"I am in a slump;" "I'm bored;" "I am disgusted with life." "What is the point or
purpose?" "I feel distant from God;" "no one loves me;" "people annoy me;" "I'm
angry;" "I am lost and hopeless;" "I want to give up and just go ." All of these
feelings and mind-sets have the same answer: LOVE
Matthew 22:35-40 As we begin a new year, what should be the most important
concern we have?
The two great human needs are 1) to be loved and 2) to love. Life does not make
sense outside of love because life is to be all about love, God's love. To love God
and others, we must first believe the love that God has for us. We may not
understand it, but acceptance and faith regarding His love for us are the beginning
of everything.
WE ARE LOVED.
John 3:16 The greatest demonstration of love ever. God loves you.
Romans 5:5-11 God has poured out His love in us.
Romans 8:31-39 His love for us began when we were dead in trespasses and
sins, so to doubt it now is senseless.
I John 4:9 and 10 God manifested His love toward us in a manner that is totally
not questionable. Jesus suffered and died for YOU!
WE ARE TO LOVE GOD IN RETURN.
John 14:15, 21 and 15:10 If we love Him, then we keep His commandments.
II Corinthians 4:10 and 11 To love God is to lose self (all our thoughts, emotions,
and desires that are contrary to His).
I John 5:3; 4:20 If we love God, then we must love our brother also.
WE ARE TO LOVE OTHERS.
I John 4:7-21 God so loved us we ought to love one another.
John 12:23-26 God's love is supernatural. We cannot produce this kind of love
in our own strength and ability. Only our willpower is invoked in loving with
God's love, not our emotions, our thoughts, or own desires.
Some of the hurts, unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentments that we choose to
keep are fully justified by the world's standards.
God's love working through us is the most exhilarating, most meaningful, and
most fulfilling experience of life.
I Corinthians 11:23-26 As often as we eat this bread and drink the cup,
we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. In partaking in communion,
we are proclaiming, making a public declaration of, the Lord's death until
he returns in the Kingdom of God.
The cup represents the new covenant, ratified by Christ's blood.
Hebrews 9:11-22 The old covenant was the Mosaic Covenant, which
was ratified on Mt. Horeb (>Exodus chapters 19 24; Exodus 24:3-8).
The old covenant was not an everlasting covenant. It was a covenant
made with the children of Israel. The law was a schoolmaster until Christ
(Galatians 3:24).
There are three great everlasting covenants in the Scriptures:
(1) The Abrahamic Covenant - A covenant that the seed of Abraham would
inherit the land.
(2) The Davidic Covenant - A covenant that a descendent of David would
sit on God's throne forever.
(3) The New Covenant - Eternal salvation for God's people with the law
written upon their hearts. The new covenant replaced the old, built
upon better promises and a perfect sacrifice. It will be fulfilled when
Christ returns (Hebrews 7:19-22; 8:6-13; 9:11-18).
Through Christ, all of the covenants will be fulfilled.
The oath to Abraham, the covenant to David, and the new covenant were
all initiated and ratified in the land of Moriah, the city of GodJerusalem.
(Genesis 22:1 and 2; I Chronicles 15:1, 17:1ff; Luke 22:8-12, 17-20;
Hebrews 13:11-14).
Communion should be done with thought and consideration of the new
covenantnot just a mindless activity. It should be received with
reverence and awe.
I Corinthians 11:26-28; Hebrews 12:18-29
Hebrews 6:13-19 Our hope is sure and steadfast. The promises of God
will absolutely come to pass.
Hebrews 10:19-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without
wavering.
Genesis 3:15 The great promise declared after the fall which would restore
that which was lost is the restoration to God's Kingdom on earth and in
heaven. A child born of a woman would destroy the serpent and his
influence. "He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the
heel." The head is the most vital, and the heel, the least. The seed of the
woman would eventually be Jesus the Messiah. The bruise to the heel relates
to the crucifixion, and the bruise to the head refers to the devil, demons, and
all evil being thrown into the lake of fire.
Genesis 4:1 Cain is the first seed of the woman; hence, begins the
continuous theme of the Bible the war between the seed and the serpent.
The devil, time and again, endeavors to destroy anyone he perceives to be the
seed of the woman.
Genesis 15:1-5; 17:1-6 Abraham, who is God's covenant man, is not able
to have the promised son until he is 100 and Sarah is 90.
Genesis 25:21 "Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she
was barren;" and Rebekah had twins Esau and Jacob. The boys contended
over the birthright.
Genesis 38:1-ff Jacob had 12 sons. Judah is the one related to the seed of the
woman. The children of the Canaanite were evil, probably because they
believed in their mother's god. They are skipped in the genealogy of Christ.
Without the understanding of the seed of the woman and the struggle with the
serpent, this story is very strange.
The record of Ruth is another odd record that is understood when we follow
the line of the seed. She is the grandmother of David, who is the great king of
Israel and the example of the Messiah. The serpent understood that David was
the one, so throughout his life, he is constantly attacked. David's son is
Solomon.
Solomon had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred
concubines; and his wives turned his heart away. With all of these women,
he apparently had only one son, Rehoboam.
Matthew 1:1-17 Compare Luke 3:23. Levi is the Father of Joseph. In Matthew
"husband" should be translated father. Count the generations (which, as they
are listed, add up to 14, 14, and 13 unless Joseph is counted as the father of
Mary). Her father and husband both had the same name.
Luke 1:26-38 The angel and Mary
Matthew 1:18-25 The angel and Joseph
Luke 2:1-20 The Savior, Christ our Lord was born
The traditional belief that the shepherds and three wise men showed up
at a manger on December 25th and found the newborn baby wrapped in
swaddling clothing does not line up with the Biblical record of the birth
of Jesus.
Luke 2:15 and 16 The Gospel of Luke records the actual birth of Jesus.
Immediately after he was born, the shepherds arrived and found him in
a manger outside of an inn in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:10-11 The Magi found a young child (a toddler) and his
mother in a house.
Matthew 2:16 Why two years old and under? This was based on the
time the Magi first saw the star. When the Magi arrived, Jesus could have
been up to two years old.
Matthew 2:1 The Magi
The number of Magi is never given. They are called Magi, not kings. They
were probably a caste of wise men specializing in astronomy, astrology,
and natural science. Perhaps the Judean prophet Daniel had his influence
on the Magi's belief regarding the coming Messiah. Daniel 1:20; 2:2, 46-
48; 5:8-12
Matthew 2:2 "Where is he born King of the Jews?"
His star Whatever this star was, it signified to the Magi that the King of
the Judeans had been born.
Matthew 2:3 Herod was troubled. He, through much political
maneuvering, obtained the title of king of the Judeans. And now the Magi
had announced that "the" King of the Judeans was born.
Matthew 2:4 Herod and the chief priests understood that the King of the
Judeans was the Messiah. This is a fulfillment of the promise made to
King David. (Acts 2:29-30; Psalm 132:11, 17)
Matthew 2:5 and 6 This Messiah or King would be the ruler over God's
people and would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
Matthew 2:7-11 They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh
and worshipped the King.
I Kings 10:9 and 10 The queen of Sheba brought gifts of gold and spices.
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:8-11 Gentiles and kings would bring gold and
incense, present gifts, and bow down before the king. They will show
forth the praises of the LORD when the redeemer comes to Zion.
The Magi believed in the coming Messiah. They traveled hundreds of
miles to pay tribute to this one who was born King of the Judeans. They
bowed before this child who is to be King over all the earth.
An Exposition of Isaiah 11.1-10
Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse,
And a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
The state of Israel is given by the stem or stump of Jesse. Not even the tree, much less the forest of Jesse, not to mention the kingdom of David, but a meager stump. God's wrath had already been poured out on the apostate nation {Is 2.12-17; 6.8-13} through His instrument: the unrighteous, pompous Assyrian. {texts prophesying destruction of Israel before chapter 11 include 3.1-2, 8-9, 16-26; 5.5-7, 14-16; 9.19; 10.5-6; 10.22-23}.
Then just when the Assyrian had decimated all the land and was shaking his fist at Jerusalem from nearby Nob, God turned His ire to the Assyrian nation and poured out his indignation full force. The nation once to be compared to the cedars of Lebanon has had its branches lopped off and then its trunks felled until in a moment nothing remains though it took many years to grow {Is 10.32-34}.
Then, from the stump of Jesse a tender shoot springs forth. Yet, this humble beginning is no indication of the future. This "shoot" is of royal blood {Rev 5.5; 22.16} and is destined to become a branch bearing incredible fruit. In fact, this little shoot will one day be the idyllic David for whom Israel has longed.
The spirit of Yahweh will rest on him,
The spirit of Yahweh is the supernatural enabling of Yahweh, which in turn manifests itself in six ways. Unlike the Assyrian king of Babylon who boasts in his own abilities and genius {Is 10.8-14; 14.12-14}, this king is completely empowered and enlightened through the influence and presence of Yahweh working through him and in him. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts is accomplishing its work in this anointed one {Is 9.7}. This was fulfilled when John the Baptist had the privilege of seeing the spirit descend upon him like a dove and rest on him {Mat 3.16-17}.
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
These two manifestations of the spirit of Yahweh refer to increased intellectual capacity and application. Unlike those who are "wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight" {Is 5.21} this one will be endued with God's wisdom. Solomon had demonstrated supernatural wisdom in the affair of the two prostitutes, one of which had smothered her baby in the night. He called for a sword and ordered the living infant cut in two and half given to each of the women. The true mother shrieked in terror and requested that the other woman have the child rather than killing it. Then Solomon gave the child to his mother and this story of his wisdom traveled everywhere. This branch of Jesse will likewise be endued with heavenly wisdom and understanding.
The spirit of counsel and strength,
He will not only know what to do (counsel) but he will have the ability to carry it out (strength). A brilliant king who is powerless becomes a cynic and a foolish king with limitless power becomes a tyrant. This one will have the right balance having as his title "Wonderful Counselor" {Is 9.6}.
The spirit of knowledge and the fear of Yahweh
Most importantly, this one will have knowledge and fear of Yahweh. He is not merely one with great abilities to govern, but his perspective is correct concerning his God. Unlike the Assyrian King (a type of the antichrist) who is arrogant in his acts and has a proud look in his eyes and thinks by his own strength and cleverness he had prevailed, this one will not be lifted up with conceit. He understands that the fear of Yahweh is the foundation and beginning of knowledge {Job 28.28; Ps 111.10; Prov 1.7}. He will not fear the hordes of enemies that will oppose him, but only Yahweh of Hosts {Is 8.13}.
And he will delight in the fear of Yahweh
Literally, "and fear of Yahweh is a fragrance to him." The fear of God is that which he smells with satisfaction..the second David scents the fear of God, and only the fear of God, as a pleasant fragrance; for the fear of God is a sacrifice of adoration continually ascending to God. (K&D v.7 p.183). Only when one begins to comprehend the holiness & power of God, can he begin to fear God. And all servants of Yahweh delight in the clean, holy fear of Yahweh as the chief portal to worship.
And he will not judge by what his eyes see,
Nor make decisions by what his ears hear;
Unlike his predecessors who God calls "rulers of Sodom" {Is 1.10} who mislead the people and confuse them {Is 3.12}, this one will not be overwhelmed by the lusts of his senses and so will make straight decisions. Instead, he will be given miraculous insight so that his decisions will not be based on human powers. The problem with our eyes and ears is that they are often mistaken. Furthermore, justice is often perverted because the judge is unable to discern hypocrisy from truth. Do you remember the Gibeonites? They were a tribe living in the land of Canaan who heard of the wonders that Yahweh had performed in Egypt. Instead of fighting against Joshua's army like all the other nations, the Gibeonites devised a plan whereby they could seek peace. Old bread, tattered clothes, and mangy beasts perfected a mirage of having traveled from a great distance to meet Joshua. Israel was fooled by their charade and made of covenant of peace with them only to find out that the Gibeonites lived in the Promised Land. "So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of Yahweh" {Josh 9.14}. In contrast, this son of Jesse will be consistently endued with the spirit of Yahweh's counsel.
But with righteousness he will judge the poor,
And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth;
Judgment often has an ominous negative ring to it, because we are often guilty when thinking about it, but to the poor, the downtrodden, and the afflicted judgment sounds like salvation, rescuing from their oppressors. The previous regime in Israel had robbed the poor, crushed the people, ground the faces of the poor {Is 3.14-15}, were bribed by the wealthy and deprived the innocent of justice {Is 1.23; 5.23}. They would write oppressive laws to keep the poor from getting a fair trial so that they could plunder the widows and orphans {Is 10.1-2}. This behavior infuriated Yahweh.
God has a special place in His heart for the less fortunate {Is 1.17; 61.1; Mic 4.6-7; Ps 72.2-4, 12-14; Pr 22.22-23; Luke 6.20-26; James 2.5}. So often, it is the poor who are abused by the crafty. It is the poor who squander billions in the lotteries because of their inability to calculate odds, control their greed, or see through the scam. It is the elderly poor who the Internet connivers and telemarketers pick clean. The poor are wronged but no one is there to take up their cause. The wealthy and corporations hire the premier lawyers to make sure their interests are safeguarded but the poor are regularly done injustice through ill reputed public defenders. The rich influence the politicians to make decisions in their favor through the use of lobbying (bribing). The employed poor are the support of the economic infrastructure, working many hours and getting paid only enough to barely survive, while supplying gas, groceries, transport, retail, maintenance, etc. yet they are the least appreciated and often not given health insurance or retirement options. The poor man waits a day in the emergency room with internal bleeding while the wealthy has a primary care physician to attend to his pink eye at a moments notice. The poor have no option but to use the public education system in the poor areas they live, which merely serves to perpetuate their condition. In countries where the police are sparse or non-existent the poor cannot afford security workers and are robbed, murdered, and raped without mercy and without recourse. Why does God care so much for the poor? He cares because no one else does, because He has to endure their cries for help, none of their afflictions are hidden from His eyes. When God's creatures suffer, He takes it personally and another drop of wrath drops into His cup of righteous indignation ready to be poured out on the last day. Besides, in a world that is cold, cynical, and uncompassionate whom else does one have but God? This is why Jesus specifically pointed out that Christians will be judged based on how they treated the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned {Mat 25.34-46}.
This judge is just, he is not impressed with pomp, nor is he inclined to pervert justice for a bribe. He will hear the cause of the poor and afflicted but will not falsely punish their adversaries because of a vendetta the poor may have against them. All decisions will be correct and final.
And he will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
The people of the earth who have oppressed the poor will be punished by this coming one. He need only say the word and it is done. Indeed having been endued fully with the spirit of Yahweh, his words are given incredible power {John 12.48}. As the word leaves this king's mouth, the action is carried out. In him, intention and implementation are one. The large mass of nations [Babylon] that will not submit will be subjugated by force by the sword, which proceeds from his mouth {Rev 19.13-15}. The people who have said all their lives "no one will rule over us" will submit to the vice-regent of Almighty God. The scales will be tipped, the last shall be first, the humble exalted, the prideful cut down. The contrite will be given administrative positions in God's new world order. The current political and military rulers will be severely punished for siding with a kingdom (or kingdoms) of this world over and against the kingdom of God (which cannot be mixed together). The politicians who have made a mockery of justice will be punished. The wealthy that have used their means for their own selfish interests will have their fortunes divided up among the poor. The first stage of the restoration program of the Messiah is the conquering of the unrepentant.
And with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked
"The wicked" more likely refers to the end times figure, the anti-messiah, who will be destroyed by the genuine, anointed one. Just before the appearance of the shoot of Jesse, the wicked one will have wrested much of the power of the world governments into his own control. His capital city Babylon will be a mega city of wealth, commerce, and fashion. He will oppress the true people of God mercilessly, killing many of them. He will wield enough economic influence to make only those who have his mark in their forehead or right hand capable of buying food. This evil, lawless one will come "in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness" to deceive all who do not love truth {2 Thes 2.9-10}. He will "be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of his mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of his coming" {2 Thes 2.8}. "Consequently with him there commences a new epoch, in which the Son of David and his righteousness acquire a world-subduing force, and find their home in a humanity that has sprung, like himself, out of deep humiliation" (K&D v. 7 p. 184).
Also righteousness will be the belt about his loins,
And faithfulness the belt about his waist
This ruler will always make right decisions. Moral impurity, deception, and crookedness will not be found in him. As a belt clings tight to one's body and serves to hold the robe together, so the shoot of Jesse will be constrained by righteousness. He will be faithful, unwavering, true to his God and true to consistently perform his responsibilities. He will not call evil good nor good evil {Is 5.20}, nor will he be prone to moodiness or "having a bad day." His uprightness of character will qualify him for his work of judgment. He will not be corrupted by power; he has proved his ability to depend on Yahweh already and will not give into temptation { John 5.19, 30; 8.28; 12.49-50; 14.10, 31; Phil 2.6-11}. He will reign on David's throne with justice and righteousness forever {Is 9.7}. After this restoration of justice to the throne, Jerusalem will be called "the Righteous City, a Faithful City" {Is 1.26}.
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb,
And the leopard will lie down with the young goat,
And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
This is no mere dream or figurative way of speaking; the peace of the kingdom will penetrate even into the animal kingdom. Where once there was savagery, survival of the fittest, there will be harmony; the animalistic instinct of slaughter will be ended. Indeed even the animal kingdom comes under this ruler. The animal kingdom will be miraculously restored to its pre-fallen state. Paul looked forward to this when he said, "For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body." {Romans 8.19-23}. When mankind is redeemed, so is the rest of creation--even the animals.
And a little boy will lead them
Children have fantasized about this age for millennia, wishing to have a pet lion, or leopard. The animals will not just be well tamed, for if this were the case, parents wouldn't allow their children near these powerful beasts, but since the very instinct to harm will be completely removed even little boys will be permitted to interact with these wonders of creation. Now at long last, after more than six millennia, the animal kingdom is subjected to the human kingdom and the human kingdom subjected to God {Gen 1.26-28}
Also the cow and the bear will graze,
Their young will lie down together,
And the lion will eat straw like the ox.
All animals will be come herbivores, even the bear, and the lion. The blood tooth now extracted, their teeth find use in chewing vegetation, which may indicate a change in their DNA or merely a change in use.
The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra,
And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den.
All the way down to the reptilian genus will the prince's peace prevail. The most deceptive, and first cursed of all beasts {Gen 3.1, 14} will be so harmless that a nursing child will be safe with a cobra. The weaned child will derive great joy from placing his hand on the viper's den. The peace of God dispensed through the Davidic King will know no bounds and all of the evil of Satan throughout all time will end, completely--there is a new sheriff in town.
They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain,
None will hurt or destroy on this mountain because it is holy. The mountain refers to Israel, represented by its capital, a microcosm of what the whole world will become as well {Is 9.7} All violence will end under his reign and the nations will melt their swords into plows and their spears into pruning hooks. There will be no dispute between the nations that he will not settle with ease {Is 2.4}. For now, finally peace is restored to Zion since the Prince of Peace rules {Is 9.6}.
For the earth will be full of the knowledge of Yahweh
As waters cover the sea.
This is no mere local restoration limited to the region of Palestine or Mount Zion, the whole earth, every hidden crevice and unexplored territory will be fully exposed to the knowledge of Yahweh--the Creator. To the degree that waters fill the sea the earth will be covered with the precious knowledge of the great God of the entire universe. The ignorance of man will be ended. All will know Him {John 17.3; 1 Cor 13.12}. No longer will there be misrepresentations of the Creator, like the Egyptian gods, the Greek pantheon, the Canaanite deities, or the Pantheism of Asia. At long last the debate will be settled, the competition finished, and the winner left standing--Yahweh in battle array. He will conquer through His commander and chief--the Davidic Messiah. Then all will know that the Father is the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and awesome One before whom everyone bows, in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth. No longer will people forget God. No longer will divine thoughts be stolen through tragedy, misery, and cunning deception of immoral entertainment. At long last, the relationship, the "knowing of God" will be restored to what it was in the Garden of Eden. No more shame, no more guilt, and no more separation, instead experiential knowledge of Yahweh mediated through His Son.
Then in that day
The nations will resort to the root of Jesse
Who will stand as a signal for the peoples;
In that day, in the day of Yahweh, the day of Christ, the day of the Lord, all nations, not just Israel, will resort to this descendant of Jesse. As the name Abraham had foreshadowed his descendants coming from many nations, in this Son of David, even the heathen have become partakers of the wonderful reign of the righteous one. Indeed the shoot of Jesse will bear the government on his shoulders of a vast eternal dominion {Is 9.6-7}. He will stand as a signal, a signpost, indicating the reign of God on earth. All nations will stream to the highest mountain, the mountain of Yahweh cleansed of all filthiness {Is 4.3}. Many will say "Come, let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us about His ways so that we may walk in His paths" {Is 2.2-3}.
And his resting place will be glorious.
The capital city, Jerusalem, will have the wealth of nations brought to her {Is 60.5-9, 17}. Zion will be glorious because of the presence of God's messiah and the lack of anything to diminish the glory. Indeed, the offenses having been removed, leave the land bathed in the holy, glory of Yahweh of Hosts.
Matthew 6:9-12 Forgiveness is nonnegotiable. If we want the
forgiveness of God, we must forgive others.
Matthew 6:14 and 15 Only one aspect of the prayer, he discussed
further. "The greatest block to receiving healing at the deepest level is
unforgiveness." Wallowing in unforgiveness creates such disruption in
our physical and emotional being that the consequences can be quite
serious.
Matthew 18:21-35 Our Lord taught there is no end to forgiveness.
Mark 11:25 and 26 Do we have to forgive those who do not ask for
forgiveness? Jesus said, "IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING AGAINST ANYONE."
Luke 23:34; I Peter 2:21-23 It is important for those struggling with
forgiveness to recognize that they are not forgiving innocent people. They
are forgiving the guilty. Honesty requires that we recognize that there has
been real hurt and those who have brought it about are responsible before
God for their behavior. God will repay them, He simply tells us not to try
to do His job for Him.
Romans 12:19
1. Express these negative feelings instead of submerging and suppressing them.
2. Accept your responsibility for your negative, hateful feelings.
3. Confess your reactionary sins, if possible at 3 levels:
1) God
2) Fellow believers
3) Those for whom you hold the unforgiveness
1. Ask yourself if you really want to be healed of your emotional bruising.
2. By faith, choose to forgive all those who have hurt you.
3. Choose to forgive yourself and accept God's forgiveness for your sins.
4. Break any inroads of Satan in your life which came through the abuse and the abuser.
I Samuel 15:1-9 They did not want to destroy the best, but everything
despised and worthless they were willing to destroy. They had no problem
killing all the people except the king and the best animals they spared.
Their decision was based on their own personal gain without regard to
God's command.
I Samuel 15:10-15 His actions were in direct disobedience to God's
command. In a military situation the commander must be listened to or
the war may be lost. Indeed the Amalekites return to power and in the
time of Judges take Israel captive. THE SPIN I did what I did because of
the people and for the glory of God. People put a spin on their evil deeds
so as to be able to live with themselves.
I Samuel 15:16-21 THE SPIN I did what I did for a good reason. Shifting
the blame and blocking himself from receiving the forgiveness of God.
I Samuel 15:22-31 He admitted he sinned but blamed the people for his
wrong doing, which means he never really repented and consequentially
never received God's forgiveness.
I Samuel 15:32- 35 The prophet carried out the will of God but the king
never did.
I Samuel 16:14 and 15 Because Saul did not deal with the sin it opened
him up to the influence of evil spirits.
I Samuel 18:10-11 The spirit influence grew worse to the point of Saul
trying to kill David, the Lord's anointed. When we put a spin on evil we
embrace it rather than eliminate it.
Matthew 27:1-6 Judas tried to put a good spin on the evil he committed
but was not able to do so.
Matthew 27:8-10 The chief priests tried to put a spin on things so they
could live with themselves.
I John 1:5-10 To look our sin in the eye and feel the full force of it's
ugliness takes courage because it is painful. However, in order to receive
forgiveness we need to do so.
James 5:12-16 Sometimes we need to confess our sins to another so that
we can eliminate the spin and be honest within.
Luke 22:17-20 Two aspects of Communion: 1) the bread relates
to his suffering and death, 2) the wine relates to the new covenant
which will be fulfilled when he returns.
I Corinthians 11:26 "...you proclaim the Lord's death until He
comes."
The Death
Romans 5:10 Reconciled to God through the death of His Son
Romans 6:3-5 Old is dead with Christ; now, we walk in newness
of life
Verses 10 and 11 Died for our sins
Ephesians 2:15-19 Through death, destroyed the enmity
Colossians 1:22 Reconciled, holy, blameless, and beyond
reproach
Hebrews 2:9-15 Through death, rendered powerless the devil
Hebrews 9:15 and 16 Redemption, eternal inheritance
I Peter 2:24; 3:18 Righteousness
Until He Comes
The wine signifies the blood which was shed on the cross ratifying
the New Covenant. When we drink the wine, we proclaim our
commitment to fulfill the covenant by accepting the Lordship of
Christ. We renew our commitment.
Ephesians 4:1-3 The church today is structured by God to be
depended on each other. We are a family and must learn to
function as a family.
Ephesians 2:13-18 We are one body, the body of Christ. He is the
head.
Ephesians 2:19 We are all members of god household.
Ephesians 2:22 Together we are the temple of God, His
habitation.
Ephesians 4:4-13 We are all in the process of maturing. We all
had or have road blocks the stall maturity. Traumatic wounds block
growth. Sin always blocks maturity. Misdirected grow also is a
block.
Ephesians 4: 14-16 We must allow God to do His part and we
must do our part. God provides redemption, salvation deliverance,
healing. Our job is maturity!
- People grow in their faith through relationship.
- Hurt people heal in relationships.
- Unbelievers commit to the Lord through relationships.
Galatians 6:1-10 We can not overcome life's obstacles alone.
Galatians 5:19-21 The sins against others causes isolation. The
devil knows that a safe loving place is necessary for maturity to take
place so he strives to cause division and isolation
Vindication or Judgment: two options for the people of the world in the parable of the tares and the wheat
Matthew 13.24-30 the parable
Matthew 13.36-43 the interpretation
Three significant facts about tares
1. tares cannot be distinguished from wheat until they produce grain
2. consuming the grain of tares produces sickness, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
3. the tares cannot be removed without damaging the wheat
a. wheat fields do not have paths to walk in so some wheat would be crushed by the weeders
b. because the two grow with an intertwined root system uprooting the tares would uproot some of the wheat as well
Matthew 13.37
The Son of Man is a specific figure from the Hebrew Scriptures destined to receive the
kingdom of God from the Ancient of Days. He is to come in the clouds to execute judgment
on behalf of the Father. The coming of the Son of Man is not only a crucial element in
understanding the end times, it is also a necessary ingredient to the gospel of the kingdom.
{Dan 7.9-14; Mat 24.30; 26.62-64; John 5.19-30; Rev 1.5-7; Acts 10.38-43; 17.30-31; Rom 2.16}
Matthew 13.38
Intermixed throughout all of the world are the two crops of people: the sons of the kingdom
and the sons of the evil one. Distinguishing between them (although difficult from a distance)
is not difficult upon close inspection of the persons works (i.e. their fruit). {Gal 5.19-24; 1
John 3.10-12}. There is not a third category, no gray area: either one is a son of the
kingdom or they are the offspring of the evil one.
Matthew 13.39
At the end of the age the harvest will occur. There are two ages {Mat 12.32; Eph 1.21}
(1) the present evil age {Gal 1.4; 1 Cor 2.6} ruled by Satan {2 Cor 4.4; 1 John 5.19} (2)
the age to come {Mark 10.30; Luke 20.35} ruled by the Son of Man {Mat 25.31-32; Heb 2.5-
9}. The two ages cannot coexist simultaneously. Just as the people of this age (the sons
of the evil one) are unwelcome and incompatible with the coming age {Rev 22.15} so the
people of the coming age (the sons of the kingdom) are not accepted or comfortable in this
age {John 15.18-20; 17.13-16; James 4.4}.
Matthew 13.40
John the Baptist prophesied that his successor (the Messiah) would baptize with holy spirit and
sift the crops into wheat and chaff (two categories of people). He would put the wheat into
the barn (the kingdom) but burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire (judgment). {Mat 3.11-12}
Matthew 13.41
The Son of Man exercises his authority as God's Messiah to command the angels to enact
God's wrath on the earth {2 Thes 1.7-9; Jude 1.14-15}. The targets of this weeding program
are those who are stumbling blocks (instigators of sin) and the lawless (evil doers, those who
live in defiance of God's laws). {Ps 37}
Matthew 13.42
The end of the unrepentant is the furnace of fire where there is weeping and gnashing of
teeth. Hell-fire (gehenna) is a word often found on the lips of Jesus (11 times) to describe
the destiny of the wicked. According to Revelation, there will be a White Throne Judgment
before which all the dead (who were not in the 1st resurrection) will stand. If one's name
is not found written in the book of life then he is thrown into the lake of fire (the second
death). {2 Peter 2.6; Jude 1.7; Rev 21.8}
Matthew 13.43
Finally, now that the choking smog of wickedness has been removed, the righteous (the sons
of the kingdom) will shine brightly in the age to come. Light is a dominant characteristic in
the description of New Jerusalem. Every precious stone and person will be perpetually bathed
in the glorious, holy, brightness of God and His Messiah as they live out unending lives in
paradise. {Dan 12.2-3; 2 Cor 3.7-12; Rev 21.10-11, 23-27; 22.3-5}
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you
stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only
God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty,
dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."
-Jude (the brother of Jesus)
Ever since the eighteenth-century "Enlightenment" movement, Western Christianity has participated in the rationalism, materialism, and humanism of the surrounding secular society, We, like secularists, have learned to focus on the material world and to largely ignore spiritual reality, even thought we are theoretically committed to a biblical view of invisible beings and power.
Rationalism - is the formation of opinions by relying upon reason alone. Truth and knowledge are attainable through reason.
Materialism - is the doctrine that everything in the universe is reducible to matter and can be explained in terms of physical laws.
Humanism - is the attitude of thought or religion in which human ideals and the perfection of human personality are made central. Theology and metaphysical are ignored.
Our worldview is not shared all over the world. In Africa and India for example the people are very spiritual minded and expect the supernatural to be apart of their daily lives. Hence we hear about great miracle that we can only wish for.
Matt 8:14 -17 did they know they were demonized?
Mark 7:24-29- This gentile woman who had little understanding about Judaism understood her daughter was demonized.
Mark 9:14 -29 -- The Father knew his son was demonized and did what was necessary to get him help. How many people today would consider that someone who is mute and deaf is so because of a unclean spirit?
Luke 13:10-17 -- The physical problem this woman endured for 18 years was caused by a spirit.
Matt 12: 43-45 -- So common was the understanding about unclean spirits that Jesus used it as an illusion.
Matt 9: 1-ff -- His physical problem was caused by his sin.
Do we think that things have changed? Did the demons go out with the apostles? In our society that roam freely because so few believer or acknowledge that they even exist. The man from the tombs have legion which in their day was 6826.
Acts 8:4-24 - Unclean spirits have to be given the authority to enter a person. The devil can not violate free will but can manipulate a person to exercise their will to allow entrance without even realizing it.
Unclean spirits can gain entrance into someone a number of ways.
1. The occult like at Samaria.
2. By invitation of the person or someone in authority over the person
3. Thought wrong reaction to emotional hurts
4. Through sin.
Is 61:1-ff Jesus was sent to free people
Acts 26:15-18 Jesus, Apostles, 70 disciples, the church etc. Don't be afraid and don't be extreme.
Notes for this teaching are limited to the slideshow presented during the last half hour.
Bringing the Life Model to LIFE
Essential Needs & Tasks For Maturity NOTE: Each stage builds on the previous stage: therefore each stage includes the needs and tasks of the previous stage. The 'ideal age' is the earliest age at which new tasks can be attempted. The end of that stage expects some degree of mastery. In no way does our maturity determine our value, but it does determine the level of responsibility we can handle.
THE INFANT STAGE
Ideal Age: Birth > Age 4
Needs
- Joy bonds with both parents that are strong, loving, caring, secure
- Important needs are met without asking
- Quiet together time
- Help regulating distress and emotions
- Be seen through the "eyes of heaven"
- Receive and give life
- Have others synchronize with him/her first
Tasks
- Receive with joy
- Learn to synchronize with others
- Organize self into a person through imitation
- Learn to regulate emotions
- Learn to return to joy from every emotion
- Learn to be the same person over time
- Learn self-care skills
- Learn to rest
THE CHILD STAGE
Ideal Age: Ages 4 > 13
Needs
- Weaning
- Help to do what he does not feel like doing
- Help sorting feelings, imaginations and reality
- Feedback on guesses, attempts and failures
- Be taught the family history
- Be taught the history of God's family
- Be taught the "big picture" of life
Tasks
- Take care of self (one is enough right now)
- Learn to ask for what he/she needs
- Learn self-expression
- Develop personal resources and talents
- Learn to make himself/herself understandable to others
- Learn to do hard things
- Learn what satisfies
- See self through the "eyes of heaven"
THE ADULT STAGE
Ideal Age: Age 13 > first child
Needs
- A rite of passage
- Time to bond with peers and form a group identity
- Inclusion by the same-sex community
- Observing the same sex using their power fairly
- Being given important tasks by his/her community
- Guidance for the personal imprint they will make on history
- Opportunities to share life in partnership
Tasks
- Take care of two or more at the same time
- Discover the main characteristics of his/her heart
- Proclaim and defend personal and community (group) identity
- Bring self and others back to joy simultaneously
- Develop a personal style that reflects his/her heart
- Learn to protect others from himself/herself
- Learn to diversify and blend roles
- Life-giving sexuality
- Mutual satisfaction in a relationship
- Partnership
THE PARENT STAGE
Ideal Age: From 1st child until youngest becomes an adult at 13
Needs
- To give life
- An encouraging partner
- Guidance from elders
- Peer review from other fathers or mothers
- A secure and orderly environment
Tasks
- Giving without needing to receive in return
- Building a home
- Protecting his/her family
- Serving his/her family
- Enjoying his/her family
- Helping his/her children reach maturity
- Synchronizing with the developing needs of: children, spouse, family, work, & church
THE ELDER STAGE
Ideal Age: Youngest child is an adult
Needs
- A community to call his/her own
- Recognition by his/her community
- A proper place in the community structure
- Have others trust them
Tasks
- Hospitality
- Giving life to those without families
- Parent and mature his/her community
- Build and maintain a community identity
- Act like himself/herself in the midst of difficulty
- Enjoy what God puts in each person in the community
- (Seeing each of them through 'eyes of heaven')
- Building the trust of others through the elder's own transparency and spontaneity
1. everyone is born unrighteous (dead in trespasses and sins)
2. the Law could not rectify the problem of man's unrighteousness
3. the righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ
4. it is a gift of God's grace
5. we are to walk like righteous people
A study of Romans
Hebrews 10.19-25
Since we have confidence to enter the holy place
structure of tabernacle & temple {Exodus 26.31-35; 1 Kings 6.16, 22-28; 8.6-10}
holiness & ritual purity {Exodus 28.29; 29.41; Leviticus 21.21-23; 2 Chronicles 26.16-21}
gravity of the holy place {Exodus 28.35; 28.43; Leviticus 10.1-2}
frequency and manner in which priest entered the holy place {Leviticus 16.2-3, 16, 20; Hebrews 9.1-10}
- by the blood of Jesus {Hebrews 9.11-12}
- by a new and living way {Hebrews 9.24-26; 10.11-13}
- which he inagurated for us through the veil--his flesh {Matthew 27.50-51}
Since we have a great priest over the house of God {Psalm 110.4-7; Hebrews 7.14-28}
Let us draw near
the common people were held at a distance from God (who dwelt above the ark in the Holy of Holies)
- with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith
heart = the inner life of a person (one's thoughts, will, emotions, or character)
- having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience{Leviticus 8.30; Hebrews 9.13-14}
- having our bodies washed with pure water {Leviticus 8.6; 16.24; 2 Peter 2.5, 9}
Let us hold fast
- the confession of our hope [not faith as in AV] without wavering {Hebrews 3.6, 14; 4.1-2, 14-16; 6.11-20; 12.1-3}
- for he who promised is faithful {2 Peter 3.9}
Let us consider
- how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds
- not forsaking our own assembling together as is the habit of some {Acts 1.13-14; 2.42}
discontinuance of common fellowship is fatal for perseverance in the faith
- but encouraging one another{Hebrews 3.13}
encouragement cannot take place in isolation
- and all the more as you see the Day drawing near
everything is done in light of the great day of the LORD
we must remind one another that we live from day to day in anticipation of that Day at the end of the age (Matthew 6.33)
2 Thessalonians 1.6-10; Romans 13.11-14
Psalms 103:1 and 2 Our very life should be engrossed in the
delightful service of blessing God.
Psalms 103:5 God loves you and wants you to be blessed in all
things. He longs for His children to walk with Him.
Psalms 103:8 The remembrance of His benefits provides endless
subjects of praise and arouses within us a holy mind-set of gratitude.
God is pleased, and so are we when we live in such a way.
Colossians 3:15-17 The most blessed life anyone can have is one
filled with gratitude and praise for God.
Psalms 103:11 and 12 No one knows us so well and cares so
much as our heavenly Father. He maintains a sympathetic
consciousness of us and constant desire to alleviate our pain. His
patience and mercy are so huge, they are beyond our ability to
comprehend.
I John 1:5-10 If we confess, He will forgive.
Psalms 103:13 These immeasurable concepts are put forth, so we
can understand how great His loving-kindness and forgiveness are
to those who fear Him.
Psalms 103:17 If His love and care for us, as described, were to
remain constant only throughout our lives, it would be way beyond
what we could ever deserve or even imagine; yet, we are told His
loving-kindness reaches further than our lives, into the everlasting.
Psalms 103:19; Psalms 89:14
Psalms 103:22 Three times in the Psalms (in 11, 13, and 17), we
are shown that the proper response to this loving, caring God is to
FEAR HIM.
Genesis 4:1-7 Everyone always has a choice to live rightly for God
or to sin. We have free will, which neither God nor the devil can
violate.
Genesis 4:8-16 Cain suffered consequences for sin that are a type
for sinners today.
His work would never bring satisfaction or be compensative to the
energy he put forward. He never had a place that was his home,
where he fit in and belonged. He would be hated and marked by
everyone else. He was not allowed into the presence of God. He
was to have a long miserable life!
He made his choice after God warned him. We have the same
choice today: the way of Cain or the way of Christ.
Deuteronomy 30:11- 20 Over the span of a person's life, he is
given the opportunity to make a few or a handful of choices that
will influence his entire life. At these crossroads, we exercise our
free will and shape our own future.
James 1:5 God's wisdom is needed at such times.
Joshua 24:14-28 We must choose to serve the Lord and as His
ambassadors, to help others to repent and make the same choice.
Galatians 5:22 A distinction is made between controlled behavior
and self-control.
We must choose not to look at our own inner strength or willpower,
but rather continually to remind ourselves of our weakness,
knowing that when we are weak, we are made strong (II Corinthians
12:10). As we are in this state of submission and reliance, the holy
spirit provides the ability of controlling ourselves as we move under
the power of the spirit.
I Corinthians 1:18-21 As Christianity expanded beyond the original Jewish nucleus into the Greco-Roman world, it was challenged with new obstacles one of which was Greek philosophical thought.
I Corinthians 2:1 and 2 The testimony of God is a two-pronged Gospel: 1) Jesus is the Christ, and 2) the significance of the crucifixion.
Acts 8:12; 28:23 and 31 Succinct examples
I Corinthians 2:3 Acts 18 records Paul's original visit to Corinth, which followed the hardship in the cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.
I Corinthians 2:4 and 5 Paul is careful to ensure God is glorified and not himself.
I Corinthians 2:6 and 7 Paul made known the great mystery.
Genesis 3:14 and 15 From this time forward, the devil endeavored to destroy the seed of the woman, which explains much of what is recorded in the Old Testament (i.e. Cain and Abel, Abraham, Esau & Jacob, Joseph, David...).
The devil did not understand that the seed of the woman would be created by God, nor did he know the hidden wisdom of God for man's redemption.
Romans 16:25 and 26
Romans 3:21-26 Man's redemption through the sacrifice of the perfect man, Jesus.
Ephesians 1:9; 3:1-9 Inclusion of the Gentiles
Colossians 1:26 and 27 Christ in you
I Corinthians 2:8-10 The spirit reveals these things.
I Corinthians 2:11 and 12 God wants us to know.
I Corinthians 2:13-16; Isaiah 40:12-26; Romans 11:33-36
I Corinthians 2:16 No one, not even Jesus, comes close to the wisdom of Almighty God, BUT we have the mind of Christ.
I Corinthians 3:1-4 What ruins the mind of Christ!
Preaching the Gospel of the kingdom & the cross effectively is our mission as followers of the Messiah, Jesus.
Assumptions:
You believe the Bible is true.
You have repented, been forgiven, and declared Jesus as your Lord.
You understand that by calling Jesus Lord you agree to do what he says.
You believe that it is your responsibility to preach the gospel.
Go somewhere where there are people (Mark 16:15), preferably, somewhere that people are waiting around. Start a conversation in a normal way.
Step 1 => Find out where they are at
Question to ask: "What do you think will happen when you die?" or "What do you think happens in the afterlife?"
Step 2 => Ask why or Do you think you are a good person?
Questions to ask: "Why do you think you will go to _______?" or
"Do you consider yourself a good person?"
Law of talking: they need to talk before they will listen to you.
Step 3 => Conviction phase
If they think they are ok, then we should help them to see their need for the gospel.
Questions to ask:
"Have you ever told a lie?" "What does that make you?" (A liar.)
"Have you ever stolen something?" "What does that make you?" (A thief.)
"Have you ever looked upon someone with lust?" "What does that make you?" (An adulterer at heart.)
"Have you ever used God's name as a curse?" "What does that make you?" (A blasphemer.)
"Have you ever been really angry at someone?" "What does that make you?" (A murderer at heart.)
Step 4 => Summarize
Summarize where they are at in the eyes of God.
"So, by your own admission, you are a lying, thieving, adulterous, murdering, blasphemer; and you still think you are a good person?"
Step 5 => How will you be judged (gospel of the kingdom)
Question to ask: "If Jesus were to come back today, take over the world, and set up his Kingdom on earth, and you were to be judged by his standards, would you be innocent or guilty?"
Courtroom Scene: Should a judge let someone go because they (1) stopped doing the crime, (2) haven't done it too many times, (3) are sorry, (4) are only human, (5) have done good deeds, (6) were young at the time? [Crimes must be punished]
Question to ask: "What is the #1 reason that you don't turn your whole life around, repent, and obey the words of Jesus the Messiah?"
Step 6 => Give them the gospel (gospel of the cross)
Question to ask: "Do you know what God did for you so that you don't have to be punished for what you did?"
If they say "no," then tell them that Jesus took their penalty upon him so they wouldn't have to be punished when the Kingdom comes. Instead they would be forgiven today and also enjoy Paradise forever. (No pain, suffering, death; only joy, fellowship with saints, and ruling the world with the Messiah.)
Tell them they need to turn their whole life around, start reading the Bible, praying, and following the words of Jesus.
Zephaniah 1:14-2:3; Isaiah 13:6-13; Amos 5:18-20; Nahum 1:2-3, 6; Luke 3:7-9, 16-18; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 10:42-43; 17:30-31; Romans 2:5-6, 16
Conclusion: People are dying! What are you going to do about it?
More information and examples of this style of witnessing can be seen at www.wayofthemaster.com
Mark 16:14-20 Jesus describes the spirit of truth as a supernatural influence for his faithful followers, which enables them to be like him. In the midst of his great teaching on the spirit of truth, he states the following.
John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. The predominate framework for the spirit to effect a believer's life is in the carrying out of the Lord's work. As we go forth following our Lord's instruction regarding the ministry of reconciliation, the spirit will equip us for the work. We must go!
Acts 8:1-4 The aim of the persecution was to stop the movement of the Christian Church; instead, it caused greater outreach. One great tactic of the devil is to intimidate with fear.
Acts 8:5-24 None of this would have happened if Philip did not get up and go.
Acts 8:25 and 26 A simple but vital command -- Get up and go.
Acts 8:27- ff We will see nothing until we get up and go.
Acts 9:10-19 Ananias experienced the power of God in operation because he got up and went. He ministered to the great Apostle Paul!
II Kings 6:8-23 The devil uses smoke and mirrors to cause us to be intimidated by fear. There is no substance to his power when compared to the power of God.
II Timothy 1:7 The spirit we have been given is with power, love, and a sound mind.
Romans 8:15 Fear is a lie.
Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.
Ephesians 2:5 and 6 Even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
We have the power and authority!
Romans 15:1 and 2 We are not to make our own happiness or gratification the standard of our conduct.
Romans 15:3; Psalms 69:7-16 The context of the psalm is interesting when applied to our walk today. If we live for God we will be reproached [rebuked, disapproved, blamed, discredited, disgraced] by the world. Our service to humanity is not about humanity; it is about God.
Too many of us get discouraged by the people we endeavor to serve because we hold wrong expectations or have wrong motives.
Romans 15:4 and 5 Perseverance and encouragement come from the Scriptures and from God, not from those we serve.
Romans 15:7 We are to accept each other as one's own. You are my brother.
I Corinthians 9:19-27 Paul was willing to lay down his life so as to live for God by helping others.
I Corinthians 13:5 Selfless living is loving.
Galatians 6:1-10 We are to be burden bearers.
Philippians 2:1-11 Be like Christ.
All judgment is not wrong, nor is all of it right. We have the responsibility to discern what our Lord teaches us in the context of his words with the heart in which he intended.
Matthew 7:1-5 The concern Jesus is speaking about is not a broad, sweeping prohibition against all judgment; for within the very context, we are commanded to make judgments regarding others to determine our own behavior.
Verse 6 Dogs and swine are two very unclean kinds of animals to a Jew and are used here to represent those who do not appreciate the great value of the things of God. We are commanded to figure this out in dealing with others. So, there is a right judgment and discrimination which is different from the wrong judging in the early verses.
Matthew 7:15-20 Again, we are told to make judgments of others who are spokesmen for God.
Matthew 18:15-17 The use of our critical faculties in making value judgment is frequently required in the New Testament.
Matthew 7:1 This passage is concerned with the faultfinding, condemnatory attitude which is too often combined with blindness to one's own failings.
One who has dealt with the beam in his own life has done so by being humble and allowing the grace and mercy of God to enter into his or her life. No one is able to gain true freedom, salvation, or wholeness on his own. Someone who has received God's forgiveness and grace is in a place where he or she can really help someone else to receive the same grace. The heart attitude of one who has been touched by the grace of God is: THANKFUL, HUMBLE, MEEK, COMPASSIONATE, FORGIVING, UNDERSTANDING. Such a blessed soul does not hold an attitude of religious superiority, rather a gentle, caring, eye to eye, face to face, heart to heart attitude.
Ephesians 3:8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ.
I Timothy 1:15 and 16 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
Those who have not received healing of their own woundedness from the lies they believe tend to be given to performance based Christianity, which is self works with the endeavor to gain that which is only received by grace. These poor souls hold an air of spiritually but in reality are in desperate need of truth and wholeness. These beam holders tend to be: SELF RIGHTEOUS, PRIDEFUL, KNOW-IT-ALLS, and are HARSH, CRITICAL, JUDGMENTAL WITHOUT THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST. Their service to others is most often about themselves and not God or the person they endeavor to help. They feel good about themselves because they have straightened out the other guy.
Matthew 7:2; Luke 6:34-38 The least that such an attitude can expect is to be judged with equal harshness by other men. However, God also is going to judge such a one. Just as He will forgive those who forgive others; He will judge those who judge others.
Romans 14 and 15
What is the Biblical term for a person who follows the teaching of Jesus Christ? The term "Christian" appears only three times. (Act 11:26; 26:38; I Peter 4:16)
The term "believer" appears only twice. (Acts 5:14; I Tim 4:12)
The term "saint" appears over 60 times.
The term "disciple" appears over 200 times.
Before being called Christians the followers of Jesus Christ were called "disciples" of Christ.
Disciple
A "disciple" of Christ is not the same as an "apostle" of Christ. An apostle is a specific gift ministry bestowed upon certain individuals as a ruling ministry in the Church. All "Apostles" are disciples, but not every disciple is an "Apostle."
What does it take to become a disciple of Christ?
A disciple (from the Latin discipulus, a pupil) is one who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher, and implies that the pupil is under the discipline of, and "understands" his teacher; and is adherent to the doctrine.
Greek: mathetes
From manthano
To learn by use and practice, to be in the habit of
Hebrew: limmud (Isa 8:16)
From lamad -- learn, instruct, diligent
John 8:30-32; 33-36 If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of Christ. You can become truly free. Free Indeed!
John 13:34-35 -- A disciple of Christ will have love for others.
John 15:1-8 A disciple of Christ abides in the vine. And as he does he bears much fruit, proving he is a disciple of Christ.
Luke 14:1, 15-35 (Luke 9:57-62)
Mark 10:17-27 Does it seem it is impossible? With God -- ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!"
Mark 10:28-30 - God will bless you right now in this present age -- 100 times more... and in the age to come -- ETERNAL LIFE!!!!
Luke 6:40 "Pupil" (NASB) = "Disciple"
The disciple will never be above his teacher. But once trained -- He will be like his teacher. You and I can be like Christ, when we choose to live as he told us.
We're A Family
One of the great accomplishments that resulted from the work of Christ is the relationship the people of God have with God and each other. We are a family with God the Father, Jesus Christ our Lord and Brother, and many brothers and sisters.
1 Corinthians12:1-ff Our family is made up of many different individuals with a diversity of strengths and weaknesses. God has chosen each person as it pleased Him; therefore, we are to appreciate and accept each other.
Matthew 12:46-50 Family loyalty, accepting one another, tolerance, and balance. We do not quit and find a new family because our feelings are hurt. God has committed Himself to each believer for eternity. How can we justify writing each other off?
Ephesians 4:1-13 We must be diligent to preserve the unity of our family. We need to fight for one another; not fight with each other. We are all children who are in the maturing process.
Galatians 6:1-10 In our family we help one another. We are not shocked because a brother or sister is struggling; rather, we roll up our sleeves and help. Paramount to our success is honesty and openness. We shun hypocrisy by being real. We have no need to put on a false pretense to impress the other members of our family; rather, we can be comfortable to reveal our weakness and sin so that we can get help. In our family we do not recoil from or reject others who are immature or stumbling, because we all do at times. We are not afraid of getting exposed because we are secure in the family relationship.
Romans 14:1-23 The more mature help the less mature. We disciple each other, and in doing so we fulfill our Lord's command.
1 Corinthians 13:1-ff Love for God and each other is our bond.
Hebrews 2:10-13 He is not ashamed to call us brethren, nor are we ashamed to call him Lord and Brother. We are also not ashamed to call each other brethren; rather, we are honored and proud to do so.
John 1:18 Jesus explained God
John 14:5 - 11 The words and works of Christ made known God
I John 4:8 God is love. Jesus explained God's love by his words and works
Matthew 8:1 - 4 Touched the leper
Mark 5:21 - 43 Healed the child
John 8:1 - 11 Forgave the adulterer
John 9:1 - 38 Cared for the blind man
John 13:5 - 18 Washed the disciple's feet
John 15:13 Died for us on the cross
John 3:16 God's love in Christ is for all
I John 4:8 -11 We are to love likewise
Acts 2:1-4 The Feast of Pentecost after the ascension of Jesus Christ was a significant event for a number of reasons. Understanding the three feasts that were a part of the Mosaic law provides a good starting place to grasp the greatness of Pentecost.
Exodus 34:18-27 Each feast had a practical purpose to help Israel to maintain a godly, thankful relationship with God. The Passover was to serve as a reminder of the salvation that God provided for Israel when they left Egypt. The Feast of Weeks (later called Pentecost) was to acknowledge the wheat harvest--God's provision for Israel. The Feast of Ingathering was to celebrate the end of the harvest.
Each feast also had a provisional aspect to it. Passover foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus as the final Passover lamb. The Feast of Weeks foreshadowed the outpouring of the holy spirit and the Feast of Ingathering foreshadowed the gathering of the saints with the Lord at the end of the age. Two of the three have already been fulfilled.
Romans 8:17-25 Since the holy spirit was given on Pentecost, the Feast of Firstfruits, we are to associate the holy spirit with the return of Christ knowing that then we will receive the fullness of all that God promises regarding eternal life.
Acts 2:2 Based upon the full information provided in the context "the house" seems to be the temple. In verse 6 we are told a crowd gathered; so large that (according to verse 41) 3,000 people believed.
Acts 2:3 This was not the first time the fire of God descended in this manner but it was the last.
Exodus 13:21 and 22; Exodus 19:18; Leviticus 9:24; I Chronicles 21:26; II Chronicles 7:1
Fire from heaven came basically for two reasons:
1. God's judgments 2. God's acceptance of a sacrifice
Examples of God's judgment are in Sodom and Gomorra, Egypt, in the wilderness and at the end of the age when the final judgment begins.
Matthew 3:11 and 12
Acts 2:3 The fire of God which sat upon these men was rich with significance and it also signaled to them that the promised gift of holy spirit was now going to be given. Jesus had instructed them in detail regarding this very moment.
John 20:22
Acts 2:4 This is the first time in history anyone was baptized in holy spirit; however, it was not the last.
Acts 1:5-21
Confidence in Christ
Acts 16:6-10 The disciples in the First Century church were confident in the spirit of Christ working in them. With this confidence they spread the Gospel message with great boldness.
The Spirit of Truth, the Helper -- the Paraclete
John 14:16-21 Abide with you forever. Know that the Father and Christ is in you.
John 14:25-26 Teach you all things. Bring the words of Christ to your remembrance.
John 16:13-15 Guide you into the all truth. Disclose the Father and Christ to you.
Romans 10:9 and 10 In order to begin walking by the spirit of God you must first make Jesus Lord.
Luke 6:46-49 If he is truly your Lord, then you will do as he says.
John 14:22-24 As you keep his sayings he will make himself known to you by way of the spirit abiding in you.
John 8:31-32 To be a disciple of Christ, you need to continue in His word. "Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you..." Colossians 3:16 You must allow the word of Christ to dwell in you. It is your free choice to be led by the spirit.
The scriptures were given by way of the spirit of God upon men. (II Peter 1:20-21) They contain the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). Do you know the words of Christ? Walking according to the words of Christ from scripture is walking by the spirit of God. The spirit which dwells in you may guide you beyond what is written, but it will never be at cross purposes with scripture.
John 12:24-26; Galatians 2:20 To truly walk with Christ you need to die to self, and submit to his will.
John 15:1-7; I John 5:14-15 If we walk according to his will, we should walk with confidence and expect to be directed by the spirit of Christ dwelling within.
Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus introduce God as the Father and our relationship with Him as a family.
YHWH Yahweh is used over 6500 times in the Old Testament and never in the new. Yahweh is God's proper name. He is called FATHER 15 times in the sermon of the mount and 44 times in the upper room teaching.
Galatians 1:3-5 the church epistles elaborate.
Galatians 4:5-7 sons of God, enabled to be like Him.
Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:31-36 We are told to be like our Father.5:13,14
Galatians 5:13,14
Galatians 5:15-26 Our dealing within the family are to be from the fruit of the spirit not the works of the flesh.
If we are not motivated by the spirit we must change.
Galatians 6:1-10 Maturity is being able to care for yourself and others.
The Devil
He Has Authority
Adversary I Peter 5:8
God of this age II Corinthians 4:4
Prince of this world John 14:30
Dominion of darkness Acts 26:18
Prince of the power of the air Ephesians 2:2
He Is Animalistic
Serpent Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9 -- treacherous, subtle, & deadly
Dragon Revelation 12:9 -- monstrous, violent, combative
Roaring Lion I Peter 5:8 -- powerful and devouring
He Is
Crafty, subtle Genesis 3:1; II Corinthians 11:4; II Thessalonians 2:9
A subtle one is difficult to understand or perceive, obscure; one who is subtle has a keen insight and ability to penetrate deeply and thoroughly
Beguiler Genesis 3:13; II Corinthians 11:3 -- to lead by deception
Liar Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44; Acts 5:3
Accuser Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6; Romans 12:10
Tempter Matthew 4:1-8; I Thessalonians 3:5
Murderer John 8:44
Thief John 10:10
Resister Zechariah 3:1 and 2
Death Dealer Hebrews 2:14
Revelation 12:10 The accuser
Job 1:6-12, 2:1-7 The accusation against Job was that his love and loyalty to God were based entirely upon the things that God had blessed him with. The accusation was founded in a false assumption and designed to hurt God and Job. The motive and intent was evil
Job 13:4, 16:2, 42:7 Three concerned, sincere friends
Job 4:1-21 The three men made wrong judgments, drew false conclusions, and wrongfully accused Job
Resurrection Authority
I Peter 3:18 - 22 Christ made proclamation to the spirits in prison, Christ is above all
Colossians 1:18 - 22 His victory was over all in heaven and earth
Colossians 2:10 - 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities
Matthew 28:18 All authority has been given to him
Ephesians 1:19 - 2:6 He is seated at the right hand of God, a position of authority and we are seated with him
John 20:19 - 23 His communication to them picked up where it left off the night he was taken captive
Matthew 16:19 Partnership with Christ in power
Matthew 18:18 Heaven is in agreement with God's will implemented on earth
Mark 16:14 - 20 We have authority
Luke 24:49 Clothed with power from on high
Acts 1:5 - 8 The holy spirit brings power
Died In Faith
Hebrews 10:35-39 Don't shrink back
Hebrews 11:1 Hope is future and therefore unseen;
Romans 8:24 & 25 Christian hope is centered in Christ and his return
Faith is the assurance (guarantee, confidence) of things hoped for. Faith is the conviction (proof) of things not seen (other words for hope)
Hebrews 11:2 By faith, the elders received God's approval
Verse 3 Faith explained: The way we understand the preparing of the world and ages is by faith not something we see
Verse 4 By faith, Abel's offering to God was acceptable
Verse 5 By faith, Enoch pleased God
Verse 6 Without faith, it is impossible to please God
- Faith begins with hearing Romans 10:17
- Faith grows by practice Matthew 21:18-22
- Faith is influenced by prayer Ephesians 3:14-21
- Faith is helped by right thinking and singlemindedness Matthew 6:16-34
Hebrews 11:7 Noah stayed focused on God's promises. He did what he had to do because he was convinced the wrath of God was coming and God would save him.
Hebrews 11:8-10 Abraham stayed alienated from the world by faith
Verses 11 and 12 They embraced God's promises by faith
Verse 13 Their faith in Christ determined how they lived throughout their entire life. They died with faith that their hope would come
Hebrews 11:15 How did they do it? Didn't look back -- only forward.
Verse 16 Their day is coming
Hebrews 12:1-3 Jesus the greatest witness
Acts 3:1 Peter and John were partners looking for opportunity to witness
Verse 4 They locked in and took control as they had seen their Lord do often. They walked in the confidence and authority of Christ
Verse 6 Peter exercised the authority he had in Christ
Verse 7 The man had to respond by rising up
Acts 3:13 There is no reason to half speak the truth. Directness is important because the message regarding the Kingdom of God is urgent and absolutely vital to every human
Verse 15 Jesus is the prince of life. Without him there is no life. We need not be concerned about hurting people's feelings when speaking the truth because when they are judged a lot more than feelings are going to hurt
Acts 3:18 Acts 17:2 and 3; 26:22 and 23; 28:23; Luke 24:26, 27, and 44; I Corinthians 15:3 and 4; I Peter 1:10 and 11; Revelation 19:10
Acts 3:19 Repent -- change: the times of refreshing is that time that all the prophets and apostles have written about--the return of the Messiah
Verse 21 The only possible way to understand the time of restoration is to understand the Old Testament
Verse 22 Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Acts 4:6 Same people who crucified Jesus
Verse 10 The name of Jesus Christ has authority
Verse 18 The devil's doesn't
Acts 4:19 God's desire
Acts 4:23 -- 31 God answered their prayer because they were aligned with His will.
Resurrection Commitment
John 19:31-34 Soldiers pierced his side with a spear
Luke 23:50-52 Joseph went to Pilate
Mark 15:44-46 Pilate made sure he was dead
John 19:39 and 40 Nicodemus prepared his body for burial
Matthew 27:62-66 Pharisees placed a guard by the tomb
John 20:1-18 Mary sees Jesus first
I Corinthians 15:1-8 Firsthand witnesses
I Corinthians 15:20-28 The order of resurrections
Verses 29 - 34 The knowledge of the resurrection should cause us to live godly, to avoid sin.
I Corinthians 15:35-49 New bodies
Verses 50 - 58 The mystery of the resurrection
Matthew 28:6 and 7 Go quickly and tell - He Is Risen!
Awake Out Of Sleep
Romans 13:11 and 12 Now is the hour to awaken out of sleep. Our salvation is very near. The night is almost gone. The day is near! The kingdom of God is coming!
Luke 19:11-27 Jesus spoke this parable because they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
Luke 19:28-29 Bethany is southeast of Jerusalem on the other side of the Mount of Olives.
Luke 19:30-44 When Jesus approached the city he wept over it. The city would be leveled to the ground, because they did not believe in the Messiah's first coming.
Matthew 24:1 and 2 Jesus again prophesied about the destruction of the temple. In a parallel record in Luke he also prophesied about the dispersion of the Jews. Luke 21:20-24.
In 70 AD, under the Roman ruler Titus, this part of Jesus' prophecy was fulfilled. Jerusalem was laid desolate, the temple was destroyed, many Jews fell by the edge of the sword and the Jewish people were dispersed into all nations of the world. (Deuteronomy 28:62-64) The children of Israel were told this would happen if they disobeyed the words of the covenant. (Deuteronomy 30:1-5) God is faithful. He promised that if they would turn to him with all their heart that he would bring them back to their land. The prophets spoke of a return of the people of Israel to the land. (Jeremiah 31:7-12; 32:37-44; Ezekial 34: 11-14; 36:22-24; Zeceriah 8:1-8)
Matthew 24:1-3 Jesus then went out to the Mount of Olives and told his disciples what would happen at the very end of this age. The Lord discussed the Abomination of Desolations standing in "the holy place" (Matthew 24:15). This is called the "sanctuary" in the book of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27; 11:31). It states in II Thessalonians 2:3 and 4 that the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction, will take his seat in the "temple of God." And according to Revelation 11:1 and 2, the temple of God is given to the nations for 42 months. If these references are literal, than the Jews must return to Israel, and reset up worship in the temple just before the end of this age.
Perhaps we are witnessing what was spoken by Hosea the prophet. Hosea 3:4 and 5.
Now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. We are not to be ignorant of what God has stated, but we are to be on the alert, watching and be ready, living our lives in light of the coming Kingdom of God.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11
LEAD BY THE SPIRIT
Matthew 4:1 The spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. The Greek word translated "led" is elsewhere translated "brought." The spirit led Jesus to do.
Mark 1:12 "Impelled" is a much stronger word which is also translated "cast out" in the context of casting out demons.
Luke 4:18 The spirit throughout the Scriptures leads people to do. Unclean spirits are the same way-- they are purposed to cause the person to think and do unclean things. The spirits are not passive, content to lounge around doing nothing (Luke 9:39-42).
Luke 11:9-13 We still must operate freewill and allow the spirit to influence us. It will never force you beyond your freewill.
John 16:13 The spirit will guide you.
Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6 The thing they all evidenced was the outward manifestation of the inward spirit which gave absolute proof that they were connected with God. They experienced God not just thought about Him. Very powerful when you experience truth because it provides indisputable proof that cannot be argued.
Romans 8:10-18 Those led by the spirit are the sons of God. The spirit is the assurance that God will fulfill His promise about the return of Christ.
Holy Living
Ephesians 4:17-19 Gentiles give themselves over to sensuality (lasciviousness, unbridled lusts), impurity (uncleanness), greediness (covetousness)
Verse 24 New self - Righteousness and holiness of the truth
Verse 25 Lay aside falsehood, speak truth
Ephesians 5:1-6 Immorality (Illicit sexual intercourse), impurity (uncleanness), greed (covetousness)
Galatians 5:16 The spirit we have been given is holy
Verse 19 Immorality (Illicit sexual intercourse), impurity (uncleanness), sensuality (lasciviousness, unbridled lusts)
Verse 22 Fruit of the spirit
Colossians 3:5-10 The message is the same wherever it is read.
I Corinthians 6:9-11 The purpose of the spirit is to enable us to live holy as we await the Kingdom.
I Thessalonians 4:1-8 His holy spirit is so we may live sanctification.
I Peter 1:13-21 He is holy so we should be holy.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Put on the breastplate of righteousness.
Apollos
Acts 18:24 He was mighty in the Scriptures
Acts 18:25 He was fervent in spirit (boiling with zeal)
Acts 18:26 He was bold yet teachable
Acts 18:27 He helped the believers greatly
Acts 18:28 He kept going
Other Scriptures relating to Apollos: 1 Cor 1:12;
3:4 - 8; 16:12; Titus 3:13
Holy Spirit in Manifestation
I Corinthians 12:7 - 11 We have the selfsame spirit.
Speaking in tongues
Acts 2:4 The most significant events in the development of the early church are marked with the manifestation of speaking in tongues.
Acts 10:44 - 46 Inclusion of the Gentiles
Acts 19:6 and 7, 19 and 20 All who lived in Asia heard the Word of the Lord.
I Corinthians 14:13 - 17 The interpretation of tongues
Acts 2:17 and 18 Prophesy
John 14:26; 16:13; I Corinthians 2:10-13 Word of Knowledge
Luke 18:31 - 34; Acts 2 The difference of understanding was caused by the spirit.
Acts 5:3-5 Word of wisdom
Acts 16:3 Paul circumcised Timothy
Acts 16:16 - 18 Discerning of spirits
Matthew 21:21 and 22; Romans 12:3 Faith
Acts 5:14 - 16 Gifts of healing and miracles
Acts 8:5 - 7 Philip in the city of Samaria
Mark 16:15 - 18 We have the ability. Do we have the desire?
Romans 5:5-9 God's love to us poured out in our hearts
through the holy spirit.
Romans 8:14-17 By the spirit we cry out "Abba Father."
The spirit not only fills us with God's love for us but also our
love for God.
Galatians 5:22 Love is a fruit of the spirit.
Galatians 5:13-16 Those who walk by the spirit walk in
love. The spirit enables us to be loving.
Galatians 5:25 - 6:10 The spiritual, that is those who walk
by the spirit restore those who are caught up. We lovingly
care for each other. We are a family with loving concern for
one another.
Ephesians 3:14-21 Strengthened through the spirit, Christ
dwells in our heart, rooted and ground in love.
Titus 3:1-7 The spirit helps clean us up so we can love like
Christ.
Titus 2:1-15 We are to value, respect, and care for the
elders and the elders are to help the younger. We are to
parent those who have not been parented.
I Timothy 5:1-5; 17-19 We are to care for each other.
Acts 2:43-47 The environment to share the love connection
is home fellowship.
Covenant and Spirit
Joshua 9:1-15 A covenant is the strongest, most solemn, sacred binding agreement that can be made between two parties. It remains in force until it is completely fulfilled. Therefore it is indissoluble and cannot be annulled.
Verses 16-21 The covenant is a commitment to God and is to be enforced regardless of what the other party does.
Joshua 10:1-15 The Lord fought for Israel to honor their covenant.
II Samuel 21:1-6 Hundreds of years later God still honors the covenant!
Psalm 89:20-37 The covenant with David was everlasting. The covenant with Moses came to an end because God fulfilled what he promised.
Psalm 105:8-10; Hebrews 6:13-20 The covenant to Abraham
Matthew 26:26-29 The new covenant
With Abraham's covenant the circumcision served as a sign to Israel. That they were in a covenant with God that He will absolutely fulfill.
II Corinthians 5:5 The spirit is similar to the circumcision. It is a sign of the new covenant.
Ephesians 1:13 and 14 Pledge means earnest. The spirit far exceeds the circumcision as a sign because it is an earnest, which is a down payment that insures the full amount will subsequently be paid.
The spirit is God's seal and earnest to us of the fulfillment of the new covenant.
Ezekiel 36:25-29; Jeremiah 31:31 The spirit is God's earnest and therefore assurance He will fulfill His covenant.
Fuller Perspective
John 16:12 and 13 After his ascension and the outpouring of the spirit Jesus did communicate much more about the spirit and many other matters via the spirit and the mouth's of his apostles.
II Corinthians 3:3 "Spirit of the living God"
II Corinthians 3:6 - Old Covenant - New Covenant
- Letter Kills - Spirit Gives Life
Verses 7 and 8 - Ministry of Death - Ministry of Spirit
Verse 9 - Ministry of Condemnation - Ministry of Righteousness
II Corinthians 3:17 "The Lord is the spirit"
When we read the word "spirit" in Paul's epistles we can consider that he was possibly referring to what is stated here in II Corinthians 3. The "spirit" is the spirit of the living God, the new covenant is called the ministry of the spirit, the Lord is the spirit.
Romans 7:6 Serve in newness of spirit
Romans 8:1 and 2 The law of sin and death is associated with the flesh inherited from Adam. The law of the spirit of life comes from Christ.
Romans 8:3-11 To obey the spirit is referring to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:1-ff To walk by the spirit includes walking by the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, the new covenant, the ministry of the spirit, the ministry of righteousness and the Lord. Indeed after the ascension Christ provided a much fuller perspective.
alking by the Spirit
II Corinthians 3:17 and 18 The spirit does not have its own independent will or initiative, but rather is a supernatural vehicle by which our Lord can abide in us and guide us. Therefore, Paul states: "the Lord is the Spirit." The spirit enables us to enjoy a oneness relationship with Christ.
John 14:3, 18, and 28 "I will come to you" is a direct reference to the indwelling of holy spirit.
John 14:22 and 23 God and Christ make their abode (dwelling) in the believer by means of the holy spirit.
John 14:8-11 The relationship of Christ and God
John 14:12-26 The relationship of Christ to the believer via the spirit
To walk by the spirit means to walk by the Lord. To walk by the spirit always begins with obedience to the Lord's commandments. Obedience to the Lord's commandments begins with knowing his words.
John 14:15, 21, 23, 31; 15:10, 12-14, 17 Being obedient to his commands is the heart of walking by the spirit.
The spirit and the Word are corresponding realities.
John 14:26; 15:12-15 Teach you all things, bring to your remembrance
I Corinthians 2:12-16 That we may know, the mind of Christ
Romans 8:5 -14 The way many speak today, "the spirit told me this, the spirit lead me," is not the way believers in Acts spoke. The book of the Acts of the Apostles should be called the Acts of the Spirit. What is very apparent through Acts is that Jesus is leading the Church via the spirit.
Galatians 5:13-26 Fruit is revealed by the way we walk.
Spirit Enablement
I Corinthians 2:1 Referring to Chapter 1:18-31. Not man's speech or wisdom
Verse 2 Two things which cover the entire gospel message: Jesus the Christ, and Him crucified.
Verse 3 Acts 18 records Paul's time with them in Corinth.
I Corinthians 2:4 Paul's message was not from his own intellect or wisdom rather the guidance of the spirit.
Verse 7 God had a plan from Genesis 3:15, right after the fall.
Verse 8 The rulers of this age responsible for his death were Annas, Caiaphas, Herod and Pilate, plus the devil and his cohorts.
Verse 9 Isaiah 64:4
I Corinthians 2:12
The Spirit of Truth (John 14-16)
John 14:16 Substitute for Christ. "Paraclete" - advocate, counselor, helper, succourer, aid, assistant. With the believer forever (until the age).
John 14:17 Abides in the believer
John 14:18 Enables Christ to come to the believer so that we are not orphans (alone, abandoned, cast-off, forsaken, unparented, ignored, neglected, slighted).
Verse 20 Enables us to know the oneness relationship that Christ has with the Father and we have with Christ.
Verse 23 Enables God and Christ to make their abode with us.
Verse 26 Teach us all things (bring us into a deeper knowledge of truth). Bring to remembrance all that Jesus said.
John 15:26 Will testify (bear witness) about Christ
John 16:7 More advantageous for the believer then the present Christ
John 16:9 Convicts the world of sin
