Foundatios of the Faith

 

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By Pastor Tom Marxen 

You originated in the mind of God

Day 1 - Before you were born, He thought of you.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." ESV

What is true of the prophet Jeremiah is true for you; you are consecrated – set aside for a particular divine and eternal purpose.

Redemption ( i.e. Buying you back from bondage) is birthed out of the original value placed upon your life.  The cost of redemption reflects the value YHWH has originally placed on your life.

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Origination Evidence

Jesus Culture – “He is Faithful” - Lyrics

He has paid the highest price

He has proven His great love for us

We will praise Him with our lives

And proclaim our love for Him

He is faithful! He is Jesus and all my hope is in Him!

“The Mirror Bible” – page 6  by Francois du Toit

“Every invention begins with an original thought. You are God’s original thought. You are his initiative, the fruit of his inspiration, his intimate design and love-dream.

The first Hebrew word in the Bible, bereshet, from berosh, literally means “ in the head.” God had you in mind from the beginning.

You are his work of art; his poem, says Paul in the Greek text of Ephesians 2:10.(We are his workmanship (poiema))

Every human life is equally valued and represented in Christ. He is the mirror and perfect reflection of our purpose in creation. He is not only an example for us, but of us. The ugly duckling saw reflected in the water the truth that freed the swan.”

Psalm 23 says “He leads me beside still waters, and restores my soul” or “by the waters of reflection my soul remembers who I am”.

Psalm 22:27 says “The ends of the earth shall remember and return to the Lord.”

 

Ephesians 2:1-10. We are God’s workmanship (Greek word – “poiema” – from which we get the word poem and poetry). This defines our value and our destination. The word translated as “workmanship” includes the idea of artwork, beauty and passion. We are not widgets stamped out on an assembly line but precious, unique and valuable expressions of our Great Designer.  We are intrinsically valuable to Him. His design is our purpose. In the Genesis, all of Creation was called “good”, but the creation of man, His last and greatest achievement is called “very good”. We are the pinnacle of His creative thought and process and we are created to fully express the Love of God from which we were generated.

The universe is saturated with the thoughts of God yet we struggle to find Him. He hides Himself in the open. He longingly desires us to pursue Him. He says,” When you seek me with your whole heart, you will find me …” (Isaiah 55:6-9). This is the language of love. When God asked the question, “Adam, where are you?”(Genesis 3:9), it came from the anguished loss of relationship not the angry accusation of a punishing God. Within the curses brought on by Adam’s disobedience reside the mercy motivated beginnings of how God would restore relationship with mankind and fulfill His original dream to make us in His own image (Genesis 3:15).  This passion, the driving compassion to give on behalf of our good and the expense of our restoration is an important aspect of God that cannot be minimized or overlooked.

Isaiah 55:8-11

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10  "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. ESV

 

Discussion Questions:

Day 1 - Before you were born, He thought of you.

 

• Define Consecrated. When are we consecrated?

 

• How is our value defined according to God?

 

• Define Redemption.

Day 2 - What went wrong?

“On the sixth day of creation, when God made man and woman in His image and gave them the breath of life, He placed them in a beautiful garden that had four rivers running through it and filled it with His blessings. The garden was furnished with every variety of plants and trees that were good for food and beauty, In the middle of the garden, God placed the tree of life, and beside it, He placed another tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God gave Adam and Eve permission to eat from any tree in the garden including the tree of life. However there was one tree from which God commanded them not to eat; for if they ate from it they would die (Genesis 2)

In that command, God gave His beloved ones a choice of whether to obey Him, love Him, and live – or disobey Him, not love Him and die. It was never His will to force man to love Him - or serve Him. He wanted Adam and Eve to be free to choose to love Him from their heart. There was one more thing He did. Before the foundation of the world, outside of time, He provided a slain Lamb (the Messiah) to heal the breach that He knew would inevitably come (Revelation 13:8)

Has God Said?

All of sin and death grows from the lie that God himself was deceiving Adam and Eve rather than providing, protecting and empowering them. God is love and love always serves and seeks the benefit of others.  (Genesis 3:1) (Rom 5:12-21).

Adam and Eve chose to not love and obey God, they chose to disobey. Adam and Eve’s sin is based on three things. (Genesis 3:6, 1 John 2:16)

1. The lust of the flesh (the tree was good for food)
2. The lust of the eyes (it was pleasing to look at)
3. The pride of life (it was desirable to make one wise)

Two great lies presented by the serpent were:

1.  Genesis 3:1 "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" ESV

                God told them they could eat of ANY tree in the garden EXCEPT for one tree – the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  The provisions of God are exceeding and abundant beyond anything we can think or ask, but with this one challenge- doubt, fear of lack and deprivation entered the heart of man. Our lust to provide for ourselves outside of the love of God was introduced and accepted.

2. Genesis 3:4-6

"You will not surely die.  For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."  ESV

This death was not a punishment as in the sense of a capital offense for some trivial dietary restriction; it was a warning to Adam and Eve that death is the unavoidable consequence of separation from the love, provision and protection of God. God created Adam and Eve and He gave them life. The life given to them included an ongoing moment by moment connection to God.  He is not as a ruthless controller; rather He desires intimate connection to us. Eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was a deadly toxin for Adam and Eve. Mankind was not built to carry the love of God and the lying accusations against God in the same body.  In James 1:5-8 the Bible warns us that a double minded man can receive nothing from God.

In Revelation, the very last book of the Bible, John speaks of the restoration of access to the” tree of life”. This “life” is the restoration of intimate and unfettered loving relationship to our creator, provider, and protector.

Revelation 22:14-15

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.  Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.  ESV

The concept of separation is foreign to our creator.  God sent His only begotten son to restore relationship through covenant.

Jesus characterized it this way in John 15:5-8

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.   If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ESV

God’s original intent was to do the very thing that the serpent told Adam and Eve was being withheld from them. The serpent promised them “You will be like God “if they did the one thing that God warned them not to do..  They decided to pursue wisdom outside of the wisdom of God. This is the arrogance of “the pride of life” and it always leads to destruction.

Separation from the vine withers the branches and they died.

1 John 2:15-17

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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.  ESV

Accusing God in the world today

The arguments continue today through questions like, “How can a supposedly loving God allow evil and suffering in this world?” How can He tolerate and perhaps even condone starvation, murders, rape, childhood diseases and the like if He is the God that He claims to be?

The parable of the weeds illustrates that not everything we see on earth is the will of God. There are many things both large and small that have grown and are coming to fruition that were sown (birthed) out of the original deceptions accepted by Adam and Eve.

                                Matthew 13:24-30 The Parable of the Weeds

He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field,   but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.  So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also.   And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?'   He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?'   But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.   Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'" ESV

As a result of Adam’s rebellion, this became the condition of man.

Romans 3:10-18

None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.

Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips."

Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.

Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.

There is no fear of God before their eyes.  ESV

Outside of the restoration offered to us through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, this is the state of mankind.

 

Discussion Questions:

 Day 2 - What went wrong?

 

• What is the root of all sin?

 

• Is everything on earth the will of God?

 

• Is God the author of good and evil? Explain.

Day 3 - You are God’s Workmanship – His poem.

In spite of the failure of Adam, God never abandoned His dream for mankind.

Ephesians 2:1-10

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.   NKJV

Here the Apostle Paul is communicating about the re-creation of man that was accomplished by Jesus Christ.  Jesus is called the “last Adam”; in another letter to the Corinthians Paul clarifies:

1 Corinthians 15:45

 "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. ESV

This re-creation reflects the original intent of God and this original design is the basis for our value to God, while we have corrupted our ways, God has never abandoned us to our weaknesses and rebellion.

In verse 10 of Ephesians 2 the word translated as “workmanship” is “poeima” in the original Greek text. This is the same word root from which we get the word “poem” Thus is can be said that we are God’s “poem” as we are being re-created in Christ Jesus.

The “Mirror Translation” by Francois du Toit renders Ephesians 2:10 as follows:

“We are engineered by his design; he molded and manufactured us in Christ. We are his workmanship (poeima), his poetry. (God finds inspired expression of Christ in us). We are fully fit to do good, equipped to give attractive evidence of his likeness in us in everything we do.”

Beloved, as believers “each of our lives is the papyrus on which the Master is producing a work of art that will fill the everlasting ages with His praise.” (S Gordon) You are God’s masterpiece. You are His poem. You are His work of art. When we look at ourselves this way, we begin to understand our incredible value in Christ. Indeed, as C S Lewis said “We are a divine work of art.” “If Rembrandt’s artistic masterpieces have great, undisputed value, would not God’s one-of-a-kind human masterpieces convey even greater value?” (D Robertson)

The idea of poiema is that our new life in Christ is like a poem which expresses “form and pattern along with beauty. Like the underside of grandmother’s cross-stitch, the everyday of our lives may look to be knotted and hopelessly tangled. But when we turn the fabric over, we see design and beauty that was there all along but that we never foresaw.” (Gage) Perhaps you don’t feel much like a work of divine poetry, but regardless of how you feel, the truth about you as God’s workmanship, is that you are His “MASTERPIECE” (NLT), His “HANDIWORK” (NAB), His “WORK OF ART” (NJB), in fact, a work of art that is one of a kind! You are “custom designed”, “tailor-made,” by the Master’s hand. “Each of our lives is the canvas on which the Master is producing a work of art that will fill the everlasting ages with His praise.” (John Phillips)

This is the expression of God’s Love for you – it began in the garden (Genesis 3:14, 15) and accomplished its purpose in Christ.

As Christians, we are called to become the “Bride of Christ”. Jesus Christ referred to Himself as the “bridegroom” who came to make the Church (Ekklesia) ready to marry the Lamb of God. (See Matthew 9:14-15, 22:2, Revelation 19:7-9, 21:9, 22:17)

This relationship is not an impersonal “workmanship” cookie cutter craft kind of thing; it is an ongoing continual intimate and very personal life with our designer and lover. He is the lover of our soul. We are His poem, His artwork. We are His inspired expression.

Jesus is the pattern for and of man, not Adam.

“More than two thousand years ago the conversation that had begun before time was recorded – sustained in fragments of thoughts before the ages, whispered in prophetic language,  chiseled in stone and inscribed in human conscience and memory – became a man. Beyond the tablet of stone, the papyrus scroll or parchment roll, human life has become the articulate voice of God. Jesus is the crescendo of God’s conversation with humankind; he gives context and content to the authentic thought. Everything that God had in mind for man is voiced in him. Jesus is God’s language... His name declares his mission. As Savior of the world he truly redeemed the image and likeness of the invisible God and made him apparent in human form (Hebrews 1:1-4)

The destiny of the logos (Bible) was not the printed page, but you! A mirror can only reflect the object; likewise, the purpose of the page was only to reflect the message which is “Christ in you”. He completes the deepest longing of every human heart. The incarnation (word made flesh) is the ultimate translation.” Introduction - “The Mirror Bible by Francois du Toit.

We are not slaves, but sons

This “workmanship” is not to be viewed through a “servant” mentality. We are not working for our new status or performing for bonus points. Our relationship is that of son ship to whom our inheritance is already promised. Surely as we walk out our days we will have trials and difficulties, but just as we mature and gain wisdom and strength in the natural, God is raising us up in the relationship of His sons who are no longer on trial trying to defend or justify our relationship.

Galatians 4:2-7

In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles (spirits) of the world.  But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"  so you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.  ESV

 

Discussion Questions:

 Day 3 - You are God’s Workmanship – His poem.

 

• How are we “a divine work of art?”

 

• Do you see yourself that way? Why or why not?

 

Day 4 - One man’s failure – One man’s redemption.

Adam was the first created man and yet Jesus is called the firstborn of creation.  As referenced below, Jesus was before creation and creation itself came from Him. The term “firstborn” does not necessarily point to the first born according to the calendar, but it refers to the one who carries the rights of inheritance and authority through the generations. Jesus brought with Him not just a “representation” of God, but God himself. One of his many names is “Emmanuel” (God with us).  

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. ESV

1 Corinthians 15:45-49

45 Thus it is written, the first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. [Gen 2:7.]

46 But it is not the spiritual life which came first, but the physical and then the spiritual.

47 The first man [was] from out of earth, made of dust (earthly-minded); the second Man [is] the Lord from out of heaven. [Gen 2:7.]

48 Now those who are made of the dust are like him who was first made of the dust (earthly-minded); and as is [the Man] from heaven, so also [are those] who are of heaven (heavenly-minded).

49 And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven. AMPLIFIED Bible

Galatians 4:4-7

4 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. 5 Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. 6 You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" 7 Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Romans 5:10-20 – “The Mirror Bible” Francois du Toit

10.Our hostility and indifference towards God did not reduce his love for us; he saw equal value in us when he exchanged the life of his son for ours Now the act of¹ reconciliation is complete, his life saves us from the guttermost to the uttermost. (Reconciliation from ¹katalasso, meaning a mutual exchange of equal value. Thayer Definition: to exchange as coins for others of equivalent value. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” – RSV)

11. Thus, our joyful boasting in God continues; Jesus Christ has made reconciliation a reality.

12. One man opened the door to sin. Sin introduced (spiritual) death. Both sin and (spiritual) death had a global impact. No one escaped its tyranny.

13. The law (Torah) did not introduce sin; sin was just not pointed out yet.

14. In the meantime (spiritual) death dominated from Adam to Moses. (2500 years before the law was given) no one was excluded; even those whose transgression was different from Adam’s. The fact is that Adam’s offense set sin in motion and its mark was globally transmitted and stained the whole human race.

15. The only similarity in the comparison between the offense and the gift, is that both Adam and Christ represent the masses: their single action therefore bears global consequences. Spiritual death introduced by one man’s transgression is far superseded by the grace gift lavished upon mankind in the one man Jesus Christ. (But God’s free gift immeasurably outweighs the transgression. For if through the transgression the one individual the mass of mankind has died, infinitely greater is the generosity with which God’s grace and the gift given in his grace which formed expression in the man Jesus Christ, have been bestowed on the mass of human kind Weymouth, 1912)

16. The difference between the two men is further emphasized in that judgment and condemnation followed a single offense, whereas the free gift of acquittal and righteousness follows innumerable sins.

17. If (spiritual) death saw the gap in one sin, and grabbed the opportunity to dominate mankind because of one man, how much more may we now seize the advantage to reign in righteousness in this life through the one act of Christ, who declared us innocent by his grace. Grace is all out of proportion in superiority to the transgression.

18. The conclusion is clear; it took just one offense to condemn mankind; one act of righteousness declares the same mankind innocent. (Phillips translation: “We see then, that as one act of sin exposed the whole human race to condemnation, so one act of perfect righteousness represents all men freely acquitted in the sight of God!”)

19’ The disobedience of the one man ¹exhibits humanity as sinners; the obedience of another man exhibits humanity as righteous. (¹kathistemi, to cause to be set, to exhibit. We were not made sinners by our disobedience; neither were we made righteous by our own obedience.)

20. The presence of the law made no difference, instead it merely highlighted the offense; but where sin increased, grace superseded it.

God’s heart is to override weakness and failure, not to punish it. He has chosen to display Himself in the weakness of flesh. His strength is made perfect in our weakness (1 Corinthians 12:9)

Mankind has forgotten their maker and in the process, their identity. You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you, and you forgot the God who gave you birth (Deuteronomy 32:18 RSV) The mission of Jesus was not to begin the Christian religion. His mandate was to reveal and redeem the image and likeness of God in human form.

 

Discussion  Questions:

 Day 4 - One man’s failure – One man’s redemption.

 

• What is Sin?

 

• ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Does Sin change God’s love for us? Explain.

 

• What is the purpose of the Law?

 

• How are we made righteous in God’s eyes?

 

Vocabulary Words

• Grace – God resists the proud and He gives grace to the humble (1Peter 5:5,6)

• Humility

• Righteousness

• Condemnation
• Transgression

Day 5 - Change your mind – exchange your identity – return to the Lord’s original idea about you.

All have sinned – missed the mark – this is true, but the pathway to right standing is easier and harder than what is first appears.

 Romans 3:22-26

 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. NKJV

What is Sin?

The word for “sin”  is “harmartia” in the original Greek, it comes from “ha” (negative) and “moros” (form)  it can be translated  “without form or identity”  We have all lost our identity as the “image and likeness  of God” and we behave in a damaging and distorted way.

Also the phrase “short of the glory” comes from “hustereo” (to fail, to be inferior) and  “doxa” (glory, blueprint – from “dokeo” which means opinion, intent)’ From these insights “The Mirror Bible” translates Romans 3:23  as “Their distorted behavior is proof of a lost blueprint”.

The Glory of God is man fully alive!

Verse 24 and 25 from the Mirror Bible continue:

Jesus Christ is proof of God’s grace gift; he redeemed the glory of God in human life; mankind condemned is now mankind justified because of the ransom paid by Jesus Christ! (He proved that God did not make a mistake when he made man in his image and likeness! All fell short because of Adam; the same “all” are equally declared innocent because of Christ! The law reveals what happened to man in Adam; grace reveals what happened to the same man in Christ.)

25 Jesus exhibits God’s mercy. His propitiation persuades humankind that God has dealt with the historic record of their sin. What he did vindicates God’s righteousness

The concept of restoration in the bible is not that we would get restored back to the original state or status as it was at the point in time when we lost it. God restores us to a state that is better than we were originally. He has continually made better covenants throughout the scriptures. He never nullifies the older ones, but He always improves them. He is taking us from Glory to Glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)

In Hebrew culture, the bonds of adoption are stronger than for a natural born child. The strength of a weld is stronger than the original steel. If the weld breaks, it will usually break at the edge of the weld not in the middle of the weld.

 God’s restoration is like the weld, stronger than the original relationship. The book of Romans tells us that as gentiles we are branches grafted back into the vine.

Romans 11:17-19

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.  ESV

Grafting is like a living weld. We are welded to God through the Covenant of Jesus Christ.

Divine Redemption - How do we change our identity?

God provided a Savior who can lead us to freedom from sin and restore our relationship with God.

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to fulfill this mission. Jesus who is the Word made flesh (John1:1-5, 14) lived a perfect, sinless life in complete obedience to God. He willingly took upon Himself the fury of His Father’s wrath against our sin; He suffered and died in our place.

After Jesus’ death and burial, God raised Him from the dead, thus proclaiming Jesus’ divinity and validating His sacrifice in our place. (See Romans 1:1–4.) “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing [taking an inventory of] their trespasses unto them … . For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (II Corinthians 5:19, 21).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

In the Bible, many verses explain what God did through His love for us. Below are several references telling the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord

John 3:16–17

“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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved”

Romans 5:8-11

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. ESV

Titus 3:4-6

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ESV

When you believe on Jesus Christ, accepting God’s gift of salvation, you are justified (declared free of the guilt and penalty of sin) before God because of what Jesus has done. God forgives you of all of your sins. Your relationship with God is restored; you become His child. (See I John 3:8–10.) You are redeemed from the bondage to sin. (See Romans 6:22.)

The Holy Spirit dwells in each believer.

Romans  8:15-18

Slavery is such a poor substitute for sonship! They are opposites; the one leads forcefully through fear while sonship responds fondly to Abba Father. His Spirit resonates within our spirit to confirm the fact that we originate in God. Because we are his offspring, we qualify to be heirs; God himself is our portion, we co-inherit with Christ. Since we were represented and included in his suffering we equally participate in the glory of his resurrection. Mirror Bible

Accepting God’s Gift of Salvation

To receive the redemption God provided for all of us through Jesus Christ, believe the truth. Turn to God. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19, ESV). “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Does that sound too simple to be true? God’s truth is simple. You can believe in Him. Humble yourself as a little child and admit your need for God. (See Mark 10:15.) Turn away from sin. Come to Jesus. He beckons to you with open arms. He has already purchased your salvation—will you receive it as a gift from Him?

Romans 5:1-5

5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance (pressure reveals patience), 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ESV

Discussion Questions:

 Day 5 - Change your mind – exchange your identity

 

• What is the solution for sin?

• How do we obtain salvation?

 

• Is suffering part of salvation? (See Romans 5:3-5)

 

• What kind of suffering is this?

Foundations of the Faith

 

Week 2- The Elementary Principles

 Read Hebrews 6:1-12

This is a lesson on the foundational doctrines of Christianity

Day 1 Repentance from dead works and faith toward God

What is repentance? Change of mind, change of direction.

 The basic meaning of the word "repentance" is a change in mind which results in a change in outward actions. Some people associate repentance with emotions, like shedding tears and feeling sorry for wrong actions and thoughts. Repentance is not an emotion. It is a decision. Emotion sometimes accompanies true repentance. But it is possible for a person to feel great emotion and to shed many tears and yet never truly repent.

Other people associate repentance with meeting special religious requirements. This is sometimes called "doing penance.” It is possible to fulfill many such religious requirements and yet never repent in the true Biblical sense.

True repentance is a change of mind that results in a change in outward actions. Outward change is the result of turning away from sin towards God and righteousness. This "turning away" shows the inward change of mind which has occurred. To summarize: Biblical repentance is an inner change of mind resulting in an outward turning away from sin to move towards God and righteousness.

Effective repentance and ineffective repentance

There are some passages in the Bible where the word "repent" is used in a different way.

JUDAS: In Matthew 27:3-4 Judas Iscariot realized Jesus had been condemned to death. He repented of his part in betraying Christ: Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood...  

The Greek word used here is not the same word which means “change”. It is a word which people often misinterpret as true repentance. In many languages there are words which have more than one meaning. This is true in the languages in which the Bible was written. There is more than one meaning to the word "repent" in the Bible. The word used in this passage about Judas means “emotion”,” sorrow”, and “anguish”.

Judas experienced sorrow over what he had done but he did not experience true Biblical repentance. He did not make a decision which resulted in a change in his actions. He continued in sin and in the end, hung himself.

ESAU: Esau was another man who made this tragic error. Esau sinned by selling his God-given birthright for a bowl of soup. The Bible records:

...ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Hebrews 12:17)

Esau exchanged his birthright for a bowl of soup. In doing so, he rejected all the blessings and promises of God associated with the birthright. Later, Esau regretted what he had done. He cried aloud and shed bitter tears. But strong emotion is not proof of repentance. Esau did not truly repent. He was just sorry he had lost the birthright and wished he could have it back. His "repentance" was not acceptable because there is a difference between regret and true repentance.

What are dead works?

                "Dead works" are the actions of a life lived apart from God. These works may be wrong deeds or acts of self-righteousness. These are called "sin" in the Bible. The basic thing that causes sin is selfishness. It is the love of self as opposed to the love of God. This love of self results in man going "his own way":

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way... (Isaiah 53:6)

REPENTANCE towards God

Repentance from dead works was defined as "an inward decision or change of mind resulting in the outward action of turning from sin to God and righteousness.” Acts 20:21 calls it "repentance toward God.”  It is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). By the act of repentance you turn from your own dead works of sin towards God. Repentance is a personal decision to forsake sin and enter into fellowship with God. It is the power of God which actually brings the change in the mind, heart, and life of the sinner:

Then God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (Acts 11:18)

Him [Jesus] hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance...(Acts 5:31)

Although emotions may be involved in repentance, true repentance from dead works is a decision, not just an emotion.  This must be accompanied by an inward decision that results in an outward change.

The example of THE PRODIGAL SON - Read the story in Luke 15:11-24.

Repentance and conversion are best illustrated by a story Jesus told about the prodigal son.

This young man left his father and home, went to a distant land, and through sin wasted all he owned. Eventually this young man realized his condition. He was hungry, lonely, in rags, and tending pigs for a job. Then he made an important decision. He said, "I will arise and go to my father.”

This inward decision resulted in a change in his outward actions. He went home to his father to seek forgiveness.

Read Luke 15:17-19. The young man realized his sinful condition. He made a decision to go to his father and repent of his sin. This is an example of repentance, an inward decision which results in outward action.

It is important to note that the Father never exchanged his love for his son for anger towards his son. The father was deeply hurt by the loss of relationship and the provision he had in store for the son. The son experience a lot of trouble, abuse and loss while he was absent from the father but the father did not cause the trouble, neither was it his intention to “punish” him until the son would return to him. So it is with God, our Father.

I submit that no one has ever come into the Kingdom of God because they were comfortable; each of us came to Him because we were in some sort of trouble or distress.  This is the fruit of sin. When we turn back (repent), the Father celebrates our return and restores us completely in spite of the fact that we may have seemingly already spent our inheritance.

Faith towards God

                Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

"Faith toward God" refers to your attitude toward God. Some men hate God and rebel against Him. Others are afraid of Him. Faith and repentance are both necessary for genuine conversion. To turn to God without forsaking sin is not true repentance. Also, trying to forsake sin without turning toward God in faith also fails.

Both repentance and faith toward God are necessary for salvation.

Faith means to believe and have assurance of something. To believe means to have trust. The words "faith, believe, and trust" all mean the same thing when we use them in relation to God.

The Bible defines faith as: ...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

The Amplified Bible adds to this definition: Now faith is the assurance, the confirmation, the title deed of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see, and the conviction of their reality. Faith perceives as real those things that are not revealed to the senses. (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith gives assurance that the things promised in the future are true and that unseen things are real.

HOPE:

Faith differs from hope. Hope is a desire or attitude of expectancy concerning things in the future. Faith is belief in something you cannot see but have assurance you already possess. Hope is in the mind. Faith is in the heart:

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith...and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (I Thessalonians 5:8)

In this verse faith is associated with the region of the heart as a breastplate. Hope is a helmet associated with the head.

Hope is a mental attitude of expectancy about the future. Faith is a condition of the heart producing belief in God:

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness...(Romans 10:10)

It is not enough to accept the Gospel with the mind. This is not true Scriptural faith and does not produce change in your life. True Scriptural faith, believing with the heart, always produces change in your life. The result is something experienced in the present, not something hoped for in the future.

Faith is not MIND OVER MATTER:

 Faith is not the same as "mind over matter" which is taught by some religions. "Mind over matter" teaches that man can overcome all problems in the real world [the world of matter] by using his mind, reason, or willpower. These teachings are man-centered. They rely on self and not on God. "Mind over matter" is not based on the Word of God.

Faith is God-centered, not man-centered. It is a gift of God, not something man produces through self-efforts of his own mind. Repentance towards God involves returning to God’s original intent for your life. We do not need to create a list of good things to warrant His reward, God has already decided to love you. But it does require a complete relinquishment of every thought outside of His will and intent for you.  As we see how good He really is, it is easy to release everything else and have “faith toward God”.

 

Discussion Questions:

Day 1 Repentance from dead works and faith toward God

• What is true repentance?

 

• Is it possible to forsake sin without turning to God? Explain.

 

• What is the difference between Faith and Hope?

 

• Define Faith. Define Hope.

Week Two – Day 2 - Doctrine (Teaching) on Baptisms

Baptism (in Hebrew) is a Greek translation of” tevila”, meaning Immersion.

What is Baptism? – Baptism can best be understood through the Hebrew mindset and culture.

Jewish immersion (tevila) is usually done in a  Mikveh,  which is a pool where water has gathered.   A Mikveh is and was an essential element in any Synagogue, they were also part of the temple. Immersion is not for physical cleaning; physical washing would be done beforehand.   Immersion is for Spiritual cleansing in a purification ceremony.    The terms Purity and Impurity are inadequate translations from the Hebrew and give a physical rather than spiritual sound to the process.

Immersion is conducted for various occasions

• .Women after childbirth or menstruation
• A bride before her wedding
• Priests (in the Temple) before divine service
• Men on the eve of Yom Kippur (also optionally, before Shabbat)
• For converts to Judaism
• In preparation of a dead person for burial
• For new kitchen utensils
• There are separate Mikvot (baptismal pools) for men, women, the dead and for utensils

The Practice of Immersion (Baptism) in the Torah

The Torah, or Jewish Written Law, consists of the five books of the Hebrew Bible - known more commonly to non-Jews as the "Old Testament" – These books were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The word “Torah” can be best translated as “Instruction” but it is often called the “Law”

The Torah itself does not say much about immersion and the mikveh, but it became an essential part of Jewish religious life by Temple times.  Leviticus 12:5 talks of washing for purification for women, and Leviticus 14: 8-9 of purification for leprosy.  Exodus 29:4-5 gives instruction for consecrating the priests,

Naaman, who was not a Jew, was commanded to immerse himself seven times in the Jordan for his cleansing from leprosy.  (2 Kings 5:14)   The prophet, Elisha, was spelling out to this foreigner, what Jews all understood as normal religious practice. That is, transformation and deliverance through immersion.

This helps to reveal the ministry of John the Baptist, who was perhaps the last of the Old Testament immersers (baptizers)     (Read Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3 and John 1.)  

In using the title “John the immerser”, Dwight Prior points out that John did not put people under the water in the same manner as most Christians today; John was the one who caused people to immerse themselves through his preaching. A Jewish person being immersed would wade into the water and then just crouch down below the surface. That way, no contact from the immerser (the baptizer) prevented the water from reaching their whole body

The immersion (baptism) of Jesus

The birth of John is recorded in Luke 1 and his father was a priest ministering in the Temple.   This means that John was of the priestly line as well as being a child of special promise from God. He was the one who would prepare the way for Messiah after the manner of Elijah.   It is believed that John should have been High Priest at the time when he commenced his ministry in the Jordan wilderness, but the priesthood had become corrupt and had been bought by men with wealth and influence.

Jesus submitted to the immersion by John, in spite of John's reservations Jesus said that it was to “to fulfil all righteousness".   (Matthew 3:15)    John was, as the legitimate high priest, initiating Jesus who he had identified as "the Lamb of God" into the priesthood.   He was not immersing him for repentance for sin. After immersing Jesus, seeing the Spirit descend on him as a dove and hearing the voice from heaven, John was happy to recede into the background.

How did Baptism transfer across into the Christian practice?

Baptism (Immersion) was instituted or continued by Jesus himself in one of His last commands to His followers.  This was for Jews and Gentiles who came to believe in the risen Jesus and join the early church.   (See Matthew 28:18-20)    "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Remember, in all these verses, a full translation to English would have the word Immersing or immersed instead of the Greek, baptizing or baptized.

Old Testament Immersions (Baptisms) all point to New Covenant Realities

The fact that “Baptism" actually means immersion is very significant, and this comes out in the Complete Jewish Bible (by David Stern) translation of Matthew 28:19 and Mark 1. 

Here the word talks of new believers being "immersed into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.   Ponder on that!

The Greek word transliterated into English as Baptism or Baptize is "Baptizo", meaning to immerse. But David Stern (JNTC p373, on Romans 6 v3-6) adds that the word refers to a process in which the thing that is immersed takes on the qualities of the substance into which it is immersed. He uses the example of cloth into a dye solution.

This is why being immersed into the Messiah is equated with being united with Him.

The New Testament mentions four different baptisms. These are:

-Christ's baptism of suffering

-The baptism of John

-Christian baptism

-Baptism in the Holy Spirit

John’s Baptism and Christian Baptism

Both John's baptism and Christian baptism occur by immersion in water, but there is a difference between the two. When Paul visited the city of Ephesus he found a group of people who were disciples of John the Baptist. They had heard John's message of repentance and been baptized, but had heard nothing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: John's message prepared the hearts of the people of Israel for the revelation of their Messiah, Jesus Christ. By baptism they outwardly confessed repentance of their sins and their belief in the coming Messiah.

(Acts 19:1-5)

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, people were then baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. By doing so they outwardly demonstrated their acceptance of the Gospel message and the fact that it had changed their lives

 Jesus commanded this baptism:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)

The difference between Christian baptism and the baptism of John is that Christian baptism is to be done in the full authority of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. John's baptism could not be done with this same authority. It was only a baptism of repentance and confession of belief in the coming Messiah. Christian baptism is a baptism confessing acceptance of the completed redemptive plan of God.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

After the resurrection and prior to His return to Heaven, Jesus gave important instructions to His followers:

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49)

The promise to which Jesus referred was the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had spoken of this previously to

His followers:

And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. (John 14:16-18)

PURPOSES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

One of the main purposes for the gift of the Holy Spirit is to comfort believers. But the Bible gives several other purposes for the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

The Holy Spirit is to:

-Fill and baptize him: Acts 2:4

-Dwell in him: I Corinthians 6:19

-Unite him in one spirit with God and other believers: I Corinthians 6:17

-Pray for him: Romans 8:26

-Guide him: John 16:13

-Show the love of Christ to him and through him: Romans 5:5

-Conform him to the image of Christ: II Corinthians 3:18

-Reveal Biblical truth to him: I Corinthians 2:10

-Teach him: John 14:26

-Inspire him to true worship: John 4:24

-Strengthen him: Ephesians 3:16

-Quicken him: Romans 8:11

-Sanctify him: II Thessalonians 2:13-14

-Change him: Titus 3:5

-Convict him when he does wrong: John 16:8-11

-Give assurance of salvation: Romans 8:16

-Give him liberty: Romans 8:2

-Speak through him: Mark 13:11

-Demonstrate God's power: I Corinthians 2:4

-Give him power to witness: Acts 1:8

-Inspire him to worship: John 4:24

THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers, but the main purpose and true evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit is to make the Christian a powerful witness for the

Gospel: But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me...to the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was present immediately in the life of the Apostle Peter. Before the Day of Pentecost he had fearfully denied that he knew Jesus. After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people. It was the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of this powerful witness which was evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are seven passages in the New Testament where the word "baptize" is used in relation to the Holy Spirit. Four of these are the words of John the Baptist recorded in the Gospels:

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. (Matthew 3:11)

I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (Mark 1:8)

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Luke 3:16)

And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (John 1:33)

Jesus also spoke of the baptism of the Holy Ghost:

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)

Paul also used the word "baptize" in relation to the Holy Spirit:

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:13)

Use of the phrase "to baptize into" the Holy Spirit is the same as when it is used to describe Christian baptism in water. In both cases baptism is an outward confirmation of an inward spiritual condition.

The Holy Spirit came down from Heaven on the disciples on the day of Pentecost and completely immersed [or baptized] them in the Holy Spirit. Peter said this experience was the fulfillment of

God's promise: "In the last days...I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." This promise was given in Joel 2:28.

In Acts 8 v14-16 we read,

"When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."

   Baptism/immersion was obviously normal practice, but not the final thing needed.

In Acts 22 v14-16 it is said to Paul,

"`The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth.   You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'"

Paul said, in Romans 6 v2-6

   "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?   Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?   We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

And for the life connection read what Paul said in Galatians 3:26-27 

    "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."   

Baptism by total immersion is practiced by Baptists and other evangelical denominations, but the connection to Jewish practice is not generally appreciated.

Paul spells out the deeper spiritual significance of immersion in Romans 6:3-11; how baptism is about death and burial. 

    Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?   We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.   For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.   The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.  In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

 

Discussion Questions:

Day 2 - Doctrine (Teaching) of Baptisms

 

• What is baptism?

 

• How is baptism like dyeing a cloth?

 

• Is baptism always in water?

 

• Is baptism in water required for your salvation in Christ? – Why or why not?

 

Day 3- Laying on of Hands – Impartation

The laying on of hands can be compared to using jumper cables when starting one car with a dead battery from another car that has a full charge in it. When the cables are connected the power from the one car transfers to the other car and things get going. The laying on of hands can also be called “impartation”

 Impartation is defined as:

1. to make known; tell; relate; disclose: to impart a secret.
2. to give; bestow; communicate: to impart knowledge
3. to grant a part or share of.

To be sure, Laying on of hands is not the only way things can be      transferred in the Kingdom of God, but it surely is a legitimate and necessary process. This practice has been used since the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others) in the book of Genesis. One of the ways God transfers things to us is through the physical touching of one person to another. The touching is usually accompanied by prayer and declarations. Not everything can be taught or read, or picked up by our thoughts and our spirit. As God’s ambassadors (representatives) on earth He is demonstrating His strong desire to be close enough to physically touch individuals to transfer spiritual truth, power and authority.

Simply put, laying on of hands from one believer to another is God’s jumper cable equipping imparting heaven’s substance into people.

THE OLD TESTAMENT RECORD

Laying on of hands in the Old Testament was used for the following purposes:

1. Transference of spiritual blessing or authority. [Transference means that something spiritual flows from the one laying on hands to the one he is touching.]
2. Public confirmation of a spiritual blessing or authority received from God.
3. Commitment to God for a special ministry.

Three Old Testament examples illustrate these purposes of laying on of hands:

• ISRAEL (Jacob):

Genesis 48 is the first record of the laying on of hands for spiritual benefit. Joseph brought his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to his father to bless them:

And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the first born. (Genesis 48:14)

The blessing of Jacob was transferred to his two grandsons by laying his hands upon their heads.

• LEVITES:

The Levites were ordained by God to serve the congregation of Israel as spiritual leaders. In this position they represented the people before God. The laying on of hands was confirmation by the people of the Levite's authority before God:

And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord; and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites. (Numbers 8:10)

• MOSES:

As Moses approached the end of his earthly ministry, he asked the Lord to appoint a new leader over Israel:

Numbers 27:18-20, 22-23

And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

The results that this laying on of hands produced in Joshua is recorded in Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 34:9

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Moses laying hands on Joshua was important both for Joshua and for the whole congregation of Israel. By this act, Moses transferred to Joshua a measure of the wisdom and honor which he had received from God. Moses also confirmed to the people God's selection of Joshua as the new leader.

THE NEW TESTAMENT RECORD

The New Testament records five general purposes for the laying on of hands.

1. SUPERNATURAL SIGNS: Jesus practiced laying on of hands in His ministry:

...He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (Mark 6:5)

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hand on every one of them and healed them. (Luke 4:40)

And He laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. (Luke 13:13)

In His final message to the disciples at the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus listed supernatural signs which were to accompany the preaching of the Gospel:

And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)

One of these supernatural signs was the laying on of hands through which God would heal the sick and perform other miracles. Mark 16:17-18 confirms that this practice was to continue after the end of Christ's earthly ministry. The laying on of hands in the name of Jesus is used to minister physical healing to the sick. The person who places his hands on one who is sick transfers the supernatural healing power of God. Sometimes the sick person actually feels the power of God in his body. At other times there is no feeling at all, but this does not mean healing will not occur. The laying on of hands is an act of faith and obedience to God's Word. Its effectiveness does not depend on feeling.

The timing of healings vary. Sometimes complete healing is received instantly as soon as hands are laid on the sick. Other times healing comes gradually (Mark 8:22-25). It is important to instruct those seeking healing concerning the importance of maintaining faith until their healing is complete.  The book of Acts records how God used the laying on of hands by believers to perform miraculous healings and other supernatural signs confirming His Word:

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)

And by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people. (Acts 5:12)

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hand on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17)

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. (Acts 19:11)

And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and a bloody flux; to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid hands on him and healed him. (Acts 28:8)

2. BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

Another purpose of laying on of hands is for baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are five examples recorded in the book of Acts of how people received baptism in the Holy Spirit. The first example is that of the disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. You can read about this in Acts 2:1-4. The other examples are of the new converts in Samaria in Acts 8:14-20; Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9:17; Cornelius and his family in Acts 10:44-46; and the disciples at Ephesus in Acts 19:1-6.

In three of these examples those seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit were ministered to by other believers through the laying on of hands:

1. Acts 8:18 states that "through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given."
2. In Damascus, Ananias laid his hands on Saul that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
3. In Ephesus, the disciples to whom Paul ministered received the Holy Ghost after Paul laid his hands on them.

Laying on of hands is not the only way people receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the upper room in Jerusalem and in the house of Cornelius people received the experience without anyone laying hands on them. But on the basis of these examples, it is Scriptural for those seeking baptism in the Holy Spirit to be ministered to through the laying on of hands.

3. IMPARTING SPIRITUAL GIFTS:

Another purpose for the laying on of hands is to impart spiritual gifts. Paul wrote Timothy:

 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (I Timothy 4:14)

Paul refers again to Timothy’s spiritual experience:

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)

Laying on of hands was combined with the gift of prophecy to direct, encourage, and strengthen Timothy to fulfill his God-given ministry.

4. COMMISSIONING CHRISTIAN WORKERS:

Another purpose for laying on of hands is to commission Christian workers. “Commission” means to authorize, delegate, or send on a mission. As spiritual leaders were waiting before the Lord in Antioch...

...the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hand on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:2-4)

The Bible indicates God had already spoken privately to Paul and Barnabas about the work He wanted them to do before He spoke publicly to the church leaders. The public revelation was a confirmation of the call they already had received. The leaders did not send Paul and Barnabas on their mission immediately. They took time for fasting and prayer. The sending forth of these two men was completed by the laying on of hands by church leaders.

Paul also laid hands on Timothy to commission his ministry:

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)

The appointing of the first deacons (Acts 6:1-6) was accompanied by the laying on of hands:

Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:6)

The office to which these men were appointed in the church at Jerusalem came to be known by the title of “deacon.” The method for appointing deacons is outlined in Acts 6:3-6. The apostles gave the people the responsibility to choose men qualified to fill the office.

These men were brought before the apostles who laid hands on them and prayed. By this act the apostles showed they accepted these men as qualified to hold this office. They committed them to God for the task for which they were chosen and transmitted to them a measure of their own spiritual wisdom necessary for the task.

5. DEDICATION OF INFANTS:

It is not Scriptural to baptize infants, as they cannot repent or believe which are the requirements for baptism. But through the laying on of hands, infants can be dedicated and committed to God's protection, guidance, and blessing:

And He [Jesus] took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)

 

 A SPECIAL CAUTION

The New Testament provides a word of caution regarding laying on of hands:

Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands. (I Timothy 5:22, The Amplified Bible)

Because an act of spiritual transference occurs when you lay hands on someone or they lay hands on you, it is wise to be cautious in using this practice. If the person laying on hands is not spiritually qualified, the practice is not effective. The Bible is specific about who is qualified to lay hands on another to impart spiritual benefit:

1. BELIEVERS: Believers may lay hands on others:

These signs shall follow them that believe...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)

The qualifications of true believers have been discussed in previous chapters in the teaching on the principles of repentance from dead works and faith toward God.

2. APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES:

Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given... (Acts 8:18)

A certain disciple, named Ananias, putting his hands on him...be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17)

The apostles and disciples were men appointed and anointed of God. They were mature believers and examples of qualified leadership.

3. MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERY (Elders):

...the laying on of the hands of the presbytery (Elders). (I Timothy 4:14)

The high standards set for presbyters, also known as elders, are recorded in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

 

Discussion Questions:

Day 3-  Laying on of Hands – Impartation

 

• How is laying on of hands like using jumper cables on a battery?

 

• Describe three purposes for laying on of hands in the Old Testament

 

• Describe five purposes for laying on of hands in the New Testament

 

• Must you always lay hands on a person for healing?

 

• Must you always lay on hands for the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

 

• Should you baptize infants? Why or why not.

 

Day 4 Resurrection of the Dead

Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. (John 11:25-26)

The meaning of the word "resurrection" is a raising or rising up. It means to cause to rise or raise up from the dead.

"What is more important, the death of Christ or His resurrection?"

The death and resurrection of Christ are equally important. Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplish separate but necessarily related things. The death and resurrection of our Lord are really inseparable, like the warp and weft of cloth.

The cross of Christ won for us the victory that we could never have won for ourselves. “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15).

On the cross God piled our sins on Jesus, and He bore the punishment due us (Isaiah 53:4–8). In His death, Jesus took upon Himself the curse introduced by Adam (see Galatians 3:13).

With the death of Christ, our sins became powerless to rule over us (Romans 6).

 By His death, Jesus destroyed the works of the devil (John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8), condemned Satan (John 16:11), and crushed the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15).

Without the sacrificial death of Christ, we would still be in our sins, unforgiven, unredeemed, unsaved, and unloved. The cross of Christ is vital to our salvation and was thus a main theme of the apostles’ preaching (Acts 2:23, 36; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:2; Galatians 6:14).

But the story of Jesus Christ did not end with His death.

The resurrection of Christ is also foundational to the gospel message. Our salvation stands or falls based on the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, as Paul makes clear in

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - The Resurrection of the Dead

12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. ESV

Without the resurrection, we are still sitting “in darkness and in the shadow of death” waiting for the sunrise (Luke 1:78–79).

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, His promise holds true for us: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).

• Our great enemy, death, will be defeated (1 Corinthians 15:26, 54–55).
• Jesus’ resurrection is also important because it is through that event that God declares us righteous: Jesus “was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25).
• The gift of the Holy Spirit was sent from the resurrected and ascended Lord Jesus (John 16:7).

At least three times in His earthly ministry, Jesus predicted that He would die and rise again after three days (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34). If Jesus Christ had not been raised from the dead, He would have failed in His prophecies—He would have been yet another false prophet to be ignored. As it is, however, we have a living Lord, faithful to His Word. The angel at Jesus’ empty tomb was able to point to fulfilled prophecy: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6).

Scripture links the death and resurrection of Christ, and we must maintain that link.

 Jesus’ entrance into the tomb is as equally important as His exit from the tomb. In 1 Corinthians 15:3–5, Paul defines the gospel as the dual truth that Jesus died for our sins (proved by His burial) and that He rose again the third day (proved by His appearances to many witnesses).

This gospel truth is “of first importance”

1 Corinthians 15:3-7

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.  ESV

It is impossible to separate the death of Christ from His resurrection. To believe in one without the other is to believe in a false gospel that cannot save. In order for Jesus to have truly arisen from the dead, He must have truly died. And in order for His death to have a true meaning for us, He must have a true resurrection. We cannot have one without the other.

1 Corinthians 15:51 (The Mirror Bible)

Look! A Mystery! And no one will die; and everyone will be changed.

If our hope in Christ was restricted to only benefit us in this life then imagine the severity or our disappointment if it all had come to an abrupt end when we died. However this very moment the risen Christ represents everyone who has ever died; exactly like the first fruit would represent the complete harvest (1 Corinthians 15:19-22)

The same humanity who died in a man was raised again in a man. In Adam all died; in Christ all are made alive. (See 2 Corinthians 5:14). The love of Christ resonates within us and leaves us with only one conclusion: Jesus died humanity’s death; therefore in God’s logic every individual simultaneously died (See Hebrews 9:27,28). The same goes for everyone: man dies only once and then faces judgment. Christ died once and faced the judgment of the entire human race! His second appearance has nothing to do with sin but to reveal salvation for all to lay ahold of him. He appeared as High Priest before the Throne of Justice once, with his own blood to atone for the sins of the whole world. In his resurrection he appeared as Savior of the world! Sin is no longer on the agenda for the Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world! The same High Priest who atoned for mankind is now also their Advocate (Lawyer)(1 Corinthians 15:3-5, Romans 4:25, Acts 17:30,31, 1 John 2:1) (Comments in 1 Corinthians 15:51 – The Mirror Bible)

 

Discussion Questions:

Day 4 – Resurrection of the dead

 

• Why is the resurrection of Jesus important?

 

• How are we connected to the resurrection of Jesus?

Day 5- 

The Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Judgment

All of the foundational principles mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-2 are basic tenants that originated in the Old Testament (Mosaic Covenant) and they carry through to the New and better Covenant that was ratified by Jesus the Christ, our Messiah.  These were practices that represent deep spiritual truths that pointed to and were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The concept of the Resurrection and Eternal Judgment were quite familiar to the Jews. Hebrews 6 affirms the truth of these principles as legitimate but incomplete elements of living in relationship with God. All of these things pointed to and are fulfilled in Christ. In Hebrews 6, the author is strongly exhorting (warning, encouraging) people to “move on” from the pictures of these truths to the reality of their fulfillment in Christ. The message is not to “reject” the old teachings but to add to them their fulfilment in Christ and grow to maturity. 

THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

In Jesus time, the Sadducees (a prominent Jewish group) who did not believe in the resurrection challenged Jesus on the subject of the resurrection expecting Him to confirm their view on the subject, but He did not. His answer stunned them with its simplicity and truth (see Luke 20:27-40)

Jesus own resurrection was prophesied in the Old Testament scripture (Isaiah 53:5, 8, 10) so the Bible would not be true if this prophecy was not fulfilled.

Paul tells us plainly that if there is no resurrection of the dead, our preaching is pointless and our faith is pointless and we are still in our sins. We preach Christ crucified for the sake of  our sin which leads to death.

1 Corinthians 15:12-27- The Resurrection of the Dead

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.  We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.  But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.  Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death. ESV

This resurrection is not just some theological idea; it is a present and continuing reality. The Bible tells us that when we are “born again” or “born from above” (John 3:3-7) we participate in His and are joined in life with His Spirit. 

John 3:5-8

Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. [Ezek 36:25-27.] What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not [do not be surprised, astonished] at My telling you, You must all be born anew (from above). The wind blows (breathes) where it wills; and though you hear its sound, yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. AMP

John 17:3-4

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. ESV

God is the God of the living not the dead. (Matthew 22:32)

 

ETERNAL JUDGMENT

To judge is to make a distinction between what is right and what is wrong this is an essential character of who God is and what He does. God’s judgments are timeless and they are always in our favor because God is love and He loves us beyond what we can think or ask.  Do not mistake love for comfort. Do not mistake favor for approval of our present state of living and do not confuse the deceptive oppression of the enemy for His righteous discipline. God is good and all of His ways are just.

GOD IS THE JUDGE:

• For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king. (Isaiah 33:22)
• For the Lord is our judge. (Isaiah 32:22)
• ...God the judge of all... (Hebrews 12:23)
• Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just ?" (Genesis 18:25) ESV

The Hebrew word translated “just” in Genesis 18:25 is the word “mispat” which is an important Old Testament concept and one closely linked with God. It may denote the process whereby a verdict is reached or the verdict itself; it is bound up with the notions of justice and righteousness and it is of fundamental importance in understanding YHWH. Thus Abraham could ask, "Will not the Judge of all the earth do mispat?”(Genesis 18:25); it is fundamental that God engages in judgment.

Indeed, God is the God of “mispat”. Judgment is essentially his own activity.

 Nobody taught him (Isaiah 40:14), and “all his ways are just" (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Judgments are linked with righteousness as the foundation of his throne ( Psalm 97:2

.Judgment is as natural to God as the movements of the birds are to them (Jeremiah 8:7).

We should be clear that judgment is of great importance to YHWH. The gods of the heathen were capricious and unpredictable; their worshipers could never know what they would do next, or whether what they themselves did would be pleasing to their deities or not. The Hebrews knew that God is righteous and that he demands righteousness of his people.

God's judgments are eternal that is they are seen in the present, consistent with the past and unchanging in the future. "For he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth" (Psalm 96:13). This tells us something important about God. All people, and not only Israel, will answer to him. And it tells us something important about the way people live.

Not only does God demand righteousness, He provides it for us in the Messiah, Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus is the first, last and ever present manifestation of God’s justice for mankind.

God has given Jesus authority to judge:

Judgment is connected with the cross of Christ. In fact the authority to forgive our sins is given through the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

John 5:22, 27

...for He has given all judgment--the last judgment and the whole business of judging--entirely into the hands of the Son... And He has given Him authority and granted Him power to execute [exercise, practice] judgment, because He is a Son of man [very man].  The Amplified Bible

As he drew near to his death Jesus said, "Now is the time for judgment on this world, now the prince of this world will be driven out"(John 12:31).And in the upper room as he spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit, he said that the Spirit would convict the world of judgment, "because the prince of this world now stands condemned (lit. Is judged)" (John 16:11). The use of the judgment terminology in connection with the defeat of Satan is important, for it shows that this was no arbitrary happening. Nor did it mean simply that God is stronger than Satan. That is true, but the manner in which Satan was defeated was righteous and its source is in the Love of God.

Mirror Word Bible says in  Hebrews 9:28

-Begin Quote-

Christ died once and faced the judgment of the entire human race! His second appearance has nothing to do with sin, but to reveal salvation for all to fully embrace Him. (To fully embrace is to take into ones hands to accept whole heartedly. In his resurrection he appeared as Savior of the world! Sin is no longer on the agenda, for the Lamb of God has taken away the sins of the world! Jesus Christ has fulfilled mankind’s destiny with death!  [1 Corinthians 15:3-5, Romans 4:25, Acts 17:30, 31.])

Note: (Even in his first coming, he did not come to condemn the world. The Father judges no one for he has handed over all judgment to the son, who judged the world in righteousness when he took their chastisement in his own body. Now in his appearance in us, his body, his mission is to unveil the consequence of redemption through the Holy Spirit.

This is not to be confused with the doctrine of his second coming. Many scriptures have been translated and interpreted with only a futuristic value and have consequently neutralized many, like the Jews, to diligently wait for the Messiah still to come. The Messiah has come once and for all as Messiah. Jesus appeared again after his resurrection and now his resurrection life is in us as his body is the extension of his second appearance; God is making his appeal to an already reconciled world to “be reconciled!” [Acts 3:26, 2 Corinthians 5:19,20]. The church continued to postpone the reality that God introduced Christ. We are now already fully represented in his blamelessness

-End Quote-

Romans 4:25 (Mirror Word)

Here is the equation: He was handed over because of humanity’s fallen condition; he was raised because we were declared righteous! His resurrection is the official receipt of our acquittal

(His cross = our sins, His resurrection = our innocence)

Acts 17:30-31

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead." ESV

Discussion Questions:

Day 5 – Resurrection and Eternal Judgment

• What is the importance of Jesus resurrection?

 

• Define Eternal Life

 

• Define Judgment

 

• Who carries the true authority to judge

 

• How are we judged in Christ?

 

Foundations of the Faith

 

Week 3- The Character of God

Day 1 – Introduction

Everyone both inside and outside of the Kingdom of God has some idea of who God is and what characteristics He carries. These ideas come from experiences, both good and bad, your culture, family (or lack of a family), various teachings, observation, and the influence of friends and peers. “God” may be some sort of ethereal “idea” or He may be very real to you. But how do you sort out who the God of the Bible really is? Is He harsh and critical in His “perfection”, is He aloof and hard to find?  Is He truly “Immanuel” (meaning God with us) and if He is, how is He found and what can we expect of Him?

This week we will begin to explore the “365 Names of God”, a list and study compiled by John Paul Jackson. All of these names were collected from the Bible and are supported by scripture verses. We must understand that the Names of God are not separate from His actions or His Character; they are all one and the same. His names are who He is and His integrity is untarnished and pure. He is who He says He is and He does exactly what He says He does. He is always becoming what He is becoming, self-generating, self-creating, always the same and yet ever-changing, dependable, the undying expression of true love from eternity to eternity and right now in this present second manifesting and making Himself known to and through His creation.

God is the Great IAM

God revealed Himself to Moses as the Great “I AM”, this was also His message to Israel.

Exodus 3:13-16

Then Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?"  God said to Moses, "I am who I am."(Or I AM WHAT I AM, or I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE)  And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I am has sent me to you.'"  God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'The Lord, the 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 thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. ESV

Every problem we face can be traced back to a misunderstanding of the nature and character of God. If we really knew God for who He is, our lives would be completely different. As we study His names, we allow that transformation to begin to take place in our lives. This week will be an introduction, perhaps the first step in your journey in this process

Isaiah Chapter 40 also gives an accurate picture of God to the nation of Israel. It begins in verse 1 with “BEHOLD YOUR GOD”

Isaiah 40:9-41:1

9 Get you up to a high mountain Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!"10  Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.11  He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

12  Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?13  Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel?14 Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

18 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compares with him? 19 An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains.20  He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move.

21 Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;23  who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.

24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God"? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for 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.

The 365 Names of God from John Paul Jackson are arranged into 12 categories, we will present a brief selection of scriptures for each of three categories per day for the next four days. Review these scriptures and meditate on them as you go through the day. Pay particular attention to the ones that “stand out” or highlight themselves to you. Even with this brief introduction there is more than anyone can fully understand in a few days. Do not fret, enjoy the journey and expect that God’s revelation of Himself will increase and continually bless your life and your days.

Take note of the name(s) that are significant to you, we will discuss them in our small groups the following week.

Outline for this week is as follows:

Day 2

                God of Wonders

                God of Justice

                God of Symbols

Day 3

                God of Promise

                God the Shepherd

                God of Eternity

Day 4

                God of Sacrifice

                God the Reward

                God of Mercy

Day 5

                God of Every Creature

                God the Ancient One

                God the Warrior

Note: We will not have specific “discussion” questions this week, rather our discussions will be generated from the inspired revelations you get from the scriptures this week

 

  Day 2 – God of Wonders, God of Justice, God of Symbols

I AM GOD OF WONDERS

Proverbs 22: 1

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches ... "

Matthew 16: 17-18

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has
not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are
Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against
it. "'

Genesis 17:5

"No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have
made you a father of many nations."

Genesis 32:28

"Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and
with men, and have prevailed."

Acts 2:19

"I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor
of smoke."

Jeremiah 32:27

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"

Isaiah 11:2

"The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit
of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."

I AM GOD OF JUSTICE

John 3:16

"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."

Acts 2:21

" ... That whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

Exodus 20:24

"In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you."

Psalm 98:9

"For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity."

2 Chronicles 12:6

"So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, 'The LORD is righteous."'

Psalm 19:8

"The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes."

Genesis 18:25

"Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the
righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do
right?"

I AM GOD OF SYMBOLS

Exodus 13:21-22

"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a
pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar
of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people."

1 John 1:5

"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."

Revelation 22: 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."

Psalm 75:6-7

"For exaltation comes neither from the east  Nor from the west nor from the south.

But God is the Judge:

He puts down one, And exalts another."

John 4:14

"But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall
give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

1 Corinthians 10:4

"For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ."

John 10:9

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

Psalm 68:26

"Bless God in the congregations, the LORD, from the fountain of lsrael."

Deuteronomy 4:24

"For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."

Leviticus 21: 12

"For the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD."

 

Day 3 – God of Promise, God the Shepherd, God of Eternity

I AM GOD OF PROMISE

Matthew 28:16-20

"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed
for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and
spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go there-
fore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and 10, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."

Malachi 3: 16

"Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name."

John 14:3

"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."

Psalm 56:8

"You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?"

John 16:13

"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."

Deuteronomy 4:29

"But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all
your heart and with all your soul."

Numbers 12:6

"If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to
him in a dream."

I AM GOD THE SHEPHERD

Proverbs 18: 1 0

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe."

Exodus 20:7

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guilt-
less who takes His name in vain."

John 10:14

"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."

Psalm 23

1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;  My cup runs 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 Forever."

I AM GOD OF ETERNITY

Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Psalm 116:4-5

"Then I called upon the name of the LORD: '0 LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!' Gracious is
the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful."

Psalm 90:2

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God."

Psalm 10:16

"The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations have perished out of His land."

Revelation 22: 13

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

Isaiah 46: 1 0

"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done,
saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure."'

 

Day 4 – God of Sacrifice, God of Reward, God of Mercy

I AM GOD OF SACRIFICE

1 Corinthians 10: 13

"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 bear it."

Isaiah 30: 18

"Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait
for Him."

Nelson's Bible Dictionary

"Those sentenced to death on a cross in the Roman period were usually beaten with leather lashes-a procedure that often resulted in severe loss of blood. Victims were then generally forced to carry the upper crossbeam to the execution site, where the central stake was already set up.

After being fastened to the crossbeam on the ground with ropes-or, in rare cases, nails through the wrist-the naked victim was then hoisted with the crossbeam against the standing vertical stake. A block or peg was sometimes fastened to the stake as a crude seat. The feet
were then tied or nailed to the stake.

The recent discovery near Jerusalem of the bones of a crucifixion victim suggests that the knees were bent up side by side, parallel to the crossbeam, and the nail was then driven through the sides of the ankles. Death by suffocation or exhaustion normally followed only after a long period of agonizing pain."

Matthew 10:38-39

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."

Mark 10:21

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."'

Luke 14:27

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."

Philippians 2:8-11

"He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ... "

Colossians 2: 14

"And [Jesus] has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."

I AM GOD THE REWARD9+0

Genesis 15: 1

"After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."'

2 Corinthians 12:9

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12: 1 0

"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."

Hebrews 11:6

"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."

Below are a number of verses from the Bible which outlines exactly how God interacts with us.
Read each of the passages below, and then write a one-word description of the reward each one presents us. Don't just write the word; really think about what the reward might represent.

1. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1: 17)

                REWARD:

2. "Then Amaziah said to the man of God, 'But what shall we do about the hundred talents which I have given to the troops of Israel?' And the man of God answered, 'The LORD is able to give
   you much more than this."' (2 Chronicles 25:9)

                REWARD:            

3. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
   My cup runs over." (Psalm 23:5)

                REWARD:            

4. "A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon." (Song of Solomon 4: 15)

                REWARD:            

5. "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go."' (Isaiah 48:17)

                REWARD:            

6. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)

                REWARD:            

7. "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 :5)

                REWARD:            

8. "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death." (Proverbs 14:27)

                REWARD:

God of Mercy

God’s mercy is one of the most powerful themes running through the Bible. God is not sometimes full of wrath and at other times full of mercy showing kindness to those who do not deserve it. God is always merciful. He is rich in mercy.

Matthew 5:7  "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.  ESV

Luke 6:35-36

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  36  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.  ESV

Proverbs 19:17

  Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.  ESV

Matthew 23:23-24

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.  ESV

Psalm 145:8-9

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.  ESV

Psalm 116:5-7

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.

 The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. ESV

2 Samuel 22:26-28

 "With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; with the purified you deal purely, and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.

 You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down. ESV

 

Day 5 – God of Every Creature, God the Ancient One, God the Warrior

I AM GOD OF EVERY CREATURE

1 Corinthians 6: 17

"He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him."

Acts 4:12, NIV

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by  which we must be saved."

Psalm 16:11

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are  pleasures forevermore."

Romans 9:17

"For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in the earth."'

Luke 19:40

"I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."

John Muir on Yosemite

"Full of God's thoughts, a place of peace and safety amid the most exalted grandeur and eager enthusiastic action, a new song ... with sermons in stones, storms, trees, flowers, and animals
brimful with humanity."

John Muir on God's First Temples

"Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples."

1 Chronicles 29: 11

"Yours, 0 LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, 0 LORD, And You are exalted as head over ail."

I AM GOD THE ANCIENT ONE

Genesis 1:2

"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."

Psalm 20:7, NASB

"Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God."

Acts 20:35

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

I AM GOD THE WARRIOR

Exodus 15:3

"The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name.':

Romans 16:20, NIV

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."

Matthew 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Psalm 20:7, NASB

"Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our
God."

Psalm 23:3

"He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

Psalm 7:10

"My defense is of God, who saves the upright in heart."

Psalm 121:4

"Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."

Isaiah 11:2

"The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."

Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Foundations of the Faith

Week 4- Covenant

Day 1 – Perceiving Covenant Language

As stated earlier, the Bible is primarily the Book of the Covenant. There are many covenants in the Bible, some between men and some between God and men. Some covenants were initiated with individuals as with Abraham, but many are with nations, people groups and the world in general. The nation of Israel was created through Abraham’s covenant and they were birthed at the Passover event in Exodus. (Israel is my firstborn son Exodus 4:22).  In these times, we are unfamiliar with many of the references and knowledge of covenants due to the unfamiliarity with covenants in our culture and the problem of translations into English from the original language of the Biblical texts.  In this section, I will give you some of the keys to unlocking the knowledge and power of our covenant with God and how it really operates.

Key Words – Keys that unlock Covenant Understanding

1. Remember/ Remembrance - The word “remember” is one of the action and “state of mind” words associated with covenant relationships. “Remember” is not used as remembering something that we somehow forgot along the way, rather Covenant remembrance is the state of mind where we are always thinking of our covenant partners seeking for ways and opportunities to fulfill the covenant terms on their behalf. It is a constant state of vigilance that never sleeps or slumbers; it never wanes or is distracted towards other things.

Genesis 8:1-2

But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.  ESV

Genesis 19:29

So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.  ESV

Exodus 2:23-25

Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.  ESV

Luke 22:19-21

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."   And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.  ESV

When you do this remember me….. Jesus was speaking covenant language when he did the first “communion” with the disciples.

2. Friend – Abraham was known as a “friend “of God (James 2:23). Today we have many “friends” that are no more than casual acquaintances and there is no problem with those relationships or the language used to describe them, but in the Bible, a “friend” is only used in the context of people in loving covenant union.

Proverbs 18:24 Some “friends” pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.  CJB

Proverbs 17:17 A friend shows his friendship at all times —  it is for adversity that [such] a brother is born. CJB

Jesus was a friend to sinners

Luke 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' ESV

What does this mean? Jesus did not come to condone the drunkards and the sinners, He came pay the price for the consequences of their sin against God and make the way for them to restore relationship with God and with men. Jesus is called a friend of sinners because the way of salvation was created by His once and for all sacrifice.  Jesus blood ratified the covenant between himself and the Father on behalf of all humanity. It is Jesus alone who fulfilled this covenant and thus is called our covenant friend.   See Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 15:1-2, Luke 19:1-10.

3.     Chesed or  Lovingkindness

The Hebrew word “Chesed”occurs 247 times in the Old Testament, it is variously translated as lovingkindness, mercy, kindness, favor, and goodness. “Chesed” (OT 2617) is a covenant word and it describes the eternal never ending compassion that the Lord has for us. Every time these words show up in scripture they are talking about God’s covenant attitude toward us. Take some time now to read Psalm136 and reflect on the true nature of our great God. 

Psalm  136

1 O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever--

4 To Him Who alone does great wonders, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

5 To Him Who by wisdom and understanding made the heavens, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

6 To Him Who stretched out the earth upon the waters, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

7 To Him Who made the great lights, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever--

8 The sun to rule over the day, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

9 The moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

10 To Him Who smote Egypt in their firstborn, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever; [Ex 12:29.]

11 And brought out Israel from among them, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever; [Ex 12:51; 13:3,17.]

12 With a strong hand and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

13 To Him Who divided the Red Sea into parts, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever; [Ex 14:21,22.]

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

15 But shook off and overthrew Pharaoh and his host into the Red Sea, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

16 To Him Who led His people through the wilderness, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

17 To Him Who smote great kings, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

18 And slew famous kings, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever-- [Deut 29:7.]

19 Sihon king of the Amorites, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever; [Num 21:21-24.]

20 And Og king of Bashan, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever; [Num 21:33-35.]

21 And gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

22 Even a heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever; [Josh 12:1.]

23 To Him Who [earnestly] remembered us in our low estate and imprinted us [on His heart], for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

24 And rescued us from our enemies, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

25 To Him Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! AMP

Discussion Questions:

 Day 1 – Perceiving Covenant Language

• What is Mercy?

 

• Matthew 5:7 says: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (ESV) Can you explain this verse in relationship to today’s lesson

 

• How can you extend loving-kindness towards God?

Day 2  - Communion

The “Communion” meal

Matthew 26:26-29

Institution of the Lord's Supper – (It is not just an external “sacrament”)

  Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."  And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."  ESV

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."   In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."   For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.  ESV

Jesus was not simply instituting a rite or a formal sacrament here, He was establishing a permanent reminder of His great covenant of Love that released mankind from the bondage of sin into the liberty, provision and restored relationship with God. Jesus is our covenant of restoration. When we proclaim His death we are declaring and reminding ourselves of the magnitude of this covenant. It does not matter how formal or informal this act of remembrance is,  it is not scheduled for special days, and it is not intended to be a “rite of passage” or an act of merit to deserve His favor.  . “As often as you drink it” reminds us to remember Him constantly. Just like we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) so are we to constantly and continually keep the power of Jesus’ covenant in the forefront of our thinking.

Jesus is the real man in a blood covenant with God

Luke 22:19.  He declared, this is my body.

Luke 22:20.  He told us that this is the new covenant in my blood.

John 20:26.   The nail holes and spear in his side are covenant marks. Jesus was beaten so severely that He no longer looked like a man.  It is spoken in Isaiah 52:14 that Jesus was marred beyond recognition at His crucifixion, yet when He appeared in His resurrected body, He was whole and healthy. The only wounds that remained visible were the holes in His hands and Feet and the hole in His side. These are His permanent covenant marks that bear witness to Him in heaven; they will remain with Him there for eternity.

Rev. 5:6. John saw a lamb as it had been slain.

The last part in making a covenant is for the partners to eat a meal together. It was the custom in Hebrew culture to not eat with people who were not part of the commonwealth of Israel because they considered them to be outside of their covenant.  But the Lord emphasized that the people of Israel should welcome strangers and offer hospitality to those who were not circumcised.

Leviticus 19:34

You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.  ESV

We can see from this that God had everyone in mind from the beginning.

Jesus spoke about the nature of our relationship this way:

John 6:47-51

 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.    I am the bread of life.   Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.  This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." ESV

This is not just figurative language, it is covenant language.

Communion is not salvation.

                The act or practice of eating bread and wine or grape juice does not bring us into the saving covenant of Jesus Christ on its own.

Acts 16:30-32

Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."  ESV

Mark 16:16-18

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.   And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;   they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." ESV

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship (His poem), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  ESV

Salvation is salvation

Salvation is not a onetime experience but it begins with an experience with God where we accept the provision of forgiveness and transformation through the covenant Jesus ratified with His Father on the cross. All guilt, shame, dysfunction, malfunction, disease and disorder are removed through this covenant. The covenant of Jesus Christ is not a contract; it is an exchange of lives. We give Him our life and He gives us His. Our identities are changed, we are born from above, and it is a new form of life and living. Old things are passed away and all things are become new (2 Corinthians 2:17).

We need to learn how to operate in this new identity and we often fail to understand the reality of our new lives and our new nature, but the Covenant says that it is all there from the beginning. In our new identity, Liars begin speaking the truth, Haters obtain the love of God, Accusers become forgivers, sick become well and whole, the Insane become sound in mind.

Like Abraham who received many covenant promises from God. It took some time till he saw the reality of them all in operation, but he accepted them all by faith and he never let go. So it is with our salvation.

Romans 4:18-22

In hope against hope he (Abraham) believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, "SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE." Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

True Salvation has a “beginning” when we accept God’s covenant with Jesus but it has no end. Salvation is continual moment by moment and we grow in it as our lives mature to become like Him in every way. The practice of communion reminds us of the continual never ending life we now have in Christ. It is a sign both to us and for us.

Discussion Questions:

 Day 2  - Communion

• Is “Communion “required? Why or why not?

 

• What’s the difference between communion and salvation?

 

• When is the proper time to take communion?

Day 3 – The Blessing and the Curse

Deuteronomy 30:16-20

[If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which] I command you today, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land into which you go to possess.

But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,

I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land which you pass over the Jordan to enter and possess.

I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live and may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  AMP

The language in these verses relating to the Sinai covenant of Moses can seem confusing without an understanding of covenants.

 Many people look at the scriptures above and they see a kind of schizophrenic God who is demanding and prone to fits of rage while claiming He is the God of love. Without understanding the nature and gravity of entering into blood covenant relationship, this could be the case, but it is not.

A covenant is an exchange of persons, not just a contract with conditions and rules. 

God told Israel: I am your life and length of days. In the covenant agreement, God himself is the life of Israel. God became all of the provision for Israel, He delivered them from every power in Egypt, He was their guard before and their guard from behind, He was their food (manna), their drink (springs in the desert), he was their future (Promised Land), their peace (fruitful land for possession), and He was the reputation for them before their enemies. He was their future and their future generations. In exchange, Israel gave up everything they had previously known and experienced in Egypt. They were warned not to imitate neighboring peoples, but to become a nation set apart from every other nation that displayed the character and nature of YHWH.  The instructions in Torah were extensive and detailed. Torah (Law) means “instruction” (it is the first 5 books of the Old Testament), Israel received explicit instructions on all of the things YHWH wanted from them. Remember that a covenant is an exchange of persons. In covenant relationships both parties to become exclusively and completely devoted to one another. In a covenant relationship, this is both “normal” and required.

Exodus 19:7-8

So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8  All the people answered together and said, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.  ESV

Israel agreed to the terms of the covenant.

Every blood covenant carries with it significant curses for betraying the union or taking the terms of the covenant lightly. Even Jesus who ratified a better covenant than the one at Sinai warns us

Luke 14:25-33

The Cost of Discipleship

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26  "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.  27  Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.  28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?  29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,  30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'  31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.  33  So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. ESV

Salvation is free in the sense that we do not earn our way into God’s favor. We carry no merit that we can present to Him (God) to persuade Him on our behalf. The Covenant of Jesus Christ has been birthed and fulfilled completely out of the Love of God which He has always had for us and it is who He is. Jesus, who had no sin, laid down His life for us (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) But again this covenant is an intimate exchange of persons. We give over everything of our old lives and nature and He gives us everything He has for our new identities in Christ.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; (KJV)

Salvation also costs us everything. We cannot be half committed to God, and He will not commit Himself to us in parts or partiality. This is the nature of covenants and this is how we can understand the language of the blessing and the curse in Deuteronomy 27-30 through covenant knowledge.

God tell us -  I AM the One who makes unbreakable covenants with mankind

                Ezekiel 16:62 I will establish my covenant with you and you shall know that I am the Lord, ESV

A covenant is an all or nothing kind of commitment. There is no other option no scale upon which we can be weighed or balanced. This is why Jesus warned us to count the cost. This is why Israel was presented with the blessing or the curse. God wants to bless us (Deuteronomy 30:19), He has given us everything we need in Jesus Christ, but we get to choose.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."ESV

Discussion Questions:

 Day 3 – The Blessing and the Curse

• Why is there a “blessing” and a “curse” in Deuteronomy 30?

 

• What does it mean to “bear your own cross” (Luke 14:25-33)?

 

• “Salvation is Free” – ‘Salvation costs you everything ‘– Explain.

 

Day 5 – God Divorced Israel

Jeremiah 3:6-8

6 Moreover, the Lord said to me [Jeremiah] in the days of Josiah the king [of Judah], Have you seen what that faithless and backsliding Israel has done--how she went up on every high hill and under every green tree and there played the harlot?

7 And I said, After she has done all these things, she will return to Me; but she did not return, and her faithless and treacherous sister Judah saw it.

8 And I saw, even though [Judah knew] that for this very cause of committing adultery (idolatry) I [the Lord] had put faithless Israel away and given her a bill of divorce; yet her faithless and treacherous sister Judah was not afraid, but she also went and played the harlot [following after idols]. AMP

After the death of Solomon, David’s son, the Kingdom of Israel was divided into two Kingdoms. Israel (also called “Ephraim”) with ten tribes lived in the north and Judah with two tribes lived in the south. Israel (Ephraim) never had a king that respected God’s covenant and Judah had but a few kings that brought reform and returned the kingdom to right relationship in covenant with God. Still these reforms were temporary and they lasted only as long as the kings who brought them.

God uses the language of marriage when He speaks of His relationship with Israel. Marriage is a covenant made between a man and woman where the two become one, united in every aspect with and for each other. When Israel went after other gods, YHWH called it adultery, and in the terms of the covenant, the consequence for adultery is divorce. Again according to the terms of covenant, God was required to hand Israel a certificate of divorce.

Yet Divorce is not the end of the story

Romans 3:3-4

God didn't abandon them. Do you think their faithlessness cancels out his faithfulness? Not on your life! Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth.

(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

The unfaithfulness of Israel did not negate the faithfulness of God.

So how is this dilemma resolved?

God who is ever faithful to Israel promises and then delivers a new and better covenant. This is the Covenant of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah  31:31-34  The New Covenant

31  "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah,

32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord.

33  But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." ESV

The faithfulness of God is reflected in the phrase “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6. Joshua 1:5). This is covenant language indicating that even if we abandon the terms of covenant, God will remain faithful to us. He does not let the guilty go unpunished, but His purpose is to expose our weakness and lack so that we might turn and change our hearts and return to Him in the fullness of His blessing.

1 John 1:9-10

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  ESV

We must understand that the purpose of God is always redemptive; He is always looking for our good and benefit. When we abandon Him we are left without all the provisions of the covenant and we find ourselves in “the curse”. It is not so much that God puts the “curse” on us as we ourselves run away from His goodness and find ourselves in the unprotected environment of the desert full of snakes and scorpions.  In the parable of the prodigal son, it is told that when the son “came to himself” he decided to return to his father who was looking for him even while he was a long way off (Luke 15:11-32).

God’s purpose in the divorce of Israel was not to abandon them but to get them to see the futility of life outside of His covenant of protection and provision. God longs for our undiluted devotion to Him in covenant relationship just as He is already and at all times giving Himself to us

Matthew 23:37-39 Lament over Jerusalem

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!  See, your house is left to you desolate.  ESV

The desolation of our lives is often the result of our own unfaithfulness. The lack of our trusting is most often rooted in the deceptions of the enemy and/or deeply entrenched strongholds in our thinking that are contrary His kingdom.

Hosea 6:1-3

1. "Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.

2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.

3  Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn;

 he will come to us as the showers,  as the spring rains that water the earth." ESV

Discussion Questions:

Day 5 – God Divorced Israel

• Why did God divorce Israel?

 

• What are some conditions that could lead to “divorce”?

 

• Are we in danger of getting a divorce from God? Why or Why not.

 

• Jesus said,” I will not leave you or forsake you”, what does this mean?

 

Day 5 – Those Who Covenant With God

Those Who Make a Covenant with God

By Francis Frangipane

The Covenant- Keeping God
Throughout the history of God's dealings with man, He has revealed Himself as a covenant-making God. The Almighty covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David; He renewed His Abrahamic covenant in His call to Isaac and Jacob. Each covenant initiated a new wave of redemptive power into the world and forever impacted the human condition.

The word covenant means "to fetter" or chain together. It was the highest form of commitment that two individuals could share. Any of several rituals were employed to express the covenant partners’ unity: A sword might be passed, signifying that the two would be united against the enemy as one. They might pass a sandal between themselves, which symbolized they would travel any distance to be at one another's side. Or, they might cut an animal in two and pass between its halves. Just as the two halves, though separated, were still one animal, so the two covenant partners would become as one individual.

When the Lord initiated His covenant with a man, He did so as an extension of His eternal purpose; the man was a component in a series of divine initiatives. Contained within the Lord's covenant was His divine intervention, His supernatural wisdom and strategies, and His provisions.

Thus, if we look at the Lord's call to Noah, we see that it was not the ark, but the covenant of God, that preserved Noah and his family during worldwide judgment. Noah was a component, a factor in a series of divine initiatives, which accomplished the Lord's predetermined plans. God established the covenant, designed the ark and brought the animals. The Lord even shut the door after Noah entered the ark.

When the Lord established His covenant with Abraham, twice a flaming torch passed through the halves of the animals Abraham offered in sacrifice. The two passes signified that God would keep His part of the covenant and He would keep Abraham's part of the covenant as well! Today, a restored Israel testifies to God's faithfulness in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And it is God's covenant with Abraham, not merely the Jewish military, which preserves Israel in our times.

When the Lord entered into covenant with man, God promised that the covenant conditions and possibilities would not only apply to His servant, but His servant's descendants as well. Noah and his family, Abraham and his seed, and David and his family were all united as beneficiaries of God's covenant relationship. Similarly, we are saved and sustained through life's battles by Christ's covenant with the Father.

Payment And Pattern
Our salvation has been secured, not only because Jesus died for our sins, but because His death was part of a covenant He had with the Father. The fact that Jesus suffered on my behalf is staggering, but His crucifixion was a component of an even more powerful reality: His covenant with the Father.

The terms of Christ's covenant were such that, if He would live His life blamelessly and offer that holy life upon the cross for sins, everyone who looked to the Son of God would be granted forgiveness. The Father would look to Christ's sacrifice and see justice; and sinners would look to Jesus and find mercy. Yet, as maturing disciples, we find in Christ's covenant-mission not only our peace, but also a pattern Christ calls us to follow. He told His disciples, "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21). Having laid down His life in covenant surrender, He now bids us, "Take up [your] cross, and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). Of course, our cross does not replace His cross nor do the sub-covenants we make with God supersede Christ's covenant. The truth is, our cross extends the power of Christ's cross into our world and times, and our sub-covenant with God finds its backing because of Christ's covenant with God.

Thus, the Lord calls us to follow Him in personal covenants for our homes, cities and nations. The covenant we embrace is nothing less than the expression of Christ's nature, revealed again through us for our families, cities and nation.

The Harvest and Covenant Power
To many Christians, the idea of making a special covenant with God is unfamiliar. Yet, I believe that many have already felt the Holy Spirit speaking, urging them to deepen their commitment to Christ. Even so, covenants and our obedience to them must come from our hearts in response to the Lord's initiative. You will know the extent of your covenant by the measure of vision and faith, which also come from God.

Especially in the last days, we need to become a people who know the truth given us through Christ's covenant. And, in following Him, we should also know the unique endowment of grace He brings in making special covenants with us.

Indeed, Daniel 11:28-32 warns that the last days will be a time of unprecedented deception and spiritual intrigue. According to this text, Satan's rage will be hurled uniquely against "the holy covenant"! (v. 28a). Yet, in this same chapter we read, "But the people who know their God will display strength and take action. And those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many" (Dan. 11:32-33a).

The prophecy continues, "And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). In the midst of great deception there will be a time and a people who know their God, have great insight, do exploits and lead many to righteousness. They will receive a new and powerful endorsement of God's Spirit.

Additionally, if the enemy will be warring specifically against the holy covenant, we can assume there is something of unparalleled power that Christ's covenant provides against Satan! A new authority is coming to those who desire full conformity to Christ. For a great harvest is indeed prophesied for the end of this age, and those leading the way will be individuals who understand Christ's covenant and have themselves covenanted with God for their land.

God's Unalterable Commitment
It is right to pray for the Lord to bless our lives. However, praying for the blessing and provision of God is not the same as covenanting with Him. A covenant is an altar upon which the Lord and His covenant partner give themselves fully to each other. The quality of a covenant relationship with God does not cease once prayers have been answered. For, in covenant love we mature from simply being "believers" to becoming living sacrifices, given to God's highest plans. By so yielding, He creates within us a life that He can use extraordinarily in the process of divine redemption.

Covenant power is greater than that which comes through prayer alone. The effects of a covenant reach far beyond simple faith. Prayer and faith are essentials; they are prerequisites, but not substitutes, for covenant power. The covenant relationship is a lifelong pledge, an unbreakable oath that God Himself initiates and promises to sustain. Contained within His promise is His unalterable commitment, not only to satisfy His redemptive purposes, but also to supply grace and faith to His human counterpart. Together, the all-sufficient God and a believing man accomplish the impossible through their covenant relationship.

The Power Released in a Covenant
A covenant with God accomplishes two interconnected goals. It thrusts us beyond "subjective prayer" (prayer made primarily for our personal needs), and it brings us into a deeper commitment to God. Out of greater commitment comes greater grace to accomplish God's redemptive work in the world. An example of covenant power is seen in ancient Israel during the revival that occurred after Athaliah, an idolatrous Judean queen, was dethroned. Jehoiada, the high priest, looked to God in covenant prayer. We read, "Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord's people" (2 Kings 11:17).

The result of his covenant was that grace came upon the people and they cleansed the land of idolatry. We read, "So all the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet" (v. 20). Jehoiada's covenant brought the nation back to God and ended violence in Jerusalem!

Consider also the power released in Hezekiah's covenant with God. The nation of Judah had been fully corrupted by Ahaz, the preceding king. However, Hezekiah began his reign by seeking God's highest favor. He opened the doors of the temple and reconsecrated the priests.

Yet, the purification of priests and buildings by themselves would not have brought about revival had not Hezekiah taken one further step. He said, "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His burning anger may turn away from us" (2 Chr. 29:10).

Just eight days after the king made a covenant with the Lord, we read, "Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly" (v. 36). The difference between a long-term struggle and a speedy turning of the nation was, I believe, in the power that was released when the king covenanted with the Almighty.

It is vital that we who are Americans remember that our spiritual forefathers were people who knew and exercised principles of covenant sacrifice. When they came to this country, they knelt on its shores and covenanted with God for this land, dedicating the "new world" to Christ and His kingdom. It is unlikely that the revival of our nation will come without local and national church leaders covenanting together with God for their land.

Making A Covenant With God
A personal covenant with God is a serious commitment, worthy of extended prayer and focused waiting before God. I have covenanted with the Lord to see the body of Christ delivered of carnal divisions and racism; my covenant goal is that Christ's prayer of John 17 be answered.

I have also united my life and faith with the covenants of our Pilgrim forefathers. Together with other brethren, both locally and nationally, we have covenanted with God to see this land restored according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.

I believe there will be a time when this nation, like all nations, will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev 11:15). Until then, whether revival comes quickly or we pass through the fires of divine judgments, our lives belong to Christ-not simply to be blessed or prosperous, but to see His highest purposes accomplished in our land.

However, not all of us will covenant with God for the nation. According to their faith, some will make covenants with Him for their families. Others will covenant to see abortion ended in their cities. While still others will covenant with God for the church--to see unity established in the citywide church in their cities.

Making a covenant with God takes us further into our goal of Christlikeness. It is the highest relationship we can enjoy with God and it is the most deeply surrendered. It is, in truth, that which brings Him the most pleasure. To those who covenant with God, He says, "Gather My godly ones to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice" (Ps 50:5). Today, as this nation stands at the threshold of two realities, let us take time in contemplative prayer and kneel before the Almighty Father. In Christlike, focused surrender, as Christ was a living sacrifice for our sins, so let us become living sacrifices to God for those we love. Let us embrace covenant oneness with God that His purpose and passions be fulfilled in our lives and in our times.

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, "The Power of Covenant Prayer" available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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Discussion Questions

 Day 5 – Those Who Make a Covenant with God

• How is making a covenant with God different from prayer?

 

• What is the basis for a personal covenant with God?

 

• What is its purpose?

 

• How is it initiated?

 

Foundations of the Faith

Week 5- The Nature of God

Day 1 - The Triune Nature of God

In the beginning God said….  (Genesis 1)

Throughout the Genesis account of creation the word translated as “God” in English is the Hebrew word “Elohim” This word for out creator is a plural word, not a singular noun as the English translation would suggest. This is significant because Elohim is the triune God who is The Father, Holy Spirit and the Son.  This is a great mystery and it defies an explanation according to our carnal minds. Nevertheless, Elohim is both singular as in “one true God” and plural as in the Trinity.

A Simple Explanation of a Great Mystery

You and I live in a three-dimensional world. All physical objects have a certain height, width, and depth. One person can look like someone else, or behave like someone else, or even sound like someone else. But a person cannot actually be the same as another person. They are distinct individuals.

God, however, lives without the limitations of a three-dimensional universe. He is spirit. And he is infinitely more complex than we are.

That is why Jesus the Son can be different from the Father. And, yet the same.

The Bible clearly speaks of: God the Son, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. But emphasizes that there is only ONE God.

If we were to use math, it would not be, 1+1+1=3. It would be 1x1x1=1. God is a triune God.

Thus the term: "Tri" meaning three, and "Unity" meaning one, Tri+Unity = Trinity. It is a way of acknowledging what the Bible reveals to us about God, that God is yet three "Persons" who have the same essence of deity. Some have tried to give human illustrations for the Trinity, such as H₂O being water, ice and steam (all different forms, but all are H₂O). Another illustration would be the sun. From it we receive light, heat and radiation. Three distinct aspects, but only one sun.

No illustration is going to be perfect.

But from the very beginning we see God as a Trinity. Notice the plural pronouns "us" and "our" in Genesis 1:26 -- Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

Though not a complete list, here is some other Scripture that shows God is one, in Trinity:

• "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!" (Deuteronomy. 6:4)
• "I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God." (Isaiah. 45:5)
• There is no God but one. (1Corinthians. 8:4)
• And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." (Matthew. 3:16-17)
• "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew. 28:19)
• Jesus said: "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)
• "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)
• "He who beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me." (John 12:45)
• If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. (Romans. 8:9)
• "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew. 1:20)
• And the angel answered and said to her [Mary], "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
• [Jesus speaking to His disciples] "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you." ... "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him." (John 14:16-17, 23)

From http://www.everystudent.com/forum/trinity.html

 

Discussion Questions

 Day 1 - The Triune Nature of God

• How is the 3 in 1 nature of God related to the physical Sun in our solar system?

 

• Who is the greatest – The Father, The Son or The Spirit?

 

• How do you respond to those who say that there is only one God?

 

• Do you understand the Trinity?

 

Day 2 – Who is Jesus?

It is important to understand that these few paragraphs cannot adequately describe everything that Jesus is. After the resurrection, Jesus explained to His disciples that everything written in the Bible (Torah, Prophets, Psalms) were written about Him (Luke 24:44). The entire Bible is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The last statement in the book of John who spoke of the life and revelation of Jesus and who was the most intimate disciple of Jesus said:

John 21:25

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. ESV

The world knows that 2,000 years ago a man named Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in what is now called Israel. He traveled about the region and gained a large following. After a few years, the religious leaders in Jerusalem falsely accused him of crimes and handed him over to the Roman authorities. They executed him by nailing him to a cross. A short time later, his followers preached in the name of Jesus Christ, whom they said rose from the dead.

Jesus in the Bible

These are the facts upon which even the greatest skeptic will agree. But there is so much more to Jesus than that. Where he came from, what he did on earth, what he can do for us now is all revealed in the Bible. This book contains the record of Jesus and was written by the generation of people who heard him teach and saw his deeds. Here is what the Bible teaches us about Jesus Christ:

1. Jesus is God.

John wrote about Him: In the beginning was the Word [poetic description of Jesus], and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1 ESV). He created the world and all that is in it (John 1:3). The religious leaders of his time understood that Jesus claimed to be God (John 5:17-18). Paul wrote that when Jesus died, the Father revealed to the entire world that He was God (Philippians 2:5-11)

.

2. Jesus is the Son of God.

According to the Bible, “Son of God” means: (1) He is fully God. (2) He is one of three persons who together make up the One God. This concept is called the “Trinity.” The religious leaders of Jesus’ time understood this concept: This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18 ESV)

3. Jesus became human through the virgin birth.

The eternal Son of God already existed in heaven (John 17:5). Through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20), He was born as a human being, who was then named Jesus (Matthew 1:25). To demonstrate that Jesus was not a mere man (Colossians 2:9), God chose a virgin to give birth to Him (Luke 1:34-35).

4. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

Anytime we disobey God is called sin.

Romans 3:10-12

"None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands;  no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."ESV

The penalty for sin is death, but God in his love wants us to live. Therefore, he sent the promised Messiah (also called Christ) to save the world (John 1:41). The Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to earth to die in our place. Because He lived a life without sin, only He was qualified to pay for our sins by His death on a cross. He then demonstrated His power over death when He rose from the grave three days later. Only through Jesus can our sins can be forgiven and we can come to God (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ is the Savior of everyone in the world (John 3:16).

5. Jesus performs miracles.

All through his time on earth, Jesus performed miracles. He healed the sick (Matthew 8:16 among many other instances), controlled the weather (Mark 4:39), multiplied food (Matthew 14:14-21), and provided money when needed (Matthew 17:24-27). Even after leaving the earth, He still does miracles in people’s lives (Acts 3:12-16).

6. Jesus changes lives.

People who followed Jesus turned away from their sins. He cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2) and she became a devoted follower who told others that Jesus had risen from the dead (John 20:16). Zaccheus, a tax collector, repaid people whom he cheated when collecting taxes and gave half of everything else to the poor (Luke 19:1-10). When followers were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to declare the message of Jesus, perform miracles, and live free from sin (Luke 10:1-20).

For nearly 2,000 years, Jesus Christ has been changing the lives of people all over the world. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV). He can change your life as well. Jesus will deliver you from sin’s addiction (Romans 6:22), renew your mind (Romans 12:2), and heal your hurts (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

7. Jesus lives in heaven at Father God’s right hand.

After Jesus rose from the dead, He ascended to heaven to where He is still a man interceding for all of us before the throne of God.

Romans  8:31-39

If God is for us, who can be against us? 32  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  ESV

8. Jesus will return to judge all humanity.

While he was still on this earth, Jesus said, Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man [a title Jesus used for Himself], and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30 ESV). When Jesus returns, He will separate those who will live with Him forever in heaven from those who will be punished (Matthew 25:31-33).

The important question for us is “Who do you say that I am?”

Luke 9:18-20

. And he (Jesus) asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"  19 And they answered, "John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen." 20 Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God."   ESV

9. Jesus Christ will receive you if you come to Him.

Jesus said, Whoever comes to me I will never cast out (John 6:37 ESV). This was why He came to earth—to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10 ESV). It does not matter what you have done, Jesus still wants you to come to Him. He said, I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32 ESV).

If you have never stepped into the Covenant provision that is given to us through Jesus you can ask to become a partaker with the following (or similar prayer).

Romans 10:9-10 says:

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. ESV

Pray with me now to make Jesus Christ your Savior and your friend.

"Thank you, God, for loving me and sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. I give Jesus control of my life. Help me to be the person that You want me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Discussion Questions:

 Day 1 - The Triune Nature of God

• Who is Jesus to you?

 

• Where is Jesus right now? What is He doing?

 

• What parts of the Bible speak of Jesus?

 

Day 3 – God is Humble

The book of Hebrews identified Jesus as the exact likeness of God so when we want to learn about God we can and need to look at Jesus.

Hebrews 1:3

He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. ESV

One of the principle attributes of Jesus is that He is humble.

Matthew 11:29

Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ( relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. [Jeremiah 6:16.]

HUMILITY defined:

Humility is a freedom from arrogance. The Greek philosophers despised humility because it implied inadequacy, lack of dignity, and worthlessness to them. This is not the meaning of humility as defined in the Bible and it is not the definition of humility that can be attributed to God.

 Jesus is the supreme example of humility (Matt 11:29; Mark 10:45; John 13:4-17; Phil 2:5-8), and He is completely adequate, moreover He is of infinite dignity and worth. Biblical humility is not a belittling of oneself (Matt 6:16-18; Rom 12:3), but an exalting or praising of others.

A humble person, then, focuses more on God and others than on himself. The humility of God is the attribute of God that compels Him to bend low in kindness, redeem us, and come to serve us.

Psalm 113:5-6

Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high,  Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?  NKJV

Philippians 2:5-11

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,  6  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,  being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  ESV

It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory.”

As Jesus was exalted to prominence because of His humility, so does God exult us when we adopt the attitude of humility. We were created in the image of God and a significant part of His image and likeness is to be and become a truly humble people. Putting on the cloak of humility honors God and it is the pathway to power in His kingdom

Psalm 138:6

For though the Lord is high, yet has He respect to the lowly [bringing them into fellowship with Him]; but the proud and haughty He knows and recognizes [only] at a distance. AMP

James 4:10

 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. ESV

1 Peter 5:5-8

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,   casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  ESV

Humility is a state of mind well pleasing to God

1 Peter 3:3-5

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.  ESV

Humility preserves the soul in tranquility

Psalm 69:32-34

When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Let heaven and earth praise him,  ESV

Humility is the way to honor

Proverbs 16:18-19

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.  Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the meek and poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. AMP

The greatest promises are made to the humble

Psalm 147:6

The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. ESV

Isaiah 57:15

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. ESV

Isaiah 66:2

All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord.

 But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. ESV

Discussion Questions

 Day 3 – God is Humble

• In your own words define humility.

 

• How important is humility in the Kingdom of God?

 

• How humble are you?

 

• How are glory and humility linked together?

 

Day 4 – God’s goal, the Sabbath

The Sabbath is not a particular day, or season, or a list of prescribed rules of what we can and cannot do.  Regulations for the Sabbath are imbedded throughout the Old Testament and they are all shadows, types and rehearsals for the true Sabbath which is personified in Jesus Christ. The Sabbath is also always connected to the number “seven” which represents “completion” in the language of the Bible. In Genesis, the Sabbath was the seventh day; there was also a Sabbath of months, a Sabbath of years, and a Sabbath of Sabbath years. The Sabbath always comes at the end, the conclusion; it is the culmination and fulfillment of everything. The true Sabbath is not a date, or a festival event, it is a person. He is the conclusion, the culmination and the example both for us and what we are to become.

Jesus Christ is our Sabbath

What does it mean that Jesus is our Sabbath rest?

Hebrews 4 speaks of Jesus as our Sabbath rest. Verses 9-10 in particular state, "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his." How is Jesus our Sabbath rest?

The key to understanding how Jesus is our” Sabbath rest” is in understanding what the Sabbath means. The Hebrew word Shabbat is the word "rest" in the Old Testament first used in regard to God "resting" from creation on the seventh day. The Sabbath would later become part of the Law of Moses, referring to the Sabbath day, the seventh day (Saturday on our calendar), upon which the Jewish people were to do no work.

In the New Testament, Jesus declared Himself "lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8). He equated Himself with God the Father, becoming God in human form. In addition, Jesus declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

In Hebrews 3 and 4, the author developed the concept of Jesus as our Sabbath rest, revealing how a relationship with Christ frees humans from the works of the law and allows a person to rest in the work of Christ to forgive sin. Ultimately, those who believe in Jesus will spend eternity in a "Sabbath rest" with Him (Hebrews 4:9).

Today, many continue to live as if their salvation depends on how many good deeds they perform. Yet Christ is the only one who can provide sufficiently for the sins of people and offer eternal life. It is by His grace we receive salvation, through faith. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reveal, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Jesus serves as our Sabbath rest in the sense that He provides freedom from living under the works of the law. Instead, His sacrifice has paid the price for our salvation. We accept salvation as His free gift, entering into His rest both now as well as in eternity in His presence.

Hebrews 4 ends with words of comfort for those who enter God's Sabbath rest: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). As a result of Christ's finished work, we can confidently come before God, receiving mercy and grace in our time of need.

Adapted From http://www.compellingtruth.org/Jesus-sabbath.html

Discussion Questions:

Day 4 – God’s goal, the Sabbath

• As New Testament believers, how do we keep the Sabbath?

 

• How do you (personally) keep the Sabbath?

 

• Why are there so many rules for the Sabbath in the Old Testament?

 

• Why was it ok for Jesus to heal on the Sabbath?

 

Day 5 – God is a Farmer

God is a farmer, He always deals in multiplication. His Kingdom is compared to a field – the world is a field – in the world there are two crops growing – wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30 The Parable of the Weeds).  The wheat represents the children of God; the tares represent the sons of the evil one. We are not a people of mixture we are either one or the other. We do not operate on a scale of good and evil as if to obtain favor by our merit.

A seed produces after its own kind (Gen 1:11-13). When we step into God’s Kingdom we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) no longer tares that resemble wheat but have no life within them, rather we become wheat which carries the life of God within. We are not reformed, we are transformed, re-created, born from above.

To be a disciple is to be taught, trained, and developed in such a way as to become exactly like your teacher. Jesus discipled   twelve and the twelve discipled more. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed us to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20). So here is the pattern – disciples making disciples making disciples making disciples – multiplication. The Kingdom of God grows by multiplication just like a farmer who plants seed and patiently waits for and expects a harvest.

Jesus was the one seed (prophesied in Genesis 3:15) that God planted on the earth. Jesus explained it this way – except the seed dies – it remains alone – but when the seed dies it is transformed and it grows (John 12:23-24)

The farming picture extends beyond a field of wheat full of individual plants. Jesus tells us that He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:1-11). Our transformation includes such an intimate union that the very life of God courses through our veins. The life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:14) and it is the blood of Jesus that gives us our new life.

We become one with Him by grafting (Romans 11:17-24) – another term relating to farming. All vines and fruit trees are reproduced by grafting; it’s the only way that fruit varieties can remain true to their flavors and types. The top part that bears fruit is grafted to the rootstock. Without grafting, there is no connection to God. We are grafted to Him by covenant; a covenant is the strongest relationship on earth. It is stronger than family and it lasts from generation to generation.

Pruning is a necessary aspect of growing fruit in vineyards and orchards. Jesus tells us that if we do not bear fruit – that is to display the reality of God’s kingdom in our lives - He will prune us. If we do bear fruit, He will prune us so that we bear more fruit (John 15:1-11). This is God taking us from glory to glory. Pruning is not punishment; we do not get pruned because we are a failure. As it is in the orchard, so it is in our life. We need to perceive these things so we do not become discouraged or critical toward others.

God is a farmer; He directly displays the mysteries of His kingdom in the common things of this world. It’s not so surprising really because everything that exists is originated out of the mind of God. We live in a world that is saturated with the thoughts of God.

The Feasts of the Lord which were observed by obligation during the times before Messiah took place during the harvest seasons in the land of Israel. All of Israel gathered three times a year as one man to keep the Feasts. These Feast times are a pattern for the redemptive work of God. They all speak of our redemption in Jesus. There is much more we could say about these times, but the point of emphasis here is to highlight that they all come in the seasons of agricultural harvest.

God is a farmer and He is patiently looking to the culmination of the harvest of righteousness on earth when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11;9).

God is a farmer

Isaiah 55:9-11

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. ESV

Discussion questions:

 Day 5 – God is a Farmer

• Why do you think that God displays himself in the common things like farming?

 

• Can you find other references to farming and food in the scriptures? Describe them.

 

• The first sin was a violation of a “food law” Genesis 2:17 - …thou shall not eat…. Why is that significant?

 

Foundations of the Faith

 Week 6- The Work of the Holy Spirit

Day One - The Promise

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

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I depart,

I will send Him to you.

~ John 16:7

The Holy Spirit is one of the greatest studies found in the Word of God. All that Jesus accomplished was to prepare man to become One with God through His Spirit.  Could it be that the Word of God is our tutor that prepares us to live through the Holy Spirit as sons and daughters of God? The supreme promise of God is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. That is, God desires to live in us through His Spirit on the basis of our relationship with His Son. We miss the real emphasis of the ministry of Jesus if we stop at His resurrection from the grave. Before Jesus returned to heaven He told His followers that that generation would see the coming of the Lord. What generation? It was the one that saw the redemptive purpose of God demonstrated when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to believers. The message is that we can ALL be made the residing place of God in the earth until Jesus comes again. God predetermined that He would fashion us after the image of Christ and He is doing it through His Spirit (Romans 8:29-30).

Jesus’ purpose was twofold: First, destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) to reconcile man back to God, and second to demonstrate to man how to live in direct relationship with the Holy Spirit in this world and be Kingdom enforcers. The reconciliation process is the Holy Spirit coming and dwelling in man. When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being born again He said, “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3,5). When we study the Word of God through the lens of the Holy Spirit we will find that much of Word is teaching us how to live and walk by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, how to live reconciled to God. Holiness, purity, peace, love, joy, power, healing, miracles, signs and wonders are all contingent upon the Holy Spirit and your relationship with Him. I believe that everything a Christian is searching for and desires within their life (i.e. peace, healing, joy, strength, more faith, power etc.) are all found through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of God in our lives. We cry out for more glory – it’s the Holy Spirit; we pray for more revival – it’s the presence of God – the Holy Spirit; we desire holiness or power to transform our cities – it’s the Holy Spirit; we rest in the grace of God – it’s His Holy Spirit. Everything we desire is found in the Holy Spirit!

God’s desire has always been the Holy Spirit living and dwelling in man. Genesis 2:7 records the creation of man and the breath of life given to him. That breath of life was and is the Holy Spirit. From the beginning, man was created to carry the presence of God through the Holy Spirit. Man interacted with God as one and co-labored with Him in the Garden through the Holy Spirit. When man rebelled against God, the Holy Spirit was lifted from Him and spiritual death came to him. The sacrifice of Jesus was the price paid to restore the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. All that was lost in the Garden was restored when Jesus paid the full price with His sacrifice. This is the PROMISE – the restoration of man back to His glorified state through the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 3:13-14 states it this way, “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.” Peter stated it like this, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 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, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature…”(2 Peter 1:2-4). The Holy Spirit is the executor of the full inheritance of the riches of the Father and the Son. Without Him, we can be heirs of the King and live like beggars (Galatians 4:1-7). When you are in total harmony with the Holy Spirit who resides within you, you have access to all of the riches of His Kingdom – this is His promise. 

 

The Holy Spirit is the promise that Jesus spoke of in Luke 24:49, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Since the beginning of time Abba has been waiting to allow His Spirit to dwell in man once again, that His Kingdom would once again be established upon this earth! The Holy Spirit could not come and dwell in man until Jesus left! What a glorious plan! Jesus, the Lamb of God, restores man to his original state by justifying and then glorifying him through His Spirit. As Christians today, we are invited into one of the greatest adventures of all time as we are asked to co-labor and co-habitat with the very presence of God through His Spirit. The world is waiting for us to live according to the Spirit within us. As we, the Church, become His love, through His Spirit, we will see the greatest outpouring of His presence – His Spirit – upon this earth! It’s time to live your life through Him.

Written by Dave Carlson

Discussion Questions

• Who is greater, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

 

• How is the promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit related to redemption?

 

Day Two - The Person

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

~Psalms 139-7-10

When we start thinking about the Holy Spirit, we have to realize He is a Person and not an “it.” That means He has a specific personality. Here is a small, personalized description of Him: He is happy. It is His nature to be joyful. He is humble, for He is very gentle, and yet He is powerful and strong. He is compassionate and desires to heal the places where we are broken and strengthen the places where we are weak. He has feelings and longings and desires. He is peace. Paul described Him like this, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22). The Holy Spirit is a Person, the very Person of God with all of His attributes, character and nature.

There is an error that many make: they have attempted to understand the work and power of the Holy Spirit without first coming to know Him as a Person. It is crucial that we establish in our hearts and minds whether we believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person—One who is infinitely holy, infinitely wise, and infinitely mighty, yet wonderfully tender, sensitive, and compassionate. If we see Him as infinite in majesty, glory, splendor, wisdom, knowledge, and holiness, and if we believe that He, as a Person, has an accord with the Father and Son to take possession of our lives and make good out of them, then we will fall on our faces in holy awe. Someone who sees God’s Spirit as an influence or supreme power will constantly say, “I want more of the Spirit.” On the contrary, someone who sees Him as a wonderful Person will say, “How can I give more of myself to Him?”

Unfortunately, so many of us miss out on the fullness of the Spirit’s presence because we refuse to honor Him as a Person. The Spirit of God will not manifest where He’s not honored (see Matthew 13:54-58; Psalm 89:7). Note, that by calling the Holy Spirit a “Person,” we are not calling Him human. That is, He possesses attributes of what we would consider to be personality. The Holy Spirit is Deity, not a human being. But we must remember, humans were created in God’s image. So He’s not like us; rather, we are like Him. As a Church, we’ve chosen to view Him as a “holy entity” rather than as One who is most holy. His desire is to be our closest friend, yet we have limited His involvement in our lives. The sad truth is we have inadvertently rejected the most fulfilling relationship available to us.

Let’s take a look at some scriptures that will perfectly illustrate the personality of the Holy Spirit:

• He has a mind (see Romans 8:27).
• He has a will (see 1 Corinthians 12:11).
• He has emotions, such as love and joy (see Romans 15:30; Galatians 5:22).
• He comforts (see Acts 9:31).
• He speaks (see Hebrews 3:7); in fact, He speaks clearly (see 1 Timothy 4:1).
• He teaches (see 1 Corinthians 2:13).
• He can be made to feel sorrow (see Ephesians 4:30).
• He can be insulted (see Hebrews 10:29).
• He can be resisted (see Acts 7:51).
• He can be lied to (see Acts 5:1-11).

If these attributes are so apparent in Scripture, then we must ask, why is the Holy Spirit so misunderstood? The Person of the Holy Spirit desires to be your friend and to establish you in your destiny, purpose and call (John 16:7; John 14:16).

This revelation of Friend is powerful. The Person of the Holy Spirit desires to be your friend. In John 14:16 it states, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Friend) that He may abide with you forever.” There are two key words in this verse. The first is the word “another”. This word means another of the same kind; One just like the other. That is, Jesus was saying to His disciples that He was going to send another (one of the same kind) to come along side of them and to empower them. The word Comforter is also very important. This word means Friend; Counselor; Comforter; or Helper. When we recognize the Holy Spirit as a Friend we begin to realize the impact He has in our lives and how He has empowered us to be live Christ-like in and through our lives.

The thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians gives a little description of this Friend who loves you at all times. And look at the kind of Person He is. Your Friend suffers long and is kind. Your Friend does not envy. Your Friend does not parade Himself around and is not “puffed up” with self-importance. Your Friend is not rude. Your Friend does not seek His own way. Your Friend does not provoke quarrels. Your Friend thinks no evil of you. Your Friend does not find it amusing when injustice or wickedness comes against you. Your Friend rejoices in the truth. Your Friend bears all things. This is a description of the true God His character and nature all found in His Spirit. He has faith in you. He has faith in His promise in you. He has confidence in the power of the blood covenant that Jesus has cut with you through His death on the cross. Your Friend hopes all things. Your Friend endures all things. Your Friend never fails. That is our Friend, the Holy Spirit. And that will be the fruit of His work and His presence in your life. He believes in you. He hopes that all the promises of God will be fulfilled in you. He bears up under every circumstance and hangs with you “in spite of.” He endures day to day with you, even in your worst times. He never fails. His heart’s desire is that you “see” Him - the Holy Spirit, your Friend - as this Person.

Written by Dave Carlson

Discussion Questions

• What is the importance of knowing the Holy Spirit as a person.

 

• How well do you know the Holy Spirit?

 

• How can you know Him and understand Him better?

 

 

Day Three - Perfect Peace

 

These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 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. 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. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

~John 14:25-28

Let’s take a look at the role the Holy Spirit played during the creation of man. We read, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). The Holy Spirit is the One who actually formed Adam and breathed life into his nostrils. Job 33:4 states, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” The Holy Spirit not only formed and breathed life into Adam’s nostrils, He also formed and breathed life into you and me. Psalm 139:13 says, “You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.” In fact, the Spirit of God formed everything we see, for Proverbs 26:10 says, “The great God who formed everything…” The creation we experience was manifested because the Holy Spirit established the creative desire of the Father. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit working together to create man that we may abide perfectly in and through Them forever!

Let’s take a look at some of the different names used for the Holy Spirit in scripture. He’s called:

• Holy Spirit (96 times)
• Spirit of the Lord (28 times)
• Spirit of God (26 times)
• Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
• Helper (4 times by Jesus in John’s Gospel)
• Comforter (used throughout the Amplified Bible)
• Holy One (Psalm 78:41)
• The Lord (2 Corinthians 3:17)
• Spirit of truth (4 times)
• Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11)
• Spirit of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:19)
• Spirit of counsel (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of knowledge (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of might (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of understanding (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)  Spirit of the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of your Father (Matthew 10:20)
• Spirit of glory (1 Peter 4:14)
• Spirit of grace (Zechariah 12:10; Hebrews 10:29)
• Spirit of judgment (Isaiah 4:4)
• Spirit of burning (Isaiah 4:4)
• Spirit of life (Romans 8:2)
• Spirit of love (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Spirit of power (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Spirit of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10)
• Spirit of revelation (Ephesians 1:17)
• Spirit of holiness (Romans 1:4)
• Spirit of the Holy God (4 times in Daniel)
• Peace! (John 14:26; Gal. 5:22; Rom. 8:6; Mark 4:37)

The Holy Spirit is truly amazing! Next to our salvation through Christ, He is the best gift we will ever receive. A.W. Tozer shares…

The Holy Spirit is not enthusiasm…He is a Person. Put that down in capital letters—that the Holy Spirit is not only a Being having another mode of existence, but He is Himself a Person, with all the qualities and powers of personality. He is not matter, but He is substance.…The Holy Spirit has will and intelligence and feeling and knowledge and sympathy and ability to love and see and think and hear and speak and desire the same as any person has…All that the Son is the Holy Ghost is, and all that the Father is the Holy Ghost is, and the Holy Ghost is in His Church. What will we find Him to be like? He will be exactly like Jesus. You have read your New Testament, and you know what Jesus is like, and the Holy Spirit is exactly like Jesus, for Jesus was God and the Spirit is God, and the Father is exactly like the Son; and you can know what Jesus is like by knowing what the Father is like, and you can know what the Spirit is like by knowing what Jesus is like. ( A.W. Tozer, A Treasury of A.W. Tozer (Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, Inc., 1980) pp. 290- 296.)

When Jesus stood up from the stern of the boat and spoke to the storm all around them, “Peace be still,” He released the peace He carried (Mark 4:37). When Jesus instructed His disciples and said, “when you enter a place let your peace come upon it” He was speaking of the Spirit of God that He gave them when He released the disciples to go and preach the Kingdom of Heaven and heal the sick (Matthew 10:13)! The peace of God is the Holy Spirit. Thus, when Jesus stated, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” He was referring to the Holy Spirit. The peace that Jesus was giving to mankind was the assurance and truth of the Kingdom of God being present and alive within our lives. All of the attributes, character and nature of God are yours through the Holy Spirit. As you draw near to Him He will draw near to you and His peace will become your peace. Striving, fear, self-reliance and self-promotion will end! All performance disappears, because peace becomes a friend not an achievement. Jesus was the Prince of Peace because He was One with Peace! Step into your perfect peace today; step into a friendship with Peace and allow Him to live through you.

Written by Dave Carlson

 

Discussion Questions:

What is the name of the Holy Spirit? What does this say about Him?

 

Day Four - Empowered

 

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

~ Luke 24:49

 

As children of God, we have become co-heirs with Christ. In Romans we read, “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory” (Romans 8:17). This position is again made clear in Ephesians 2:6: “[God] raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” In and through Christ, we have been repositioned. No longer are we children of this world, but rather we are royalty (heirs) in the kingdom of Heaven. As heirs in this kingdom, we have been charged with the advancement of our Lord’s mission. His conquest and His kingdom have become our own because we have been adopted into His lineage. But like the earthly king in our illustration, if we are to be effective in our position in Christ, we must discover and wield the power that comes with it. You have been empowered to fulfill your role in the advancement of His kingdom. Peter declared: You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

It is important to remember, that authority/position always precedes power. The power you were created to live through originates out of the authority that you possess.  Jesus commanded 500 people not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5) Jesus did not suggest that the apostles should wait for the Promise, nor did He recommend that they heed His instruction. Rather, He “commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem” until the Promise had come. Jesus was compelled to place such high importance on this instruction because the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Recognize that 500 people witnessed Jesus resurrected (1 Cor. 15:6). All 500 were present when they received the command to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise, but only 120 where present when He came. Something happened that 380 people were missing. Authority and position release power. Those who positioned themselves in the upper room received the power!

Take a look at John 20:21-22: “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me [Jesus], I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The Greek word for “receive” means “immediately or right now.” This was not a foreshadowing of what was going to happen. The disciples actually received the Holy Spirit before Jesus ascended into heaven. But they were not clothed with power until they had been filled with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The disciples were “born again” when Jesus breathed on them, and became empowered when the Spirit fell upon them in the upper room.

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 divided 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). In the Old Testament fire often symbolizes the presence of God. What the author of Acts described as “tongues, as of fire” is the manifestation of God’s presence. These followers of Jesus, both men and women, were engulfed or baptized in God’s presence.

This revealed presence on the day of Pentecost is also seen in the reference to a “rushing mighty wind.” Remember, the Holy Spirit is not a “mighty wind.” He is a Person. However, the manifestation of His arrival in the upper room took the form of a mighty wind. The Greek word for “filled” in Acts 2:4 literally means “satiated - to supply to excess.” Those in the upper room were filled to excess with the Holy Spirit. All of them experienced a greater degree of God’s manifest presence in their lives. In addition to the manifestations of fire and wind, another sign of the infilling of the Spirit was the fact that the believers began to speak in other tongues; the language of Heaven! As they were filled to excess with the Holy Spirit they began to take on characteristics and the nature of God – the atmosphere of heaven. They spoke the heavenly language and began to reveal the heart of the Father! All of this demonstrated that God had invaded earth and had empowered His greatest creation, man, to once again live in His image expressing His Kingdom.

In Matthew 16:19 Jesus communicated that He would give the sons and daughters of God the “keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.” These keys represent the authority and position to “defeat the gates of hell,” and the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit was given to empower these sons and daughters of God with the power to make it happen! The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to all the sons and daughters of God to manifest His Kingdom and to glorify His name. Your most blessed state of living comes when you are doing what God has designed you to do. In that place, the gifts He has put in you will empower you to accomplish your purpose for living. Discovering your purpose is a key to living your dreams. The nine power gifts of the Holy Spirit are demonstrations of the fact that God is working with and through you.

The power gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 12. “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 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 12:4–11, emphasis that God is the giver. He gives. He takes the initiative to give gifts to every single person who calls on Him. What does He give? The manifestation of the Spirit. What does that mean? It means that God wants to be on display in you and through you. And He will demonstrate it by giving you spiritual gifts to exhibit, to enjoy, to use for His glory and for your good and blessing. The Lord longs for the whole of mankind to begin to taste and see His goodness, so He gives gifts that demonstrate His wonderful nature. 

Written by Dave Carlson

Discussion Questions:

• What is the purpose of the power gifts of the Holy Spirit?

• What is the fruit of the Spirit?

• What’s the difference?

 

Day Five - Multiple Fillings

 

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

The Word of God says that Jesus Himself will baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire. It is the will of the Father that we are filled with His fullness, His very Life and Spirit, that we may be one with Him. Baptizo of the Holy Spirit is a submerging, a cleansing, an overwhelming immersion into God’s glory and presence.

We are to desire and pursue this immersion with a passion that hungers for more of the Father’s presence in our lives. Jesus declared, “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). It was necessary that Jesus ascend to the right hand of the Father to assure the sons and daughters of God that they would be able to live in the same authority and power Jesus exercised on earth. He was clear when He said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). The baptism of the Holy Spirit grants us a divine power that, through our faith will allow miracles, signs, wonders and healings to flow.  The manifestation of this power enables us to be witnesses to the true and living God.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit provides us with nine “power” gifts, each of which we are instructed to release by virtue of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. We are not to be ignorant about the purpose and function of these gifts. Each gift is immediate and available upon the baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to profit the one being ministered to. Unfortunately, we have been taught to believe that the phrase “for to one” or “another” in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 refers to us receiving only one gift from the Holy Spirit. The belief is that each person in the body of Christ receives one gift and when working together with the other Christians we function as one body. This is poor teaching! The phrase “for to one” and “another” is a demonstrative pronoun that links each verse to the last noun in verse seven of First Corinthians chapter twelve.  1 Corinthians 12:7 states, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” The last noun in this verse is “profit” which actually means the benefit and edification of all. Therefore, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given to each person for the profit or benefit of the one we are ministering to. By God’s divine love and mercy, the manifestation of the Spirit is “given” to each believer that the Father’s glory may be revealed.

Take for example, Philip, who went down to Samaria to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “And the multitude with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles, which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:5-8). By operating the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Philip produced in Samaria a manifestation of the Spirit through miracles, deliverance and healings. And there was great joy in the city! Christians are called to manifest the Spirit of God by being in the will of God at all times. We must position ourselves to release the gifts of the Holy Spirit by faith in order to reconcile the heart of man back to the heart of the Father.

The “power” gifts of the Holy Spirit are categorized to help understand them better:

1. Inspirational, Worship or Utterance Gifts
   1. The gift of tongues
   2. The gift of interpretation of tongues
   3. The gift of prophecy.

2. Revelation, Instructional or Knowledge Gifts
   1. The gift of the word of knowledge
   2. The gift of the word of wisdom
   3. The gift of discerning of spirits

3. Power or Impartation Gifts
   1. The gift of faith
   2. The gift of healing
   3. The gift of the working of miracles

The secret to releasing the full manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to work these gifts in combination with one another. When the gift of prophesy is used with the gift of a word of knowledge and of faith, healing is released and manifestation of the Holy Spirit is produced. Jesus is the perfect example of working from the Holy Spirit and allowing the Holy Spirit to manifest His goodness on this earth. Matthew 17:24-27 gives an example of Jesus operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit,

When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.”

And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

Notice that Word of God says, “Jesus anticipated what Peter was going to say.” The gift of prophesy, the word of wisdom, gift of faith and working of miracles all produced a coin in the fish’s mouth. Jesus did not produce this miracle because He was the Son of God, rather He worked this miracle with His friend the Holy Spirit who manifested His goodness through Jesus’ faith. This is what the Holy Spirit desires to do with all of us! This is the purpose and plan for us to be One with God is to be One with the Holy Spirit that we may bring “profit” or “benefit” to the one’s we are ministering to. The Father desires to reveal His glory on this earth and He has chosen to work through us to do so.

Acts 4:31 states, “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.” As we begin to live and walk by the Spirit of God we will understand that there are many fillings of the Holy Spirit. There is so much more that Abba desires to reveal and release through us. We cannot contain it all. There are many fillings of the Holy Spirit and as we yearn and draw closer to Him these fillings overtake us and we are empowered to reveal more of Him! Understand, you were first filled with the Holy Spirit when you were “born again” and the Spirit of God came into you to dwell (John 3:5-6; John 20:21-22; 1 Cor. 12:3); you can then be “baptized in the Holy Spirit” to be empowered to fulfill His call and destiny on your life (Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5-8; 1 Cor. 12); and you can have many more fillings of the Holy Spirit as He continues to equip and empower you with His goodness and power (Acts 4:31).

Abba’s intentions for us go far beyond salvation. It is not “good enough” for us to stop at “being saved.” The reality of our salvation is so wonderful that it is beyond our comprehension; but a place in heaven is only the beginning of all Abba desires to give us. Abba also sent His Son so that we can enjoy an amazing life on this earth. Paul said, “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Notice the word godliness. Only one who knows Abba can possess godliness because godliness is to be like Him. James states, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Abba desires to spend time with you so that you can become like Him. We become godly through intimate knowledge of God, and the only way we can develop this deep relationship with God is through His beautiful and amazing Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2).

As a Church, we must look to Jesus as our model. The lost were drawn to Jesus. He walked the streets and fellowshipped with tax collectors and prostitutes, the very people the religious leaders looked down upon. There was something different about Him. Jesus was the ultimate example of what it means to be in the world but not of it. His heart broke for those the religious zealots shunned. He did not attend their parties to be a part of what they pursued; He was there to show them a new way. Likewise, we are called to reach out to the morally depraved and broken.

If the Church will not be Christ’s hands and feet, then who will? We—and we alone—are His Body.

Through the transformational power of the Holy Spirit, we are now in Christ. We serve as His ambassadors (an extension and representation of who He is) on the earth. If we do not carry Abba’s truth and light to this world, no one will. 

Be encouraged and be filled with the Holy Spirit! The person of the Holy Spirit desires to co-labor with you to present His Kingdom on this earth! What an exciting time! Be filled with the Holy Spirit today and truly be His light in this world. Isaiah saw this day and he declared, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” This “glory” is the manifested presence of God – your friend the Holy Spirit! Arise and shine for the Holy Spirit is with you and will fill you to overflowing that you may be the light the world is look for.

Written by Dave Carlson

 

 Foundations of the Faith

 Week 7- The Authority of God’s Word

Day 1 – A Brief and incomplete History of the Bible

Excerpted “from Bible Studies for Firm Foundation” by Bob and Rose Weiner  

ISBN: 978-0-938558-45-3 PP. 73- 80

From Study 9: The Power and Authority of God's Word

The Bible is the greatest storehouse of Truth in the world. It is the record of God's interaction with man since the beginning of time. The Bible is a copy of historical records and original biographies which are thousands of years old that tell of men and women who walked and talked with God. If you want to know about God's existence, about His plan for you, and about how you can know Him, no greater source can be found than the Bible.

How does the Bible compare as an accurate historical record in Western Literature?

Consider this list of the number of the oldest manuscripts in existence today.

 

 

 

 

 

Manuscript	Number	Oldest Manuscript in Existence
Dialogues of Plato	7	1200	Years after the Death of Plato
Homer's Iliad	643	500	Years after the Death of Homer
Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars	10	1000	Years after the Death of Caesar
Pliny's History	7	750	Years after the Death of Pliny
Have you ever heard anyone question the credibility of Pliny or Julius Caesar or Plato? you ever heard anyone question the credibility of Pliny or Julius Caesar or Plato?
New Testament	24,000	25	Years after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

 

The New Testament was written by eyewitnesses who listened to Jesus' teachings for over three years and saw Him after He rose from the dead.

Of these 24,000 Manuscripts:

5,000 Copies are in Greek

10,000 Copies are in Latin

9,000 Copies are in Ethiopian, Slavic, Armenian, Aramaic, and various languages.

Their accuracy?

When you compare these manuscripts of the New Testament, they all say the same thing. The manuscripts of the New Testament are the most accurate, authentic manuscripts in the possession of mankind today. All of Western Civilization that has been good and helpful to the human race was built from the Light and Truth of the Bible.

 The United States was founded by Christians who made the Bible the cornerstone of our Republic and believed that all men should be guided by the light of its Truth. Our Founders modeled their free form of self-government after Moses' representative government in the wilderness. In early America, the Bible was the main textbook in our schools. The Founders held the view that the Bible was crucial in maintaining individual freedom, good government, and our free Republic.

There is something in the Bible that is so powerful that it has been banned by those who have threatened the rights of men down through the centuries. It is historical fact that wherever governments, tyrants, dictators, or false religious leaders are determined to keep people in bondage and force them to believe what the state wants them to believe, there is a war against the Bible. There is obviously something in the Bible they don't want people to know.

What Do They Hate about the Bible?

Have you ever wondered exactly what there is in the Bible that makes oppressors of men so afraid? Let's consider the recent example of communist nations who based their national life on the political theory of Karl Marx coupled with the Darwinian theory of evolution. Marx and Darwin were both atheists who rejected the idea of God as Creator and Law Giver and exalted the theory of man as God. Marx's theory wreaked havoc in the 20th century. Historically, every Marxist government has made it a crime for people to own a Bible. It was so in the former Soviet Union and in China. Why? Because everything about Marx's political theory is opposed to God's Truth as it is revealed in the Bible.

By the 1970s, almost one-third of the world had fallen to Marxist communism. Western civilization did not escape the icy fingers of Marx and Darwin that reached out from the grave to rule the minds of men. In the early part of the 20th century, the United States had its own group of men and women who were enamored with Marxism and devoted to Darwinism who called themselves Progressives. Headed by John Dewey these educators and politicians wanted to change the direction of our nation from a Christian Republic and make it a secular, socialist state. To accomplish this, they decided to use the public schools. Dewey and his friends presented a document called the Humanist Manifesto, in which they stated that one of their goals to improve the education of children was to remove the Bible and the Christian religion from the public classroom so that children could become more enlightened and progressive. Dewey had such an influence that he became known as the Father of American Education. It is important to understand this because this philosophy succeeded in shaping our public schools and universities and changing our national life. For this reason, many Christians hold Marxist ideas that are in direct opposition to the truth of the Bible, and they don't even know it. In fact, Christians often view the Bible through the dark glasses of Marxist theory.

The Power and Authority of God's Word

Let's separate the precious from the vile and make a comparison between what Karl Marx taught that is still being propagated today and what the Bible teaches. Marxist theory teaches that the end justifies the means. The Bible says, No! God gives us a standard of right and wrong. Wrong can never produce right. If the root is bad, so is the fruit. Marxist theory teaches the redistribution of wealth - take from those who have and give it to those who have not. The Bible says, No! People have a right to private ownership of property which is as sacred as the laws of God. People have a right to keep the fruit of their labor. The eighth and tenth Commandments are: "Do not steal. Do not covet what belongs to your neighbor." It is your work that should be rewarded. The Bible teaches that laziness will result in poverty.

The Bible teaches us to care about people. God wants us to prosper and tells us to help others in need out of our surplus. The Bible teaches this is to be a freewill offering, not something taken by force or coercion. Marxism teaches the opposite and raises its citizens to be wards of the state who are to depend upon the state to meet all their needs. The Bible says, No! You are to look to God as your Savior and Provider. The Bible tells us not to trust in man or look to man to meet our needs, but to "seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness and everything we need will be given to us."

Marxism teaches that rights and privileges are granted and regulated by the state. The Bible says, No! The rights of life and liberty are given by God. He is the Author of all Liberty, and He has come to proclaim Liberty to all the earth's captives. The Bible says that you are God's free man and woman and that you are to "Stand up in the liberty with which Christ has made you free and don't be entangled in the yoke of bondage." Marxist socialism teaches people to wait for direction and guidance from the state - do not act without being told or without consulting an expert. The Bible says, No! When you lack wisdom, ask God and He will give you the wisdom you need.

Marxism teaches that the group action is more important than the individual effort - wait for the group to act, make sure everything you do is in agreement with the group. The Bible says, No! The believer is to act immediately in obedience to the Voice of God's Spirit within, even if it means standing alone. The Bible teaches that when it comes to the time of choosing, "We must obey God and not man." Individual salvation is what counts. The Bible says that it is the individual in fellowship with God who can change the world. God calls the individual to be His disciple and gives each person his or her special mission. The individual has a personal responsibility for himself and his or her actions. Individuals are required by God to not be lazy, but to be good stewards of everything God has given them, and to multiply their gifts and talents by putting them to good use.

Marxism teaches that there is no God - the state or the individual is God. The Bible says, No! There is One God to whom all people owe allegiance and to whom each person must answer. Marxism teaches that history is moving people to a socialist state where everyone is equal in property and wealth, where there is no distinction, and everyone is entitled to the  same wages, privileges, and recognition, regardless of whether they are diligent and industrious, or thoughtless and lazy. The Bible says, No. The Bible makes a distinction in reward between a life poorly spent and a life well-lived, not only in this world but in the world to come. The Bible teaches that there is a distinction between those who are faithful and those who are unfaithful. The Bible teaches that the curse of poverty is in the earth and gives us the remedy of how to escape it - let each person turn to God and receive His blessing. He is the one who "opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living creature." Each person will live a blessed or cursed life on this earth depending on whether that person obeys God's commands and loves God or not.

The Bible also teaches that in the world to come all things will not be equal. Each person who has received Jesus as their Savior will be rewarded for their work, their good deeds, their obedience to God's commands, and their faithful service to Christ. Each person will reap what they have sown. Those who have loved Jesus and have followed Him will enter into the joys of heaven and life everlasting. Jesus warned in a visitation to John, His apostle, on the Isle of Patmos: "Cowards who turn away from Me, and unbelievers, and the corrupt, and murderers, and the immoral, and those who practice witchcraft, and idol worshipers, and all liars - their doom is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). Marx teaches that communism is the great pinnacle toward which all history is moving. The Bible says, No! All of history is moving toward the day when "the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ and He shall reign forever."

The War against the Bible

The 20th and 21st centuries aren’t the first centuries to oppose the Bible. Down through history, there has been a war against the Bible. Christians have been imprisoned, burned at the stake, beheaded, and persecuted for to publish the Bible or preach from its pages. During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, Europe burst into flames over efforts to translate the Bible from the archaic language of Latin into the language of the people. More Christians were executed over attempting to publish and preach the Bible than those who were thrown to the lions by Caesar and his cohorts in the church's infancy. It is estimated that 50 million people died during the Protestant Reformation for seeking to worship God according to the dictates of their heart and conscience. (David Plaisted, Estimates of the Number Killed by the Papacy, <www.cs.unc.eduj +plaistedy estimates.doc»

Why the resistance to the Bible? The Bible was scarce and few of the church leaders had ever read it, consequently Europe was controlled by the Roman Catholic Church that in those days taught the traditions of man for the commandments of God. Many of these traditions were contradicted by the Bible. Those who taught biblical truth that was contrary to tradition were persecuted, hunted down, imprisoned, and killed like common criminals.

In The Power and Authority of God's Word the 1500s, the printing press was invented, and in spite of this great persecution, the first book printed was the Bible. Most people of that era could not read or write, but when the Bible was made available to the masses, people all over Europe put forth every effort to learn to read, so they could read God's Holy Word for themselves. When they read the Bible, they realized that many things they believed about God were incorrect. In the midst of this persecution over preaching, publishing, and reading the Bible, Martin Luther, 16th century reformer and Father of the Protestant Reformation, penned: The Bible is the proper book for men. There the Truth is distinguished from error far more clearly than anywhere else, and one finds something new in it every day. For twenty-eight years, since I became a doctor, I have now constantly read and preached the Bible; and yet I have not exhausted it. There I began to understand that the righteousness of God by which the righteous love is a gift of God, and is received namely by faith ... There I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered the gates of paradise itself through open gates. There a totally other face of the entire Scripture showed itself to me ... the work of God, what God does in us, the power of God, with which He makes us strong, the wisdom of God, with which He makes us wise, the strength of God, the salvation of God, and the glory of God. You should diligently learn the Word of God and by no means imagine that you know it. Let him who is able to read, take a psalm in the morning, or some other chapter of Scripture, and study it for a while. This is what I do. When I get up in the morning, I pray and recite the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer with the children, adding any one of the Psalms. I do this only to keep myself well acquainted with these matters, and I do not want to let the mildew of the notion grow that I know them well enough. The devil is a greater rascal than you think he is. His definite design is to get you tired of the Word and in this way to draw you away from it. This is his aim." (LW 34:33, WA 32, 64f).

While Martin Luther was not correct in everything he said and did, in particular his persecution of the Jews, he championed a great deal of truth for every believer for which we should be forever grateful. Luther recovered and propagated the truth that all those who believe are saved through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ alone. He also championed the concepts of the priesthood of every believer and the right of every individual - even a plowboy - to read and understand the Bible for himself. Luther translated the Bible into German. William Tyndale was burned at the stake for working to translate the Bible into English. Nonetheless, this translated Bible was smuggled into England. Because of Tyndale's sacrificial work, English-speaking people were able to read the Bible in their mother tongue. Having read the Scriptures for themselves, many saw that the state church of England was little better than the church of Rome and equally persecuted nonconformists. Finally, in the 17th century, the Pilgrims and Puritans set sail for the shores of North America to start the world over again and to establish a nation where freedom to worship God would be the heritage of all.

We should never forget that our nation was founded by Christians who fled the tyranny of the Old World, seeking religious freedom and the rights to read, preach, and practice the teaching of the Bible. Through the sacrifice of these great Christians, we live in a nation where everyone is free to read and own as many Bibles as they want. Our Founding Fathers viewed the truths of the Bible as the cornerstone and foundation of all our liberty and were insistent that the Bible be read in our nation's schools. In the 18th century, the first book printed in the USA was a Bible published for our schools by our national Congress. Congress believed that the teachings of the Bible showed people right from wrong and taught them love for their fellow man. They believed that the Bible elevated our thoughts, softened our manners, and taught our individual responsibility to our Creator. George Washington, the Father of Our Country and the first President of the United States wrote, "It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible." Noah Webster, author of the American Dictionary of the English Language and one of the framers of the U.S.

Constitution, said, "All the misery that men suffer come from neglecting the precepts of the Bible." Patrick Henry noted for his work for American Independence, spoke these immortal words about resisting the oppression of the British King, "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" He also said, "The Bible is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever penned." In the 19th century, Abraham Lincoln wrote, "The Bible is the best book ever given to men." This was our national faith until an attack began to overturn it in the beginning of the 20th century. As mentioned earlier, the warfare against the Bible that was going on in the Marxist nations moved front and center to the United States. Humanist educators were convinced that the Bible had to be eliminated from the American classroom at all costs. False teaching worked its way into the churches. Doubt was cast on the Bible's accuracy and importance. Christians were taught to focus on their own spiritual life. They withdrew from the culture that was opposed to God. They were told, "Politics are dirty; stay out of them." As a result, Christians in North America began to withdraw their stewardship over the public arena. Christians lagged behind in statesmanship and civic and cultural leadership. They became focused on their own personal lives, their pietistic devotional life, and heaven. Some even believed that as things got worse - which was a certainty if the Christians give up leadership - it was a sure sign that Jesus was coming soon and everyone should be glad about it. Christians were lured to sleep and no longer tried to disciple our nation and teach it to obey Christ's teaching of love and life. The devil and evil men had a field day. While

Christians were sleeping, by the early 1970s, the secular humanist educators realized their dream, and the Bible became a banned book in American public schools. Not a single Christian showed up at the Supreme Court to interpose an objection when the liberty to read the Bible in our public schools had its hearing. Soon it became illegal to offer public prayer in the classroom to the God Who made us. Following this, the Ten Commandments were taken down from the classroom walls. As one educator commented: "If children read these commandments, they will think they have to obey them, and this will just not do!" What philosophy did the Progressives put in the place of biblical truth? The theories of Darwin and Marx. As Darwinists, they viewed people as descended from the monkey, and as Marxists, they went to war against the power of the individual and truth itself. They believed that there were no moral absolutes because there is no Divine Creator or Absolute Law Giver. Since there was no God to answer to, there was no such thing as the devil or heaven and hell. They taught that all truth is relative. My truth may not be your truth. Truth is evolving and ever changing. Since there are no moral absolutes, people are free to be whomever they want to be and do whatever they want to do. Whatever a person needs to do to further what he or she thinks is best is totally permissible, if it is for a good end.

Up until the 1970s, the greatest offenses in the public classroom were chewing gum, talking in class, throwing paper wads, or being in the hallway when the study bell rang. Now our children have become the victims of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. Sexual deviancy is applauded and encouraged. Students have to pass through metal detectors to enter the public classroom where they often become the victims of drug peddling, theft, murder, and other sordid crimes. And to add insult to injury, many students graduate without basic reading and math skills. To all this ideology the Bible says, No! The

Bible teaches that each person is created in the image of God. Each person owes God their obedience and allegiance. Each person has been put here to be a part of God's plan, and each person must answer to God for the way they live their lives and use their talents. Because of this false teaching, we have lost a large portion of the liberty and religious freedom that our Founders worked so tirelessly to win. We must work to gain it back, and yes, we can succeed because the Truth is on our side. We can take courage from the center of Marxist thought, the former Soviet Union. In the 1990s, the tide began to turn in Soviet Russia against Marx that would relegate Marxism to the dustbin of history. As Marxism proved to be an abject failure, a great spiritual awakening broke out in these former atheistic nations, and the Bible rose once again from the dead. Where the Bible had been a forbidden book, the Bible is now required reading in the public classroom. These former Marxists nations learned that there is something valuable within the pages of the Bible after all. How is that for the power of the Bible to conquer and prevail! Eighteenth century writer, William Cullen Bryant, said it this way: "Truth crushed to the earth will rise again/ The eternal years of God are hers;/But Error, wounded, writhes in pain,/ And dies among his worshippers.

In the public arena in the United States today, the war is still raging against the Bible as humanists continue to question its accuracy and promote the idea that the Bible is contradictory, archaic, boring, and irrelevant. The cosmic battle continues between the Truth and the Lie - between "God said!" and Satan's probing question, "Did God really say?" The only way we can be captured by the devil's lies is to not know what God has said. What a great blessing that God's words have been recorded for us in the Bible by men who knew Him. And best of all, in the privacy of our own homes, we still have the privilege of freely learning from its pages every day. Jesus upheld the truth of Scripture and quoted from it throughout His ministry. Jesus reminds us, "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make your free!" The Bible has the power to transform our way of thinking, to set us free from the law of sin and death, and to purge us from socialist Marxist dogma that has infected our way of thinking. The Bible is a place we can encounter the Living Christ as He breathes His transforming Word into our hearts through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. The greatest crime we can commit against ourselves and our spiritual progress and the progress of Christ's kingdom in this world is to let the Bible sit and gather dust on our library shelf.

 

Discussion Questions:

Day 1 – A Brief and incomplete History of the Bible

• Do you think that the Bible is the Word of God? Explain why or why not.

• Is everything in the Bible relevant to us today? Explain why or why not.

• Does the Bible create arguments or settle them? Explain.

 

Day 2 – Bible Facts

The Bible is unique among “Holy Books;” it is rooted in and intertwined with actual human history. It is also the most read book in the world (3.9 billion)

The Bible claims to be “the word of God.” It records the interaction of God with historical people and nations. It reveals the meaning of life and the responsibility of human beings to their Creator.

66 books—The Bible is actually a collection of books, some long, some short. This book of books is the world’s all-time best seller and the world’s most translated book.

Two major sections

The Bible’s two major sections are the Old Testament and the New Testament. (What’s so new about the New Testament?)

The Old Testament has…

• 39 books
• 929 chapters
• 23,214 verses
• 593,493 words
• Longest book: Psalms
• Shortest book: Obadiah (3rd shortest book in the Bible)

                The New Testament has…

• 27 books
• 260 chapters
• 7,959 verses
• 181,253 words
• Longest book: Acts
• Shortest book in the Bible: 3 John (fewest number of words / 2 John has more words, but one fewer verses.)
• 5 history books (Acts and the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
• 21 letters (epistles)
• 1 book of prophecy (Revelation)

 

The nine sub-sections of the Bible

The Bible’s books are arranged by TYPE, rather than chronologically.

 

 

1.  Books of Moses and the Law	2.  History books about God’s chosen people, Israel	3. Wisdom books	4. Prophets’ books beginning with the most major five first	5. Gospels
The Pentateuch: Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy	Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra	Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon	Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi	Matthew Mark Luke John
6. History of the early church	7. Paul’s letters	8. Other letters	9. Apocalypse
Acts of the Apostles	Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon	Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude	Revelation

There have been hundreds of books written on the subject of the evidences of the divine inspiration of the Bible, and these evidences are many and varied. Most people today, unfortunately, have not read any of these books. In fact, few have even read the Bible itself! Thus, many people tend to go along with the popular delusion that the Bible is full of mistakes and is no longer relevant to our modern world.

Nevertheless the Bible writers claimed repeatedly that they were transmitting the very Word of God, infallible and authoritative in the highest degree. This is an amazing thing for any writer to say, and if the forty or so men who wrote the Scriptures were wrong in these claims, then they must have been lying, or insane, or both.

But, on the other hand, if the greatest and most influential book of the ages, containing the most beautiful literature and the most perfect moral code ever devised, was written by deceiving fanatics, then what hope is there forever finding meaning and purpose in this world?

If one will seriously investigate these Biblical evidences, he will find that their claims of divine inspiration (stated over 3,000 times, in various ways) were amply justified.

Fulfilled Prophecies

The remarkable evidence of fulfilled prophecy is just one case in point. Hundreds of Bible prophecies have been fulfilled, specifically and meticulously, often long after the prophetic writer had passed away.

For example, Daniel the prophet predicted in about 538 BC (Daniel 9:24-27) that Christ would come as Israel's promised Savior and Prince 483 years after the Persian emperor would give the Jews authority to rebuild Jerusalem, which was then in ruins. This was clearly and definitely fulfilled, hundreds of years later.

There are extensive prophecies dealing with individual nations and cities and with the course of history in general, all of which have been literally fulfilled. More than 300 prophecies were fulfilled by Christ Himself at His first coming. Other prophecies deal with the spread of Christianity, as well as various false religions, and many other subjects.

There is no other book, ancient or modern, like this. The vague, and usually erroneous, prophecies of people like Jeanne Dixon, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and others like them are not in the same category at all, and neither are other religious books such as the Koran, the Confucian Analects, and similar religious writings. Only the Bible manifests this remarkable prophetic evidence, and it does so on such a tremendous scale as to render completely absurd any explanation other than divine revelation.

Unique Historical Accuracy

Learn more about Archaeology and the Bible

The historical accuracy of the Scriptures is likewise in a class by itself, far superior to the written records of Egypt, Assyria, and other early nations. Archeological confirmations of the Biblical record have been almost innumerable in the last century. Dr. Nelson Glueck, probably the greatest modern authority on Israeli archeology, has said:

    "No archeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical descriptions has often led to amazing discoveries."

Scientific Accuracy

Another striking evidence of divine inspiration is found in the fact that many of the principles of modern science were recorded as facts of nature in the Bible long before scientist confirmed them experimentally. A sampling of these would include:

    Roundness of the earth (Isaiah 40:22)

    Almost infinite extent of the sidereal universe (Isaiah 55:9)

    Law of conservation of mass and energy (II Peter 3:7)

    Hydrologic cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:7)

    Vast number of stars (Jeremiah 33:22)

    Law of increasing entropy (Psalm 102:25-27)

    Paramount importance of blood in life processes (Leviticus 17:11)

    Atmospheric circulation (Ecclesiastes 1:6)

    Gravitational field (Job 26:7)

    and many others.

These are not stated in the technical jargon of modern science, of course, but in terms of the basic world of man's everyday experience; nevertheless, they are completely in accord with the most modern scientific facts.

It is significant also that no real mistake has ever been demonstrated in the Bible—in science, in history, or in any other subject. Many have been claimed, of course, but conservative Bible scholars have always been able to work out reasonable solutions to all such problems.

Unique Structure

The remarkable structure of the Bible should also be stressed. Although it is a collection of 66 books, written by 40 or more different men over a period of 2,000 years, it is clearly one Book, with perfect unity and consistency throughout.

The individual writers, at the time of writing, had no idea that their message was eventually to be incorporated into such a Book, but each nevertheless fits perfectly into place and serves its own unique purpose as a component of the whole. Anyone who diligently studies the Bible will continually find remarkable structural and mathematical patterns woven throughout its fabric, with an intricacy and symmetry incapable of explanation by chance or collusion.

The one consistent theme of the Bible, developing in grandeur from Genesis to Revelation, is God's great work in the creation and redemption of all things, through His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible’s Unique Effect

The Bible is unique also in terms of its effect on individual men and on the history of nations. It is the all-time best seller, appealing both to hearts and minds, beloved by at least some in every race or nation or tribe to which it has gone, rich or poor, scholar or simple, king or commoner, men of literally every background and walk of life. No other book has ever held such universal appeal nor produced such lasting effects.

One final evidence that the Bible is true is found in the testimony of those who have believed it. Multitudes of people, past and present, have found from personal experience that its promises are true, its counsel is sound, its commands and restrictions are wise, and its wonderful message of salvation meets every need for both time and eternity.

Bible Information from these pages:

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/about.html

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t003.html

Online option for more on the Bible here:

Want to understand the Bible better? Start with God’s Story, a wonderful, multimedia summary of the Bible, chronologically from Creation to eternity.

Visit:   http://www.christiananswers.net/godstory/home.html

Discussion Questions:

Day 1 – A Brief and incomplete History of the Bible

• Do you consider the Bible to be a sound document? Is it true to the facts? Why or why not.

• What holds the Bible together as one book?

• What is the primary theme of the Bible?

 

Day 3 - The Language of the Bible

When I speak of the language of the Bible I am not speaking about the original language texts that were used to write the words the Bible contains though they are certainly important. The language of the Bible is more than words recorded in ancient cultures whose customs are strange and unfamiliar to us today. God is speaking to us through the Bible today, He is very present in His communication and He speaks through symbols, numbers, history, prophecy and pictures that are timeless and cross cultural. Even colors are used in His communication.

The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and most or all of the New Testament was written in Greek.  Surely there is merit to learning the original languages and studying the texts of the Bible from these sources, but it is not required and very often not feasible. The Bible has been and still is being translated into other languages, there are over 7100 languages at the last count, and the Bible as God’s word is His message and revelation to the whole world.  There are many translations available in the English language and it is not my purpose to decipher which versions are the best or worst.

The Bible is actually a self –interpreting text when read and studied as a whole book. As far as which version is “the best”, the Bible says that in “in an abundance of counselors, there is safety (Proverbs 11:14) so I use a variety of Bible translations for detailed study especially when I come across difficult passages.

• God speaks to the language and culture of the people and individuals who authored the various books of the Bible. Often when we read things in the Old Testament, we do not understand the times or situation into which God spoke and worked and we miss or misinterpret the message that God is speaking. Finding the context into which the Bible speaks can provide a wealth of understanding far above the translated words on the page.

• Read verses in their context. Use a general rule to read at least four or five verses before and after a particular verse quote to be sure that you are getting a complete picture of the text.

• God speaks in pictures, types and shadows.

Hebrews 8:1-5 explains that the gifts, sacrifices, articles and construction of the Tabernacle of meeting erected in the wilderness are a “copy and a shadow of heavenly things”. The layout and construction, even the specific materials used in the Tabernacle all describe the Kingdom of heaven and Jesus, our mediator and Savior.  The priest’s robes, acts of worship and sacrifice all had clear interpretations of the operation of God’s plan of redemption in the Messiah.  These “types” of images and illustrations are found all through the Bible and they comprise a timeless, cross cultural and multilingual communication from God. It is said that a “picture is worth a thousand words” and this is certainly true in God’s word.

        What is a “type”? Typology is a special kind of symbolism. (A symbol is something which represents something else.) We can define a type as a “prophetic symbol” because all types are representations of something yet future. More specifically, a type in scripture is a person or thing in the Old Testament which foreshadows a person or thing in the New Testament. For example, the flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 6-7) is used as a type of baptism in 1 Peter 3:20-21.

When we say that someone is a type of Christ, we are saying that a person in the Old Testament behaves in a way that corresponds to Jesus’ character or actions in the New Testament. When we say that something is “typical” of Christ, we are saying that an object or event in the Old Testament can be viewed as representative of some quality of Jesus (from http://www.gotquestions.org/typology-Biblical.html )

• God speaks through people not just in their recorded words but also through their lives and situations.

Paul instructed the Church at Corinth that actions and history of Israel was itself a communication of God for our benefit

1 Corinthians 10:6-12

 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7  Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." 8  We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.  ESV

• God speaks through His creation.

Many of the parables of Jesus related common practices to fundamental principles in the unseen Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed  (Matthew 13:31)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven (Matthew 13:33)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure (Matthew 13:44)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant (Matthew 13:45)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net (Matthew 13:47)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a master of a house (Matthew 20:1)

• God speaks with numbers; He is a God of order. In Genesis the Spirit of God hovered over the chaos to bring order. Some of the numbers and their spiritual significance are listed below; this is not an exhaustive list. When these words appear in scripture, they often carry meanings associated with the subjects listed below. They can unlock knowledge that may not be obvious to the casual reading.

Number	Significance	Number	Significance
1	Unity; to be united	8	New things; new birth; new beginning; renewal
2	Separate; divide; Jubilee	9	Spirit of God, man, or Evil; fruit of the Spirit
3	Trinity and/or Resurrection	10	Law
4	Flesh; creation; natural man	11	Judgment
5	Grace; mercy; favor	12	Authority, Divine, human or satanic
6	Man; Satan’s influence	13	Sin, rebellion
7	Complete; finish	14	Salvation, deliverance

• God always speaks in the present second

Matthew 4:4

"It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes (is proceeding) from the mouth of God.'" ESV

Even though the books of the Bible were written over a long period of years and at different locations from different authors, God is always speaking to our heart. As we read or listen to the bible certain things will “quicken” or be highlighted to us as we go along. Soon we will become familiar with this type of process and it is often the Spirit of God speaking His written word to our Spirits in the present second. His word is alive and active performing the things to which they are sent.(Hebrews 4:12)

Because of God’s integrity, the words of the Bible are never contradicted or changed (God does not change) But at the same time God is constantly making things new ( John 13:34, Jeremiah 31:31, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 47:12, Isaiah 65:17, Ezekiel 11:19, Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 21:2, Isaiah 62:2, Ephesians 2:15, Isaiah 42:10, Jeremiah 31:22, Revelation 21:5).

God speaks out of faith. He always tells the future from the present. God speaks into nothing and it appears (Romans 4:16-18). Without Faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11).

Two kinds of Knowledge

Jesus said: My words are Spirit. (John 6:63)

Even with the best resources and extensive knowledge of the ancient texts, history and context it is possible to miss and/or completely misinterpret the Bible. Without the Spirit of God teaching us our comprehension of the Bible will be severely limited.

Intellectual knowledge is one thing and it can be a very good thing. But the scholars in Jesus day studied the texts of scripture and they disciplined themselves in what they presumed were the most stringent rules for obedience, but they missed the whole point and purpose of the scriptures.

John 5:39-40

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life ESV

The Spirit of God is our great gift and He is our teacher, but we also must be willing to be taught. If we keep our offenses and arrogance and refuse to change our lives, our   bible reading and study will have no effect on our lives. I know of several people who have read the Bible from one end to the other and they never changed. When we approach the Bible we need to consciously approach it as if God himself is speaking to us as we read.

God’s word is not a book of arguments; it is the book of the covenant. A covenant is not a simple contract or a set of rules; it is an exchange of persons. In the Bible, God is showing us how and equipping us to exchange our sinful flesh driven nature for Him. His language is more than words; it includes pictures, history, nature, and the common things of creation. Ultimately His communication to us is Jesus Christ Himself.

God's Supreme Revelation 

Hebrews 1:1-4

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;  who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,  having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  NKJV

John 1:1-4

The Word Became Flesh  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.   All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  ESV

Discussion Questions:

 Day 3 - The Language of the Bible

• What is a “type” in the Bible? Give an example. Why is this significant to us?

• What is God’s ultimate revelation?

• Is God speaking to us right now through the Bible? Explain.

 

Day 4 – How to Study the Bible

There are many great devotionals and Bible study resources out there. Many are free and can be found online or purchased in Christian bookstores.

Some Good online Bible sites

• Online - The Blue Letter Bible at https://www.blueletterbible.org/ which includes many versions, devotionals, word studies, video resources and more.
• On your computer -E-Sword - http://www.e-sword.net/ which is a downloadable bible program which includes many versions, reference libraries, and the ability to add in study notes on your own.
• On your phone - YouVersion - https://www.youversion.com/ A free Bible on your phone, tablet, and computer. YouVersion is a simple, ad-free Bible that brings God's Word into your daily life.

My favorite devotional is “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. You can find it in many bookstores and you can find the devotional published online at: http://utmost.org/

Whatever resources you choose to use in your personal bible study, the attitude of your heart is by far the most important part. The following excerpt from the book, “HOLINESS, TRUTH AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD” by Francis Frangipane communicates this essential truth.

Keeping Your Way Pure

The Scriptures tell us that the Lord is our keeper. To be kept by Him, however, does not mean we will not face temptations, for even Jesus was tempted. Rather, it is in the midst of trials and temptations that God keeps us. And the way He keeps us is through His Word. Therefore, if we would be holy, we must know intimately the Person whom the Bible calls the Word.

TREASURING THE WORD

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Thy word. With all my heart I have sought Thee; do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.—Psalm 119:9–11

The question is not, “How can a young man become pure?” as though purity of heart was impossible for a young man. Rather, the question is, “How can he keep his way pure?” Purity of heart can be reached and maintained if we abide in fellowship with God’s Word. No matter what our age may be, we keep our way pure by “keeping it according to [God’s] word . . .               [which] I have treasured in my heart” (Ps 119:9, 11). There is a place beyond knowing a few Bible verses, a place where the living Word of God be-comes our most treasured possession. To treasure the Word is to love it, even as it pierces “as far as the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). To treasure the Word is to remain fully vulnerable, even as it judges “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). It exposes our motives. It is the lamp of the Spirit which illuminates the darkness of our hearts with light. It sets us free from the strongholds of hidden sin. It wounds, but it also heals, penetrating deeply into the very core of our being. The Word of the Lord, united with the Holy Spirit, is the vehicle of our transformation into the image of Christ. Holiness comes to him whose treasure is the Word.

THE WORD IS GOD

Many read the Scriptures simply to reinforce their current beliefs. Although they read the entire Bible, their mind only sees certain doctrines. Instead of believing what they read, they merely read what they already believe. Rarely do they find new truths in the Word. Baptists see from their perspective, Pentecostals and charismatics each have theirs, while Catholics and other denominations often have a completely different emphasis. The same way the Jews were “baptized into Moses” (1 Corinthians 10:2), so Christians are often baptized into their denomination. When they are fully indoctrinated, their minds have been immersed into a pool of teaching that leaves them more conformed to the image of their sect than to the likeness of Christ. But if we would grow in Christ’s likeness, we must be baptized into Christ’s Spirit, not the spirit or slant of any particular denomination. When one is baptized in Christ, his spirit is actually clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27). It is Christ’s image in holiness and power which a true disciple seeks. We cannot allow ourselves to be inoculated with a dozen or so special Bible verses that merely get us “saved” but leave us immune from the fullness of God! You are a disciple of Jesus Christ: the reality of God’s kingdom is found in the combined meaning of all Jesus taught. Therefore, you must treasure every word! The Word is God. The Scriptures are not God, but the Spirit that breathes through the words is God. And this Holy Spirit should be honored as God. Therefore, as you seek the Lord, place your Bible at the foot of your bed, and kneel as you read: are you not seeking to meet with the Almighty? Pray that you will not merely read intellectually. Rather, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart through the Word.

To be a true disciple, you must tremble when God speaks (Isa 66:2). Prepare your heart with reverence and worship. As you kneel in humility before the Lord, the Word will be engrafted into your soul, actually becoming a part of your nature (James 1:21).

Again, do not read only to reinforce your established doctrines, although prayerful consideration of another’s understanding may be of value. Be prepared to take notes, to write down what the Spirit says, being ever mindful that it is the quickening Spirit, not the letter, that brings life (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Read with an attitude of willingness, humility and repentance, and even if you cannot fully obey the Word, keep it, holding it in your heart. Right here is where most people fall short. For if the command seems impossible or unreasonable to their minds, they disregard it. But Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me” (John 14:21). Many times, before you are able to obey the Word, you must make yourself keep it. God must work in you “both to will and to work” (Phil 2:13). First God makes you willing, then He makes you able. In this process, let the Word pierce you, let it crucify you. Suffer with it, but do not let it go. View every Bible command, every “Thou shall be” as a promise God will fulfill in your life as you steadfastly keep His Word. And as you keep the Word, treasuring His commandment in your heart, the Word itself will effectually work within you, bringing grace and transformation as you believe. Each of us needs to stockpile in our minds as much of the Bible as we can. During the first ten years of my walk with God, I began my daily study by reading five chapters in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). I would then read aloud five psalms, seeking to express in my reading the emotion and faith of the psalmist. I would carefully study one chapter of Proverbs and three chapters in the Prophets. Then I would read three chapters in one of the New Testament Letters or Epistles and finally one chapter in the Gospels. In all, I studied about eighteen chapters a day. Reading in this way kept me balanced in the various truths of the Bible.

Perhaps you cannot do as much, but just four chapters a day will complete the whole Bible in less than a year. Whatever approach you decide upon, combine Old and New Testaments in your pursuit.

I would keep my pattern diligently until the Holy Spirit began to speak or “breathe” through the Scriptures. When the Spirit spoke, I honored Him by following His leading, being careful to write down all that He taught. The next day I would begin my pattern again by kneeling before the Word, picking up my study where I left off. Carry a pad and pen with you at all times. At night, put your notebook at your bedside, for God will speak to His beloved, even in his sleep. We are called to abide in Him, not just visit with Him. Ultimately, we must be fully given to the words of Jesus. The Gospels must rise to preeminence above all other books in the Bible. Too often Christians preach Paul or another one of the apostles more than Jesus. Yet Paul taught, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16). It was the word of Christ that transformed all the apostles. The apostle John taught, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God” (2 John 1:9).

We are called to abide in the teaching of Christ! Yet, typically, Christians have spent little time in Christ’s words, choosing rather to read about Him than dwell within Him. We have “how-to” books for every facet of existence. We have come to believe that reading books is the essence of Christianity! We are ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). Dear ones, truth is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21).

Therefore, we must learn to abide in the teachings of Christ, even while we pursue our study of the rest of the Scriptures. Only Jesus died for our sins; our pursuit of Him must become the singular goal of our spiritual endeavors.

You must develop such a listening ear that the Spirit could speak to you anywhere about anything. Honor Him and He will honor you. Keep the Word in your heart and He will establish you in holiness before God. He will keep your way pure.

 

Discussion Questions:

Day 4 – How to Study the Bible

• How do we treasure God’s word?

• “The word is God: The scriptures are not God” - Can you explain this statement?

 

Day 5 – Translate and Meditate

As you read and study the Word of God you will invariably come across words and situations that you do not understand. Sometimes scriptures will seem to be contradictory and confusing. Here is a sound method you can use to sort out these things and grow in knowledge and faith.

Translate and Meditate

When you come to a word or passage that is fascinating or confusing to you, it is a good idea to investigate that scripture and begin to study out that subject. One of the first things to do is to place the scripture in its context. Is it Old or New Testament, Is it a prophecy, letter, historical account, etc.?  You can do specific word searches with bible dictionaries and/or a Strong’s Concordance which catalogues every word written in the Bible and defines it for you. The point is that you should stay with the subject until you get the revelation of Truth before you move on. It is not always required that you do an in depth scholarly study, but keep the word in your heart and receive it as a treasure even if seems difficult at first.

 Translate, Study, and Meditate.  Your study of the bible should not be confined to a single session of reading once a day (which in itself is a good idea), rather you can keep His Word with you as you go through your day.

Also, do not hesitate to ask the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our Teacher, when we ask of Him, He will answer. This may not happen immediately, but it will surely come. If you don’t know what to ask about, simply ask the Lord what He would like to lead you into. God is overwhelmingly in love with you and He desperately wants to teach you his ways. Enjoy the journey; God is the rewarder of those who seek Him.

Psalm 1:1-3

 Blessed is the man, who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.

 In all that he does, he prospers. ESV

Psalm 145:4-7

One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.

 Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, and I will declare your greatness.

 They shall utter the memory of your great goodness, and shall sing of your righteousness.  NKJV

The quote below is from  : http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/founders-ministries-blog/meditating-on-god-s-word.html

The Puritans thought of meditation this way as they described it as “preaching to yourself.” We take the Word of God that we hear and read, and we mull it over in our minds and then bring it to bear upon our lives in personal exhortations.

It is a word that is found often in the Old Testament, especially in the psalms.

                  May my meditation be pleasing to him,   for I rejoice in the LORD (Psalms 104:34).         

                   I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways (Psalms 119:15).         

                   Oh how I love your law!  It is my meditation all the day (Psalms 119:97).

When we meditate we think about God’s Word. We dwell on it and then as opportunities arise, we preach it to ourselves. We inject it into our thoughts as we make decisions, as we admonish and instruct our souls to choose right things and walk down right paths.

This is the essence of meditation. It is evoking the truth, embracing it and embedding it in our lives. It is intentionally focusing on recalling God’s truth that it might resound in our hearts and become that grid through which we sift and measure our thoughts and actions.

Meditation is a crucial Christian discipline and a vital means of grace that we must treasure and practice. But it is a discipline that takes time and effort. Accessibility can never beat intentionality. Don't assume that having God's Word close at hand means you have it close at heart. Carve out time in your day to remember, time to ponder, time to preach to yourself. The world around us can too easily choke out what is needful and good for our souls. Don’t allow God’s truth to slip away from you. Be intentional and diligent and your meditation.

(Emphasis are my own)

Discussion Questions:

Day 4 – How to Study the Bible

• What does it mean to “translate and meditate”?

• What is the correct time of day for meditation? Explain

• How do you “preach to yourself”?

 

 Foundations of the Faith

  Week 8- “What is”….and The King’s Greatest Secret

Day 1 - What is Worship and What is Praise?

What is Worship

The most important instructions in Torah (meaning “Instructions’ or “Law”) reflect the most important priorities to God. Jesus was asked by the teachers at the Temple:

Matthew 22:36-40

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart (Worship) and with all your soul and with all your mind.  38 This is the great and first commandment.  39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Koinonia).  40  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."   ESV 

Worship – Loving God with all your heart.

The Hebrew word (used in the Old Testament) for worship is

shachah (shaw-khaw'); a primitive root; to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God): KJV translates this word variously as:  bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.

The Greek word (used in the New Testament) is

proskuneo (pros-koo-neh'-o); from NT:4314 and a probable derivative of NT:2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):

Worship is your continual Attitude of Heart

Worship is primarily an attitude of your heart. True worship is bowing low, removing arrogance in recognition of the Great God that is ever before us. At the Temple, the priests would lay themselves prostrate on the ground .We celebrate His goodness and  His provision and protection and so we should, but the real  expression of worship is how we position ourselves in our heart and live our lives before Him.

We can sing, play instruments and use any style of music. We can jump in the air, lay ourselves prostrate on the floor, stand or kneel in reverent silence, dance, raise our hands, fold our hands or clap our hands, but if the position of our heart is not bowed low before Him, our “worship” is only a religious form that has no merit or power.

Worship as Warfare

Several times in the Old Testament, the worshippers went out into battle preceding the armies of Israel. The worshippers carried the very presence of God into battle and God brought powerful victories to the nation. (2 Chronicles 2:20-24 – The victory of Jehoshaphat’s army)  In these examples worship is warfare but it is important to remember that preceding the battle and the singing, the people positioned themselves in humility and submission to the Lord.

Worship as Sacrifice

Abraham called it “worship” when he took his son Isaac up the mountain in obedience to God’s call to present Isaac as a sacrifice. God saw Abraham’s attitude of worship, spared his son, and brought fulfillment to every promise given to Abraham. When Abraham honored God, God honored Abraham. Every one of us as Christians are still inheritors of the promises given to Abraham so many generations ago.

Worshipping in spirit and truth is not bowing low before a thunderous demanding God; it is actually the place of power for us. When we bow low before Him, He is free to display His strength on our behalf, it is the key to opening the blessings of God toward us.

When we combine true worship with true koinonia, our strength is multiplied.  The principle of worship and koinonia is reflected in what Jesus identified as the greatest commands in the Kingdom of God.

What is Praise?

Praise in its simplest definition is declaring the goodness of God!  There are multiple words in the Hebrew that can be translated as praise, the best way to view these things is to put them all together and the collective thought will give us a more complete and accurate thought.

For example, there are two different Hebrew words for “praise” in Psalm 149:3: “Let them praise [halal] His name with the dance; Let them sing praises [zamar] to Him with the timbrel and harp.”

Halal means to praise, glorify, boast, commend, etc., and zamar means to make music or sing praises.

halal (haw-lal'); a primitive root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify: KJV  translates this word as (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feignself) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine

The phrase “Hallelujah” is a transliteration of two Hebrew words “Halal” and “Yah” (God’s Name). It is often rendered as “Praise the Lord”. When we say, “Hallelujah” that’s what we are saying and doing – Praise the Lord!

The word "hallelujah" is sung as part of the Hallel Psalms  - What are the Hallel Psalms?

The “Hallel”  - from Eastons Bible Dictionary is defined as –

Praise, the name given to the group of Psalms 113-118, are preeminently psalms of praise. It is called "The Egyptian Hallel," because it was chanted in the temple whilst the Passover lambs were being slain. It was chanted also on other festival occasions, as at Pentecost, the feast of Tabernacles, and the feast of Dedication. The Levites, standing before the altar, chanted it verse by verse, the people responding by repeating the verses or by intoned hallelujahs. It was also chanted in private families at the feast of Passover. This was probably the hymn which our Savior and his disciples sung at the conclusion of the Passover supper kept by them in the upper room at Jerusalem (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26).

There is also another group called "The Great Hallel," comprehending Psalms 118-136, which was recited on the first evening at the Passover supper and on occasions of great joy.

zamar (zaw-mar')is a primitive root [perhaps ident. with OT:2168 through the idea of striking with the fingers]; properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e. play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music: KJV  translates this word as give praise, sing forth praises, psalms.

• Creation has a voice of praise – Psalm 148:3
• Trumpets have a voice of praise – Psalm 150:3
• Cymbals have a voice of praise – Psalm 150:5
• Tambourines have a voice of praise – Psalm 150:4
• Praise is creative – “Sing a new song” - Psalm149:1
• Praise is an expression of love – Psalm 134:2
• Praise cures depression – Put on the garment of praise - Psalm 42:5, Psalm 43:5
• Praise and Worship intersect – Psalm 135:20
• Angels join with us in praise – Psalm 148:3
• Praise is vocal, it can be heard, it affects the atmosphere through sound waves – Psalm 109:30
• Praise is eternal this sound will continue through eternity.

No matter how we praise God, we must be sure to lift up His name above all else. “For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:4). Putting other people or things before God is easy to do, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, let us praise God with all of our might.

Psalm 148 - Praise the Name of the Lord

148  Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord  from the heavens;

praise him in the heights!

2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!

3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!4 Praise him, you highest heavens,and you waters above the heavens!

5  Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created.6 And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

7 Praise the Lord  from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,8  fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!10  Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children!

13  Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord! ESV

Psalm 149   - Sing to the Lord a New Song

Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord  a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!

2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

5 Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,

7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples,

8 to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,

9 to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!  ESV

Psalm 150  - Let Everything Praise the Lord

 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary;

Praise him in his mighty heavens!

2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;

Praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;

Praise him with lute and harp!

4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;

Praise him with strings and pipe!

5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;

Praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!  ESV

 

Discussion Questions:

 Day 1 - What is worship

• What was your definition of worship before reading this article? Has it changed? Explain.

• How and when is worship warfare? Is this still true today?

• What is the difference between “praise” and “worship”? Is it significant? Why?

• In what ways do you personally praise God?

• Is it appropriate to praise things other than God? Explain.

 

Day 2 – What is Koinonia?

Remember the greatest instructions for us from God.

Matthew 22:36-40

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart (Worship) and with all your soul and with all your mind.  38 This is the great and first commandment.  39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Koinonia).  40  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."   ESV 

What is Koinonia?

 Koinonia’s primary definition is fellowship but it carries a deeper connotation than our English translation. How is this like loving your neighbor as yourself?

Acts 4:32-34

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.  And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.  ESV

Koinonia is a Greek word that occurs 20 times in the Bible.” The first occurrence of koinonia is

 Acts 2:42

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

 Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of koinonia.

Philippians 2:1-2 declares, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”

 Koinonia is being in agreement with one another, being united in purpose, and serving alongside each other. Our koinonia with each other is based on our common koinonia with Jesus Christ.

 1 John 1:6-7

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.”

A powerful example of what koinonia should look like can be found in a study of the phrase “one another” in the Bible.

 Scripture commands us to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10),

 honor one another (Romans 12:10),

live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8),

accept one another (Romans 15:7),

 serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13),

 be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32),

admonish one another (Colossians 3:16),

encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13),

spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24),

offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9),

and love one another (1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7; 4:11-12).

That is what true biblical koinonia should look like.

 List adapted from http://www.gotquestions.org/koinonia.html

Discussion Questions:

Day 2 – What is Kononia?

• How is “koinonia” different from common “friendship”?

• How can we develop better koinonia at Josiah Center?

• How can we develop better kononia in the “church” at St. Paul, Minnesota?

Day 3 – What is Prayer?

At its most fundamental definition, Prayer is communication with God.

We are instructed to pray without ceasing, in other words, we are to communicate with God through a continual and personal relationship. Adam walked with God in the cool of the day and they conversed freely and openly. Both God and Adam took great delight in their intimate relationship. God was devastated at the loss of Adam’s trust. God cried out “Adam where are you?” God was grieved at the loss of relationship with Adam. The primary goal of redemption is to restore that communication which was lost in Adam. Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), it was true in the Garden at Genesis, it was true with the disciples of Jesus and it is true for us today.

Jesus stayed in this place of constant communicating prayer (I hear the father… John 5:19)). He is not only the example for us, but He is also the example of us. Jesus is mankind’s pattern of relationship with the Father, not Adam so we need look to Him as our “prototype”.

The prayer of intercession avails much

James 5:13-18 the Prayer of Faith

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 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. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit  ESV

Jesus is a man in heaven who is right now interceding for us.

He is the example for us and of us. Interceding for the redemption of others be it individuals, families, cities or even nations is to participate in the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ our Savior. It is a powerful place of ministry and maturity. As we grow in Christ, this aspect of prayer will increase in us.

Romans 8:34

Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ESV

We create our future through prayer.

The Prayer Womb

The reality that God has planned will always manifest first in the prayer life of His intercessors. When you hear from God and then pray His Word, you are having an impact on the as-yet-unformed essence of life with the Spirit of God Himself! This is why God calls us not only to know His Word, but also to pray it. We must go from intellectualizing God's Word to being impregnated by it.

I know that many churches have special areas where intercessors can pray or people can meditate. Maybe we ought to change the name of such places from "prayer room" to "prayer womb." Everything good and holy that we see manifested in people, in churches and in life is first conceived and then birthed in the womb of prayer

 From: Francis Frangipane  - Prayer Warriors part 1 http://1soul1nation.blogspot.com/2013/05/prayer-warriors-part-1-by-francis.html

The prayer of faith vs the prayer of presumption

                This prayer of communication is one of the most powerful weapons in our lives as believers, but the power is not rooted in us but in the connection to the Spirit of Christ in us. James, the brother of Jesus warns us about our presumption in this area.

James 4:1-4

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this that your passions are at war within you?  2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.  ESV

Praying God’s word is very powerful because we are speaking in agreement with His mind and character. Praying the word of God will transform us from intellectual learning to spiritual appropriation of the will and purposes of God. As we meditate upon and speak God’s covenant prayers we will be changed as we change the world around us.

Prayer changes us – prayer is often listening,

It is communication that tunes us to hear and listen to the Spirit of God …one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray…" —Luke 11:1

Prayer is not a normal part of the life of the natural man. We hear it said that a person’s life will suffer if he doesn’t pray, but I question that. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God in him, which is nourished not by food, but by prayer. When a person is born again from above, the life of the Son of God is born in him, and he can either starve or nourish that life. Prayer is the way that the life of God in us is nourished. Our common ideas regarding prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer simply as a means of getting things for ourselves, but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.

“Ask, and you will receive…” (John 16:24). We complain before God, and sometimes we are apologetic or indifferent to Him, but we actually ask Him for very few things. Yet a child exhibits a magnificent boldness to ask! Our Lord said, “…unless you…become as little children…” (Matthew 18:3). Ask and God will do. Give Jesus Christ the opportunity and the room to work. The problem is that no one will ever do this until he is at his wits’ end. When a person is at his wits’ end, it no longer seems to be a cowardly thing to pray; in fact, it is the only way he can get in touch with the truth and the reality of God Himself. Be yourself before God and present Him with your problems— the very things that have brought you to your wits’ end. But as long as you think you are self-sufficient, you do not need to ask God for anything.

To say that “prayer changes things” is not as close to the truth as saying, “Prayer changes me and then I change things.” God has established things so that prayer, on the basis of redemption, changes the way a person looks at things. Prayer is not a matter of changing things externally, but one of working miracles in a person’s inner nature.

From  “The Purpose of Prayer” by Oswald chambers

 

Discussion uestions:

 Day 4 – What is Prayer?

• “Prayer is the way that the life of God in us is nourished.” Can you explain this statement?

• What is the best way to pray?

• Does prayer change God’s mind? Explain.

 

 

Day 4 – What is the Tithe? – How is it relevant for us today?

 

Origin of the Tithe

                The first mention of the tithe is in Genesis where Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek, King of Salem (meaning “Peace”) after he rescued Lot and his family along with all of their possessions from capture. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram honored Melchizedek with a tenth of what he gained back from what was stolen.

Genesis 14:17-20 Abram Blessed by Melchizedek

After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).  And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)  and he blessed him and said,

"Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!"

And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.  ESV

Later on, Old Covenant tithing was rooted in the first fruits offerings commanded in the Torah. God told Moses that every first born of all male animals and sons were to be “set apart” to the Lord as a memorial to the Passover event when God saved His first born son, “Israel” as a nation. Every firstborn son of Israel was to be redeemed, but the animals were given as memorial sacrifices. (See Exodus 13:11-16).

                Exodus 22:29-31

"You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me. You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep: seven days it shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me.

"You shall be consecrated to me ESV

Later God appointed the tribe of Levi as ministers to the Aaronic priesthood and He told Israel that the first fruit offerings to be given to the Levites for the provision of food for their families. The Levites were not given any land to farm, so God provided for their families directly through the first fruits offering He was already receiving from the people. God honored the Levites dedicated service by giving them this provision.

Numbers 3:11-13

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the people of Israel. The Levites shall be mine, for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the firstborn in Israel, both of man and of beast. They shall be mine: I am the Lord."  ESV

What is the Tithe?

“Tithe" means a tenth or 10 percent. The tithing system described in the Bible was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were assistants to Israel's priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were to give a tenth of all produce, flocks, and cattle to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were to give a tenth of that to support the Aaronic priesthood (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The collection of tithes included provision for the widows, orphans, and the stranger or non-Israelite - the tithe was also celebrated as a family meal with YHWH as the honored guest at the meal

 As we honor God, He honors us. (Deuteronomy 26:12-13) 

The tithe is given from what is seen, it comes from what is already in your hand. The tithe is holy to the Lord, when the tenth is given, the whole crop becomes Holy. Leviticus 27:30

The tithe must be birthed out of a heart that honors God.

In Malachi, God accuses Israel of robbery because the people were not bringing in the full tithe; they were cheating and short changing the animals from the herd. Instead of every tenth animal, they were selectively choosing the lame and weak animals. Since God himself was in the place of providing for the Levites through the tithe, the people were making Him out to be a poor provider.

Malachi 3:8-10

"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You? ‘In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the Lord of hosts, NKJV

Furthermore, a greater dishonor was their complaining disgruntled words against the Lord.

Malachi 3:13-14

"Your words have been harsh against Me, “Says the Lord, "Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?'

 You have said, 'It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, NKJV

To understand how Israel “robbed” God in the tithe you need to read beyond a two verse snippet and get the whole message communicated through the prophet Malachi in his book.

The ordinance of the tithe was not just about giving ten percent of your stuff, it is about honor and provision for others and justice. In Jesus’ day while still under the Old Covenant regulations, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for meticulously giving tithes without grasping the importance it represents in the Kingdom of God.

Luke 11:42-43

"But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.  Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. ESV

What the tithe is not

The tithe is not a “minimum” or “maximum” donation of money. The tithe was food, produce from the land that God gave to Israel as their inheritance and portion – There were many prescribed and voluntary offerings under old covenant practice. These included a standard shekel temple tax for each person, alms, various offerings for purification, free will offerings, fellowship offerings, and an obligation to offer hospitality to the stranger, the weak and the sick.

The tithe is not a command for “church financing “as it is often referenced in Malachi 3: 8-10. But this does not “relieve” us from financially supporting whatever fellowship in which we participate. Not in the least!

Giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be dependent on one's circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). But everyone has something whether much or little and generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10).

Torah tithing was all based on food – produce, grain, sheep and herds. This tithing comes from your food. YHWH, the greater one, blessed Israel with the increase of their land and their herds; He supplied them with all they needed. By tithing to Him, they acknowledged Him and brought Him the honor He deserves.

Tithing to your assembly

Israel was instructed to bring the tithe to the place where YHWH placed His name. That place is you, but it is also the assembly where you live. We are the trees planted by the river of God for the display of His splendor (Isaiah 61:1-9). The fruit is for food and the leaves are for healing (Ezekiel 47:7-12) It is God who gives us the ability to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) and the fruit on our trees and the leaves on our branches are not for our benefit alone, they are for us to give away and bless others. There are no “independent” lone ranger citizens in the Kingdom. The “storehouse” is the assembly where you live. Tithing is not an obligatory command to finance any ministry, but it is a reflection of your heart of gratitude towards your Provider and it is a place where the substance of “His house” can hold the provision for others.

Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need.

Matthew 5:42

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. NIV

Proverbs 3:5-12

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

  My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.  ESV

Tithing today

Hebrews 10:1 tells us that the Torah (Law) was a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities and so we need to see and perceive with clarity what the substance of the shadow of the tithe really is so that we can understand the form of the reality it is today.

To review then, the Tithe is rooted in the Passover event where God spared the sons of Israel and all the firstborn of cattle, herds and flocks. YHWH purchased them through the simple act of displaying a covenant welcome on the doors of the homes of the people. Today, we step into the Kingdom of God by simply accepting the blood of the Lamb of God and opening our heart to yield to His provision. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law; He purchased us with His atoning sacrifice to be His precious people. The tithe honors this redemption every time we experience blessing and increase in our lives.

When we collectively tithe to our assemblies, we create storehouses and provision for the widows, the orphans, the stranger (non-Christian), and even our own families. God’s provision through our labors is meant to be so abundant that even at a ten percent level of unified giving there will be more than enough for all of these endeavors.

Tithing comes from what God has already put into our hands; it requires absolutely no faith to participate in tithing. It only requires some understanding and obedience. God will always prefer obedience over sacrifice and this can expose a root of rebellion or mixture in our thinking. The Pharisees were meticulous in their tithes giving even a tenth of their garden herbs, but Jesus rebuked them severely for neglecting the weightier matters of Justice and Mercy. Tithing is an issue with your heart as much as it is about your substance.

God’s justice is the decree that through Jesus Christ all of your sins are forgiven and He does not remember them thereafter. This door is open today for all people. As Israel remembered the redemption of their sons in Egypt, so the tithe reminds us of the greater redemption available for all. His mercy is brand new every morning and it is also available for all. Like the father if the prodigal son, God is looking for all of His sons to “come to themselves” and return to Him even from a long way off.

Yielding the tithe is fundamentally about honoring God with a thankful heart. It communicates to Him that you recognize that you are no longer your own or on your own to do as you please. The tithe makes a public statement to God and the world that everything you have comes from Him. As the whole body brings their tithes with a thankful willing heart, the world will see YHWH’s generosity and His love for all people including the “stranger” who will be blessed by God’s people.

As the giving in our assemblies begins to reflect again the heart of God as exemplified in the tithe, He will move in new ways and we will see the redemption of many sons. Entire cities, states and nations can be brought into the Kingdom.

Malachi 3:10-12

Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.  I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.  Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.  ESV

Discussion Questions:

Day 4 – What is the Tithe?

Tithing comes from the increase in your land. – We are God’s land and He is always looking to increase the provision to us and out of us. How do we honor the tithe today?

How does our giving reflect the generosity of YHWH who gives every good and perfect gift from above to us?

What blocks and stops this generosity?

How can we overcome these obstacles and become more like Christ?

 

 

Day 5 - What is greatest the King’s Greatest Secret?

Read the King’s  Greatest Secret by  John Roy Bohlen.

Discussion Questions:

• In your own words, tell me what the King’s Greatest Secret is?

• Do you want to communicate this secret to others? Why?

• How do you plan to do this?