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Genesis 15:1 (KJV)
If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection is gone from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.
Numbers 14:8-9 (NASB)
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)
Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the One with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (NASB)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
But now, this is what the Lord says, He who is your Creator, Jacob, And He who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Isaiah 43:1-3 (NASB)
Jesus is our greatest companion:
1. Jesus loves us and cares for us
2. He is everything to everyone
3. He will supply all our needs
4. He will never forsake us or leave us
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11 (KJV)
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10 (KJV)
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:17 (KJV)
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31 (KJV)
Of this mans seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
Acts 13:23 (KJV)
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1 John 4:14 (KJV)
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25 (KJV)
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 2:21 (KJV)
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Luke 1:69 (KJV)
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luke 2:30 (KJV)
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:9 (KJV)
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 5:9 (KJV)
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Hebrews 5:9 (KJV)
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:28 (KJV)
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)
Are two sparrows not sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 (NASB)
Jesus loves you and Jesus cares about you.
1. We can depend on Him and trust Him
2. He will supply all your needs
3. We can love Him and He will love us in return
Praise God !!!
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The Covenant Names of God
1
The Covenant Name of God:
Elohim
And he said, Please, show me Your glory. Then He said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But He said, You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.
Exodus 33:18-20 (NKJV)
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation. So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.
Exodus 34:6-8 (NKJV)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)
Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Genesis 1:26 NKJV)
And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And He said, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. Moreover God said to Moses, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.
Exodus 3:14-15 (NKJV)
And God spoke to Moses and said to him: I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.
Exodus 6:2-3 (NKJV)
No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
John 1:18 (NKJV)
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Matthew 27:46 (NKJV)
Knowing Gods personal name, we can have revelation about who He is.
Gods Personal Name - Yahweh/YHWH
The English word Genesis in Hebrew is Bereshit.
First mention of God in Genesis 1:1 in Hebrew is Elohim. Not a name but a title.
Elohim is the plural of El. Singular meaning is Lord.
Within the Godhead there is a multidimensional aspect.
Within the Godhead there is relationship.
The only time Jesus referred to the Father as God is when He felt forsaken.
Jesus knew God as His Father.
Covenant name of God is YHWH/Yahweh.
Covenant name of God is El Shaddai or God Almighty.
Jewish people refer to him as Lord, or Adonai (Hebrew name).
Gods name Yahweh is used over 7,000 times in the Old Testament.
Gods name Yahweh is a verb. Tense = continuous unfinished action.
Father God is alive and active and involved in your life every second of every day.
2
The Covenant Name of God:
Yahweh Yireh - The Lord Will Provide
And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.
Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son,
Genesis 22:14-16 (NKJV)
and said, If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.
Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:21 (NKJV)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)
And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And He said, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.
Exodus 3:14 (NKJV)
And God spoke to Moses and said to him: I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.
Exodus 6:2-3 (NKJV)
Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
Therefore do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?
Matthew 6:31 (NKJV)
I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
Psalm 37:25 (NKJV)
Gods Word brings forth supernatural change and transformation into the lives of those who receive it.
The Hebrew Word Elohim in English means God. A title, but not His name.
God is multidimensional in His nature.
Gods covenant name is Yahweh/YHWH.
Yahwehs name is used in the Old Testament over 7,000 times.
In the ancient Hebrew language there was no "J" sound.
Yisrael is the Hebrew name for Israel in English.
Yerushalayim is the Hebrew name that we call Jerusalem in English.
Covenant name Yahweh Yireh. It means the Lord will provide!
Yahweh Yireh is often mispronounced Jehovah Jireh.
Father God will always provide for you!
God will always be your Father that will provide.
His covenant name promises His action of care for all in covenant with Him.
Covenant Name of God: Yahweh Ropheka/Rophe - The Lord your Healer
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The Covenant Name of God:
Yahweh Ropheka/Rophe - The Lord Your Healer
and said, If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you (Yahweh Ropheka/Rophe).
Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.
Matthew 8:17 (NKJV)
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV)
Yahweh Yireh - the Lord who provides.
Covenant Name of God - Yahweh Ropheka/Rophe - the Lord Your Healer
God wants you to trust Him to perform His saving activities in your life!
Our God is a God that heals.
Every place Jesus went, He preached the Gospel, healed the sick, and delivered those oppressed by demons.
There is life being ministered to our flesh to keep us healthy.
Trust in God to sustain you physically.
Gods name Yahweh is used over 7,000 times in the Old Testament.
A lot of things that God does for us, He does with our cooperation.
We have to do our part to walk in the fullness of His Grace.
Exodus 15:26, is the only verse in the Bible where the Lord reveals Himself as Yahweh Ropheka.
God is the Healer of His people!
4
The Covenant Name of God:
Yahweh Nissi -
The Lord Our Banner/Victory
and said, If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you (Yahweh Ropheka/Rophe).
Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)
Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
But Moses hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Then the Lord said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar and called its name, [YHWH Nissi] The-Lord-Is-My-Banner;
Exodus 17:8, 12-15 (NKJV)
I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord [YHWH] I was not known to them.
Exodus 6:3 (NKJV)
And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper.
So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.
Numbers 12:10, 21:6 (NKJV)
And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
Revelation 2:21-22 (NKJV)
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to [beat] buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christs sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV) (The Thorn in the Flesh)
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5 (NKJV)
And so it is written, The first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:45 (NKJV)
Jesus answered, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again.
John 3:5-7 (NKJV)
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?
Romans 11:33-34 (NKJV)
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.
1 John 5:4 (NKJV)
and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 2:6 (NKJV)
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)
Yahweh Yireh - The LORD who provides.
Yahweh Ropheka/Rophe - the LORD our healer.
If we want to walk in the reality of knowing God as our Healer, we have to be rightly aligned with Him.
Believe in your healing now!
God is a God that wants you healed.
Adon Olam in Hebrew means Master of the Universe in English
We have been made partakers of the divine nature.
Father, your banner over me is victory.
I am victorious in Jesus!
Victory is my portion. Victory is who I am!
5
The Covenant Name of God:
Yahweh Shalom - The Lord your Peace
Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
2 Timothy 2:21-23 (NKJV)
Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!
Gideon said to Him, O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
Then the Lord turned to him and said, Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?
And the Lord said to him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.
Judges 6:11-14, 16 (NKJV)
Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who [sets you apart] sanctifies you.
Leviticus 20:7-8 (NKJV)
But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Matthew 13:8 (NKJV)
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, In this way you shall bless the sons of Israel. You are to say to them:
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord cause His face to shine on you, And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His face to you, And give you peace.
So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and then I will bless them.
Numbers 6:22-27 (NASB)
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
Yahweh Macadesh means The LORD that sanctifies you.
Your cooperation with the Grace of God determines how much fruit you will bear.
Yahweh Shalom - The Lord your Peace
Biblically, Shalom carries with it the concept of wholeness, completeness, and restoration.
Yahweh has made a covenant of Shalom with His people.
The Hebrew word Shalom means peace in English.
God wants to restore us to a state of divine peace; spirit, soul, mind, and body.
Through Jesus, God has made a covenant of peace with us.
If you feed the spirit and deny the flesh, you will be built up in spirit and peace.
6
The Covenant Name of God:
Yahweh M'Kaddesh - The LORD that sanctifies you
Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
Leviticus 20:7-8 (NKJV)
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
John 15:16 (NKJV)
And one cried to another and said: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!
Isaiah 6:3 (NKJV)
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!
Revelation 4:8 (NKJV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8 (NKJV)
Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:23 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.
Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
Yahweh M'Kaddesh - The LORD that sanctifies you.
God sanctifies us as we cooperate with Him.
To consecrate ourselves means to give ourselves over to God.
We did not choose God, but He chose us.
God is Holy.
To be holy means to be utterly unique, completely separate and set apart.
As we choose God, He is performing a supernatural sanctifying work within our hearts.
God never asked us to feel something, but rather He asked us to will to do something.
To pick up our cross means to choose Gods will over our own will.
The Holy Spirit is at work in your life transforming you.
Yahweh M'Kaddesh is at work in your life!
We are being changed to look more and more like Jesus.
7
The Covenant Name of God:
Yahweh Rohi - The LORD Our Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23 (KJV)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Matthew 6:25-26 (NKJV)
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
Luke 4:18 (NKJV)
So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.
Matthew 20:16 (NKJV)
Yahweh Shalom - The LORD our Peace
Yahweh Rohi - The LORD Our Shepherd.
Yahweh is involved in your life and is your Shepherd
Father God provides for the needs of His people.
Time does not heal everything, but Jesus does.
God is guiding us in His paths!
We can trust God and not be afraid!
God tells us not to be afraid over 100 times in scripture.
God has good plans for you that are going to pursue you all the days of your life!
Break agreement with doom and gloom and come into agreement with God.
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The Covenant Name of God:
Yahweh Tsidkenu - The Lord Our Righteousness
Yahweh Shammah - The Lord is Present
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord,
That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;
A King shall reign and prosper,
And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.
In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will dwell safely;
Now this is His name by which He will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (NKJV)
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Titus 3:5 (NKJV)
All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.
Ezekiel 48:35 (NKJV)
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.
Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)
I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, [El-Shaddai] but by my name the Lord [YHWH] I did not make myself fully known to them.
Exodus 6:3 (NIV)
and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 2:6 (NKJV)
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23:6 (KJV)
Yahweh Tsidkenu - The Lord Our Righteousness
Jesus stands before the Father for you!
When you are in Jesus, you are accepted before the Father.
In Christ, you stand righteous before the Father.
When we understand what God has done for us we will not have fear of judgment.
God wants us to be assured of our righteousness in Messiah Jesus.
Yahweh Shammah - The Lord is Present
No matter where you go, the Lord is there!
Review:
Yahweh Yireh - The Lord our Provider
Yahweh Rophe/Ropheka - The Lord Our Healer
[Believe God to bring healing to you here and now.]
Yahweh Nissi - The Lord Our Banner/Victory
Yahweh Macadesh - The Lord Our Sanctifier
Yahweh Shalom - The Lord Our Peace
Yahweh Rohi - The Lord Our Shepherd
Yahweh Tsidkenu - The Lord Our Righteousness
Yahweh Shammah - The Lord is Present
via Rabbi Schneider at Discovering the Jewish Jesus
https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/category/teaching-notes/
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Can a Saved Man Choose to be Lost?
via Pastor Doug Batchelor, Amazing Facts and The Word Network
https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/17/t/can-a-saved-man-choose-to-be-lost-
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10 (KJV)
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV)
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 2:21 (KJV)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
Choose you this day who you will serve?
Man kind has a choice.
It is Gods will that all will be saved in Jesus name.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:22-23 (KJV)
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV)
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29 (KJV)
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:2 (KJV)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (KJV)
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:12-13 (KJV)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (KJV)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
Once saved, always saved?
You must walk with Jesus daily.
You must obey Gods Word.
If you follow Jesus, you will live.
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace.
Galatians 5:4 (NASB)
And ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mark 13:13 (KJV)
but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:27 (NASB)
For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:26-27 (NASB)
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 (NASB)
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:16 (KJV)
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3:36 (KJV)
Believe in Jesus and act upon it.
Love and faith give confidence.
Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NASB)
Therefore, we must fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it.
Hebrews 4:1 (NASB)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 3:5 (KJV)
And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
Exodus 32:33 (KJV)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 (KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
Then Moses said to the Lord, See, You say to me, Bring up this people! But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight. Now then, if I have found favor in Your sight in any way, please let me know Your ways so that I may know You, in order that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people. And He said, My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. Then he said to Him, If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are on the face of the earth?
Exodus 33:12-16 (NASB)
In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee [down payment] of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, [until God redeems His possession] to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)
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Righteousness - Seeking God in the Garden
What does it mean to be righteous? For many people righteousness is assigned to people who act holier than thou or self righteous, people who point fingers and see themselves as better than someone else. But this is not how the Bible sees righteousness. Others assign righteous to those who follow a moral compass of what is good and right and pure. But it is much more than that. To be truly righteous is to reflect the face of God (YHWH); and to find righteousness within ourselves we have to look inward and then seek God in an outward way.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before You. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! Lord, they walk in the light of Your face.
Psalm 89:14-15 (NASB)
Righteousness is Seeking God
If righteousness and justice are the foundation of Gods throne then it needs to be at the core of who we are as children of God. If we want to live and possess what God offers we must pursue righteousness:
Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
Deuteronomy 16:20 (NASB)
Righteousness, righteousness you shall pursue so that you may live and possess the land which God your God is giving you.
Hebrew has no punctuation: no question marks, no apostrophes, no exclamation points, so one of the ways to create emphasis is to duplicate words. Righteousness, righteousness you shall pursue was meant to stand out. This was not a passing suggestion; this was a command. Seeking out righteousness would put you on the right path.
[Side note: almost all Bible translations translate Deuteronomy 16:20 as justice you shall pursue. The Hebrew language has another word for justice, mishpat, which we will look at next week. The translation of these two words righteousness and justice- are a bit of a tangled mess throughout most OT translations, frequently flip flopping between the two].
Righteousness: Bearing Gods Image
Although we are to pursue righteousness, it does not buy us anything. God was motivated to eliminate wickedness, not avenge the righteous. We are to be righteous on our own merit without expectation of reward:
Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them away from you, Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to take possession of this land. Rather, it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you. It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you are going in to take possession of their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Know, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people. Remember, do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to anger in the wilderness; from the day that you left the land of Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.
Deuteronomy 9:4-7 (NASB)
We do not deserve Gods goodness because we are righteous. God will carry out His plan for salvation whether we are righteous or not!
However, He does love His righteous people because they are living up to their potential as His image bearers. In Davids Psalm of Deliverance he sang:
The Lord has treated me in accordance with my righteousness; In accordance with the cleanliness of my hands He has repaid me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, And have not acted wickedly against my God. For all His ordinances were before me, And as for His statutes, I did not deviate from them. I was also blameless toward Him, And I have kept myself from my wrongdoing. So the Lord has repaid me in accordance with my righteousness, In accordance with my cleanliness before His eyes. With the one who is faithful You show Yourself faithful, With the blameless one You prove Yourself blameless; With the one who is pure You show Yourself pure, But with the perverted You show Yourself astute.
2 Samuel 22:21-27 (NASB)
Being righteous meant something! It meant that you were reflecting Gods goodness. To be unrighteous was to be adversarial to Gods goodness, and to emit a tarnished reflection. We are Gods children; God is righteous, and we are to reflect His righteousness! When we are not righteous we are not representing Him, we are not bearing His name, we are taking His name in vain.
When Jobs friends tried to justify why his life had suddenly turned to suffering, they accused him of unrighteousness, but Job was adamant that that was not the case:
And Job continued his discourse: As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made my life bitter, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies. I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my innocence and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
Job 27:1-6 (NIV)
Job knew that maintaining righteousness put him on Gods side. He was bearing Gods image and what was being done to him had nothing to do with his being unrighteous. He was a blameless child of God, and God rewarded him for his loyalty which he maintained throughout his adversity.
Salvation and Righteousness
Today, as it was in Moses day, it is not possible for us to live a 100% purely righteous life, and that puts a barrier between us and God. But God had a plan for humanitys salvation, a way to bring us back into His presence:
This is what the Lord says: Guard justice and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed.
Isaiah 56:1 (NASB)
As followers of Jesus the Messiah (Yeshua HaMashiach), we believe that Jesus was the salvation that God promised. His name, Jesus in Hebrew, was the literal translation of the word salvation and He was the embodiment of Gods righteousness revealed. Jesus dying on the cross for the salvation for mankind meant that we did not have to live up to the impossible. Sincerely trying our best to live in righteousness and continuously seeking out the Creator is what we are called to do.
May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, And may Your godly ones sing for joy. For the sake of Your servant David, Do not turn away the face of Your anointed. The Lord has sworn to David A truth from which He will not turn back: I will set upon your throne one from the fruit of your body.
Psalm 132:9-11 (NASB)
Jesus fit the criteria. He was a descendant of King David, the Righteous Branch of David:
In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch of David sprout; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety; and this is the name by which it will be called: the Lord is our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:15-16 (NASB)
Righteousness and the Garden
Hebrew scripture is overflowing with farming metaphors of the garden and the gardener. It is interesting to note that the Biblical metaphor of gardening and the concept of righteousness are closely connected:
For as the earth produces its sprouts, And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise To spring up before all the nations.
Isaiah 61:11 (NASB)
With the connection between the Garden and Salvation, we should not be surprised that Jesus (Salvation), was buried in a Garden tomb.
When Mary Magdalene came to visit His body and found the tomb empty, she saw Jesus but confused him with the gardener:
Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? Thinking that He was the gardener, she said to Him, Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you put Him, and I will take Him away. Jesus said to her, Mary! She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, Rabboni! (which means, Teacher).
John 20:15-16 (NASB)
At the sound of her name Mary recognized Jesus. There was praise in her voice when she called out Rabboni! She sought Him out (Who are you looking for?) and was rewarded. Mary Magdalene, by no means perfect, was one of the best examples of righteousness. Because righteous is not just following a moral compass, it is also continuously seeking out God.
Its also important to point out that Mary thought Jesus was the gardener, and she was not completely wrong. Just as God was the Gardener in Eden (Genesis 2:8), Jesus was like the Gardener of our souls. His death and resurrection would bring us back to the Garden where God awaited.
Facing Righteousness
God is the great Gardener and Eden was the great Garden. When Human Life messed up in the Garden and chose to follow their own desires instead of following the goodness of God, God put a plan in motion to save them. To bring them back to Him.
At one point they walked alongside God in the Garden. They connected with their Creator and talked with Him, eye to eye, face to face. Outside of the Garden we could not look upon the face of God, but Jesus came to set us free from the shackles of death which held us back from seeing our Creator. He paid for our entrance fee back into the Garden where we could see God, face to face.
David knew that glorious day would come, when He could face his Creator:
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.
Psalm 17:15 (NASB)
The Garden awaits you, sow righteousness in this life, seek Him out, and await your meeting in the lifetime to come:
Sow for yourselves, with a view to righteousness; Harvest in accordance with kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes and rains righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12 (NASB)
There is a calling to live in righteousness and seek God, but not necessarily in that order. If you feel that living in righteousness is not attainable right now, then just seek God out. Search, dig, investigate, claw your way to God, and if you do that in sincerity and truth, He will rain righteousness upon you and you will reflect His goodness! Open the floodgates because you are redeemed!
https://hebrewwordlessons.com/2017/10/29/righteousness-seeking-god-in-the-garden/
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Spiritual Warfare
via Pastor Paula White, Day Star TV
The armor God gives us to defeat eval spiritual forces acting on our lives.
Tools God gives us to defeat eval spiritual forces:
1. The Word of God - it increases our faith, is full of grace and truth, it is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, it is the power of God,
2. The Holy Spirit - gives power from the Most High, He will guide you into all the truth, He intercedes for us, the Lord says by My Spirit,
3. The Blood of Jesus - by his wounds you have been healed, you are protected by the power of God, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand,
4. The name of Jesus - it strengthens us, we cast out devils, in whom we have victory, declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, He sits at the right hand of God and makes intercessions for us, at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth;
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 2:6 (KJV)
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Ephesians 1:20-22 (KJV)
But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him an abusive judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke you!
Jude 1:9 (NASB)
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 (KJV)
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:16 (KJV)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:12-17 (NASB)
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Philippians 2:10 (KJV)
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30 (KJV)
Note: grieve is bad, after the spirit of grieve, is the spirit of death - very bad. Keep your joy up, rejoicing in the Lord at all times!
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19 (KJV)
And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.
Acts 3:16 (NASB)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:17 (KJV)
We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV)
Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11 (NASB)
So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 (NASB)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Psalm 23:4-5
Then Jesus said to him, Go away, Satan! For it is written: You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only. Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to serve Him.
Matthew 4:10-11 (NASB)
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Faith for Healing Is Based on Knowledge
via Andrew Wommack Ministries and Day Star TV
At one of my Gospel Truth Seminars, I ministered to a man who had detached retinas. I was standing right in front of him, and he said I was just a blur. With the service about to start, I only had a moment to minister, so I told him to come forward at the end, and one of our prayer ministers would continue the process. He did and, after further ministry, gave a great testimony. Not only could he see me clearly, but he could see the faces of the people at the back of the auditorium. Thank You, Jesus! Thats a miracle!
In the same service, a woman came forward whose eyes were clouded with cataracts. She could barely see, but after the prayer minister prayed for her, the white glaze over her eyes was gone, and she said her eyesight was great. Another man came off the oxygen tank he had been attached to for months. Deaf ears were opened; cancers were cured; and backs were healed. Hallelujah!
The most exciting thing to me about these miracles is that I am NOT the one who prayed for most of these people.
Not long ago, I was doing all of the ministry. Do not misunderstand; I enjoy ministering Gods healing to people. But, as the crowds grew, it became difficult to pray for everyone. I often prayed with people till after midnight, and yet there were many more that could not stay and left without their healing. Now that we have prayer ministers, hundreds of people can be ministered to each night. Many more miracles are taking place, and its especially satisfying to see them experience the same and even better results than I do.
I think this sends a much needed signal to all who will listen; television ministers are not the only ones who can operate in this miraculous power of God! Praise God for the true men and women of God on television, but Jesus said,
they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mark 16:18 NASB)
The job of the minister is to train the body of Christ so that they can do the work of the ministry, it says,
And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; (Ephesians 4:11-12 NASB)
The day of the one man show in the body of Christ needs to come to an end, and we are literally seeing that take place in our meetings.
Some of the local prayer ministers we train have never seen a miracle happen through them before. I remember one man who helped us at a seminar. He received the pre seminar instruction and training, and on the very first night saw a persons blind eyes open when he prayed. He told us the next day that he was so excited, he did not sleep all night. Not only did the blind person get healed, but I can guarantee you, that young man will never be the same. That is awesome!
Would you like to see the blind receive their sight or the lame walk when you pray? Do you desperately need healing yourself? Heres the good news, whether you are praying for anothers healing or receiving your own, its available to every true follower of Christ! Jesus gave every disciple who believes the power and authority to do the same works that He did. What a statement! But it is absolutely true.
Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12 NASB)
All believers will do the same works that Jesus did; its not limited to ministers. Theres just a shortage of believing believers.
How do you get to the place where you can see the miraculous happen in and through you? It starts with the renewing of your mind. Faith is based on knowledge, and everything we need to know to be a victorious Christian is explained in Gods Word. Thats what the Apostle Peter said,
for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust. (2 Peter 1:3-4 NASB)
Knowledge of a few basic truths, when properly understood and applied, will make a huge difference in releasing His power and receiving your healing. Last month I shared one of the most important things the Lord has ever shown me: God has already placed His healing power within us, and it is now under our authority. It is not up to God to determine who receives healing; its up to us! What a powerful statement! Its our failure to understand and use the authority we have that is keeping Gods healing power from flowing as it should. Its imperative that we discover what we have and learn how to release it. If you do not have my album entitled The Believers Authority, you need to get it. The message will not only affect the way you receive and minister healing, but it will change the entire way you relate to God. Its a powerful teaching.
Heres another indispensable basic truth you must know and understand about healing: Its never Gods will for us to be sick; He wants every person healed every time. Thats nearly too good to be true news, but thats the Gospel. Most Christians do not know or believe that. They think the Lord makes them sick, or at the very least, He allows Satan to make them sick to either punish or correct them. That kind of thinking will get you killed; its not what the Bible teaches.
One of the most elementary principles in Gods Word is given, it says,
Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NASB)
This verse clearly teaches that some things are of God, and some things are of the devil. Notice it does not present a third category: from God through the devil. No! Sickness has nothing to do with God! Submit to the things of God, and resist the things of the devil. Its that simple. To believe that God allows or approves of Satans actions defies the logic of James 4:7. It eliminates our responsibility to resist and places ultimate responsibility for everything back on God.
The widely accepted doctrine that God controls everything is a deception. If Satan can confuse and deceive you on that issue, hes got you! Why? Because you will stop resisting. No one wants to resist Gods will, and if you think that God is behind your sickness, you will submit to it. That violates the instruction of James 4:7, it will not get you healed, and it lets Satan have his way in your life.
You must believe God always wants you healed. Its so simple, it takes help to misunderstand. But sadly, most Christians receive plenty of help from religion in misunderstanding this. Look at it this way: If God wanted you sick, for whatever reason, then why visit the doctor or take medication? It would seem more logical to allow the sickness to run its course so Gods purpose could be accomplished. Of course I think thats foolish, and hopefully, so do you.
Whats the bottom line on Gods will for our healing? His Word reveals that to us in 3 John 2, which says,
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2 NASB)
John was writing a letter to believers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He revealed that the Lord wants us healthy just as much as He wants us to prosper emotionally and mentally.
When Peter preached the Gospel to Cornelius in Acts 10:38, he summarized the ministry of Jesus by saying,
You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38 NASB)
Today some preachers are saying that healing is of the devil, but thats not the message Peter gave. Notice what Peter said under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Not only was Jesus doing good when He healed people, but He healed all that were oppressed of the devil, not of God. That scripture clearly proves that sickness is not from God.
Isaiah 53 should end all debate. It was written prophetically about Jesus, the Messiah. It says,
However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore, And our pains that He carried; Yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted, Struck down by God, and humiliated. But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our well being was laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5 NASB)
These verses reveal that physical healing is a part of the atonement of Christ. The Lord redeemed us from sickness just as much as He redeemed us from sin. He would no more want us to be sick than He would want us to sin. Those are radical statements to many Christians because we have been taught that forgiveness of sins is what salvation is all about. Well thats certainly a vital part of salvation, but thats not all that Jesus accomplished. We were also healed by His stripes. Sickness is not of God just as sin is not of God. Thank You, Jesus!
Just in case anyone might be thinking that the healing spoken of in Isaiah 53:4-5 is not physical but only emotional, the Bible gives a commentary on Isaiahs prophecy. In Matthew 8:16 Jesus healed all the sick people brought to Him, and verse 17 says this was done,
This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled: He Himself took our illnesses and carried away our diseases. (Matthew 8:17 NASB)
Therefore, Scripture comments on itself and makes it very clear that the healing spoken of by Isaiah is referring to physical infirmities and sicknesses. If Jesus bore our sicknesses, then we do not have to.
You may be asking yourself, What about Pauls thorn in the flesh? I wish I had space to answer that in this article because those scriptures are not talking about a sickness of Pauls that the Lord would not heal. However, I do have an entire teaching revealing what Pauls thorn in the flesh was. That teaching is the second in a four part series I have entitled God Wants You Well. The first teaching in that series deals with healing as a part of Christs atonement, the second deals with Pauls thorn in the flesh, the third reveals reasons why people are not healed, and the fourth teaches that healing is governed by laws and reveals some of those laws. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources we are offering on healing.
https://www.awmi.net/reading/teaching-articles/healing_knowledge/
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Our Authority Releases Gods Power
via Andrew Wommack Ministries and Day Star TV
There are a number of keys to seeing the miraculous power of God manifest on a consistent basis. One of the least understood, and therefore seldom practiced, is the fact that healing is under the authority of the believer. God has already provided His healing power and placed it on the inside of every born again believer. It is up to us to release it. Understanding and using our authority is the key to seeing miracles happen.
Look at how Peter and John ministered healing to the lame man in Acts 3:1-8:
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a man who had been unable to walk from birth was being carried, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order for him to beg for charitable gifts from those entering the temple grounds. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple grounds, he began asking to receive a charitable gift. But Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, Look at us! And he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk! And grasping him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (Acts 3:1-8 NASB)
Notice that Peter did not pray for this man. He also did not ask God to heal him. He said, Such as I have give I thee. This did not mean that Peter was the source of this healing. Notice what Peter said in Acts 3:12,
But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why are you staring at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? (Acts 3:12 NASB)
It was Gods power that healed this man, but that power was under Peters authority. Peter went on to say in verse 16 that it was faith in the name of Jesus that had wrought this miracle. But Peter did not ask God to heal this man. He believed the Lord had already done His part and had placed that power within him. Now it was Peters responsibility to release that power, and thats just what he did.
The Lord never told us to pray for the sick in the sense that we ask Him to heal them. He told us to heal the sick. There is a BIG difference between the two. It has to do with operating in the authority He has already given us. Look at these commands the Lord gave His disciples.
Now He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and the power to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. (Luke 9:1-2 NASB)
Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. (Matthew 10:1 NASB)
And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven has come near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. (Matthew 10:7-8 NASB)
Jesus told us to heal the sick not pray for the sick. What a radical statement! This will get you kicked out of most churches today, but these are the exact words of our Lord Jesus Christ. And this is precisely why more people do not see the miraculous results they are praying for. They are not taking their authority and commanding Gods power; they are passively asking God to do what He told them to do.
I know this goes contrary to popular Christian doctrine. We are constantly told that its not us but God who is the Healer, and I agree with that totally. But, I also believe that God has placed His healing power under our authority, and it is up to us to release it. If we do not take our authority and become commanders instead of beggars, Gods power will not be released. There needs to be a radical renewing of our thinking on this issue.
A good friend of mine, Dave Duell, held a meeting in Africa many years ago. It was one of his first times he saw miracles such as the blind and deaf healed. The people were so excited that they were mobbing him as he walked through the streets, trying to touch him so they could be healed. His first thought was influenced by this religious thinking I am trying to change. He thought, They should not be looking to me. I am not the healer; it is Jesus. He was about to stop them when the Lord spoke to him. The Lord said, Dave, do you remember when I rode that donkey into Jerusalem, and all the people put their garments and palm branches in the way and cried, Hosanna? What would you have thought if the donkey had spoken up and said, Its not me! Its not me? That would only have revealed the donkeys arrogance. No one was praising the donkey; they were praising the One that was riding the donkey.
When Dave recognized the people were not trying to touch him but the One he was carrying, he let them touch him all they wanted and people were healed. This is exactly what happened with the first century disciples. Peter had people line the streets so that if only his shadow would touch them, they would be healed (Acts 5:15).
to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any of them. (Acts 5:15 NASB)
Look at an amazing passage of Scripture in Isaiah 45:11.
This is what the Lord says, the Holy One of Israel and his Maker: Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands. (Isaiah 45:11 NASB)
What a powerful scripture! What does the Lord mean when He tells us to command Him? Well, He certainly does not mean we are mightier and more powerful than Him and can order Him around. He means, concerning the things He has already done, He wants us to take our authority and command His power.
Its like electricity. The power company generates the power and delivers it to your house. Its not your power, but its under your control. You do not call the power company and ask them to turn the lights on. No! They will not do that. They generate the power, but its under your command. You simply flip the switch on the wall and command the power to work. Does this mean you are the power source? Certainly not! You can put a light bulb in your mouth, and it will never come on. You are not the power source, but you are the one in control of what that power does. You can plead with the power company all you want, but they will not flip the switch for you. You have to assume your authority and acknowledge the power is under your command.
Thats what the Lord was speaking of. He has already healed everyone who will ever be healed. He did it two thousand years ago when He bore our stripes on His back. Then He deposited His resurrection power inside every believer, see Eph 1:19-20:
and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:19-20 NASB)
Hes done His part, and now it is up to us to do ours. We need to take the authority He has given us and become commanders instead of beggars. This is a powerful truth that works, and its the reason we see so many miraculous healings. We are not just praying for the sick; we are healing them in Jesus name.
I know this line of thinking raises as many questions as it does answers, so I have produced a teaching on The Believers Authority. I have some radical teachings in this album. For example, who do you think made Satan? Most people think that God made Satan, but thats not so. God created Lucifer, a wonderful, powerful, godly angel, but it was mankind who made Satan. There is a difference between creating and making. This could revolutionize your whole approach toward the devil. Satan is not using some superhuman, angelic authority against us; hes using the authority and power that was given to man by God. Therefore, Satan can not do anything to us without our consent and cooperation. Hallelujah!
https://www.awmi.net/reading/teaching-articles/authority_releases/
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Kenneth Copeland - A Life That Runs on Faith
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - A Life That Runs on Faith
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Kenneth Copeland - Faith in Gods Everlasting Covenant
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - Faith in Gods Everlasting Covenant
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Kenneth Copeland - Master the Fundimentals of Faith
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - Master the Fundimentals of Faith
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Kenneth Copeland - Jesus is Your Healer Today
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - Jesus is Your Healer Today
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Kenneth Copeland - What is Revelation Knowledge?
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - What is Revelation Knowledge?
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Kenneth Copeland - Gods Prescription for Good Health - Spirit, Soul, and Body
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - Gods Prescription for Good Health - Spirit, Soul, and Body
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Spirit, Soul and Body
Knowledge is powerful!
via Andrew Wommack Ministries
All of this is possible because of knowledge. Man has not created anything new; he is just discovered the laws that the Lord established from the beginning. Bird brains have been flying from the start. The same is true with communications, electricity, computing, and a host of other modern break throughs. Man is just discovering the laws God created.
Although mankind has made huge discoveries that have totally changed the way we live, it seems like we know less about ourselves than previous generations. While our ancestors did not have all the modern conveniences, they had a peace and strength that eludes most today. As our knowledge of our natural world has increased, our knowledge of spiritual things has decreased. In mans arrogance, he blindly believes all of lifes problems can be solved by himself. But there can be no peace without if there is not peace within.
There is a whole universe that man in all his wisdom is ignorant of. That is the world of the spirit. And I am not just talking about the spiritual realm outside of us but also the spiritual being inside of every person. We are not evolved animals; we were created in Gods image and likeness (Gen. 1:26). We are spirit beings. The ultimate way to control bad behavior is not by more laws, metal detectors, or social engineering; its changing the hearts of people, one at a time. Only Jesus can do that.
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Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)
Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Yet sadly, even many Christians have lost this spiritual point of view. Very few Christians know who they are in the spirit. In fact, they have been taught by religion that they are sinners by nature, just the opposite of what the Bible teaches.
Its true that we were all born sinners (Ps. 51:5) and had the nature of the devil working in us (Eph. 2:2-3). But when we came to Christ and received salvation, we became a new person in the spirit.
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Psalm 51:5 (NKJV)
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
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Ephesians 2:2-3 (NKJV)
in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
This is not talking about your body. If you were a man before you accepted Christ, you were still a man afterwards. Your body did not change. And your soul, which is what the Bible calls the mental emotional part of you, did not automatically change either. Its subject to change, but you have to renew your mind to experience change in your mind and emotions.
But in the spirit, you became a brand new species of being. Your spirit is totally new. There is not an old sin nature left in you.
In Romans 6, Paul had so powerfully proved in the preceding chapters that God deals with us by grace through faith that the logical question was, Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (Rom. 6:1). Of course this is not what Paul was saying, and he gave two reasons in this chapter that Christians should live holy.
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Romans 6:1 (NKJV)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
The first reason Paul gave simply says,
How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
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Romans 6:2 (NKJV)
Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Paul said that once we are baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:3), we experience a death to our old sin nature. It is dead. Its gone. It does not exist anymore.
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Romans 6:3 (NKJV)
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
I admit that Christians still sin. Paul made mention of this in this very chapter and dealt with it in more detail in Romans 7. But our nature has been changed. The only reason we still sin is because we do not know these truths (John 8:32).
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John 8:32 (NKJV)
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Our minds are similar to computers in the sense that they can be programmed. And once programmed, they will continue to function as programmed until we reprogram them. We were all born in sin, and our old sin nature programmed our minds how to be selfish, bitter, angry, how to lust, etc. When we are born again (John 3:3), we become totally new in our spirits. This old nature has been completely changed (2 Cor. 5:17). Its not in the process of becoming new; its already as pure and perfect as Jesus (1 John 4:17, 1 Cor. 6:17, and Eph. 4:24).
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John 3:3 (NKJV)
Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
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2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
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1 John 4:17 (NKJV)
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
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1 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
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Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV)
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Paul called this resurrection life. In Romans 6:5, he said,
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
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Romans 6:5 (NKJV)
For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
But in the very next verse, he said we have to know something in order to experience this. The first thing he mentioned is that, our old man is crucified with [Christ] (Rom. 6:6). This is not something that has yet to happen or that has to happen over and over; its a done deal. In our new, born again spirits, we are dead to sin.
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Romans 6:6 (NKJV)
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Then Paul said,
That the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
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Romans 6:6 (NKJV)
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Our sin nature is dead and gone, but it left behind a body. That body is the carnal mind. It will still function as programmed until we reprogram it. Thats what the Bible calls the renewing of the mind. Our lives are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2).
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Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Therefore, victory in the Christian life is as simple as renewing our minds to who we are and what we have already received in Christ. Its not the struggle of two natures inside of us; we are the way we think (Prov. 23:7). If we see ourselves as old sinners, saved by grace, then we will continue to struggle with sin. But when we see the total change that took place in our nature, we will manifest that change in our actions.
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Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Eat and drink! he says to you, But his heart is not with you.
When we see who we are in Christ, i.e., in our born again spirits, we become like Him (2 Cor. 3:18 and 1 John 3:2). The way we see ourselves becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
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2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
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1 John 3:2 (NKJV)
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
This is the dominant revelation the Lord has used to change my life. I had a life altering encounter with the Lord on March 23, 1968. The Lord used that to get my attention and show me there was so much more. But its the revelation I received from the Word on who I have become in my spirit that has made the biggest impression and lasting change in my life. It has totally changed my identity.
I call this revelation Spirit, Soul & Body. Thats not a catchy phrase, but its descriptive of the way the Lord revealed these truths to me. I have come to know I am a spirit being who has a soul and lives in a body. But the real me is my spiritual person. And its in the spirit that I have been totally changed and made just like Jesus.
Since God is a Spirit and He deals with me on the basis of who I am in the spirit (John 4:24), this has changed everything. I now worship God based on who I am in the spirit and not on who I am in my flesh; i.e., how I act or feel. I now understand how our holy God can truly love me, because in my born again spirit, I am totally righteous and holy (Eph. 4:24). My spirit is His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
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John 4:24 (NKJV)
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
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Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV)
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
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Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
I am redeemed from the Law because the Law was not made for a righteous man (1 Tim. 1:9). The Law was given to show us our need for salvation, but it could not save us (Rom. 3:19-21). But what the Law could not do, Jesus did (Rom. 8:3-4), and I am now the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
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1 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV)
knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
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Romans 3:19-21 (NKJV)
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
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Romans 8:3-4 (NKJV)
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
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2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
This entitles me to everything God is and has. I have His authority to use, and to the degree that I have done this, I have experienced miraculous results. I am so excited about this that I am trying to let the whole world know these truths.
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Heaven, Can't Wait
Heaven, Can't Wait
Bible Study via Brother John
@ Southwest Church of Christ
Week 1 - Over View
Download week 1 whiteboard notes here
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV)
But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
Week 2 - The Promise of Heaven
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Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.
John 14:1-4 (NKJV)
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)
Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Hebrews 9:23-24 (NKJV)
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Hebrews 12:22-24 (NKJV)
Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20 (NKJV)
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:4 (NKJV)
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
Hebrews chapter 11 - Faith
By Faith We Understand - Faith at the Dawn of History - Faithful Abraham - The Heavenly Hope - The Faith of the Patriarchs - The Faith of Moses - By Faith They Overcame
The River of Life
1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
The Time Is Near
6 Then he said to me, These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.
7 Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
9 Then he said to me, See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.
10 And he said to me, Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.
Jesus Testifies to the Churches
12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
16 I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
A Warning
18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Revelation 22 (NKJV)
Week 3 - Heavens Truths
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The Glory of the New Jerusalem
But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
Revelation 21:22-27 (NKJV)
The River of Life
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
Revelation 22:1-5 (NKJV)
Thus says the Lord: Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
Isaiah 66:1 (NKJV)
Heavenly Angels
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
Satan
Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created.
You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.
By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.
Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you.
You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, By the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you.
All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; You have become a horror, And shall be no more forever.
Ezekiel 28:12-19 (NKJV)
The Fall of Lucifer
How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.
Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.
Isaiah 14:12-15 (NKJV)
Man in Gods likeness
Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)
Man given dominion
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
Genesis 1:27-28 (NKJV)
Jesus Christ, Gods home
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Philippians 1:21, 23 (NKJV)
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NKJV)
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:1-2 (NKJV)
Resurrected, new indestructible bodies
Your dead shall live; Together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; For your dew is like the dew of herbs, And the earth shall cast out the dead.
Isaiah 26:19 (NKJV)
Past - Eden
For the Lord will comfort Zion,
He will comfort all her waste places;
He will make her wilderness like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in it,
Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
Isaiah 51:3 (NKJV)
Thus says the Lord God: In the day when it went down to hell, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it. I restrained its rivers, and the great waters were held back. I caused Lebanon to mourn for it, and all the trees of the field wilted because of it.
Ezekiel 31:15 (NKJV)
Future - New Heaven, New Earth
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:13 (NKJV)
And: You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.
Hebrews 1:10-12 (NKJV)
All Things Made New
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:1-2 (NKJV)
Week 4 - Historical Context
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The Good News of Salvation
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Isaiah 61:1 (NKJV)
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV)
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
And God said, See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.
Genesis 1:28-29 (NKJV)
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls.
To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven things which angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:8-9, 12 (NKJV)
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:1-2 (NKJV)
But to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool?
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:13-14 (NKJV)
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)
And: You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment;
Hebrews 1:10-11 (NKJV)
The Comfort of Christs Coming
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NKJV)
But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:7-13 (NKJV)
Life and Judgment Are Through the Son
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
John 5:24 (NKJV)
Angelic History
But to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool?
Hebrews 1:13 (NKJV)
To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven things which angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:12 (NKJV)
which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 2:8 (NKJV)
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,
Revelation 5:11 (NKJV)
Satan Advent
Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created.
You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.
By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.
Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you.
You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, By the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you.
All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; You have become a horror, And shall be no more forever.
Ezekiel 28:12-19 (NKJV)
Week 5 - (out Jan 8, 2023)
Week 6 - Review from last week
Download week 6 whiteboard notes here
who will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Romans 2:6-8 (NKJV)
but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
2 Timothy 1:10 (NKJV)
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:13 (NKJV)
And: You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.
Hebrews 1:10-12 (NKJV)
Week 7 - Why is it Important we are Raised in Power
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It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
1 Corinthians 15:43 (NKJV)
And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
Matthew 28:2 (NKJV)
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Philippians 3:10 (NKJV)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me. I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.
And John bore witness, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.
John 1:29-34 (NKJV)
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Acts 10:38 (NKJV)
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV)
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:13 (NKJV)
And: You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.
Hebrews 1:10-12 (NKJV)
But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christs at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26 (NKJV)
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18 (NKJV)
Week 8 - (road iced Jan 29, 2023)
Week 9 - The Israel of God
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The Righteousness of Gods Judgment
1 I was sought by those who did not ask for Me;
I was found by those who did not seek Me.
I said, Here I am, here I am,
To a nation that was not called by My name.
2 I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people,
Who walk in a way that is not good,
According to their own thoughts;
3 A people who provoke Me to anger continually to My face;
Who sacrifice in gardens,
And burn incense on altars of brick;
4 Who sit among the graves,
And spend the night in the tombs;
Who eat swines flesh,
And the broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
5 Who say, Keep to yourself,
Do not come near me,
For I am holier than you!
These are smoke in My nostrils,
A fire that burns all the day.
6 Behold, it is written before Me:
I will not keep silence, but will repay,
Even repay into their bosom,
7 Your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers together,
Says the Lord,
Who have burned incense on the mountains
And blasphemed Me on the hills;
Therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom.
8 Thus says the Lord:
As the new wine is found in the cluster,
And one says, Do not destroy it,
For a blessing is in it,
So will I do for My servants sake,
That I may not destroy them all.
9 I will bring forth descendants from Jacob,
And from Judah an heir of My mountains;
My elect shall inherit it,
And My servants shall dwell there.
10 Sharon shall be a fold of flocks,
And the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down,
For My people who have sought Me.
11 But you are those who forsake the Lord,
Who forget My holy mountain,
Who prepare a table for Gad,
And who furnish a drink offering for Meni.
12 Therefore I will number you for the sword,
And you shall all bow down to the slaughter;
Because, when I called, you did not answer;
When I spoke, you did not hear,
But did evil before My eyes,
And chose that in which I do not delight.
13 Therefore thus says the Lord God:
Behold, My servants shall eat,
But you shall be hungry;
Behold, My servants shall drink,
But you shall be thirsty;
Behold, My servants shall rejoice,
But you shall be ashamed;
14 Behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart,
But you shall cry for sorrow of heart,
And wail for grief of spirit.
15 You shall leave your name as a curse to My chosen;
For the Lord God will slay you,
And call His servants by another name;
16 So that he who blesses himself in the earth
Shall bless himself in the God of truth;
And he who swears in the earth
Shall swear by the God of truth;
Because the former troubles are forgotten,
And because they are hidden from My eyes.
The Glorious New Creation
17 For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create;
For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing,
And her people a joy.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
And joy in My people;
The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her,
Nor the voice of crying.
20 No more shall an infant from there live but a few days,
Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days;
For the child shall die one hundred years old,
But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
They shall not plant and another eat;
For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people,
And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain,
Nor bring forth children for trouble;
For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord,
And their offspring with them.
24 It shall come to pass
That before they call, I will answer;
And while they are still speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
The lion shall eat straw like the ox,
And dust shall be the serpents food.
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
Says the Lord.
Isaiah 65 (NKJV)
True Worship and False
1 Thus says the Lord:
Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
2 For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,
Says the Lord.
But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word.
3 He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man;
He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dogs neck;
He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swines blood;
He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.
Just as they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations,
4 So will I choose their delusions,
And bring their fears on them;
Because, when I called, no one answered,
When I spoke they did not hear;
But they did evil before My eyes,
And chose that in which I do not delight.
The Lord Vindicates Zion
5 Hear the word of the Lord,
You who tremble at His word:
Your brethren who hated you,
Who cast you out for My names sake, said,
Let the Lord be glorified,
That we may see your joy.
But they shall be ashamed.
6 The sound of noise from the city!
A voice from the temple!
The voice of the Lord,
Who fully repays His enemies!
7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth;
Before her pain came,
She delivered a male child.
8 Who has heard such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children.
9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery? says the Lord.
Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb? says your God.
10 Rejoice with Jerusalem,
And be glad with her, all you who love her;
Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her;
11 That you may feed and be satisfied
With the consolation of her bosom,
That you may drink deeply and be delighted
With the abundance of her glory.
12 For thus says the Lord:
Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,
And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.
Then you shall feed;
On her sides shall you be carried,
And be dandled on her knees.
13 As one whom his mother comforts,
So I will comfort you;
And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
The Reign and Indignation of God
14 When you see this, your heart shall rejoice,
And your bones shall flourish like grass;
The hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants,
And His indignation to His enemies.
15 For behold, the Lord will come with fire
And with His chariots, like a whirlwind,
To render His anger with fury,
And His rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire and by His sword
The Lord will judge all flesh;
And the slain of the Lord shall be many.
17 Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves,
To go to the gardens
After an idol in the midst,
Eating swines flesh and the abomination and the mouse,
Shall be consumed together, says the Lord.
18 For I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory.
19 I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles.
20 Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the Lord out of all nations, on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord.
21 And I will also take some of them for priests and Levites, says the Lord.
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth
Which I will make shall remain before Me, says the Lord,
So shall your descendants and your name remain.
23 And it shall come to pass
That from one New Moon to another,
And from one Sabbath to another,
All flesh shall come to worship before Me, says the Lord.
24 And they shall go forth and look
Upon the corpses of the men
Who have transgressed against Me.
For their worm does not die,
And their fire is not quenched.
They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.
Isaiah 66 (NKJV)
All Things Made New
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.
6 And He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
The New Jerusalem
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the Lambs wife.
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.
17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
The Glory of the New Jerusalem
22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.
25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there).
26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
Revelation 21 (NKJV)
The River of Life
1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
The Time Is Near
6 Then he said to me, These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.
7 Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
9 Then he said to me, See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.
10 And he said to me, Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.
Jesus Testifies to the Churches
12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
16 I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
A Warning
18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
I Am Coming Quickly
20 He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly.
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Revelation 22 (NKJV)
Week 10 - New Jerusalem
Download week 10 whiteboard notes here
for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:10 (NKJV)
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13 (NKJV) The Heavenly Hope
But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:16 (NKJV)
You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.
Hebrews 2:8 (NKJV)
But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:7 (NKJV)
whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV)
For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
Proverbs 2:21-22 (NKJV)
Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:24-26 (NKJV)
For evildoers shall be [a]cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Psalm 37:9-11 (NKJV)
Week 11 - The Heavenly Rewards of Christian Works
Download week 11 whiteboard notes here
All Things Made New
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.
6 And He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
The New Jerusalem
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the Lambs wife.
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.
17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
The Glory of the New Jerusalem
22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.
25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there).
26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
Revelation 21 (NKJV)
The River of Life
1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
6 Then he said to me, These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.
Revelation 22:1-6 (NKJV)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,
who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46 (NKJV) (The Parable of the Hidden Treasure)
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.
Luke 14:13 (NKJV)
Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Mans sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
But woe to you who are rich, For you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are full, For you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, For you shall mourn and weep.
Luke 6:22-25 (NKJV)
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
2 And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:1-12 (NASB) (The Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)
Then He also said to him who invited Him, When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.
And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.
Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!
Luke 14:12-15 (NKJV)
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience [perseverance].
James 1:3 (NKJV)
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
1 Peter 4:12 (NKJV) (Suffering for Gods Glory)
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV)
and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:6-10 (NKJV)
Note: look at the chart on the whiteboard
(this weeks attachment)
The key of belief is faith.
The key of behavior is works.
The difference between faith and works is listed in these columns.
Week 12 - Great is your Reward in Heaven
Download week 12 whiteboard notes here
Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Mans sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
Luke 6:22-23 (NKJV)
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.
And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.
Luke 14:13-14 (NKJV)
Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open for us, and He will answer and say to you, I do not know you, where you are from,
then you will begin to say, We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.
But He will say, I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.
There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.
They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.
And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.
Luke 13:24-30 (NKJV)
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,
he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.
This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
Acts 2:30-33 (NKJV)
The Road to Emmaus
13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.
14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.
16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
17 And He said to them, What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?
18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?
19 And He said to them, What things?
20 So they said to Him, The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
21 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.
22 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.
23 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us.
24 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.
25 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.
26 Then He said to them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
27 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?
28 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
The Disciples Eyes Opened
29 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And He went in to stay with them.
30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
32 And they said to one another, Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?
33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
34 saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!
35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.
Luke 24:13-35 (NKJV)
Then He said to them, These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.
Luke 24:44
whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
Acts 3:21 (NKJV)
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,
to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:1-3 (NKJV)
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
And He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
Acts 1:6-7 (NKJV)
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: Take heed that no one deceives you.
5 For many will come in My name, saying, I am the Christ, and will deceive many.
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My names sake.
10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
The Great Tribulation
15 Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand),
16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.
18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
Matthew 24:3-20 (NKJV)
The Parable of the Fig Tree
32 Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors!
34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Matthew 24:32-35 (NKJV)
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You are Healed
You are Healed, Healing Promises to Stand On
via Gloria Copeland
and said, If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.
Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)
So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
Exodus 23:25-26 (NKJV)
You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock. And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.
Deuteronomy 7:14-15 (NKJV)
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NKJV)
Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses.
1 Kings 8:56 (NKJV)
O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.
Psalm 30:2 NKJV
Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.
Psalm 91:9-10, 14-16 (NKJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Psalm 103:1-5 (NKJV)
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:8, 19-21 (NKJV)
I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord.
Psalm 118:17 (NKJV)
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:20-23 (NKJV)
He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29, 31 (NKJV)
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV)
Then the Lord said to me, You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.
Jeremiah 1:12 (NKJV)
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 NKJV
For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds, says the Lord, Because they called you an outcast saying: This is Zion; No one seeks her.
Jeremiah 30:17 (NKJV)
Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
Jeremiah 33:6 NKJV
Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, I am strong.
Joel 3:10 (NKJV)
What do you conspire against the Lord? He will make an utter end of it. Affliction will not rise up a second time.
Nahum 1:9 (NKJV)
And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed. Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:2-3 (NKJV)
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.
Matthew 8:16-17 (NKJV)
Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
Matthew 15:30-31 (NKJV)
Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
Matthew 18:18-19 (NKJV)
So Jesus answered and said to them, Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, it will be done.
Matthew 21:21 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
Mark 9:23 (NKJV)
But Jesus looked at them and said, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27 (NKJV)
So Jesus answered and said to them, Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 11:22-24 (NKJV)
Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Mark 16:14-18 (NKJV)
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 (NKJV)
Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Acts 5:16 (NKJV)
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Acts 10:38 (NKJV)
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, I have made you a father of many nations) in the presence of Him whom he believed, God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, So shall your descendants be. And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarahs womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Romans 4:16-21 (NKJV)
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:2, 11 (NKJV)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12:4, 9 NKJV
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
And if you are Christs, then you are Abrahams seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:13-14, 29 (NKJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV)
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
Hebrews 10:23, 35-36 (NKJV)
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Hebrews 11:11 (NKJV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 (NKJV)
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:13-16 (NKJV)
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness, by whose stripes you were healed.
1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
1 John 3:21-22 (NKJV)
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV)
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2 (NKJV)
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)
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Key Events in End Times
via Max Anders book: New Christians Handbook, Chapter 21
This is a very high level overview of events that must soon take place.
1. The Second Coming
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:3 (NKJV)
2. The Rapture
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV)
3. The Millennium
Satan Bound 1,000 Years
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
The Saints Reign with Christ 1,000 Years
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Satanic Rebellion Crushed
7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison
8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.
9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:1-10 (NKJV)
4. The Great Tribulation
For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.
Mark 13:19 (NKJV)
5. The Antichrist
18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.
1 John 2:18-22 (NKJV) (Deceptions of the Last Hour)
6. The Judgement Seat of Christ
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV)
7. The Great White Throne of Judgement
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:11-15 (NKJV)
8. Heaven
Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:9 (NKJV) (Jesus Ascends to Heaven)
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)
9. Hell
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28 (NKJV)
But wait, theres more!
10. Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Live Forever in Heaven
From that time Jesus began to preach and say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17 (NASB)
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
Jesus responded and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3 (NASB)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6 (KJV)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 (KJV)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
Therefore, everyone who confesses Me (Jesus) before people, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 10:32 (NASB)
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)
Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20 (NKJV)
But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV)
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:12 (NASB)
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:22 (NKJV)
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32 (NIV)
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7 (NIV)
But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Hebrews 12:22-24 (NIV)
The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
John 3:36 (NASB)
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:2 (NASB)
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The Holy Bible in a Nutshell
This is the Holy Bible in a nutshell, I use to get those books when I went to college to get an idea what a particular subject was about.
Now that I am retired, I spend most of my free time reading and studying the Word of God.
It is amazing how the entire Bible ties into itself, from the first page to the last, from Genesis to Revelation.
Bible scholars say about 1/3 of the Bible is prophecy. The more I read and study the Bible, the more prophecy I discover and understand Gods plan as it is written.
Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth born of the virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit, walked among mankind teaching us the way to live our lives for the will of God.
Jesus taught us how to inherit eternal life, abundant life and to live forever in heaven with Jesus and God our Father.
After His ministry on earth, Jesus gave His sinless life freely, died on the cross, three days later Jesus rose from the dead (defeating sin, death, and satan),
ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God our Father making intercessions for us - His believers.
If we repent (turn from our sins) and confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior; He will forgive us our sins and give us everlasting life and write our names in the Lambs Book of Life.
Then we will live in heaven for all eternity in peace, love, joy and happiness rejoicing with Jesus and God our Father and with all the previous countless people who believe in Jesus and our heavenly Father.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we also receive abundant life and the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) to lead, guide, and help us now through lifes journey on earth.
The Holy Bible is the Word of God, written by inspiration of God and teaches us how to live our lives and grow close to God and inherit eternal life.
The Word of God is alive, it is an instruction manual for mankind from God. The main theme in the Bible is love, salvation, faith, hope, truth, and life.
The Bible teaches us (you and me) how to walk with God, worship God, and be obedient to God our Father who created us and longs for a relationship with us.
God who created the universe, created you and me in His image that we would fellowship with Him, follow His Son Jesus, and inherent eternal life.
There are 2 sections to the Holy Bible, the Old Testament (written BC) and the New Testament (written AD).
The Old Testament was originally written for the Jews how to live a life obedient to God. If you read the Old Testament and look at history, the Jews had a difficult time walking with God.
There is about a 450 year gap between the Old Testament and the New Testament. There is a lot of prophecy in the Old Testament that describes Jesus and sets the stage for the New Testament.
God gives all mankind the opportunity for salvation and eternal life in the New Testament. The first four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are the gospels, the good news.
They describe the birth, life, teachings, miracles, death and resurrection of Jesus. The New Testament also has the teachings in the early church and the book of Revelation.
The book of Revelation reveals end times prophecy and Gods complete victory over evil.
The main theme in the Bible is written in John 3:16; "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (you and me) believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life".
Throughout the New Testament we read there is life in Jesus name, to call upon our Lord Jesus and give our life to Him.
It says the only way to heaven is by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That we must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. And this is as simple as believing in Jesus and saying (praying); Lord Jesus I am a sinner and want to turn from my sins. Thank you for forgiving my sins. I open the door of my life and invite you to take charge of my life as my Lord and Savior. Amen
If you said that prayer and believed that in your heart, you are saved, born again and a child of God entitled to ALL the blessings, all the promises written in the Bible.
As you read the Bible, when you see a verse, a promise, you want to claim for your life, tell Jesus you want what is written there for your life; have faith and believe what is written and it is yours by faith in Jesus name.
Continue to grow in your faith, read your Bible, praise God, pray, find a Spirit filled Christian church that teaches the Word of God, get baptized, and worship Him! You will see God our Father doing wonderful things in your life as you follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise God!
In every persons life on earth and from the first page to the last page in the Bible there are two forces at work in our lives; God and satan - good and evil.
Satan is a fallen angel who tries to destroy peoples relationship with God. In John 10:10, Jesus says; "The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly".
So in other words, satan wants to steal the Word of God from you, steal your salvation, steal your eternal life, satan wants to kill your soul, to destroy you and your relationship with God.
On the other hand, Jesus gives us life, abundant and everlasting life with God our Father.
You read in the book of Revelation (last book in the Bible) and prophecy through out the Bible what happens to satan, and to those who do NOT believe in Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, it is an eternality in hell.
God gives all mankind a choice, to believe in Jesus - the Son of God, or not; its as simple as that.
Every person MUST make a choice, to believe in Jesus, to be born again, or not; if you do not make a choice by default you have rejected God and His grace.
God gives people countless chances to believe in Jesus, but you must call upon the name of Jesus and be saved, before it is too late.
It says in Revelation 1:3, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy (the Bible), and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near".
This is so true in this day and age as the end-time-events written in Bible prophecy are being fulfilled today.
Written by David R. Baer
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Holy Spirit - Seeing the Unseen
Holy Spirit - Seeing the Unseen
Bible Study via Brother Marcelle
@ Southwest Church of Christ
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:27 (NKJV)
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NKJV)
Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
Acts 16:6-7 (NKJV)
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV)
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)
Holy Spirit with Power
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Acts 10:38 (NKJV)
Pray in the Spirit
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:31 (NKJV)
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Ephesians 6:17-18 (NKJV)
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 (NKJV)
Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
1 Corinthians 14:13-15 (NKJV)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:20-21
Cast out Demons by the Spirit of God
But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 12:28 (NKJV)
But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Luke 11:20 (NKJV)
Born of the Spirit
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:6 (NKJV)
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
1 Peter 1:22-23 (NKJV) (The Enduring Word)
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 (NKJV)
Holy Spirit - Finger of God
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Hebrews 8:10 (NKJV)
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,
Hebrews 10:16 (NKJV)
Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God. But Pharaohs heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:19 (NKJV)
And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
Exodus 31:18 (NKJV)
In the same hour the fingers of a mans hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the kings palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
Daniel 5:5 (NKJV)
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
Psalm 8:3 (NKJV)
You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV)
Holy Spirit in Creation
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light.
Genesis 1:1-3 (NKJV) (The History of Creation)
You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.
Psalm 104:30 (NKJV)
By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
Job 26:13 (NKJV)
Holy Spirit - Search, Speak, Testify
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV)
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7 (NKJV)
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
1 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV)
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father!
Galatians 4:6 (NKJV)
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 (NKJV)
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
John 15:26-27 (NKJV)
You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, And did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, And gave them water for their thirst.
Nehemiah 9:20 (NKJV)
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Romans 8:14 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:1 (NKJV)
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 14:26 (NKJV)
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
John 16:12-14 (NKJV)
Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
Acts 16:6-7 (NKJV)
Holy Spirit - Upon / Within Men
NOTE: in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit was upon men (Godly men),
in the New Testament the Holy Spirit dwells within men (believers)
And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?
Genesis 41:38 (NKJV) (speaking of Joseph)
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
Exodus 31:3 (NKJV) (speaking of Moses)
And the Lord said to Moses: Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him;
Numbers 27:18 (NKJV)
Yet for many years You had patience with them, And testified against them by Your Spirit in Your prophets. Yet they would not listen; Therefore You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.
Nehemiah 9:30 (NKJV)
But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying:
Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
Daniel 4:8-9 (NKJV)
Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things which angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:10-12 (NKJV)
Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Psalm 51:11 (NKJV)
According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!
Haggai 2:5 (NKJV)
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [Comforter] Helper, that He may abide with you forever,
John 14:16 (NKJV)
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV)
So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Genesis 41:16 (NKJV)
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.
Genesis 41:39 (NKJV)
Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.
Then you shall say to the people, Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat; for you have wept in the hearing of the Lord, saying, Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt. Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat.
You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days,
but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have despised the Lord who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?
Numbers 11:17-20 (NKJV)
And the Lord said to Moses: Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him;
set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight.
And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
Numbers 27:18-20 (NKJV)
Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.
1 Samuel 11:6 (NKJV)
But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.
1 Samuel 16:14 (NKJV) (A Distressing Spirit Troubles Saul)
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.
And Sauls servants said to him, Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you.
Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.
So Saul said to his servants, Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.
Then one of the servants answered and said, Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.
1 Samuel 16:13-18 (NKJV) (A Distressing Spirit Troubles Saul)
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said:
We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, And peace to your helpers! For your God helps you. So David received them, and made them captains of the troop.
1 Chronicles 12:18 (NKJV)
And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?
Genesis 41:38 (NKJV)
2 Places in the Bible; the Holy Spirit Came Upon the Jews, and the Gentiles
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Then there appeared to them distributed tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV) (Coming of the Holy Spirit)
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
Acts 10:44-46 (NKJV) (The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles)
Apostles Laid on Hands
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:6-7 (NKJV)
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-17 (NKJV)
Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
saying, Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
Acts 8:17-22 (NKJV)
I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven, whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
And I know that this man was caught up into paradise, whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows, and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
2 Corinthians 12:1-4 (ESV) (Third Haven Paradise)
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:8-11 (NKJV) (9 Gifts of the Spirit)
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NKJV) Unity and Diversity in One Body)
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV) (Love The Greatest Gift)
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
1 Corinthians 14:1-2 (NKJV) (Prophecy and Tongues)
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:4-8 (NKJV)
for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:21 (NKJV)
Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things which angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:10-12 (NKJV)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
John 16:13-15 (NKJV)
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:10-14 (NKJV)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
John 16:13-15 (NKJV)
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 14:26 (NKJV)
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mothers womb and called me through His grace,
to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Galatians 1:11-17 (NKJV)
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants, things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1:1-3 (NKJV)
And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
Revelation 7:4 (NKJV)
Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Fathers name written on their foreheads.
And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Revelation 14:1-5 (NKJV) (The Lamb and the 144,000)
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:17-20 (NKJV)
For behold, the stone That I have laid before Joshua: Upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription, Says the Lord of hosts, And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
Zechariah 3:9 (NKJV)
For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.
Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV)
And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
Revelation 5:6 (NKJV)
And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Revelation 4:5 (NKJV)
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christs have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16-26 (NKJV) Walking in the Spirit
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:12-17 (NKJV)
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Psalm 51:12 (NKJV)
Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:23 (NKJV)
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Romans 2:4 (NKJV)
What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much long suffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
Romans 9:22 (NKJV)
However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
1 Timothy 1:16 (NKJV)
who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
1 Peter 3:20 (NKJV)
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV) (A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath)
Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
2 Corinthians 10:1 (NKJV)
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
Psalm 18:35 (NKJV)
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Philippians 4:5 (NKJV)
Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!
Psalm 31:19 (NKJV)
(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
Ephesians 5:9 (NKJV)
when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
2 Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV)
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Acts 10:38 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV) (By Faith We Understand)
(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)
Numbers 12:3 (NKJV)
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29 (NKJV)
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
Romans 15:1-2 (NKJV)
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)
Reception of the Spirit
This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:2 (NKJV)
At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does Scripture say? Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave womans son will never share in the inheritance with the free womans son. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
Galatians 4:29-31 (NIV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV)
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:5 (NKJV)
that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:14 (NKJV)
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree),
Galatians 3:13 (NKJV)
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father!
Galatians 4:6 (NKJV)
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV)
For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
Galatians 5:5-6 (NKJV)
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:17-18 (NKJV)
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:18 (NKJV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25 (NKJV)
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:8-9 (NKJV)
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mothers womb.
Luke 1:15 (NKJV)
And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:41 (NKJV)
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
Luke 1:67 (NKJV)
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4 (NKJV)
And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
Acts 2:8 (NKJV)
he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.
Acts 2:31 (NKJV)
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:17 (NKJV)
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
Acts 13:9 (NKJV)
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52 (NKJV)
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7 Aspects of the Holy Spirit
via Paula White Ministries
City of Destiny Church, Apopka, FL
https://cityofdestiny.us
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
John 16:7 (NKJV)
Holy Spirit possess me with the Fire of God and the Power of God,
You need purity; holiness comes from the Lord, purity in the heart, purity in thoughts, purity in action,
1 - The Holy Spirit is a person.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 14:26 (NKJV)
2 - God does ALL things through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit knows all things.
Am I a God near at hand, says the Lord, And not a God afar off?
Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him? says the Lord; Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NKJV)
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
Psalm 139:7 (NKJV)
3 - The Holy Spirit is active in all creation. God spoke and the Holy Spirit acted and created. There is unlimited power in with the Spirit of God and the Word of God when they are united together.
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
Psalm 33:6 (NKJV)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light.
Genesis 1:1-3 (NKJV)
4 - In the Old Testament people were moved by the Holy Spirit for Gods sovereignty.
In the New Testament all believers are led by the Holy Spirit.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
Exodus 31:1-3 (NKJV)
5 - When fasting you are in communion with the Holy Spirit, He gives you strategy.
Fasting brings clarity to you, it denys your flesh.
The Holy Spirit will give you a strategy and it will fit together and work.
The Holy Spirit will teach you, God will do what He promised.
But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.
Judges 6:34 (NKJV)
Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel:
The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.
2 Samuel 23:1-2 (NKJV)
for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:21 (NKJV)
6 - I want to speak and be moved by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with Fire.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:11 (NKJV)
Re-baptize me with Fire of the Holy Spirit and His Power.
The Holy Spirit is the Power of God.
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Acts 10:38 (NKJV)
7 - The Holy Spirit wants you to edify the body of Christ.
Do not do works in your flesh, God will supply, God will anoint you.
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,
Acts 1:1-2 (NKJV)
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:37-39 (NKJV)
Pray,
Move on me Father, I am thirsty for the Holy Spirit.
Fill me Holy Spirit and unlock Gods will within me, quench my thirst Holy Spirit.
Reveal to me Holy Spirit the Word of God and the hidden messages their in.
Gods ways are better than my ways, show me and led me Holy Spirit.
Breathe the breath of the Spirit upon me Lord. A-men.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
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Activate Your Spirit-Man By the Holy Spirit
via Bible Davids Ministries
https://bibledavids.org/activate-your-spirit-man/
The line of demarcation between the natural and the Supernatural is the greatest stumbling block to the manifestation of the destiny which God has prepared for many believers. Everything that God does is first executed in the Spirit which is the God-realm.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)
Until the consciousness of your spirit aligns with that realm, the workings of God will seem oblivious to you. There is a clear difference between being born of the Spirit and living in the Spirit. Every believer is born of the Spirit but very few are consciously walking in the reality of their God-Identity in the Spirit.
My distinct assignment to the Body of Christ is the activation of the consciousness of the Supernatural Person, Presence, and Power of God in each believer. If you are not well aligned to the frequency and rhythm of the Spirit, there will be a disconnect between what God is doing in His realm and the things you are experiencing in the earth realm in your life. God will not condescend to the limited realm of the natural again. He did that once when He took the form of a man in Jesus. Now He seeks to lift us up by the power of His Spirit into His realm of limitless possibilities and miracles so that the sons of men might become the sons of God.
For you to experience the fullness of the God-life, you need to experience a trajectory by revelation, becoming fully aware of the God-realm and living actively in that realm. Say with me, I, (put your name here) am shifting my consciousness from the natural realm to the Supernatural realm of God. I am experiencing a new reality, the reality of the life in the Spirit in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Think of an eagle trying to swim in the deep blue sea, it is already out of its natural element and would drown. All that glory of the majestic flight thats embedded in the DNA of the eagle gets useless when it steps out of its natural habitat. As a New Creature in Christ, the Supernatural is your natural element, Its not about activities, its about positioning and frequency.
and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 2:6 (NKJV)
The New Creation Experience Indwells Your Spirit-Man with the Holy Spirit.
At the point of salvation, sins are forgiven and our relationship with God as Father begins, however another amazing thing that happened at salvation is the activation of your Spirit-Man.
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV)
Let me explain; you are essentially a spirit being. (Job 32:8) There is a clear distinction between the spirit of man and the Spirit of God. (Proverbs 20:27) The Spirit of God inhabits the human spirit. The spirit in you is a unique being by itself and is inactive and alienated from the life-source of God due to the fallen state of man. This spirit gets reconnected with the Spirit of God at the point of salvation.
But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
Job 32:8 (NKJV)
The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.
Proverbs 20:27 (NKJV)
Say with me, The Spirit of God indwells my Spirit
This is what gives access and empowerment to the believer to operate in the God-realm as a God-being. Because God is Spirit, we can only navigate His realm in the element of the Spirit. (John 4:24) This revelation is not often taught in the Body of Christ today and so many believers are not walking in the consciousness of the Spirit.
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:24 (NKJV)
Say with me, I am a Spirit Being, I am a God Being. I am not a mere man. I engage the indwelling Person and Presence of the Holy Spirit Who empowers me to live in the supernatural in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.
Impartation of the Holy Spirit Activates your Spirit.
It is not sufficient to be filled only with the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. You have to advance to the next level which is the activation experience through impartation.
And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:6 (NKJV)
The first experience of the Holy Spirit, when He indwells your Spirit at conversion, is The Spirit Within, The second experience with the Holy Spirit, when He activates your Spirit and baptizes in fire, is The Spirit Upon, The Spirit Within is for sonship and redemption while the Spirit Upon is for activation and empowerment for miracles, signs, and wonders. God wants you to go beyond the first level and take you to the deeper realms of God where you will manifest Kingdom Power and authority.
The Holy Spirit Releases Unique Gifts and Capabilities into your Spirit-Man
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (NKJV)
The spirit of man is like a computer operating system; it will only interpret the unique programs or applications that are installed on it. If you install music and video apps, it will release the capability to play or stream videos. If you install games and music it will function in that capacity. When your spirit gets filled and activated with the Holy Spirit, your spirit-man begins to function according to the specific downloads and installations which the Holy Spirit has released into you. All the nine gifts of the Spirit and the manifold blessings which the Father releases into our lives come through the channel of our Spirit-man. Many believers began to notice the expression of gifts and blessings that were not present before they got activated manifested in their lives. All of heavens resources are released to the believers life through His Spirit.
Say with me, I receive the download of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the full capacity and blessings of the Kingdom of God into my life in the Name of Jesus Christ
The Senses of your spirit-man need to be developed through Revelation and the Anointing.
The senses of your spirit-man is configured to function according to the unique downloads of the Spirit you are given and functioning in. Those gifts must be developed by the Word of God, prayer, and constant use.
You must be taught the Word on the protocol of the Spirit, how to function in your gift and develop the senses of your spirit-man. If you have the gift of prophecy, you will mature in that gift and capacity of the Holy Spirit when you use the gift frequently.
Say with me, The senses of my spirit-man and the capabilities of my gifts are sharpened and matured to function in their full capacity in the name of Jesus Christ.
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Isaiah 41:8, God is Your Friend
Isaiah 41: Friends, Servants, and Victors in God
via Rabbi Schneider
@ Discovering the Jewish Jesus
https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/
But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
Isaiah 41:8 (NKJV)
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.
1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
Main Points:
1) When you know who you are and what your purpose is, you are going to be set free from futility!
2) What makes us happy is knowing God and knowing who we are in Him and to Him.
3) God is calling you His friend!
God says, "But you, Israel, are My servant,"
But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
Isaiah 41:8 (NKJV)
- we exist to do the will of our Father,
- we are to humble ourselves and serve others,
- we are strengthen, encouraged, and built up in the Word of God,
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28 (NKJV)
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands,
that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-13 (NKJV) (Brought Near by His Blood)
11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.
12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!
13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,
14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.
15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,
18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.
20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.
21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.
22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
Romans 11:11-24 (NKJV) (Israels Rejection Not Final)
- Gentiles (us), we have the blessing of Israel,
- a servent does the will of his Lord,
- God says we are His servent,
- we are the servent of the living God!
Then Jesus answered and said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
John 5:19 (NKJV)
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.
Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)
- we need to think as servants of the Lord,
- we need to deny our own emotions,
- we need to Praise God and serve Him first,
- we exist to serve Him, not Him serve us,
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10 (NKJV)
- we are the servants of the living God here on earth,
- we should not fulfill the lust of the flesh, but wership and serve God,
God continues and says, "Jacob whom I have chosen,"
But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
Isaiah 41:8 (NKJV)
And He said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel [Prince with God]; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.
Genesis 32:28 (NKJV)
- Gentiles (us), are grafted into the Kingdom of God due to Jesus and our relationship with Him,
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
These things I command you, that you love one another.
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
John 15:16-19 (NKJV) (The Worlds Hatred)
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.
1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
- when you know who you are, our identity - we are the chosen on earth,
- you will be set free, not focused on worldly things,
Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:54 (NKJV)
For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJV)
Gods people committed 2 evils:
They have forsaken Me,
they lead lifes in foolishness
- what makes us happy is knowing God, and knowing who we are in Him and to Him,
- we are servants of the living God and we are chosen,
- seek the Lord, pray for revelation, worship Him, read the Word of God,
God continues and says, "The descendants of Abraham My friend."
But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
Isaiah 41:8 (NKJV)
God calls us; servant, chosen, friend!
- we are decedents of Abraham,
6 just as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, In you all the nations shall be blessed.
9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
The Law Brings a Curse
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.
11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for the just shall live by faith.
12 Yet the law is not of faith, but the man who does them shall live by them.
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:6-14 (NKJV)
- God is calling you His friend,
- humble ourselves before God as little children, loving Him,
- Abraham surrendered himself fully before God that brought him into fellowship with God,
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His face upon you, And give you peace.
So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.
Numbers 6:22-27 (NKJV) (The Priestly Blessing)
https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Isaiah-41-Friends-Servants-and-Victors-in-God-God-is-Your-Friend.pdf
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A Clear Mind
via Dr. Charles Stanley and DayStar TV
@ In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJV)
- we have the mind of Christ,
- to think the way our Lord thinks,
- therefore, follow Gods will and think like Christ!
1) How to acquire a clear mind.
- With a personal relationship with Jesus.
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5 (NKJV) (Fellowship with Him and One Another)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
- God is light and in Him is no darkness at all,
- trust in Jesus,
- the Holy Spirit indwells within us to express Christ through us,
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)
- we have the capacity to think like Christ, it is a gift from God,
- we must make choices what comes in our mind,
- wrong thinking will NOT get us in line with God,
- wrong thinking will corrupt our minds,
- invest your life lined up with the will of God and serve others,
2) Challenges to a clear mind.
- when feeling bad - choose to think on the goodness of God,
- when feeling defeated - choose to think on the greatness of God,
- when things look dark - think about the closeness of God,
- when feeling hopeless - think about the hope of God,
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)
3) How do I maintain a clear mind?
- renew your mind with the truth of God,
- the Holy Spirit convicts us of our bad / unGodly thoughts,
- impure thoughts do NOT belong to us,
- reject negative thoughts by reminding yourself you are a born again Christian,
- turn off bad thoughts - they do NOT belong to me!
- put on the "Helmet of Salvation" - so that you will be able to resist on the evil day,
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
- set your mind on the things above - on the Word of God!
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NASB)
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) (Meditate on These Things)
- set your mind upon the Lord,
- continually remind yourself you have the mind of Christ,
- when bad thoughts come - say that is NOT who I am, I am a child of God,
Do I care enough about myself?
Do I care enough about Jesus?
- To keep my mind right within the will of God.
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A Clean Heart
via Dr. Charles Stanley and DayStar TV
@ In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org
Obtain a clean heart by dwelling in the Word of God. Read, study, meditate in the Word of God. Let the Word of God influence, shape you, and lead you in all aspects of your life.
- How do you reach your full potential? Do you feel stuck? Do you feel lost?
- God sees you through eyes of love, as the person He made you to be. Once you line up with His will, you will prosper.
Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 139:13-18 (NKJV)
- Your full potential will bring honor and glory to God.
- We will only discover our potential when we begin to walk in the will of God.
- Gods ultimate purpose for our lifes is to bring Him glory and honor.
- When you hear the truth, then you are responsible to God.
- Are you willing to line up with the will of God?
- A clean heart is essential to reaching your potential.
- Spend quality time in the Word of God, dwell in the Word of God.
- We need a clean heart to walk with Him.
that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
Ephesians 5:26 (NKJV)
- The Word of God washes us and keeps up clean.
- We have to maintain a clean heart by making Godly decisions.
- Fulfilling Gods purpose in our life begins with a clean heart.
- The Spirit of God works in a clean heart.
- The living Word of God washes our heart.
and A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
1 Peter 2:8 (NKJV)
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV)
- Our hearts must be clean before the Lord.
- The Holy Spirit will enable us to do Gods will when we come before Him with a clean heart.
Make yourself clean before the Lord, spend time in the Word of God, and clean your heart.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:9-11 (NKJV)
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV)
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)
But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
Romans 10:8 (NKJV)
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29 (NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:1-4 (NKJV)
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Breaking Free, Guard Your Heart
via Pastor Duane Vander Klok and Walking By Faith
@ Day Star TV, September 26, 2023
There are 2 sources of supernatural power; Gods and demons, light and darkness
So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the Lord commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the [soothsayers] sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their [secret arts] enchantments.
For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aarons rod swallowed up their rods.
Exodus 7:10-12 (NKJV)
Now as Jannes and Jambres (Pharaohs sorcerers) resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
2 Timothy 3:8 (NKJV)
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
John 3:14 (NKJV)
- Do not willingly ask or invite an evil spirit of any kind into your heart.
- There are 2 sources of supernatural power; Gods supernatural and demonic.
There are 5 door keepers of demonic supernatural powers:
1) Fear
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4:18-19 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
2) Unforgiveness, bitterness
When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.
Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
Ephesians 4:26-27 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
3) Occult, witchcraft, new age spirit guides
There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter [be burned as an offering to an idol] pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
For all who do these things are [detestable] an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.
You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.
For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not [allowed you to do so] appointed such for you.
Deuteronomy 18:10-14 (NKJV)
4) Unclean, unnatural sexual practices, adultery,
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, [sexual immorality] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, [witchcraft] sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
But the cowardly, [sinners] unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)
5) Idolatry, worship false gods, false religions
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
Exodus 20:3-4 (NKJV)
- False worship leads you astray, allows the devil to enter.
- When the devil comes, there is sickness, illness, desease, depression, fear, addictions, confusion, financial problems,
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 (NKJV)
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9 (NKJV) (Jesus is the door)
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 (NKJV)
Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.
Mark 1:27 (NKJV) (the power and authority of God in the New Covenant)
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:17 (NKJV)
Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion.
And when they say to you, Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter, should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?
To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Isaiah 8:18-20 (NKJV)
I and the children God has given me have symbolic names that reveal the plans of the Lord of heavens armies for his people: Isaiah means Jehovah will save (his people), Shear-jashub means, A remnant shall return, and Maher-shalal-hash-baz means, Your enemies will soon be destroyed.
So why are you trying to find out the future by consulting witches and mediums? Do not listen to their whisperings and mutterings. Can the living find out the future from the dead? Why not ask your God?
Check these witches words against the Word of God! he says. If their messages are different than mine, it is because I have not sent them; for they have no light or truth in them.
Isaiah 8:18-20 (Living Bible)
Now a word was brought to me secretly, And my ear received a whisper of it.
Amid disquieting thoughts from visions of the night, When deep sleep falls on people,
Dread came upon me, and trembling, And made all my bones shake.
Then a spirit passed [or wind passed over] by my face; The hair of my flesh stood up.
Something was standing still, but I could not recognize its appearance; A form was before my eyes; There was silence, then I heard a voice:
Job 4:12-16 (NASB) (evil demon, messager from hell)
- Do not go to the dead, they are demons, familiar spirits.
- Familiar spirits are evil spirits, they know your past, they do not know your future.
- Gods visions are crisp and clear (not so with demons).
When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the [detestable acts] abominations of those nations.
There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass [be burned as an offering to an idol] through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
For all who do these things are [detestable] an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 (NKJV) (Avoid Wicked Customs)
Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:31 (NKJV)
And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people.
Leviticus 20:6 (NKJV)
- Mediums open the door to evil spirits, then they enter and you are stuck with them.
- When you voluntarily seek evil spirits, they enter you.
Then Saul said to his servants, Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.
And his servants said to him, In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.
1 Samuel 28:7 (NKJV) (Saul opened the door for an evil spirit)
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance.
But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NKJV)
Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing.
Deuteronomy 7:26 (NKJV)
- Artifacts from idols or false gods can carry an evil curse, do not have them in your house.
- Do not worship an image, it is a demon, you enter a relationship with that evil demon spirit.
Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.
1 Corinthians 10:20 (NKJV)
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, We [command] exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.
Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?
Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.
So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
Acts 19:13-20 (NKJV)
Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.
And this she did for many days.
But Paul, greatly [distressed] annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour.
Acts 16:16-18 (NKJV)
For He said to him, Come out of the man, unclean spirit!
Then He asked him, What is your name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion; for we are many.
Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.
Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains.
So all the demons begged Him, saying, Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.
And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.
Mark 5:8-13 (NKJV)
- This person had an unclean spirit who pleaded with Jesus, this was a high ranking evil spirit that controlled all the other demons that possessed this man.
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Hope in the Small Things
Arrival of the King
Hope in the Small Things
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 (NKJV)
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
Now may the God of peace Himself [set you apart] sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NKJV) (Blessing and Admonition)
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:17-18 (NKJV)
So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Judges 6:24 (NKJV)
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
The P.E.A.C.E. of God
P ~ Pray
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
E ~ Exercise, spiritually and physically
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2 (NKJV)
A ~ Anything praiseworthy
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV) (Meditate on These Things)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8 (NKJV)
C ~ Casting all your care upon Him
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)
E ~ Extended peace
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27 (NKJV)
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may [build up] edify another.
Romans 14:17-19 (NKJV)
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV)
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Church of God, Landisville, PA
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Spiritual Warfare - Angels, demons and satan
Spiritual Warfare - Angels, demons and satan
Bible Study via Brother Marcelle
@ Southwest Church of Christ
Three kinds of people in the world; natural man, carnal man, and Spiritual man.
These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.
But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:
how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.
These are [worldly] sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
Jude 16-19 (NKJV) (sensual person not having the Spirit)
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV) (carnal man)
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Ephesians 4:1-3, 13 (NKJV) (Spirital man)
as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NKJV)
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)
that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 1:10 (NKJV)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, in Him.
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:7-14 (NKJV) (sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise)
all ate the same spiritual food,
and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NKJV)
Four ingredients to Spiritual mans life
1) Christ
I am the bread of life.
John 6:48 (NKJV)
2) Will of God
But He said to them, I have food to eat of which you do not know.
Therefore the disciples said to one another, Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?
Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
John 4:32-34 (NKJV)
3) You need solid food - the truth
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)
4) Things of God
But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NKJV)
But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my fathers hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Luke 15:11-17 (NKJV) (The Parable of the Lost Son)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christs have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25 (NKJV) (Fruit of the Spirit)
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NKJV) (Spiritual Restoration)
Angels
[December 10 - out that week]
Satan
lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [schemings] wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.
1 John 5:4 (NKJV)
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Hebrews 10:26 (NKJV) (The Just Live by Faith)
11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
12 Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created.
14 You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.
16 By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.
17 Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you.
18 You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, By the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you.
19 All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; You have become a horror, And shall be no more forever.
Ezekiel 28:11-19 (NKJV) (Lamentation for the King of Tyre)
not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV)
For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;
2 Peter 2:4 (NKJV) (Doom of False Teachers)
And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day;
Jude 6 (NKJV)
The earth is the Lords, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.
Psalm 24:1 (NKJV) (The King of Glory and His Kingdom)
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
1 John 5:19 (NKJV)
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [schemings] wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:11-12 (NKJV)
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago, whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows, such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:2 (NKJV) (3rd heaven - where God lives)
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV) (2nd heaven - space)
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
James 5:18 (NKJV) (1st heaven - atmosphere)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) (heavenly realms)
in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV)
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
James 1:14-15 (NKJV) (4 steps from temptation to death)
The power of satan
The earth is the Lords, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.
Psalm 24:1 (NKJV)
I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me,
John 14:30 (NIV)
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [schemings] wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:11-12 (NKJV)
Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
Father, glorify Your name. Then a voice came from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.
Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, An angel has spoken to Him.
Jesus answered and said, This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.
Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.
John 12:27-32 (NKJV)
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
John 14:30 (NKJV)
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
1 John 5:19 (NKJV)
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
James 5:18 (NKJV) (First heaven)
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV) (Second heaven)
There is also an antitype which now saves us, baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
1 Peter 3:21-22 (NKJV) (Third heaven)
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago, whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows, such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:2 (NKJV) (Third heaven)
in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.
1 John 2:15-16 (NKJV) (Do Not Love the World)
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)
You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.
But we see Jesus, who was made [a]a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
Hebrews 2:8-9 (NKJV)
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christs at His coming.
24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
27 For He has put all things under His feet. But when He says, all things are put under Him, it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.
28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (NKJV) (The Last Enemy Destroyed)
concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
Romans 1:3-6 (NKJV)
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.
But he said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.
Then He said, I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.
Luke 22:31-34 (NKJV) (Jesus Predicts Peters Denial)
The power of satan, continued
Jan 7, 2024
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to [take a census of] number Israel.
1 Chronicles 21:1 (NKJV) (he incited)
So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, think of it, for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?
Luke 13:16 (NKJV) (he bound)
And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simons son, to betray Him,
John 13:2 (NKJV) (he prompted)
Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, What you do, do quickly.
John 13:27 (NKJV) (he entered him)
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
Acts 5:3 (NKJV) (filled heart to lie)
whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV) (blinded)
in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV) (at work in the sons of disobedience)
and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:26 (NKJV) (taken captive)
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.
But he said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.
Then He said, I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.
Luke 22:31-34 (NKJV) (Jesus Predicts Peters Denial) (shifted like wheat)
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to [endure] bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV) (God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able)
And the Lord said to [the Adversary] Satan, From where do you come? So Satan answered the Lord and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.
Job 1:7 (NKJV) (satan walks on earth)
7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,
8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.
9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.
Revelation 12:7-12 (NKJV) (Satan Thrown Out of Heaven) (he has a short time)
Then he said to me, Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:12-13 (NKJV)
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven [nor the Son], but My Father only.
Matthew 24:36 (NKJV) (No One Knows the Day or Hour)
Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things which angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NKJV) (The Whole Armor of God)
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and [the Adversary] Satan also came among them.
7 And the Lord said to Satan, From where do you come? So Satan answered the Lord and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, Does Job fear God for nothing?
10 Have You not [Protected him] made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!
12 And the Lord said to Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person. So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Job 1:6-12 (NKJV) (Satan Attacks Jobs Character)
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The Overflowing Cup
Gods blessings are overflowing.
via Jentezen Franklin
Jentezen Franklin .org Notes
The Overflowing Cup
Gods blessings are overflowing. Your life is full of goodness, kindness, love, and favor from your Heavenly Father. You have more blessings than burdens, and in this message with Jentezen Franklin, you will learn to identify those things and rejoice in Gods faithfulness.
Sermon Notes
We are not called to live a life that is just enough. There is ALWAYS an overflowing cup of Gods blessing flowing to you. You have a God that is always overflowing with goodness, kindness, love, favor, and blessing. You have more blessings than burdens, so think about those and rejoice in Gods faithfulness.
Key Scripture
7 Philip answered Him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.
8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother, said to Him,
9 There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?
10 Then Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.
12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.
John 6:7-13 (NKJV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23 (KJV)
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Ephesians 2:4 (NKJV)
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:14 (NKJV)
So he said to them: Out of the eater came something to eat, And out of the strong came something sweet. Now for three days they could not explain the riddle.
Judges 14:14 (NKJV)
Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah
Psalm 68:19 (NKJV)
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
Psalm 86:5 (NKJV)
Thus says your Lord, The Lord and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people:
See, I have taken out of your hand The cup of trembling, The dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it.
Isaiah 51:22 (NKJV)
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lords table and of the table of demons.
1 Corinthians 10:21 (NKJV)
Key Points
1. Do not focus on the problem; focus on the cup that is always overflowing. Guard your thoughts and your expectations.
2. He is overflowing in mercy. Time after time in scripture, God extended mercy to the worst of the worst. He can heal it all, and that includes you. He can renew it all, and that includes you. His mercy is new every morning. His mercy endures forever and ever.
3. Abundant in the scripture means superabundant (like a hyperactive child). His grace toward you is hyperactive. Gods grace will overflow in your life onto others.
4. When your cup runs over, your praise needs to run over. When you are at your lowest, let your praise overflow.
5. The cup says to keep going. Even if things are not looking up, the cup of Gods blessing overflows if you will keep going. Do not give up.
6. Are you a sipper or a slurper? Gods cup of blessing overflows and challenges you to drink it all in. It is a river and not a drip.
7. After the lion comes the honey. Gods not going to leave you there in your darkest hours. God will take your worst experience and turn it into a blessing.
8. Hells plan is to get you to focus on what you do not have. Place your eyes on the many blessings you have and not on what you do not have. Enjoy the cup of blessing. Live on the level of overflowing blessings and overcoming.
9. Your Gods provision is as plenty as is His mercy. He is limitless in mercy. He is always ready to forgive immediately.
10. A new cup is coming. The cup of trembling and chaos will be taken from your hand and replaced by the cup of blessing. Give God the cup of demons, all that is evil, that have been attacking you and your family, and allow God to give you a new cup that overflows with His goodness and mercy forever.
Final Thoughts
Sippers sit and stare, slurpers shout and praise. Which one are you? God loads you with blessings daily, but you have to look for the benefits.
Blessings are all around you if you will look for them. His mercy will always endure. God will give you the promise and the performance of the promise.
But in between is the pause. In that pause, you have to turn your eyes away from what is behind and go to another level. Do not allow the fear images to enter your mind. Do not allow your thoughts to go there. Because, surely, even in the pause, goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
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The Goodness of God
Our Good, Good Father Series - The Goodness of God
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV)
This describes the heart of God, the character of God our Father.
This scripture is God describing His inner nature; He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, loving, and faithfull.
God is quick to forgive, but holds the guilty accountable because He is a just God.
This scripture is the "John 3:16" of Ancient Israel, according to The Bible Project.
The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation.
Numbers 14:18 (MEV)
Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2 (NKJV)
Let your remorse tear at your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered; he is full of kindness and anxious not to punish you.
Joel 2:13 (Living Bible)
But the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.
2 Kings 13:23 (NKJV)
And he prayed to the Lord and said, O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.
Jonah 4:2 (ESV)
For if you return to the Lord, your brethren and your children will be treated with compassion by those who lead them captive, so that they may come back to this land; for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.
2 Chronicles 30:9 (NKJV)
They refused to obey, And they were not mindful of Your wonders That You did among them. But they hardened their necks, And in their rebellion They appointed a leader To return to their bondage. But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.
Nehemiah 9:17 (NKJV)
Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; For You are God, gracious and merciful.
Nehemiah 9:31 (NKJV)
So he cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone.
Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord.
Exodus 34:4-5 (NKJV)
Throughout history, Israel was a nation of prodigals, prone to wonder from the God they loved. This is why they turned to Exodus 34:6-7.
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV)
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV) (Prodigal)
If you wonder away from God, you can always return to Him. He is waiting and welcomes your return.
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs.
16 He said to him again a second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, Tend My sheep.
17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you love Me?
And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.
19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, Follow Me.
John 21:15-19 (NKJV) (Jesus Restores Peter)
When you turn from God, you can still come back over and over, He is a compassionate God.
The major themes of this upcoming Bible study on our Good, Good Father are:
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The tender heart of our Heavenly Father.
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The devastating consequences of of sin.
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The need for atonement.
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The tension between grace and justice.
12 Then Moses said to the Lord, See, You say to me, Bring up this people. But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.
13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.
14 And He said, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
15 Then he said to Him, If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.
16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.
17 So the Lord said to Moses, I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.
18 And he said, Please, show me Your glory.
19 Then He said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
20 But He said, You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.
21 And the Lord said, Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock.
22 So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by.
23 Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.
Exodus 33:12-23 (NKJV) (The Promise of Gods Presence)
Moses wants to know God, the grace of God, but God gives him something different. Moses wants to see Gods glory, another miracle,
but the Lord said, "I will cause My goodness to pass in front of you."
So he cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone.
Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord.
Exodus 34:4-5 (NKJV)
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV)
that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV) (The Call to Action)
Additional scripture: Exodus chapters 19 to 24, and chapters 32 to 34.
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
April 7, 2024
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A Compassionate Father
Our Good, Good Father Series - A Compassionate Father
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV) (Gods Heart and Compassionate Character)
1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.
2 For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.
3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.
7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him.
8 Then all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do. So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.
Exodus 19:1-8 (NKJV) (Israel at Mount Sinai)
9 That You may say to the prisoners, Go forth, To those who are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights.
10 They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them.
11 I will make each of My mountains a road, And My highways shall be elevated.
12 Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim.
13 Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. God Will Remember Zion
14 But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.
15 Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Isaiah 49:9-16 (NKJV)
13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.
16 But Jesus said to them, They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.
17 And they said to Him, We have here only five loaves and two fish.
18 He said, Bring them here to Me.
19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.
21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:13-21 (NKJV) (Feeding the Five Thousand, Our Compassionate God When We Suffer)
Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.
So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them.
Exodus 2:23-25 (NKJV) (Human Suffering and Gods Compassion)
The children of God cryed out to God in their suffering.
1) God heard them,
2) God remembered the covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
3) God looked down on the people of Israel and saw His people,
4) and God knew (knew it was time to act).
Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees [El Roi]; for she said, Have I also here seen Him who sees me?
Genesis 16:13 (NKJV) (Hagar gives God the name; You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees)
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13 (ESV)
But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.
Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Isaiah 49:14-16 (NKJV) (God Will Remember Zion)
That You may say to the prisoners, Go forth, To those who are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights.
They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them.
I will make each of My mountains a road, And My highways shall be elevated.
Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted.
Isaiah 49:9-11, 13 (NKJV)
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)
1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.
2 For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.
3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.
Exodus 19:1-6 (NKJV) (Israel at Mount Sinai, Gods First Words to His People)
For Moses truly said to the fathers, The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.
Acts 3:22 (NKJV) (Moses Talking About Jesus)
So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him.
Then all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do. So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.
Exodus 19:7-8 (NKJV)
The compassionate love of God is the reason we choice to love Him; todays scripture theme.
1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.
2 For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.
3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.
7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him.
8 Then all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do. So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.
Exodus 19:1-8 (NKJV) (Israel at Mount Sinai)
The compassionate love of God is the reason we choice to obey Him, every day to follow Jesus.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NKJV)
Gods grace has been given to us when Jesus gave His Life for us on the cross.
We have a compassionate God who hears us, who sees us, who remembers His promises, who knows us, knows our struggles, and knows its time to act.
Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Our prayers are we will be moved by Gods compassionate love and join together with the people of Israel saying we will do everything the Lord has said.
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
April 14, 2024
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A Gracious Father
Our Good, Good Father Series - A Gracious Father
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV) (The Character of God - A Gracious Father)
Why is it important to know God?
To study the heart of God,
To know who God is,
Our relationship with God,
How we view God,
What we know about God is how we respond to Him,
It is important for us to know who God is.
A gracious Father - our focus today.
12 Then Moses said to the Lord, See, You say to me, Bring up this people. But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.
13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.
14 And He said, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
15 Then he said to Him, If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.
16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.
17 So the Lord said to Moses, I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.
Exodus 33:12-17 (NKJV) (The Promise of Gods Presence)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) (Our Compassionate High Priest)
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (NKJV) (By Grace Through Faith)
Gods intentional decision is to lavish us with gifts and blessings which we do not deserve, especially the gift of salvation.
He gives us more than we can image and that we do not deserve, but receive through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Through our relationship with Jesus our Heavenly Father pours out blessings upon us.
Grace in the Old Testament was a principal part of Israelite social life.
Gods grace is His willingness to forgive us when we do not deserve it.
Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2 (NKJV) (Have Mercy on Me)
During the time of Moses, if you were facing a crisis, that was very severe, that threatened your livelihood, there was nothing you could do.
You needed to find someone else, the right person and find favor in their eyes. Then they would step in and help, finding grace.
Grace and forgiveness go hand in hand throughout the Bible.
1) Crisis - threatens your livelihood,
2) Request - you need to find help,
3) Decision - find favor in the right person.
Then Queen Esther answered, If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.
Esther 7:3 (ESV)
Joseph - in Genesis sold into slavery,
- finds favor,
- and grace from others.
10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?
11 But Boaz answered her, All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before.
12 The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!
13 Then she said, I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.
Ruth 2:10-13 (ESV)
It's what Moses and the Israelites heard from God;
gracious, to show favor, to be pleased with.
A gracious God.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 6:8 (NKJV) (First time in the Bible someone found grace in the eyes of the Lord)
Moses also finds favor on Mt Sinai with God, while the Israelites below worshiped the gold calf.
12 Then Esau said, Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.
13 But Jacob said to him, My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die.
Genesis 33:12-13 (ESV)
So the Lord said to Moses, I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.
Exodus 33:17 (NKJV)
Crisis - Request - Decision;
What does that mean to us today with our relationship with God?
If we take God at His word when we are in a crisis, when we are overwhelmed.
God tells us He is a gracious and loving God and we can turn to Him.
When we turn to Him, He will give us grace in our time of need.
Because of Jesus and the grace of God, we can approach God in our time of need.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) (Our Compassionate High Priest)
So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.
Then he said, If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked [stubborn] people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.
Exodus 34:8-9 (NKJV)
This points to Jesus in the two verses of Luke below.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Luke 2:52 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Luke 23:34 (NKJV)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) (Our Compassionate High Priest)
Take away from this; because of Jesus and the grace of God, we can approach God in our time of need and receive unmerited favor, grace, and mercy from God.
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
April 21, 2024
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A Patient Father
Our Good, Good Father Series - A Patient Father
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV) (The Character of God - A Patient Father)
1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.
2 And Aaron said to them, Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.
3 So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.
4 And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!
5 So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.
6 Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
7 And the Lord said to Moses, Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves.
8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!
9 And the Lord said to Moses, I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people!
10 Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.
11 Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?
12 Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people.
13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.
14 So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.
Exodus 32:1-14 (NKJV) (The Gold Calf)
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV) (Glory to God for His Grace)
God is Slow to Anger:
- the ability to wait a long time before acting on your anger,
- self control, even tempored, patient.
God is slow to anger, He is patient.
Gods patience is to lead us to salvation.
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Romans 2:4 (NKJV)
The Exodus Story:
- God rescues His people (Exo 1-18),
- God and Israel exchange their vows (Exo 19-24),
- Moses on Mt Sinai (Exo 25-31),
- The golden calf (Exo 32),
- The goodness of God (Exo 33-34).
Wedding Vows:
- We will do everything the Lord has said (Exo 19:8),
- Everything the Lord has said we will do (Exo 24:3),
- We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey (Exo 24:7).
The covenant meal in Exodus 24, they make a sacrifice and eat that meal together.
The Covenant Meal:
- vows,
- sacrifices on the alter,
- sanctified by the blood,
- eating and drinking with God.
Like the wedding ceremony and the meal afterwards.
Then all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do. So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.
Exodus 19:8 (NKJV)
So Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, All the words which the Lord has said we will do.
Exodus 24:3 (NKJV)
Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.
Exodus 24:7 (NKJV)
Then the Lord said to Moses, Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.
And he said to the elders, Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.
Exodus 24:12, 14 (NKJV)
The tabernacle is discussed between God and Moses.
The Tabernacle, Gods House
The physical presence of God dwelling with His people. At this time below, Israel is making a golden calf. God has every right to be angry because His covenant partners break their promise.
But God is slow to anger and patient. God gives them an opportunity to turn back to Him and not punish them as they deserve.
1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.
2 And Aaron said to them, Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.
Exodus 32:1-2 (NKJV)
3 So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.
4 And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!
5 So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.
6 Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Exodus 32:3-6 (NKJV)
7 And the Lord said to Moses, Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves.
8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!
9 And the Lord said to Moses, I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people!
10 Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.
Exodus 32:7-10 (NKJV) (The Gold Calf - Moses, your people have corrupted themselves)
The Golden Calf:
In the very place the covenenant had been sealed, the covenant has been broken. It is some what akin to adultery on ones wedding night.
The marriage is shattered before it has hardly begun.
God has every right to be angry with His people, but is slow to show His anger.
Noah (Gen 6-8):
- a world corrupted by sin and evil,
- total destruction that leads to renewal,
- one man finds favor and is saved.
Moses (Exo 32):
- a nation corrupted by sin and evil,
- God threatens total destruction,
- one man finds favor and will be saved.
Then Moses interceeds and tries to change Gods mind and not punish the people.
11 Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?
12 Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people.
13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.
14 So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.
Exodus 32:11-14 (NKJV)
God is a patient Father who waits for us to come to our senses and turn our hearts back to Him.
God choses to be patient with us to give us time to turn our hearts around, to turn our lives around, to repent and come back to Him in humility.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV) (Glory to God for His Grace)
Key Truths:
1. Gods anger is a response to sin, not an enduring part of His character.
2. If God is patient with the worst of sinners, He will be patient with you too.
3. Gods patience is not an excuse to be a spiritual procrastinator.
We serve a God that is slow to anger, we are all the direct beneficiaries of Gods grace, love, and His patients.
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
May 5, 2024 (note, April 28 Bryan was out)
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A Loving Father
Our Good, Good Father Series - A Loving Father
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV) (The Character of God - A Loving Father)
7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
Psalm 103:7-11 (NKJV)
8 So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.
9 Then he said, If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked [stubborn] people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.
10 And He said: Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.
11 Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I am driving out from before you the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.
12 Take heed to yourself, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be a snare in your midst.
13 But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images
14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they play the harlot with their gods and make sacrifice to their gods, and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice,
16 and you take of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters play the harlot with their gods and make your sons play the harlot with their gods.
17 You shall make no molded gods for yourselves.
Exodus 34:8-17 (NKJV) (The Covenant Renewed)
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Romans 5:6-11 (NKJV) (Christ in Our Place)
Abounding in Love
- Love, kindness, faithfulness
- A love that is unfailing, steadfast, faithful, and loyal
- In context: a covenant relationship
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
Exodus 34:6 (NKJV)
Gods love is abounding, overflowing, more than you can image.
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
1 John 3:1 (NKJV)
5 Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 36:5-7 (NKJV)
What is Love?
Hesed surpasses ordinary kindness and friendship. It is the inclination of the heart to show amazing grace to the one who is loved.
Hesed runs deeper than social expectations, responsibilities, fluctuating emotions, or what is deserved or earned by the recipient.
Hesed finds it home in committed, familial love, and it comes to life in actions. GotQuestions.org
The Love of God
God demonstrates His hesed love by staying faithful to us even when we are unfaithful to Him.
8 So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.
9 Then he said, If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked [stubborn] people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.
10 And He said: Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.
11 Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I am driving out from before you the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.
12 Take heed to yourself, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be a snare in your midst.
13 But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images
14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they play the harlot with their gods and make sacrifice to their gods, and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice,
16 and you take of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters play the harlot with their gods and make your sons play the harlot with their gods.
17 You shall make no molded gods for yourselves.
Exodus 34:8-17 (NKJV) (The Covenant Renewed)
Then the Lord said to Moses, Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.
So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 34:27-28 (NKJV) (The second copy of the Ten Commandments)
Opt Out Clause
An opt out clause allows you to sever the relationship or agreement.
When Israel sinned, God had the right to opt out of the covenant.
God expresses His hesed unfailing love to Israel, Gods faithful love.
God loves us even when we do not deserve it.
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 (NKJV)
Gods love is unconditional
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Romans 5:9-11 (NKJV)
Gods love is preemptive, abundant, and unconditional. But it also calls us to a life of holiness.
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NKJV) (The Essence of the Law)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
May 12, 2024
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A Faithful Father
Our Good, Good Father Series - A Faithful Father
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV) (The Character of God - A Faithful Father)
A Good God
Good, Goodness, Excellence
- Gods Character (who He is)
- Gods Conduct (what He does)
- Gods Creation (what He makes)
Compassionate Father
Showing Love, Mercy, Pity
- from the root word "womb", like a mothers womb
- the special favor shown by God in the face of a situation of sin and affliction
Gracious
- to show favor / to be pleased with
- a positive attitude about someone or something
- a generous and enthusiastic offer of assistance
- boldly come before the Throne of Grace
Slow to Anger
- literally "long in the nostrils"
- figuratively, the ability to wait a long time before acting on your anger
- self controlled, even tempored, patient
- He wants us to come to our senses and turn to Him
and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All,
which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aarons rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;
Hebrews 9:3-4 (NKJV)
24 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,
29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Matthew 7:24-29 (NKJV) (Build on the Rock)
The Golden Calf:
An example of what happens when Gods people no longer believe He will be there for them.
- a false sense of security
When Gods people believe He will not be there for them.
- They took matters into their own hands.
- They are worried and stressed.
- They did something that made them feel better.
- But they turned away from God who can bless and help them.
Abounding in Faithfullness
Truth, Reliability, Dependability
- someone who has earned your trust by telling the truth and following through over a long period of time
- also; loyal, trusting, committed
The one thing you can depend on is God.
12 Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my fathers house, and give me a true token,
13 and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
14 So the men answered her, Our lives for yours, if none of you tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the Lord has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.
Joshua 2:12-14 (NKJV) (Rahab)
Will God really be there for me when I take a giant leap of faith?
Will God really be there for me when I am stressed out?
Abraham - Joshua - Daniel
Will God really be there for me when I take this giant leap?
Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed.
Joshua 23:14 (NKJV) (Every Promise of God Fulfilled)
Ark of the Covenant - Exodus 25
- Reminded Israel of Gods presence, power, and faithfulness.
- That God was dwelling in their midst.
- The Ark always reminded Israel they could always count on God.
and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All,
which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aarons rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;
Hebrews 9:3-4 (NKJV)
He took the Testimony and put it into the ark, inserted the poles through the rings of the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.
And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, hung up the veil of the covering, and partitioned off the ark of the Testimony, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Exodus 40:20-21 (NKJV)
24 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,
29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Matthew 7:24-29 (NKJV) (Build on the Rock)
Exodus 34 - God is Faithful
Put the Word of God into practice to have value in our lives.
The words are true, the message is faithful, God is dependable, He is consistant and reliable.
We must put the Word of God into practice.
God is faithful, the question is will we put our trust in the faithful God?
Reflection Questions:
- What has God done to earn your trust?
- What kind of foundation are you building on?
- What leap of faith is God calling you to take?
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
May 19, 2024
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A Fathers Discipline
Our Good, Good Father Series - A Fathers Discipline
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,
Exodus 34:6-7a (NKJV)
You need boundaries and rules.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV) (Dead to Sin, Alive to God)
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV)
30 Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.
31 Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold!
32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin, but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.
33 And the Lord said to Moses, Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.
34 Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin.
35 So the Lord plagued the people because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.
Exodus 32:30-35 (NKJV)
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26 (NKJV) (Gods Righteousness Through Faith)
For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10-11 (NKJV) (Gods Disipline)
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NKJV)
Gods Discipline
Motivated by love.
Prioritizes our long term holiness over our short term happiness.
It is corrective, not vindictive.
Exodus 32:19-29 (NKJV) (see next)
Moses comes down from Mt Sinai and sees the golden calf.
Moses is so angry he destroys the Ten Commandments.
Moses confronts Aaron.
The Levites kill 3000 Israelites.
19 So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.
20 Then he took the calf which they had made, burned it in the fire, and ground it to powder; and he scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it.
21 And Moses said to Aaron, What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?
22 So Aaron said, Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.
23 For they said to me, Make us gods that shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.
24 And I said to them, Whoever has any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.
25 Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),
26 then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, Whoever is on the Lords side, come to me! And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.
27 And he said to them, Thus says the Lord God of Israel: Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.
28 So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day.
29 Then Moses said, Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother.
Exodus 32:19-29 (NKJV)
30 Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.
Exodus 32:30 (NKJV)
31 Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold!
32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin, but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.
Exodus 32:31-32 (NKJV)
33 And the Lord said to Moses, Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.
34 Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin.
35 So the Lord plagued the people because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.
Exodus 32:33-35 (NKJV)
The Truth About Sin
Sin is costly, it creates a dept that must be repaid.
Sin is malignant. If left unchecked, it grows quickly and wreaks havoc on our lives.
If sin is a loud to grow, it spreads from person to person.
Sin grows and spreads if not confronted directly.
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.
James 1:15 (NKJV)
14 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
15 If a person commits a trespass, and sins unintentionally in regard to the holy things of the Lord, then he shall bring to the Lord as his trespass offering a ram without blemish from the flocks, with your valuation in shekels of silver according to the shekel of the sanctuary, as a trespass offering.
16 And he shall make restitution for the harm that he has done in regard to the holy thing, and shall add one-fifth to it and give it to the priest. So the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.
17 If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.
18 And he shall bring to the priest a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering. So the priest shall make atonement for him regarding his ignorance in which he erred and did not know it, and it shall be forgiven him.
19 It is a trespass offering; he has certainly trespassed against the Lord.
Leviticus 5:14-19 (NKJV) (Offerings with Restitution)
We need a Savior who can bring freedom and forgiveness.
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22a even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.
Romans 3:21-22a (NKJV)
22b For there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Romans 3:22b-24 (NKJV)
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
Romans 3:25 (NKJV)
26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:26 (NKJV)
God Shows His Justice and Mercy at Mt Sinai
Exodus 34:6-7
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the childrens children to the third and the fourth generation.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV)
God Shows Prefect Justice and Abundant Mercy at the Cross
Romans 3:21-26
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26 (NKJV) (Gods Righteousness Through Faith)
The Big Idea
If God takes sin seriously . . .
And gives grace generously . . .
And speaks the truth in love . . .
We should too.
Series Wrap Up
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
May 26, 2024
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Coming Home to the Father
The Last of Our Good, Good Father Series - Coming Home to the Father
Major Themes:
- The tender heart of our Heavenly Father.
- The devastating conquenses of sin.
- The need for atonement.
- The tension between grace and justice.
11 Then He said: A certain man had two sons.
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. So he divided to them his livelihood.
13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my fathers hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.
20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said to him, Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.
28 But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
29 So he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.
30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.
31 And he said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.
Luke 15:11-32 (NKJV) (The Parable of the Lost Son)
The Prodigal Son parable is a father trying to reconcile two of his sons who are outside of the fathers house.
What this parable teaches us:
1. What does this teach us about God and His plan for our life?
2. What does this teach us about people?
3. What is God asking us to do differently?
Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.
And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, This Man receives sinners and eats with them.
So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
Luke 15:1-3 (NKJV)
The intended audience is:
- tax collectors
- sinners
- Pharisees
- scribes
The three lost parables:
- The Parable of the Lost Coin
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep
- The Parable of the Lost Son
How tragic is it when something valuable is lost.
They search, find it and rejoice.
The parable of the Lost Son has two sons:
The younger son wondered away from his father.
The older son stayed home.
They represent the two groups of people who were listening to Jesus tell the parable:
The tax collectors and the sinners (who represents the younger son).
The Pharisees and scribes (who represents the older son).
11 Then He said: A certain man had two sons.
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. So he divided to them his livelihood.
13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
Luke 15:11-16 (NKJV)
17 But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my fathers hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.
20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.
Luke 15:17-24 (NKJV)
The younger son wondered away from God.
We can always come home to our Father.
25 Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said to him, Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.
28 But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
29 So he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.
30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’
31 And he said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.
Luke 15:25-32 (NKJV) (The Older Son)
The older son steps on our toes as Christians. In this parable he represents the Pharisees and scribes.
Jesus leaves us with an open end to this parable, so we will continue the story. Whats the older son going to do?
Will the older son stay outside with a hard heart, or does his heart soften and he falls into the arms of his father?
The Pharisees need to make a decision.
for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
The older brother should search for the lost, find them and bring them home, and celebrate they came to the Fathers house.
The Older Brother
Even though he was close to the Fathers house, he was far from the Fahers heart.
We are called to seek and save the lost, and bring them to our Lord and Savior.
God is sending us out to seek and save the lost.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christs behalf, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NKJV)
The Big Idea
Theres grace and peace for all of us when we come home to the Fathers house. So let us not leave anyone behind.
From Bryan Fojtasek
@ the Southwest Pulpit
June 2, 2024
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Faithfulness
Emun/Emunah: FAITHFULNESS; its a Relationship Word
FAITHFUL: Emun, Masculine noun (Strongs 529); Emunah, Feminine noun (Strongs 530).
via Hebrew Word Lessons (Internet link at the end.)
The dictionary tells us that faith is the complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith in the Bible is having complete trust in YHWH, God.
Even the word Amen comes out of the Hebrew root word for faith, aman, meaning, to believe, to confirm or to support. So saying, Amen, is saying, I believe it!
But whats the difference between having faith and being faithful?
Faith
In the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) Thomas, the doubter, could not believe that Yeshua (Jesus) was alive until he saw the wounds in Yeshuas hands and side. At that moment he believed, he saw the proof. Yeshua, however, was quick to point out:
Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:29 (NKJV)
Faith has never been about proof. Faith is holding onto the hope that there is truth in what seems unbelievable.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 (NKJV)
Faithful
In the Tanakh (Old Testament) we do not find much about faith as a noun, but there is plenty about the action of being faithful.
What does being faithful mean? It is staying true to one another, regardless of who they are or how they behave. YHWH, the Lord is faithful to us regardless of how horrible we are to Him.
Really, faith is a trust issue, and trust is reliant upon relationship. Faith can be one way, but being faithFUL needs a relationship to make it work.
David understood this relationship. He knew that God was faithful to him, so he would be faithful to YHWH, and he would tell the world about it:
I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness
In the great assembly;
Indeed, I do not restrain my lips,
O Lord, You Yourself know.
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
From the great assembly.
Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord;
Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
Psalm 40:9-11 (NKJV) (also see Psalm 89)
A Faithful Marriage
Being faithful is committing to the promises you have with each other. It is a two-way relationship. Being faithful to a spouse or a friend means never turning your back on the promises you have made with each other. In this way God is spouse/friend to us; a God of pure faithfulness. He never gives up on us, even when we turn our back on Him.
The Bible presents God as a Creator who loves, and is faithful to every single human He created. Its the story of a faithful Husband who would give up His life for His bride.
[YHWH:]
I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me
In righteousness and justice,
In lovingkindness and mercy;
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
And you shall know the Lord.
And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy;
Then I will say to those who were not My people,
You are My people!
And they shall say, You are my God!
Hosea 2:19-20, 23b (NKJV)
YHWH has a marriage Covenant with His people, and a marriage is a relationship between two parties: if we love YHWH and are faithful to Him, He will never turn away from us. But if we are seduced by idols and break our covenant with Him He will honour our choices and let us go.
However, from His end, He will never break His covenant with us:
Therefore know that YHWH (the Lord) your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NKJV)
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV)
We can have full faith in YHWH because He is worthy of our trust. Why? Because with lovingkindness He keeps His promise of a covenant with His people, forever, regardless of how we treat Him:
Through YHWHs, the Lords mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)
Lamentations was a cry out to God as the people were dragged away from Jerusalem and forcibly marched towards Babylon. To survive such devastation they would remind each other daily of Gods compassion and faithfulness.
With every rising of the sun God would renew His love and mercy for us without fail. He is unceasingly faithful to us, even in our darkest moments.
Be a Faithful People
God knows the faithful! He sees those who are sincerely righteousness as His people of faith:
Open the gates,
That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YHWH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:2-4 (NKJV)
Although the Old Testament focuses on the faithful relationship between God and His followers, the New Testament often puts emphasis on having faith in what we cannot see. It also highlights individuals of pure faith. Yeshua (Jesus), in particular, carefully sought out and rewarded those of great faith. He consistently told people that their faith had made them well.
(See Matthew 9:22, Mark 10:52, Luke 7:50, Luke 8:48, Luke 17:19, Luke 18:42):
Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.
Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, Who touched My clothes?
But His disciples said to Him, You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, Who touched Me?
And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.
Mark 5:25-34 (NKJV)
This was a woman of great faith! Her encounter with Yeshua established her faithful relationship. He would be faithful to her and she would be faithful to Him.
But those of us today have never seen God face to face, or touched His garment. How can we have faith in what we cannot see? This brings us back to the story of Thomas, and Yeshuas response to him:
Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:29 (NKJV)
Nevertheless, Yeshua recognized how hard that would be for us, so He commissioned a Helper/Advocate to foster our faith:
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. Indwelling of the Father and the Son
A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
John 14:16-20 (NKJV)
This Helper, the Spirit of Truth, would live in every believer. Each believer has to take that first step out in faith. That step invites the Spirit of Truth to reside within each person, and then the Spirit of Truth helps the person grow, nurture and strengthen their faith.
While He was on earth Yeshua was the Spirit of Truth. Paul described Yeshua as the living Faith who walked among us:
But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Galatians 3:23-26 (NKJV)
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Messiah Jesus.
Before the Messiah arrived, the people lived in hope under the Law. Their faith was tied into hope. The Law (the Torah) was filled with promises that a Messiah (Gods Anointed) would come and save us. When Yeshua fulfilled that promise, the Law no longer acted as a guardian to lead us, but it remained as a reminder of who Yeshua was, and would become.
Gods Faithfulness leads to Salvation
All along God has had a plan for us, a plan to bring us back home to Him:
O Lord, YHWH, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1 (NKJV) (Praise to God)
From the moment humans messed up in the Garden, YHWH put a plan in place to save us. He would send His Son to be the faithful servant; whose sacrifice would bring salvation and lead us home. God made a covenant promise that this Son of Salvation would be from the line of David, and YHWH would be faithful to that lineage:
20 I have found My servant David; With My holy oil I have anointed him,
21 With whom My hand shall be established; Also My arm shall strengthen him.
22 The enemy shall not outwit him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
23 I will beat down his foes before his face, And plague those who hate him.
24 But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, And in My name his horn shall be exalted.
25 Also I will set his hand over the sea, And his right hand over the rivers.
26 He shall cry to Me, You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.
27 Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.
28 My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall stand firm with him.
29 His seed also I will make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven.
30 If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments,
31 If they break My statutes And do not keep My commandments,
32 Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes.
33 Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, Nor allow My faithfulness to fail.
34 My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.
35 Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David:
36 His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me;
37 It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky. Selah
Psalm 89:20-37 (NKJV)
This was the beautiful covenant God made with David. His throne would endure forever and it would be the kingly line that would usher forth the Messiah, the king of Salvation:
1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
2 The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Psalm 98:1-3 (NKJV) (A Song of Praise to the Lord for His Salvation and Judgment)
YHWH made a promise to save us from death and annihilation, the products of the rebellion in the Garden of Eden. We will not be wiped out when our day on this earth is done.
And how did YHWH do this? He sent His perfect Son to be the sacrificial death, to swallow up our sins and send them to the grave, so that we would not have to forfeit our souls. He took our sins upon Himself so that we could be blameless in Gods sight:
31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospels will save it.
36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:31 (NKJV) (Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection) (Take Up the Cross and Follow Him)
Theres nothing we could give, but God gave a part of Himself for us, He gave His Son to us, to be our Redeemer and our Saviour.
Those who put their faith in YHWH have been redeemed and will be welcomed back into the Garden to face YHWH and His eternal lovingkindness:
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight,
if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:21-23 (NKJV)
Life is sometimes a struggle, but for many of us, it is our faith that keeps us moving along. There is a great sigh of relief knowing that YHWH is faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him. But when we are faithful to Him, how beautiful and strong the relationship becomes!
Oh, love the Lord, YHWH, all you His saints! For the Lord, YHWH preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person.
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord, YHWH.
Psalm 31:23-24 (NKJV)
Remember, being faithful is a relationship word, so for those who have a relationship with God, we should be faithful to YHWH because YHWH is always faithful to us.
via Hebrew Word Lessons
https://hebrewwordlessons.com/2017/11/12/faithfulness-its-a-relationship-word/
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The Promise of the Holy Spirit
3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me;
5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
Acts 1:3-5 (NKJV) (The Promise of the Father)
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Genesis 12:2-3 (NKJV) (Promise)
8 And he said, Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?
9 So He said to him, Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two.
Genesis 15:8-10 (NKJV) (Covenant)
17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.
18 On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates,
Genesis 15:17-18 (NKJV) (Father and Son walked Through the Pieces Making Promises)
16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to your Seed, who is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Galatians 3:16-18 (NKJV)
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me;
5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
Acts 1:4-5 (NKJV) (Wait for the Promise)
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
And if you are Christs, then you are Abrahams seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:29 (NKJV)
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:11 (NKJV)
38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.
Acts 2:38-39 (NKJV) (Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit)
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
Acts 1:5 (NKJV) (The Holy Spirit Promised)
19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, Peace be with you.
20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 So Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.
22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.
John 20:19-22 (NKJV) (Receive the Holy Spirit)
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
Romans 8:9 (NKJV)
of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Hebrews 6:2 (NKJV)
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13 (NKJV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV) (Water Baptism)
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:11 (NKJV) (Spirit Baptism by Jesus)
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 8:5-8, 12, 14-16 (NKJV)
11 What father among you, if his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
13 If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!
Luke 11:11-13 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:17 (NKJV)
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples
2 he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.
3 And he said to them, Into what then were you baptized? So they said, Into Johns baptism.
6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:1-3, 6 (NKJV)
via Duane Vander Klok
Walking by Faith Ministry and Day Star TV
https://walkingbyfaith.tv
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Your Convictions About the Bible
The Bible is a divine book inspired by God to guide us.
The entire Bible is true, it is the Word of God.
It is the story of Gods redeeming love for all mankind.
Thus says the Lord: Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest?
For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist, Says the Lord. But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
Isaiah 66:1-2 (NKJV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
Psalm 119:105-106 (NKJV)
The Purpose of the Bible
1) To reveal the one true God.
2) To tell us how to be saved.
3) To show us how to live a Godly life.
4) To show us how to serve God.
Convictions About the Bible
1) It is timeless.
2) It is without error.
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV) (Destructive Doctrines Not of God, but by False Teachers)
3) Revalation of the one true God.
4) It exposes mans sinfulness and his hopeless condition.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
5) Its a trust worthy guide for our daily life.
6) It pictures for us the consequences of sin.
7) It reveals Gods unconditional love for us.
8) It explains how we can be saved from our sins.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (NKJV)
9) It declares who Jesus is and why He came to earth.
10) It explains why Jesus was born of a virgin, therefore Jesus had no sin.
11) It explains why Jesus died on a cross.
12) It describes Jesus Christs resurrection. Jesus is the resurrected Son of God in Heaven.
which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
Ephesians 1:20 (NKJV)
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1 (NKJV)
13) It tells us how to handle temptation and problems in life.
14) It is a fountain of encouragement.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
15) It explains what happens at death.
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)
16) The Bible has answers to every question in life.
17) It assures us of the return of Jesus Christ and our future rewards in Heaven.
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:1-3 (NKJV) (Jesus is The Way, the Truth, and the Life)
18) It warns of the coming judgement for all of mankind.
19) It tells us about future events.
20) It is the indestructible Word of God that lasts forever.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)
The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 (NKJV)
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:3 (NKJV)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
via Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries
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Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - Part 1
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - Part 1
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Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - How To Develop a Strong Spirit - Part 2
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - How To Develop a Strong Spirit - Part 2
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Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - Indicators of a Strong Spirit - Part 3
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries (access .pdf below)
Kenneth Copeland - Be Strong in the End Times - Indicators of a Strong Spirit - Part 3
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Psalm 106, Wondering in the Wilderness
via Life Today and Day Star TV
"Closer Than Your Next Breath" book by Susie Larson
A lesson we can learn from the disobedient children of Israel when they were wondering lost in the wilderness.
Psalm 106 teaches us first of all, to praise the Lord!
That God is good, His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.
What we learn from verse 7 is NOT TO FORGET:
the miracles God performs,
all the mercies from God,
and Gods loving-kindness for us, His children.
Also in verse 7 it says: they were rebellious and provoked the Lord.
From verse 7 we learn NOT to do the same things the disobedient children of Israel did.
Their back slidings remind us of our own and drive us to our knees in repentance.
If we, His children forget His works, forget to wait on the Lord for His plans for us to be reviled, lust exceedingly, and test God (verses 13-14),
then God will let us have what we ask for, which in this case is not good (verse 15).
Psalm 106 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
1 Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
2 Who can put into words and tell the mighty deeds of the Lord? Or who can show forth all the praise [that is due Him]?
3 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who observe justice [treating others fairly] and who do right and are in right standing with God at all times.
4 [Earnestly] remember me, O Lord, when You favor Your people! O visit me also when You deliver them, and grant me Your salvation!
5 That I may see and share the welfare of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your heritage.
6 We have sinned, as did also our fathers; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
7 Our fathers in Egypt understood not nor appreciated Your miracles; they did not [earnestly] remember the multitude of Your mercies nor imprint Your loving-kindness [on their hearts],
but they were rebellious and provoked the Lord at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
8 Nevertheless He saved them for His names sake [to prove the righteousness of the divine character], that He might make His mighty power known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; so He led them through the depths as through a pastureland.
10 And He saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the [Egyptian] enemy.
11 And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left.
12 Then [Israel] believed His words [trusting in, relying on them]; they sang His praise.
13 But they hastily forgot His works; they did not [earnestly] wait for His plans [to develop] regarding them,
14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness and tempted and tried to restrain God [with their insistent desires] in the desert.
15 And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their souls and [thinned their numbers by] disease and death.
16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron [the high priest], the holy one of the Lord.
17 Therefore the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and closed over the company of Abiram.
18 And a fire broke out in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
19 They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a molten image.
20 Thus they exchanged Him Who was their Glory for the image of an ox that eats grass [they traded their Honor for the image of a calf]!
21 They forgot God their Savior, Who had done such great things in Egypt,
22 Wonders and miracles in the land of Ham, dreadful and awesome things at the Red Sea.
23 Therefore He said He would destroy them. [And He would have done so] had not Moses, His chosen one, stepped into the breach before Him to turn away His threatening wrath.
24 Then they spurned and despised the pleasant and desirable land [Canaan]; they believed not His word [neither trusting in, relying on, nor holding to it];
25 But they murmured in their tents and hearkened not to the voice of the Lord.
26 Therefore He lifted up His hand [as if taking an oath] against them, that He would cause them to fall in the wilderness,
27 Cast out their descendants among the nations, and scatter them in the lands [of the earth].
28 They joined themselves also to the [idol] Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices [offered] to the lifeless [gods].
29 Thus they provoked the Lord to anger with their practices, and a plague broke out among them.
30 Then stood up Phinehas [the priest] and executed judgment, and so the plague was stayed.
31 And that was credited to him for righteousness (right doing and right standing with God) to all generations forever.
32 They angered the Lord also at the waters of Meribah, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes;
33 For they provoked [Moses] spirit, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the [heathen] nations as the Lord commanded them,
35 But mingled themselves with the [idolatrous] nations and learned their ways and works
36 And served their idols, which were a snare to them.
37 Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons
38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with their blood.
39 Thus were they defiled by their own works, and they played the harlot and practiced idolatry with their own deeds [of idolatrous rites].
40 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred and rejected His own heritage.
41 And He gave them into the hands of the [heathen] nations, and they that hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under the hand of their foes.
43 Many times did [God] deliver them, but they were rebellious in their counsel and sank low through their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless He regarded their distress when He heard their cry;
45 And He [earnestly] remembered for their sake His covenant and relented their sentence of evil [comforting and easing Himself] according to the abundance of His mercy and loving-kindness [when they cried out to Him].
46 He also caused [Israel] to find sympathy among those who had carried them away captive.
47 Deliver us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising You.
48 Blessed (affectionately and gratefully praised) be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, Amen! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
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The Holy Spirit: The Giver of Gifts
The Holy Spirit has uniquely gifted every believer for significant ministry and service.
Dr. Charles Stanley
https://www.intouch.org/
August 24, 2025
Have you ever felt too ordinary or unprepared to make a meaningful difference for God? Feelings of inadequacy and spiritual inferiority rob countless believers of the joy and effectiveness God intends for their lives. Dr. Stanley
uses biblical truth to show how the Holy Spirit has uniquely gifted every believer for significant ministry and service.
Its nice to receive a present, and even better to give one (Acts 20:35). In Gods kingdom, supernatural gifting has the purpose of helping others. This week, Dr. Stanley explores the topic of spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirits role in distributing and developing them.
Acts 20:35 (NKJV)
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NKJV) (Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity)
Supporting Passages: Acts 2:4; Acts 2:38; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 1 Corinthians 12:14-21; 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Peter 4:10
When God calls you to do something, do you feel inadequate or refuse to act because you consider yourself ill equipped?
Refusing Gods call because we feel inadequate means we miss:
Blessings here on earth.
Rewards in heaven.
Joy that comes with serving God.
- The Holy Spirit:
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4 (NKJV)
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)
Equips us to do whatever God has called us to do (Acts 2:4).
Is given to every believer as a gift (Acts 2:38) and a means of being sealed (Ephesians 4:30).
You are not going to put God in any kind of box. He is the maker of the boxes.
- The gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11):
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NKJV) (Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity)
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 12:28-30 (NKJV)
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:4-8 (NKJV)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
Are given to believers to accomplish the work of God (vv. 8-10).
Include roles appointed by God (v. 28).
Do not always come through the activity of a person (v. 28).
Belong to the Spirit, to be distributed as He sees fit (vv. 29-30).
Are to be applied to some form of ministry (v. 7; Rom.12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-12).
Everybody profits when we exercise our spiritual gift.
- Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10), but all gifts are designed to:
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1 Corinthians 12:14-21 (NKJV)
Serve the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Help believers aid one another (4:12-13).
Equip us to encourage others (1 Corinthians 12:14-21).
- God calls us, gifts us, and assumes responsibility for accomplishing tasks through us. However, we must:
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV)
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 each ones work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each ones work, of what sort it is.
14 If anyones work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyones work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NKJV)
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
1 Corinthians 14:12 (NKJV)
Be willing to employ our gifts in Gods work.
Understand that we will one day appear individually before Christ for judgment and reward (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Build on the Lord Jesus Christ as our foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).
Build well, not using poor materials that are unable to survive the fire of Gods judgment (vv. 12-15).
Get involved in the work of the Lord (14:12) and develop our skills by finding a ministry suited to them.
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Our Intimacy with God
30 Life Principles - Life Principle 1
Charles Stanley
Life Principle 1: Our Intimacy with God
KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 63:1-8
1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.
2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.
4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with fat and abundance, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.
7 Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:1-8 (NKJV) (Joy in the Fellowship of God)
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Genesis 1:26 | Psalm 16:11; 42:1-2 | John 14:15
Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
As the deer [longs for] pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Psalms 42:1-2 (NKJV) (Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses)
If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:15 (NKJV)
SUMMARY
Do you have an intimate relationship with God?
Perhaps you wonder if the Creator of the universe would even want to have a close, personal relationship with you. Maybe you feel too unimportant or too sinful to be acceptable to the Lord. But we were created in the Fathers image (Gen. 1:26). That means God designed us with the emotional and spiritual capacity to love and know Him intimately.
King David knew how to have an intimate relationship with the Lord. His story is one of the best biblical examples of how sinful humanity can relate to a holy God. Although David was far from perfect, he had learned that only the Fathers love could satisfy the deepest longings of His heart (Ps. 63:5). He passionately sought God through prayer, repentance, and obedience. You and I can learn from his example how to enjoy closeness with our heavenly Father.
SERMON POINTS
Mans Relationship With God
Everyone has a direct relationship with God, even those who refuse to acknowledge His sovereignty. As the Creator and Ruler of the universe, He sustains all humanity. The Lord is the ultimate authority in each persons life. However, the Lord has a distinct relationship with those who have not admitted their sinfulness before Him and not asked for Christs forgiveness. But, if you have trusted in Jesus death on the cross to pay for your sin debt, you have become one of Gods children and have a unique relationship with Him. You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and have the promise of an eternal home in heaven.
Unfortunately, sometimes Gods children allow their relationship with Him to become distant. Although they have trusted Christ for forgiveness, they do not have a sense of oneness with Him. Often this is because they have not been taught how to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to resist sin. They may attend church, but they do not read their Bibles faithfully or know how to relate to the Lord in prayer. As a result, they excuse sin in their lives and do not live in close relationship with the Father. There are also those who are in the process of developing a personal, intimate relationship with God. They passionately pursue the one thing that can truly satisfy the deep longing the Father has planted in the heart of every person. How can you and I cultivate this kind of closeness with the Lord?
Requirements for an Intimate Relationship With God
A Spiritual Focus:
For many people, the word intimacy is associated primarily with sexuality. But genuine fellowship with God involves relating to Him on an emotional and spiritual level rather than a physical one.
Personal Involvement:
The Lord created man in His image so that we could relate to Him on an individual basis. The Holy Spirit lives within every believer, giving each one the ability to develop a personal friendship with Christ.
Trust:
Intimacy cannot exist without trust. If you and I refuse to surrender to and obey God, we can not expect to have a deep, personal relationship with Him.
Love:
A close relationship with God must be motivated by love, not duty. Remember that He forgave you on the basis of Christs death on the cross. You do not have to earn His love. Let that fact motivate you to freely and genuinely devote yourself to getting to know our heavenly Father better. The more you love Him, the more you will want to obey Him (John 14:15).
Openness and Transparency:
Confess specific sins and shortcomings to the Lord. Open your heart and pour out your frustrations and disappointments. Be honest with God, and your intimacy with Him will grow.
Two-way Communication:
Most people see prayer as a time to let God know their needs. They rarely listen to what the Lord may want to say to them. But the Father created us for a relationship with Him. Ask God to show you how to hear His guidance for your life, and set aside time to listen to His voice.

Time and Effort:
Your Creator, the One who sustains the universe, wants to have an intimate relationship with you. But you must devote yourself to getting to know Him if you want to experience the fullness of friendship with God.
Benefits of Intimacy With the Father
There are numerous benefits to nurturing closeness with the Savior. Here are just a few:
An intimate relationship with God is powerful and will give you stability. Amid lifes storms, a solid relationship with God is your anchor.
You will have security. The Father assures believers that He is always with us, ready to help in any situation or circumstance.
No matter what happens, you can have serenity. Knowing God intimately brings quietness and peace to your spirit.
You can trust that He will guide you through difficulty. Communion with God increases spiritual sensitivity. You can expect greater biblical understanding as passages becoming clearer.
You will become more aware of the needs of others and more willing to reach out.
Barriers to Intimacy
Why do people not experience closeness with the Father?
The greatest barrier is pride. Some believe they have no need to kneel before the Lord in prayer. They put their trust in themselves and pursue relationships, accomplishments, or possessions instead of a relationship with God, the Father.
A related problem is rebellion. When we deliberately disobey the Lord, we cannot have intimacy with Him. If God is not answering your prayers, ask yourself if you are tolerating sin in your life.
Finally, some people never find authentic closeness with God because they are always in a hurry. Take time to read the Bible and meditate on it. Ask the Lord, What are you saying to me through this passage? How does it apply to my life?
As you seek and listen to Him in prayer, you will grow in your ability to hear God and experience new excitement and joy in your spiritual life.
RESPONSE
How would you describe your relationship with God?
I pray it is characterized by unity, surrender, and joy. But if you are not experiencing intimacy with the Lord, He desires to reveal Himself in a personal way. Let go of pride, confess your sin and rebellion, and devote yourself to getting right with Him. David wrote, In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever (Ps. 16:11).
Only God can satisfy the deepest longings of your heart. My prayer is that you will discover the awesome depth of the Fathers love through an intimate relationship with Him.
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The Natural Man, Spiritual Man, and Carnal Man
The Natural Man, Spiritual Man, and Carnal Man
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Glory Only in the Lord
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
31 that, as it is written, He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.
Christ Crucified
2/1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Spiritual Wisdom
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,
8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 1:17-2:8 (NKJV)
9 But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
16 For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Sectarianism (Causing Division) Is Carnal
3/1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and [walking according to man] behaving like mere men?
4 For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not carnal?
1 Corinthians 2:9-3:4 (NKJV) (The Natural Man, Spiritual Man, and Carnal Man)
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:19-21 (NKJV)
Gods wisdom and mans foolishness in 1 Cor. 1:17-2:8 sets the CONTEXT for 1 Cor. 2:9-3:4 (listed above). True Godly wisdom is impossible for the human mind.
God is the only true source of wisdom, and only in His Bible can it be discovered. In our technological age, we are bombarded with mans wisdom every day.
We have the vast resources of the Internet at our fingertips. We can purchase libraries and encyclopedias on CDs.
And we assume the wonders of the television and telephone which connect us in real time with people all over the globe.
Mans wisdom in amazing, but it is nothing compared to Gods wisdom in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Gods wisdom is only understood through the Holy Spirit, therefore always come to the Word of God as a supernatural book with a need for the Holy Spirit to enable and teach you.
THE NATURAL MAN, SPIRITUAL MAN, AND CARNAL MAN (1 Corinthians 2:9-3:4)
I. GOD ILLUMINATES YOUR UNDERSTANDING THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT (2:9-13)
9 But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:9-13 (NKJV)
A. YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND SPIRITUAL THINGS WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT (vs. 9)
But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
1. You can understand things which eye can SEE, ear can HEAR, and the mind can UNDERSTAND.
1 Corinthians 2:9 teaches about two kinds of wisdom. One type of wisdom can be obtained by all men. Human wisdom can be obtained through the physical senses and human learning. Subjects like biology, chemistry, art, music, or history. These subjects appeal to our intellect and five senses. But there is another kind of wisdom that is unreachable through human abilities or scientific research and equipment.
But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
2. You cannot understand the spiritual things which God has PREPARED for them that love Him.
God has spiritual wisdom that can only be obtained through the Holy Spirit. The things in verse 2:9 are spiritual things or divine wisdom from God. There is no way that any human being can apprehend divine wisdom with physical senses. You cannot see with our eyes, hear with our ears, or understand with your human mind the deep things of Gods wisdom. You need the supernatural ability of God through His Spirit to gain His wisdom.
But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
B. YOU CAN UNDERSTAND SPIRITUAL THINGS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT (vs. 10-13)
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 (NKJV)
1. God has REVEALED His wisdom through the Holy Spirit to men. (v. 10) (1 Pet. 1:19-21)
The word revealed means to uncover or unveil. God uses revelation to speak of the transmission of His Word to the writers of Scripture. Only the Spirit of God has access to the mind of God and can then reveal to the writers of Scripture His will for the passage. Revealed is primarily a reference to the apostles and the writing of the New Testament scriptures.
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV)
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:19-21 (NKJV)
2. Holy Spirit SEARCHES the deep things of God. He has access to the mind of God.
The word searches means He is constantly exploring all things. The Holy Spirit has access to all things including the mind of God which can never be learned through philosophy, logic, or human reasoning. Intellect and logic will gain access to the mind of God.
3. Holy Spirit KNOWS the things of God. (v. 11)
The human spirit of a man knows what is going on in his human mind, but only the Spirit of God knows what is going on in the mind of God.
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)
4. Holy Spirit INDWELLS every Christian, so that they may know Gods wisdom. (v 12)
The Holy Spirit provides believers the ability to know the wisdom of God. The Holy Spirit indwells believers in order that we might know the things which God has prepared (v 9), deep things (v 10), things of God (v 11), spiritual things (v 13). Freely given to us refers to the many grace blessings, promises and resources God has given to everyone of His children.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
1 Corinthians 2:12 (NKJV)
9 But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:9-13 (NKJV)
5. Holy Spirit TEACHES every believer Gods spiritual truth and wisdom. (v. 13)
You must have the right teacher to learn Gods truth and wisdom. You can never learn Gods mind and wisdom through human abilities. A faithful and good pastor is a blessing, but you must be personally and internally taught by the Holy Spirit.
These things we also speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV)
Summary of 1 Cor. 2:10-13, ministries of the Holy Spirit regarding the communication of divine truth.
2:10, REVELATION, reveals Gods truth to the writers of Scripture.
2:11-12, INSPIRATION & ILLUMINATION, Holy Spirit, through the Scriptures, gives us truth and ability to know the things of God.
2:13, EDUCATION, Holy Spirit teaches Gods spiritual wisdom to Gods people.
Should the truths of 1 Cor. 2:9-13 affect the way you approach the Word of God?
II. GOD CONTROLS THOSE WHO ARE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (vs. 2:14-3:4)
Three kinds of people are described; Natural, Spiritual and Carnal. They are described in various ways as they relate to the things of the Spirit of God.
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
16 For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Sectarianism (Causing Division) Is Carnal
3/1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and [walking according to man] behaving like mere men?
4 For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not carnal?
1 Corinthians 2:14-3:4 (NKJV) (The Natural Man, Spiritual Man, and Carnal Man)
A. THE NATURAL MAN (1 Corinthians 2:14)
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
1. The MEANING: Greek: psuchikos, soulish man, of the human senses, dominated by the SOUL. (James 3:15, Sensual)
This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
James 3:15 (NKJV)
2. His IDENTIFICATION: The natural man is NOT SAVED and DOES NOT HAVE the Holy Spirit. (Jude 19; Romans 8:9)
These are [worldly] sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
Jude 19 (NKJV)
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
Romans 8:9 (NKJV)
3. His SPIRITUAL ASSETS: He has NONE. Because he is unsaved and without the Holy Spirit, he has no spiritual resources.
4. His SPIRITUAL ABILITIES: He does not RECEIVE the things of God, for they are FOOLISHNESS to him and he cannot KNOW them. He may talk about church, good works, humanitarian projects, morality, but the real spiritual truths of Gods word are outside of his realm.
5. His SPIRITUAL NEED: He is blinded to Gods truth and especially the GOSPEL. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4) The Gospel is the one message that natural man needs to hear and understand. Do not talk to an unbeliever about changing his morality, religion, politics, evolution, or Christian life truth. The primary message he needs to hear is the Gospel.
How can a natural man become a spiritual man? (Galatians 3:14; Ephesians 1:13,14; John 7:38,39)
Should these truths affect the way you witness? (John 16:7-11)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
1 Corinthians 1:18, 23 (NKJV)
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV)
that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:14 (NKJV)
Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:38-39 (NKJV)
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
John 16:7-11 (NKJV)
B. THE SPIRITUAL MAN (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)
But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NKJV)
1. The MEANING: Greek: pneumatikos, dominated by the HOLY SPIRIT.
2. His IDENTIFICATION: The spiritual man is SAVED and is therefore INDWELT by the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13, 14)
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV)
n Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
3. His SPIRITUAL ASSETS: The spiritual man is indwelt and FILLED with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:3, 7:55; Ephesians 5:18)
Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
Acts 6:3 (NKJV)
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
Acts 7:55 (NKJV)
Do not be drunk with wine, for that is reckless living. But be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (MEV)
4. His SPIRITUAL ABILITIES: He has the unhindered CAPACITY TO UNDERSTAND the things of God. (John 14:26; 16:13)
1 Corinthians 2:15 says, he who is spiritual judges all things, and we have the mind of Christ. This does not mean that believers are omniscient. As a Spirit filled believer you have the unhindered capacity to understand the Word of God because the Spirit of God is your Teacher. The word judges means to investigate, examine, enquire into, scrutinize, question. He has the capacity to access into the Word of God in any area. The words judged by none, mean that the natural man cannot understand the spiritual man!
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 14:26 (NKJV)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
John 16:13 (NKJV)
But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
1 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV)
5. His SPIRITUAL NEED: To continuously WALK IN THE SPIRIT by faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7; Colossians 2:6)
The Holy Spirit has freedom to teach the spiritual man when he is walking with yielded dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. We walk the same way we got saved: by grace through faith. The walk, however, is a continuous walk of faith, day by day and sometimes moment by moment.
Is a believer always spiritual? (Galatians 5:16; Romans 15:13)
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
Colossians 2:6 (NKJV)
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) (Walking in the Spirit)
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
C. THE CARNAL MAN (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and [walking according to man] behaving like mere men?
4 For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not carnal?
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (NKJV)
1. The MEANING: Greek: sarkikos, fleshly, of the flesh, dominated by the FLESH. The flesh, when used metaphorically in the Bible, speaks of mans sinful nature. So the carnal believer is a believer who is dominated by the sinful nature. (Rom. 7:18, 25, 8:3-13; Gal. 5:19-21, 6:8)
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
Romans 7:18 (NKJV)
I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 7:25 (NKJV)
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Sonship Through the Spirit
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:3-13 (NKJV)
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Galatians 6:8 (NKJV)
2. His IDENTIFICATION: The Carnal man is SAVED and is therefore INDWELT by the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13, 14) The Corinthians were brethren and saved, yet they were carnal. (1 Cor. 1:2, 4, 7, 10)
Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Gifts at Corinth
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,
5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge,
6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,
7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sectarianism Is Sin
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:2-10 (NKJV)
3. His SPIRITUAL ASSETS: The spiritual man is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but WALKS LIKE AN UNBELIEVER. (v. 4)
Carnal believers walk as men, like an ordinary, unsaved man. Carnality is about your walk, not your salvation. He also calls them babes in Christ. This tells us that carnality stunts your spiritual growth.
You will remain a babe in Christ if you do not walk in the Spirit. Babes in Christ tend to be carnal more often then spiritual because they have not had time to learn Gods Word. (Rom. 7:14, 8:7; 2 Cor. 10:4)
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Romans 7:14 (NKJV)
Because the [fleshly] carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
Romans 8:7 (NKJV)
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)
4. His SPIRITUAL ABILITIES: He can only be fed MILK, the simple truths of the Word of God. (Hebrews 5:12)
Paul states, I fed you with milk. Carnality affects your ability to take in Gods Word. A person who is walking in the flesh for a period of time gradually loses the capacity and even the desire to learn and apply the Word of God. Paul also refers to envying, strife, divisions which tells us that carnality affects your relationships with other believers. If you are at odds with other believers in Christ, this is a reflection of the flesh in your life. The Spirit does not create envy, strife, or division; this comes from the flesh. A carnal Christian is walking in independence from the Lord and at times in rebellion to Him.
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
Hebrews 5:12 (NKJV) (Spiritual Immaturity)
5. His SPIRITUAL NEED: To CONFESS his sins and WALK BY FAITH. (1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:7)
The carnal believer needs to confess his sins to be restored to fellowship with God, and then turn to the Lord in faith and walk with Him. (John 15:1-7; Col. 2:6-7; Gal. 2:20; Heb. 12:1-2)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
John 15:1-7 (NKJV) (The True Vine)
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) (The Race of Faith)
Can a believer be both carnal and spiritual at the same time?
(Matthew 12:30-35; James 3:10-12; 4:4; Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16; 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 John 1:6,7)
30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
The Unpardonable Sin
31 Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.
32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
A Tree Known by Its Fruit
33 Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Matthew 12:30-35 (NKJV)
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
James 3:10-12 (NKJV)
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4 (NKJV)
that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:4 (NKJV)
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) (Walking in the Spirit)
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:1 (NKJV) (Sectarianism Is Carnal)
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:6-7 (NKJV)
Every believer in Jesus Christ must decide day by day how he will build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3:11-15) A believer who builds with the materials of this world in carnality will lose his reward in heaven. He can never lose his salvation, but the reward God promises for faithful service.
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 each ones work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each ones work, of what sort it is.
14 If anyones work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyones work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NKJV) (The Day Will Declare It)
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The Holy Spirit and Our Service
The Holy Spirit and Our Service - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
by Francis Dixon
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1 Corinthians 12:4-21 (NKJV) (Unity and Diversity in One Body)
In this study we shall see that the Holy Spirit is not only the author of life within the believer, but He is also the accomplisher of service through the believer.
The same Holy Spirit who imparts spiritual life to us, making us children of God, waits to communicate the divine life through us, making us servants of God.
When He indwells us we are constituted children of God; when He infills, empowers and works through us we are constituted servants of God.
Therefore, a Christian servant is a Christian through whose cleansed and yielded life the Holy Spirit may accomplish the will and work of God in the evangelisation of the world and in the building up of the Church.
Here is the two-fold Nature and Objective of all true Christian service:
(1) Evangelising the World - the salvation of SINNERS.
(2) Building up the Church - the sanctification of SAINTS.
Any religious activity, even so-called Christian activity, that does not have these two objectives is not truly Christian service at all, for it is not the work of the Holy Spirit.
In the divine plan, the Holy Spirit is the Author and the Accomplisher of all true service for God, and every truly born again person is already a servant of God.
Look up 2 Corinthians 5:20 and notice. We are and compare Ephesians 2:10.
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christs behalf, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Now notice five aspects of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in relation to Christian service:
1. HE EQUIPS WITH THE GIFTS FOR SERVICE
When a soldier goes to battle he needs equipment; when an ambassador goes to a foreign country he needs equipment. We all have natural gifts, but for the specific service to which the Holy Spirit calls us these are inadequate,
for the warfare in which we are engaged is a spiritual conflict (Ephesians 6:12); thus He gives us spiritual gifts. These are enumerated in 1 Corinthians 12 to 14. Study carefully 1 Corinthians 12:4-21, and note the following:
In verses 4-6, we learn that there are a variety of spiritual gifts.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV)
In verse 7, we learn that every Christian has some gift.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)
In verses 8-10 and 28, we learn what the gifts are.
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28 (NKJV)
In verse 11, we learn that the Holy Spirit is sovereign in His giving of spiritual gifts.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (NKJV)
In verses 14-21, we learn that all the gifts are necessary for the healthy functioning of the Body.
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1 Corinthians 12:14-21 (NKJV)
No believer has all these gifts, and no-one has any of them apart from the Holy Spirit.
2. HE DIRECTS TO THE SPHERE OF SERVICE
Gods true servants are not self-appointed servants, going just where they think they will! Study carefully the following references, and notice that in each case it is the Holy Spirit who calls and thrusts forth His servants:
(1) Acts 8:5,26,29-30; (2) Acts 13:1-4; (3) Acts 16:6-7; (4) Acts 21:4.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is desert.
29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go near and overtake this chariot.
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, Do you understand what you are reading?
Acts 8:5, 26, 29-30 (NKJV)
1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Acts 13:1-4 (NKJV) (Paul and Barnabas Are Sent to the Gentiles)
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
Acts 16:6-7 (NKJV) (The Macedonian Call)
And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:4 (NKJV)
How certain we must be before taking up any service that we have His clear call to that sphere of service!
3. HE ANOINTS WITH THE POWER FOR SERVICE
Study Acts 1:8. Without the anointing of the power of the Holy Spirit our service can only be accomplished in the energy and wisdom of the flesh, and must therefore be fruitless and useless. The power of the Holy Spirit resting upon the servant is:
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
Power to speak (Acts 2:4).
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4 (NKJV)
Power to speak fearlessly (Acts 4:13).
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13 (NKJV)
Power to discern the true from the false (Acts 5:3).
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
Acts 5:3 (NKJV)
Power to give needed help (Acts 5:16).
Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Acts 5:16 (NKJV)
Power to obey God regardless of consequences (Acts 5:20-21,29)
20 Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:20-21, 29 (NKJV)
Power to do first things first (Acts 6:4).
but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
Acts 6:4 (NKJV)
Power to perform miracles (Acts 6:8).
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 6:8 (NKJV)
4. HE SUSTAINS IN THE MIDST OF SERVICE
The true servant of God is exposed to terrific dangers and to fierce opposition and persecution. He is not fighting in an earthly warfare, but in a deadly spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).
What happens when as a result of faithful service the believer is persecuted and suffers hardship? God gives a special supply of His Spirit to fortify and strengthen His servant.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
We see this wonderfully illustrated in the Book of Acts, in the life of Paul, in the experience of many Christians in recent days, in prison camps etc. Look up Acts 5:41.
How is this possible? By the Holy Spirit. Compare Acts 7:54-60 and 16:22-25. The key verse here is 1 Peter 4:14.
So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Acts 5:41 (NKJV)
54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
56 and said, Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;
58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not charge them with this sin. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:54-60 (NKJV) (Stephen the Martyr)
22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods.
23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.
24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:22-25 (NKJV) (The Philippian Jailer Saved)
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
1 Peter 4:14 (NKJV)
5. HE PREPARES FOR AN ETERNITY OF SERVICE
We often take a very short view of Christian service, and we imagine that when we die, or when the Lord comes, all our service will be over! All our service down here is a preparation for service up there! Look up Revelation 22:3.
And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
Revelation 22:3 (NKJV)
Our first and logical service is Romans 12:1.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 (NKJV) (Living Sacrifices to God)
https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-6-the-holy-spirit-and-our-service/
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Help to Overcome Obstacles
Help me Dear Heavenly Father to overcome obstacles, road blocks, pitfalls as I am following my Lord Jesus.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (NKJV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, You are my God.
My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.
Psalm 31:14-15 (NKJV)
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1: 9 (NKJV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
But He said, More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!
Luke 11:28 (NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) (Walk in the Spirit)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18 (MEV)
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17 (NKJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, your faith.
1 John 5:4 (NKJV)
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NKJV)
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NASB)
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
Exodus 14:14 (NKJV)
Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 (NKJV) (Loving God Under Trials)
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)
Be strong and of a good courage. Fear not, nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, it is He who goes with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (MEV)
For the Holy Spirit, Gods gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.
2 Timothy 1:7 (Living Bible)
Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 (NKJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemings of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV) (The Whole Armor of God)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2-5 (NKJV) (Profiting from Trials)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
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Do NOT Be Manipulated or Used By Man, Trust in the Lord
- Trust in the Lord
- Do NOT Trust in Man
- Do NOT Be Manipulated or Used By Man
- Do NOT Be Put Into Bondage
- Persecutions Are Coming
- Beware of False Prophets
- Turn To Jesus For All Your Needs
- Put On The Armor of God
- Trust in the Lord
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 62:8 (NASB)
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10 (NKJV)
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.
Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7 (Amplified Bible)
- Do NOT Trust in Man
It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.
Psalm 118:8 (NKJV)
Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a human being, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalm 146:3 (NKJV)
Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:5 (NKJV)
- Do NOT Be Manipulated or Used By Man
You shall not covet your neighbors house; you shall not covet your neighbors wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbors.
Exodus 20:17 (NKJV) (from the Ten Commandments)
Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ].
Be angry [at sin, at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down.
Ephesians 4:25-26 (Amplified Bible)
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Romans 16:17-18 (ESV)
For you endure it if a man assumes control of your souls and makes slaves of you, or devours [your substance, spends your money] and preys upon you, or deceives and takes advantage of you, or is arrogant and puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
To my discredit, I must say, we have shown ourselves too weak [for you to show such tolerance of us and for us to do strong, courageous things like that to you]!
2 Corinthians 11:20-21a (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloes household, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now I say this, that each of you says, I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I am of Cephas, or I am of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (NKJV) (Sectarianism Is Sin)
that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ,
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NKJV)
holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.
For among them are those who [creep into] slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses,
always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 3:5-7 (NASB)
Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyones conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV)
Jesus answered, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].
For many will come in My name [misusing it, and appropriating the strength of the name which belongs to Me], saying, I am the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), and they will mislead many.
Matthew 24:4-5 (Amplified Bible)
Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 (Amplified Bible)
For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely.
Jeremiah 6:13 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.
Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.
Hebrews 13:8-9 (NASB)
- Do NOT Be Put Into Bondage
And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),
to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Galatians 2:4-5 (NKJV)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) (Christian Liberty)
- Persecutions Are Coming
16 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21 Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22 And you will be hated by all for My names sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Matthew 10:16-23 (NKJV) (Persecutions Are Coming)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:7-9 (NKJV)
- Beware of False Prophets
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15 (NKJV) (You Will Know Them by Their Fruits)
And I will continue doing what I am doing, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be found equal to us in what they boast about.
For such are false apostles and deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
And no wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:12-14 (MEV)
- Turn To Jesus For All Your Needs
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!
Matthew 3:2 (NKJV)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9 (NKJV)
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:12-16 (NKJV) (Our Compassionate High Priest)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:32 (NKJV)
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV)
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14 (NKJV)
- Put On The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NASB) (The Armor of God)
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Evil of the Enemy
How do we respond to evil in this world?
What History Has Tought Us
Love Our Lord and Love One Another
Pray for Those who Persecute You
A Time for Peace
The Lord Hates the Wicked
You Who Love the Lord, Hate Evil
Evil People
"You Must Purge the Evil"
Deliver the Plundered Out of the Hand of the Oppressor
Moral Responsibility
Parting Thoughts
Don't Forget
Spiritual Warfare
A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 (NKJV)
What History Has Tought Us
Adolf Hitler exterminated 6.5 million Jews during WW2. Hitler wanted to purge Europe of the Jewish race. Should people stand by and allow evil to happen?
Iran's leadership frequently employs harsh rhetoric against the United States and Israel, often calling for the destruction of Israel and labeling the U.S. as the "Great Satan".
Key officials have endorsed chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel," while calling for the elimination of the "Zionist regime". Would you like to see the evil of nuclear weapons in their hands?
In the Book of Esther (specifically Esther 3:6-13, see below), the evil Haman plotted to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews throughout the entire Persian Empire.
This planned genocide was averted by the intervention of Queen Esther, resulting in the establishment of the holiday of Purim to commemorate the survival of the Jewish people.
6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, the people of Mordecai.
7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain.
9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
11 And the king said to Haman, The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you.
12 Then the king's scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded, to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring.
13 And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.
Esther 3:6-13 (NKJV)
Evil is detrimental in its effects on mankind.
Evil is rebelling against God, rebelling is sin, sin is spiritual death, sin is separation from God.
You read throughout the Old Testament that the kings and people "did evil in the sight of the LORD" and very bad things happened as a result.
Love Our Lord and Love One Another
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.
And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:30-31 (NKJV)
But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Joshua 22:5 (NKJV)
I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35 (NASB)
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
1 John 5:3 (NKJV)
Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:23 (NKJV)
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16 (NKJV)
He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.
He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2:9-11 (NKJV)
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 John 3:15 (NKJV)
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)
30 Then Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.
34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.
36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.
Luke 10:30-37 (NKJV) (Good Samaritan)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Romans 12:9 (NIV)
Pray for Those who Persecute You
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
Luke 6:27-28 (MEV)
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.
Hebrews 12:14-17 (NKJV)
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Psalm 94:16 (NKJV)
A Time for Peace
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:17-18 (NKJV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
Isaiah 32:17 (NKJV)
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)
Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
Romans 12:17-19 (NASB)
Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.
1 Peter 3:11 (NKJV)
Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14 (NKJV)
The Lord Hates the Wicked
The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and one who loves violence His soul hates.
Psalm 11:5 (MEV)
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to him:
a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief,
a false witness who speaks lies, and he who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (MEV)
Remember what Amalek did to you by the road when you were coming out of Egypt,
how he met you by the way and attacked at your rear all that were stragglers behind you, when you were exhausted and weary. He did not fear God.
Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your surrounding enemies, in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, that you must blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You must not forget it.
Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (MEV)
for he said, For the Lord has sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
Exodus 17:16 (MEV)
You Who Love the Lord, Hate Evil
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 97:10 (NKJV)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV)
And to man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.
Job 28:28 (NKJV)
Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate.
Amos 5:15a (NKJV)
You have loved righteousness [integrity, virtue, uprightness in purpose] and have hated lawlessness [injustice, sin]. Therefore God, Your God, Has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.
Hebrews 1:9 (Amplified Bible)
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.
Psalm 45:7 (NKJV)
I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked.
Psalm 26:5 (NKJV)
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
Revelation 2:2 (NKJV)
Depart from evil and do good, and abide forevermore.
Psalm 37:27 (MEV)
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Proverbs 8:13 (NKJV)
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged; and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
Proverbs 16:6 (MEV)
Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 (NKJV)
Evil People
take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death.
On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting that person to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 17:5-7 (NIV)
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.
The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Psalm 34:15-16 (NKJV)
And those who repay evil for good, They become my enemies, because I follow what is good.
Psalm 38:20 (NASB)
But evil people are like the angry sea, which cannot rest, whose waves toss up waste and mud.
There is no peace for evil people, says my God.
Isaiah 57:20-21 (NCV)
You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Matthew 5:38-39 (NKJV)
For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come; sexual immorality, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
All these evils come from inside and defile a person.
Mark 7:21-23 (NIV)
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
James 1:13-15 (MEV)
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12 (NKJV)
"You Must Purge the Evil"
That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 13:5 (NIV)
take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death.
On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting that person to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 17:5-7 (NIV)
Anyone who shows contempt for the judge or for the priest who stands ministering there to the Lord your God is to be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.
Deuteronomy 17:12 (NIV)
The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite,
then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you.
The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you.
Deuteronomy 19:18-20 (NIV)
They shall say to the elders, This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.
Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.
Deuteronomy 21:20-21 (NIV)
If, however, the charge is true and no proof of the young woman's virginity can be found,
she shall be brought to the door of her father's house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father's house. You must purge the evil from among you.
If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.
Deuteronomy 22:20-22 (NIV)
If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her,
you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death, the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man's wife. You must purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 22:23-24 (NIV)
If someone is caught kidnapping a fellow Israelite and treating or selling them as a slave, the kidnapper must die. You must purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 24:7 (NIV)
Now turn those wicked men of Gibeah over to us so that we may put them to death and purge the evil from Israel.
Judges 20:13a (NIV)
Deliver the Plundered Out of the Hand of the Oppressor
Thus says the Lord: Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.
Jeremiah 22:3 (NKJV)
Defend [Vindicate] the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:3-4 (NKJV)
Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.
Isaiah 1:17 (NKJV)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)
Moral Responsibility
Rescue those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to the slaughter, Oh hold them back!
If you say, See, we did not know this, Does He who weighs the hearts not consider it? And does He who watches over your soul not know it? And will He not repay a person according to his work?
Proverbs 24:11-12 (NASB)
So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.
Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
Isaiah 59:14-15 (NIV)
Parting Thoughts
A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 (NKJV)
Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
They would zealously influence you, but not favorably. Yes, they would exclusively control you, so that you might consult them.
Galatians 4:16-17 (MEV)
Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call upon your name!
Psalm 79:6 (ESV)
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV)
Don't Forget
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:20-23 (NKJV)
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.
And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:30-31 (NKJV)
But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Joshua 22:5 (NKJV)
I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35 (NASB)
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16 (NKJV)
He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.
He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2:9-11 (NKJV)
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 John 3:15 (NKJV)
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
Luke 6:27-28 (MEV)
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.
Hebrews 12:14-17 (NKJV)
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
You have loved righteousness [integrity, virtue, uprightness in purpose] and have hated lawlessness [injustice, sin]. Therefore God, Your God, Has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.
Hebrews 1:9 (Amplified Bible)
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
Revelation 2:2 (NKJV)
And saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:2 (NKJV)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10 (KJV)
Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5 (NKJV)
Also see the file on:
Spiritual Warfare
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They Revile and Persecute You, Insult You
- people are offended by my infirmities
We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak and not please ourselves.
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
For even Christ did not please Himself. But as it is written, The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me.
Romans 15:1-3 (MEV)
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12 (NKJV)
Blessed Are You When Men Hate You and Revile You
If you are [reviled] reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
1 Peter 4:14 (NKJV)
Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
Luke 6:22-23 (NKJV)
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
John 15:18-21 (NKJV) (The Worlds Hatred)
These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.
They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.
John 16:1-3 (NKJV) (Jesus Warns and Comforts His Disciples)
So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy [dignified by the indignity] to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name.
Acts 5:41 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.
1 Peter 3:13-14 (NIV)
having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:16-17 (NKJV)
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)
We labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
Being slandered, we encourage. We are made as the filth of the world, and are the refuse of all things to this day.
1 Corinthians 4:12-13 (MEV)
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, not even to eat with such a person.
1 Corinthians 5:11 (NKJV)
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV)
who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
1 Peter 2:23 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
Luke 23:34a (NKJV)
Love Your Enemies, Bless Those Who Curse You
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV) (Called to Blessing)
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, [quarreling] clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed,
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV)
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.
Proverbs 19:11 (NKJV)
for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.
2 Corinthians 8:21 (ESV)
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV)
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:10-15 (NKJV)
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
Romans 12:16-17 (ESV)
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NKJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Philippians 2:15 (NKJV)
Do NOT Put Your Trust in Man
It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.
Psalm 118:8 (NKJV)
Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in [a human being] a son of man, in whom there is no help.
Psalm 146:3 (NKJV)
It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.
Psalm 118:8-9 (NKJV)
Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?
Isaiah 2:22 (NIV)
Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is worthless.
Through God we will do valiantly, for He will tread down our enemies.
Psalm 60:11-12 (MEV)
Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment.
Job 15:31 (ESV)
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the Lord will be safe.
Proverbs 29:25 (MEV)
Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:5 (NKJV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Profiting from Trials
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
Philippians 1:29 (NKJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV)
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (ESV)
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV)
Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all of this happen,
and he has blessed you. Not only do you have faith in Christ, but you suffer for him.
You saw me suffer, and you still hear about my troubles. Now you must suffer in the same way.
Philippians 1:28-30 (CEV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (ESV)
and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him.
Romans 8:17 (MEV)
He Who [Bears Patiently] Endures to the End Shall be Saved
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who [bears patiently] endures to the end shall be saved.
Mark 13:13 (NKJV)
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:22 (NKJV)
But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
John 15:21 (NKJV)
Bottom Line
Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (MEV)
I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35 (NASB)
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.
Romans 13:10 (NASB)
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 (NASB)
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord,
watching diligently so that no one falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it,
Hebrews 12:14-15 (MEV)
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, mend your ways, be comforted, be like minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NASB)
Websters Dictionary 1828 says, A Reviler is:
REVI'LER, noun One who reviles another; one who treats another with contemptuous language.
CONTEMPTUOUS, adjective Manifesting or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful; as contemptuous language or manner; a contemptuous opinion. Applied to men, apt to despise; haughty; insolent; as a nation, proud, severe, contemptuous
So, be compassionate, do NOT give brothers a hard time, share the word of God and the love of God with others, and love your neighbor as yourself.
When you see your brother struggling, help them and have compassion on them - do NOT give them a hard time because they are different from you
(if they have difficultly walking, or are in constant pain).
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