Podcasts about him heb

What if your joy could be heard far away? That's exactly what happened in Nehemiah 12, where the people of God celebrated with such exuberance that their joy echoed beyond the city walls. In this message, Joy Filled Living, Pastor Tyler Lynde walks us through what true, contagious joy looks like—and how we can live it out today.Tyler begins by unpacking the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is circumstantial; it fades as quickly as it comes. But joy is enduring—it takes root in our relationship with God and grows through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Nehemiah 12, we don't just see a community celebrating a successful construction project—we see a people restored by God, rejoicing with a depth that external circumstances can't touch.Tyler identifies three essential elements that shaped this joy-filled celebration: an attitude of gratitude, a heart of worship, and a firm understanding that joy comes from God.The first is gratitude. The Israelites gave thanks not just because the walls were finished, but because their hearts were full. Tyler reminded us how easy it is to slip into negativity, but how Scripture calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18). Gratitude transforms our perspective and aligns us with the joy God wants to give.Next is worship. Nehemiah 12 describes music, singing, and processions around the city. Worship wasn't a side note—it was the center of the celebration. Tyler emphasized that when we choose worship—even in hard seasons—God meets us there. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”Finally, Tyler reminds us that joy is a gift. Nehemiah 12:43 says, “God had made them rejoice with great joy.” This wasn't manufactured; it was God-given. And it wasn't limited to leaders or men—it included women and children, showing us God's joy is for everyone.Jesus Himself endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Heb. 12:2). That joy? Us. Through Him, we're offered not just salvation, but joy that strengthens us, sustains us, and overflows to others.Whether you're celebrating or struggling, this message is a call to reclaim the joy that's already yours in Christ.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

Text: Proverbs 22:2 (ESV) 2 The rich and the poor meet together;the LORD is the Maker of them all. THE LORD IS OUR MAKER How does God value people? Is it by their wealth? Definitely not! In the ancient world and even today, people often judge another's worth by their wealth. Thus, “the poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. (Prov 14:20). All people are created in God's image (Gen 1:27). Salvation is available to all people alike. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16–18)“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”(Gal 3:28) “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” [Proverbs 14:31].  A person can be either poor or rich yet be commended by God for his faith in Him (Heb 11:6). On the other hand, both could be defying God and His commands. Sadly, the wrath of god abides in Him. [John 3:36] God does not determine a person's worth by his bank account. Neither, does God use riches to indicate His level of approval to the person. The ultimate destiny of all people is to face God and be judged (see Heb 9:27) “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Proverbs 11:4). Remember. “The grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people,”[Titus 2:11] Money cannot make anyone more important in God's sight, but Jesus' redeeming grace makes all believers rich by becoming God's children. Paul says: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." [2 Cor 8:9] No one is excluded from the love Jesus showed by dying on the cross. John states categorically that Jesus "is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."[ 1 John 2:2] It doesn't matter to the Lord whether a person is rich or poor. He promises: "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). In short, the person who has everything in this world except Christ is the poorest. However, the poorest who possess nothing but Christ be the richest. Christ is our unsearchable riches[Eph 3:8] Do you have a relationship with Him? Is He your Savior and Lord?  Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Faith that Sanctifies      After being justified by faith, we are instructed to walk by faith. Paul wrote, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). God declared, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38a). Living by faith is foundational to the spiritual life, as it shapes how believers relate to God, navigate life's challenges, and grow to spiritual maturity. Every believer has a measure of faith, and this is distinct from the gift of faith that God gives to some Christians after being born again (1 Cor 12:9). This special gift of faith enables some believers “to remove mountains” (1 Cor 13:2), and accomplish great things for God. The gift of faith, according to Ryrie, “Is the ability to believe God for the supply of specific needs. Every believer should walk by faith, and each has a measure of faith, but not all have the gift of faith.”[1] Walvoord states, “As a gift, faith is a blessing bestowed upon some Christians, not all, though all Christians have some faith in God.”[2]      Faith as a noun (pistis πίστις) often refers to that which evokes trust. It is used with reference to God who is trustworthy (Rom 3:3; 4:19-21), and of people who possess faith (Matt 9:2, 22; 21:21). It is also used of Scripture itself as a body of reliable teaching (Acts 14:22; 16:5; Rom 14:22; Gal 1:23; 2 Tim 4:7). Faith as an adjective (pistos πιστός) describes someone who is trustworthy or dependable. The word is used both of man (Matt 25:23; 1 Cor 4:17; Col 1:7; 1 Tim 1:12), and God (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 10:23; Rev 1:5). Faith as a verb (pisteuō πιστεύω) means to believe, trust, or have confidence in someone or something. It is used of trust in God (Heb 11:6; cf. Rom 4:3), Jesus (Acts 16:31; 1 Pet 1:8), and Scripture (John 2:22).      Living by faith means we trust God at His Word. Christian faith starts with knowledge, as Paul wrote, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17 KJV). The writer to the Hebrews states, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). J. Dwight Pentecost states, “In Scripture, hope is never a wish, a dream, a fantasy. Hope is that settled assurance that comes to the child of God who by faith lays hold of the promises of God and claims them for himself. Hope must have a foundation, and in Scripture the foundation of hope is always that which God has promised.”[3] This means that faith involves believing in God's Word and His promises. Abraham's life is a prime example of this kind of faith; he believed God's promise to make him the father of many nations, even when it seemed impossible due to his and Sarah's old age (Rom 4:18-21).      The walk of faith is what pleases the Lord, for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Faith keeps us focused on the eternal perspective, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Rom 8:18). It is possible to learn God's Word and not believe it. For example, the Exodus generation heard God's Word and understood it; however, “the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb 4:2). Our faith is effective when God's Word is more real and dominant than our experiences, feelings, or circumstances. As we trust God and His Word, we are transformed and strengthened in our spiritual walk. Living by faith enables us to persevere through trials, knowing that God is working all things together for our good (Rom 8:28). Faith generally concerns what we know, what we say, and what we do. Faith to Know      There are times when the walk of faith is only mental, where we are called to actively trust God and rely on His revelation and promises. For example, the account of creation in Genesis 1-2 provides us with essential knowledge about the origin of the universe, but does not call on us to do anything other than know how it all began. By revealing that God created the heavens and the earth in six literal days, Scripture orients our minds to recognize the universe as a product of intentional and intelligent design. The author of Hebrews wrote, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible” (Heb 11:3). This verse emphasizes that faith enables us to grasp the reality of God's creative power, even though it cannot be observed directly. This stands in stark contrast to naturalistic explanations (like evolution) which suggest that the universe is the result of accidental and random processes over time. The atheist's worldview denies the existence of God and believes the universe and earth happened by a chance explosion billions of years ago. Rather than intelligent design, he believes in unintelligent chaos, that the earth, with all its complexity of life, is merely the product of accidental evolutionary processes over millions of years. His worldview believes everything is the product of matter, motion, time and chance; that we are the accidental collection of molecules; that we are nothing more than evolving bags of protoplasm who happen to be able to think, feel, and act. The conclusion is that we came from nothing significant, that we are nothing significant, and we go to nothing significant. Ultimately, for the atheist, there's no reason for us to exist, and no given purpose to assign meaning to our lives. We are a zero. But that's not what God's Word reveals. The Bible reveals people are special, theomorphic, made in the image of God (Gen 1:27; 9:6; Jam 3:9), with the ability to think, act, and feel in ways that place us above the rest of creation. With this special revelation, we can perceive ourselves and others through the biblical lens and know we are special and unique. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999), 431. [2] John F. Walvoord, The Holy Spirit (Galaxie Software, 2008), 171–172. [3] J. Dwight Pentecost and Ken Durham, Faith That Endures: A Practical Commentary on the Book of Hebrews, Rev. ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2000), 175.

The dramatic words of v7-10 were spoken at the Gates of Jerusalem, when David brought the Ark of the Covenant to God's earthly holy Hill in a procession (2Sam 6, 1Chr 15). This was the ascension of the Lord Himself, enthroned on the Ark (Ps 132:5-8) to His chosen resting place in the city of the great King (Ps 48:2, Matt 5:35). Thus, it's a type of Christ's Ascension to His throne in the New Jerusalem, God's heavenly holy Hill, as well as His ascension to sit on David's throne at His 2nd Coming. It's a Messianic Psalm ultimately fulfilled in His Ascension. v3-6 poses & starts to answer a big question: “Who may ASCEND into the Hill of the LORD or STAND in His Holy Place?” (v3). God's requirement to ascend & stand in His Presence is perfection (v4), so it's impossible for us, but God provides salvation by grace (v5-6). In v7-10, He answers the big question, revealing the unique perfect Man, Christ, who ascended to Heaven, the King of Glory, mighty in battle who defeated all foes & accomplished our salvation. It reveals that with Him many will ascend, showing how God provides us salvation by grace (v5). We can't climb to God, but He came down to us, so we could rise with Him (Heb 2:10). He fulfilled the conditions of v4; then ascended to Heaven (v7-10), to make a way for us to rise with Him. Before this no man ascended to Heaven (John 3:13). He alone fulfils God's standards. The scene describes this glorified Man ascending to Heaven & coming to its Gates to request access. v7-10: “Lift up your heads, O you Gates! and be lifted up, you everlasting Doors! and the KING of GLORY shall come in. Who is this KING of GLORY? (God does not seek entrance to Heaven, so this refers to Christ, His anointed human King). The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle (He's the Lord God, who became a man, fought the battle & won the victory for us). Lift up your heads, O you Gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this KING of GLORY? The LORD of HOSTS (armies), He is the KING of GLORY. Selah.” v3 asked: 'Who can ascend?' Here is the answer. He lived a perfect life, defeated all foes & ascended, but not on His own. He's the Lord of armies. When He enters thru the Gates, His army of saints enter with Him, united to Him by faith. He gained access to Heaven for all under His command. Thus Ps 24 deals with the issue of salvation, asking & answering: “Who may ascend?” (v3). To enter requires moral perfection (v4). When we receive Him, we receive His righteousness, so in Him we ascend into God's Presence & receive His blessing (v5). He's the Head and we, His Body, rise with Him. He rose as our representative, so we ascend in Him. Thus Christ, the Righteous One, is the Way to God (John 14:6,12). Moses' Tabernacle teaches our access to the Holy Place (v3) is only by His Blood. Ps 24:7-10 also reveals His future earthly ascension to David's throne. He humbly offered Himself to Israel as her King with salvation, but the leaders didn't receive Him. He said He'd only return when they repent & receive Him as King (Matt 23:37-39). They'll do this at Armageddon & then He'll return as King of Glory to Zion, save them from their enemies & establish His Kingdom (Zech 14:3-4). When Israel receives Him as King, He'll manifest His glory to, thru & for her. Notice, He didn't force Himself into Heaven, or force His reign on Israel, and He doesn't force Himself on us. We must receive Him as our King, and then He'll manifest His glory in & thru us. He reveals & offers Himself to us to be our Lord & Saviour. When we open the gates of our heart to Him, He comes in with His glory, 1st into our spirit, then into different parts of our soul. So v7-10 can be applied personally. He fulfilled it by ascending into the Heavenly Temple, but we're also God's Temple & He has the right to enter our holy of holies & be enthroned there. The Gospel declares v7 (Rev 3:20). By these words, He seeks access to our Temple, and we must open our gates & let Him in. When we do, He enters our spirit & imparts His glory (manifested nature) to us, as a free gift, making our spirit righteous, holy, full of His life & light, enabling us to ascend into God's Presence in Him. Since He's already ascended, as soon as He enters into us, we automatically ascend in our spirit to the Father thru our union to Him, by His power & righteousness in us. He comes in as the Lord, delivering us from the power of darkness & translating us into His Kingdom. Then His glory (love) works in our souls from within, changing us from glory to glory, so we increasingly fulfil His righteous requirements (v4). As we increase in holiness, the more we can ascend into His Presence to commune with Him (v3). He continues to ask for more access to every part of our soul, with the words of v7, so as we open our doors, inviting Him in to reign, He manifests Himself in us as the King of Glory, the Lord strong & mighty in battle, releasing His power & victory in us.

Introduction (Full Notes Here)      The debate over James 2:14-26 revolves around how to reconcile faith and works in the context of salvation.[1] Catholics and Arminians traditionally see faith and works as both essential for eternal salvation. Reformed theologians see James as setting forth a litmus test for authentic faith, contending that true saving faith is evidenced by a life of obedience and good works. In other words, while salvation is by grace through faith, genuine faith results in a transformed life marked by obedience to Christ as Lord. According to John Frame, “James 2:24, which speaks of justification by works, tells us that a faith without works is not saving faith, not true faith. So, works are evidence of a true, saving faith.”[2] John MacArthur adds, “Good works are inevitable in the life of one who truly believes. These works have no part in bringing about salvation (Eph 2:9; Rom 3:20, 24; 4:5; Tit 3:5), but they show that salvation is indeed present (Eph 2:10; 5:9; 1 John 2:5).”[3] R. C. Sproul states, “every true believer bears some fruit. If he does not, he's not a believer.”[4] Even some of my favorite Bible teachers hold this view. For example, Arnold Fruchtenbaum says, “Is a faith that produces no work whatsoever really a saving faith? The obvious answer is, ‘No.' The issue here is saving faith.”[5] And Charles Ryrie states, “Can a nonworking, dead, spurious faith save a person? James is not saying that we are saved by works but that a faith that does not produce good works is a dead faith…Genuine faith cannot be ‘dead' to morality or barren to works.”[6] According to Warren Wiersbe, “Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration. That kind of faith is dead faith…Dead faith is not saving faith. Dead faith is counterfeit faith and lulls the person into a false confidence of eternal life.”[7] William MacDonald states, “works are not the root of salvation but the fruit; they are not the cause but the effect. Calvin put it tersely: ‘We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.'”[8]      Many proponents of this view assert that merely professing faith without a corresponding life of obedience can lead to self-deception and a false sense of security regarding one's salvation. One of the flaws of this view is that Christians spend much of their time looking at themselves and wondering if their works are genuine, or if they've done enough to prove their eternal salvation. Because sin continues in the lives of all Christians, and this to varying degrees, it leaves the believer in a state of uncertainty about their eternal destiny because they never know if their works represent a genuine saving faith.      In James 2:14-26; James is not distinguishing genuine from false faith; but rather, a useful faith that works to bless others, versus a useless faith that cannot save the Christian from divine discipline and loss of reward at the bema seat of Christ. For James, a dead faith is a useless faith that benefits no one, and his reference to salvation is from divine discipline, not the lake of fire. It's noteworthy that James 2:14-26 is sandwiched between two sections concerning divine judgement (Jam 2:12-13; 3:1). Biblically, disobedient Christians face God's judgment in this life as they are subject to divine discipline (Heb 12:6), which can eventuate in physical death (1 Cor 11:30; Jam 1:15, 21; 5:19-20; 1 John 5:16), as well as future judgment before the bema seat of Christ in heaven (Rom 14:10-12; 2 Cor 5:10). At the judgment seat of Christ, all Christians will stand before the Lord Jesus, not to determine if they have eternal life, for that is already secure for them (John 5:24; 10:28; 1 John 5:13), but to be evaluated on how they lived and rewards given for obedience to Him (1 Cor 3:10-15). This is important to understand, for when James poses the question, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” (Jam 2:14), he's talking about a useful faith that benefits others and saves the Christian from divine discipline in this life, which can eventuate in physical death, and loss of reward at the bema seat of Christ. The Usefulness of Faith      For James, faith must be put into use to be beneficial to others. In one sentence, James said, “faith, if it has no works, is dead” (Jam 2:17), and in another sentence, said, “faith without works is useless” (Jam 2:20). A dead faith is a useless faith. It is useless to God and others, being of no benefit to the needy. We use similar language when we talk about a “dead battery,” we're talking about a battery that is useless. And when we talk about Latin being a “dead language,” we mean it's no longer in use. Likewise, a dead faith is a useless faith. However, unlike a dead battery or a dead language, we have volition and the ability to put our faith into practice, making it useful to others. Which is why James previously wrote, “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves” (Jam 1:22).      The teaching of Scripture is that sinners are saved totally apart from works. Paul wrote, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Rom 3:28), and salvation comes “to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly” (Rom 4:5). We are “not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Gal 2:16), for “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). God “has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works” (2 Tim 1:9a), and “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness” (Tit 3:5a). Good works do not save us eternally. They never have and never will.      James is not contradicting Paul. They are addressing two different matters. Paul addresses justification before God, which is based entirely on the work of Christ at the cross and the imputed righteousness that comes to the one who trusts in Christ alone for salvation (Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9). James addresses justification in the sight of others, what we might call vindication. God does not need to see our faith. He knows it's there. But others cannot see our faith, so good works help them to see what we claim to be true. Once saved, we are called to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). God said, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38), for “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb 11:6). And we know that “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom 14:23). Furthermore, Christians are commanded to love others (John 13:34; Gal 5:13; 1 Th 4:9). This love is to be actionable and tangible (Jam 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17-18). Also, we are directed to do good works, which glorify God and edify others. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16; cf. Eph 2:10). God's Word directs us to “do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal 6:10), “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Tim 6:18), to be “zealous for good deeds” (Tit 2:14b), to “learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs” (Tit 3:14a), “to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Heb 10:24). Failure of Christians to put their faith into action means they are disobedient to the Lord and subject to divine discipline. Scripture reveals, “those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and chastises every son whom He receives” (Heb 12:6). Jesus said, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline” (Rev 3:19a). Paul wrote, “But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world” (1 Cor 11:32).[9] With these doctrines in mind, let's look at James 2:14-26. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] James clearly wrote to saved persons, Jewish believers, whom he called “brethren” (Jam 1:2, 16, 19; 2:1, 5, 14; 3:1, 10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9-10, 12, 19), confirmed they were born from above (Jam 1:17-18), and said they had “faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (Jam 2:1). He said the Holy Spirit dwelled in them (Jam 4:5), which proved they were Christians, for “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” (Rom 8:9). The main purpose of James' letter was to exhort Christians to spiritual maturity (Jam 1:4), which manifests itself in practical righteousness. James in no way contradicts Paul. Paul wrote about justification in the sight of God (Rom 3:28; 4:1-5; Gal 2:16), whereas James wrote about being justified in the sight of others (Jam 2:18, 24). [2] John M. Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord: An Introduction to Systematic Theology (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2006), 205. [3] John F. Macarthur, Jr., “Faith According To The Apostle James” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Vol 33/1: March 1990, 18. [4] R. C. Sproul, Can I Be Sure I'm Saved?, vol. 7, The Crucial Questions Series (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2010), 15. [5] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, Jude, 1st ed., (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 2005), 253 [6] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, Expanded ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995, 1970), 1970. [7] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 354. [8] William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2229. [9] He gave to us It is never the will of God that we sin (1 John 2:1), but all saints commit sin, and there is no such thing as a sinless saint. David wrote, “my sins have overtaken me…they are more numerous than the hairs of my head” (Psa 40:12), and “I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me” (Psa 51:3). Paul said of himself, “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want…I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good” (Rom 7:19, 21). And the John wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us…If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:8, 10). James said, “we all stumble in many ways” (Jam 3:2a). Though forgiven all our sins (Acts 10:43; Eph 1:7), and saved (Eph 2:8), Christians continue to possess a sin nature (Rom 6:6; 7:14-25; 13:14; Col 3:9; Gal 5:16-17, 19-22; 1 John 1:8), and commit personal acts of sin (Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:10; 2:1). Though the power of the sin nature is broken (Rom 6:11-14), the presence of the sin nature is never removed from us until God takes us from this world and gives us a new body like the body of Jesus (Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2, 5). It is possible for saints to commit any sin an unbeliever can commit, to the same degree, and for the same duration of time. That's not what God wants from us. He wants righteousness. It's possible for Christians to live sinfully, though not without consequences. Living sinfully does not mean loss of eternal salvation, for that is not possible. Jesus said, the one who believes in Him “has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (John 5:24), and “I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). Paul wrote, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). But if Christians choose to operate by the sinful flesh (1 Cor 3:1-3), love the world (1 John 2:15-16), and live sinfully, like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-24), they open the door to divine discipline and great suffering (Heb 12:5-11), which can eventuate in physical death (1 Cor 11:30; Jam 1:15, 21; 5:19-20; 1 John 5:16), and the loss of eternal rewards (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 John 1:8).  

Jan 28, 2024 AM, Luke 7:17-30.Our Scripture reading was Revelation 3:1ff Do you recognize God is right? And you are wrong? If so, you are right now ready to turn to Jesus and be saved. If you have doubts about Jesus, look carefully at the historical record of what He did. Connect it back to the prophecies about the Messiah and see how they were fulfilled in Him. Pray to God. Look at His words. Trust that Jesus will mercifully answer your need as He did for John the Baptist. He will not necessarily give you a better situation immediately, but He will strengthen your faith to keep going! And know that the praise you look for is not the praise of men (John 12:43), but the praise of the Son of God (like Romans 2:29). He will not forget all that you do for Him (Heb. 6:10). I trust that you do serve Him, not just in theory but in practice.

Text: Psalms 11:1-7 (ESV) In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain, 2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 3 if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 5 The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 6 Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.   THE LORD'S THRONE IS IN HEAVEN   Clearly, David was facing an impending danger, prompting and urging him to run away. The image is of panic and self-preservation. Whether he was told by someone or merely self-enhanced, he was tempted to react like a startled bird fleeing to a high place. Are we not like David in a lot of ways?   Is it not in a time of crisis, believers are confronted with two choices. To focus on their obstacles or on God? A lack of faith in God has caused Israel to wander for 40 years in the wilderness (Num 14:20–23). Similarly, this lack of faith in God has caused believers to wander away from Him (Heb 4:7–11).   When the enemy triumphs, David expressed his concern by saying, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”[v.3]   He was Israel's king, so that if the enemy would succeed, the nation's very foundations would be destroyed. A proper system and order grounded in righteousness and justice of God, under a godly king, would crumble surely. When evil and chaos happen, what could the righteous do?   Of course, David held unto the truth that the “Lord is in his holy temple and His throne is in heavens” He knows everything. [v.4] God is sovereign. He is on top of everything.   However, God allows this threat as ‘tests for the righteous' This is to prove the genuineness of their faith. Definitely, this is not to tempt them to sin (Jas 1:13; 1 Pet 1;7, 1 Cor 10:13). David's trust during troubles and God's response has strengthened his reliance on the Lord more (see Psa 3:4).   As God's nature is just, He hates the wicked and the one who loves violence, He would avenge his enemies as Lord rained fire and sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah.[v.6] He indicates that these disasters as "the portion of their cup." Notedly, the cup of the Lord is often used in connection with His judgment of evildoers. Take for example in Revelation 14:10, God warns that whoever worships the beast and its image "also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger."   In a twist from fear to faith, David expresses his hope for God. “For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.'[v.7] God is judge yet He is loving. This is displayed in Christ. Because the Lord is righteous, He cannot allow the wicked to go unpunished. Nor will He allow those who are evil and sinful to be with Him in eternity. Our Redeemer Jesus was cursed for our sin [Gal 3:13] in order for us to be righteous and reconciled to God. [ 2 Cor 5:21]   Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

True saving grace is teaching those who truly have it to be crucified with Christ, otherwise it's clearly the false grace God's Word warns us of (Titus 2:11-12). Saving grace exempts no one from the holiness of God but only makes the recipient more accountable to it, to Him (Heb 2:3; 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 12:14-15, etc.).HOMEPAGE:   https://safeguardyoursoul.comMAKE PEACE WITH GOD NOW: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/peace-with-god/SUPPORT:  https://safeguardyoursoul.com/donate/STORE:   https://store.safeguardyoursoul.com/ABOUT:  https://safeguardyoursoul.com/about/email Todd:  info@safeguardyoursoul.comBackground Music by: Thad Fiscella https://www.thadfiscella.com/ 

Think about what you're missing by not seeing with the eyes of your soul, by not having faith. Faith is the muscle of the spiritual life. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). Without faith you can't please God. “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb 11:6). With the eyes of your soul, you can have the confidence and assurance in the Biblical descriptions of what awaits you in the future. For your soul to see God's promises you must have them in the mentality of your soul and then you can stand on faith and believe them. Click for Full Transcript: https://rhem.pub/eyes-soul-fd3c2f

John 19:16 “So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.” Have you ever realized that loving someone was going to cost you more than you previously thought, and you considered it a privilege to give it? Have you ever wanted to stop the pain, avoid the inconvenience, or run for comfort but you didn't? What about the time your soul screamed for overcoming grace to not quit, to suffer in silence, to bear the weight and consequences of someone's sins so they could stand before you forgiven, accepted, and know the power of the love of God? If you have had these experiences then you know Jesus personally. You know what it was like for Jesus in the moment God gave Him over to the will of the Jews—to be crucified. Why did God allow someone's sins to fall upon you? That you might know Jesus! That you might know and be satisfied with His love. That you might enter into the glory of God revealed in and through Jesus. How did Jesus love like this? The suffering and shame were as nothing compared to the joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2). So today and everyday when you find yourself given over to those who wish you ill, remember Hebrews 12:3 “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” That's living to love with Jesus. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

     Spirituality is the life the Christian enjoys when properly living in dependence upon the Holy Spirit and walking according to Scripture. This advance assumes one has believed in Christ as Savior and has spiritual life (John 3:16; 6:28-29; 20:31; Acts 4:12; Rom 5:6-10; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5; 1 Pet 1:3, 23). Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Only Christ's atoning work on the cross is sufficient to satisfy God's righteous demands toward our sin (1 John 2:2). No works are necessary for us to be saved. We need only Christ. When the Philippian Jailer asked the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Paul replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Believing in Christ means we trust Him to do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves; to save us. It means we trust solely in Him and nothing more. Though good works should follow our salvation, they are never the condition of it.      Once we are born again, God desires that we advance to spiritual maturity, which glorifies Him and blesses us and others. The information taught in this lesson applies only to the Christian, for “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14 NET; cf. John 8:43-44).      The advance to spiritual maturity is a process that takes time as Christians learn and live God's Word on a regular basis. There is always opposition, for we live in a fallen world and are confronted with many obstacles and distractions that seek to push or pull us away from God. Though constant distractions are all around us, we move forward by “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Bringing our thoughts into captivity means focusing our minds on God and His Word (Isa 26:3; Prov 3:5-6; 2 Cor 10:5; Col 3:1-2), and not allowing our thoughts to be bogged down and trapped with the cares of this world (Matt 6:25-34). Biblically, several things are necessary for us to reach spiritual maturity, and these are as follows.      Be in submission to God. Scripture tells us to “Submit to God” (Jam 4:7), and “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). Submission is a will surrendered to the will of another. Being in submission to God is a sign of positive volition that we've prioritized our relationship with Him above all else, and that we trust Him to guide and provide in all things. Like a good friend, He is naturally in our thoughts, and we live every day conscious of Him, being sensitive to what may offend, and making every effort to please Him through a life of faith. When we yield to God, His Word opens up to us, as Jesus said, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself” (John 7:17; cf. Luke 24:45; Acts 16:14; 1 John 5:20).      Continually study God's Word. Ezra, the priest, was one who “had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezr 7:10). The growing believer is one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2). As Christians, we understand that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). We cannot live what we do not know, and learning God's Word necessarily precedes living His will. From regeneration onward, we study God's Word in order to grow spiritually, that we might reach Christian maturity. God helps His people by means of Pastors and Teachers (Eph 4:11), whom He has given to His church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature person, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:12-13). Pastors and Teachers have an obligation to communicate God's Word accurately. Christians have the individual responsibility of studying God's Word in order to live a meaningful life and grow to maturity (2 Tim 2:15; Heb 5:12-14; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18).      Live by faith. Faith as a verb (πιστεύω pisteuo) means to believe, trust, or have confidence in someone or something. It is used of trust in God (Heb 11:6; cf. Rom 4:3), Jesus (Acts 16:31; 1 Pet 1:8), and Scripture (John 2:22). Faith as a noun (πίστις pistis) often refers to that which evokes trust. It is used with reference to God who is trustworthy (Rom 3:3; 4:19-21), and of people who possess faith (Matt 9:2, 22; 21:21). It is also used of Scripture itself as a body of reliable teaching (Acts 14:22; 16:5; Rom 14:22; Gal 1:23; 2 Tim 4:7). Faith as an adjective (πιστός pistos), describes someone who is trustworthy or dependable. The word is used both of man (Matt 25:23; 1 Cor 4:17; Col 1:7; 1 Tim 1:12), and God (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 10:23; Rev 1:5). Living by faith means we trust God at His Word. Christian faith starts with knowledge, as Paul wrote, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17 KJV). The writer to the Hebrews states, “But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38; cf. Heb 3:7—4:2), for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). It is possible to learn God's Word and not believe it (even Satan knows Scripture). For example, the Exodus generation heard God's Word and understood it; however, “the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb 4:2). Our faith is effective when God's Word is more real and dominant than our experiences, feelings, or circumstances.  

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him…” (Heb 2:1-3).

Remember in the opening verses of this chapter, John tells us about what he saw in heaven our eternal home. In Revelation 21, John described the beauty of heaven, but here in chapter 22 he sees and describes “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. John told us about the tree of life, and that there would be no more curse. He told that in heaven there would be no night there because the Lord God gives them light. And reminds us that we shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:1-5) But we need to remember that heaven is more than a destination; it is a motivation. Knowing that we shall dwell in the heavenly city ought to make a difference in our lives here and now. The vision of the heavenly city motivated the patriarchs as they walked with God and served Him (Heb. 11:10, 13-16). Knowing that He was returning to the Father in heaven also encouraged Jesus Christ as He faced the cross (Heb. 12:2). The assurance of heaven must not lull us into complacency or carelessness, but should motivate us to fulfill our spiritual duties. If we really believe and accept the prophesies of this great book, we should keep them. Meaning we should obey them, love them, share them and never forget them. We should be motivated to serve the Lord because He brings His reward with Him (Rev. 22:12). If we believe the Lord is coming at any time, we should keep our lives clean (1 John 2:28-3:3). And finally, we should be expecting the Lord Jesus to come back at any moment. Three times in this chapter the Lord Jesus speaks and proclaims, “I Am coming quickly”. Remember this letter that John is writing is being written specifically to the seven churches in Asia who are going through tremendous persecution. The knowledge of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His church has always been a great comfort and encouragement for the believers to persevere in the time of suffering. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-18, where Paul wrote the clearest description of the rapture of the church in the New Testament, he finished it with these words: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” Paul said there was a special crown for those who loved and looked for the Lord's coming. “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). When the disciples of Jesus had troubled hearts at the news of His words that He was going to be crucified, and then be going away, and that they would face tribulation themselves, Jesus told them, “Let not you heart be troubled…..”. Then He went on to say, “If I go away, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3) Peter tells why the Lord has not come back yet in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” He is waiting for that one last person to repent and by faith receive Him as their Lord and Savior. This should motivate us to keep living for Jesus and sharing His message of grace with everyone we can in these last days! And we can join John in praying the last prayer of the Bible, “Even so come, Lord Jesus!” God bless!

“Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place." Heaven is more than a destination; it is a motivation. Knowing that we shall dwell in the heavenly city ought to make a difference in our lives here and now. The vision of the heavenly city motivated the patriarchs as they walked with God and served Him (Heb. 11:10, 13-16). Knowing that He was returning to the Father in heaven also encouraged Jesus Christ as He faced the cross - Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The assurance of heaven must not lull us into complacency or carelessness but spur us to fulfill our spiritual duties. One of our main responsibilities as a believer is that we must keep God's Word (vv. 6-11, 18-19). Because what John wrote is the Word of God, his words are faithful and true. When John saw Jesus coming back to earth on the white horse he said, “He is called faithful and true…” (Rev. 19:11). The same God who spoke through the prophets also spoke through the Apostle John. As the "capstone" of God's revelation, John's book cannot be divorced from the rest of the Bible. If we deny that John wrote the truth, then we must also deny the prophets. I've often reminded people that all the Bible was not written specifically to me, but all the Bible was written for me. For instance, some of the Old Testament books were written by the prophets specifically to the nation Israel warning them to repent or they would be taken into captivity. But those books were still written for me to make application and to learn from. Paul put it this way in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” What does it mean to "keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book"? (Rev. 22:7) Basically, it means to guard, to watch over, to preserve intact. We must not add to the Word of God or take anything from it (Deut 4:2; Prov. 30:5-6). And this responsibility is especially great in light of Christ's return. The word shortly in Revelation 22:6 means "quickly come to pass." The church has expected Christ to return since the days of the Apostles, and He has not yet come; but when John's prophecies begin to be fulfilled, they will happen very quickly. There will be no delay. The warnings in Revelation 22:18-19 do not suggest that people who tamper with the Bible will be brought back to earth to suffer the Tribulation's plagues, or that they will lose their salvation. Nobody fully understands the Bible or can explain everything in it; and those of us who teach the Word sometimes have to change our interpretations as we grow in knowledge. But we must never treat the Word of God lightly. To keep God's Word also means that we read it diligently, regularly, systematically and reverently! To keep God's Word means that we memorize and meditate on it. To keep God's Word means that we believe it and obey it! Today is Labor Day and for some reason on this day I always think of the words of Jesus in John 6:27-29 where He said: “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." God's Word is the food that endures to everlasting life because it always leads us to believe in Jesus Christ! God bless!

God Didn't Save Us to Make Us Better…One of the key elements of salvation is something called sanctification. This strange word means to be separated unto God. It is the act of becoming personally more dedicated to God. Literally, it means living a life of holiness, which is the very reflection of the character of God. And sanctification is a part of the process of salvation, whereby we become more like Christ and less like the world. Hence, after salvation, we are commanded not to “walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1), which is the perfect description of sanctification. And sanctification is a product of our will and a practical result of our obedience to Him. In fact, most of the commands God gave us after salvation are those we choose to do because of our love for Him. Consider the implied you in these classic passages. (You implied) Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5. Finally, my brethren, (you implied) be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (You implied) Put on the whole armor of God, that (who) you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil – Ephesians 6:10-11. This is something you have to choose to do. It is not something done for you. (You implied) Rejoice always, (You implied) pray without ceasing, In everything (you implied) give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for (who) you. (You implied) Do not quench the Spirit. (You implied) Do not despise prophecies. (You implied) Test all things; (you implied) hold fast what is good. (You implied) Abstain from every form of evil – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. Get the point? And then there is the granddaddy of all sanctification truths, Romans 12:1-2. I beseech (who) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that (who) you present (who) your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is (who) your reasonable service. And (you implied) do not be conformed to this world, but (you implied) be transformed by the renewing of (who) your mind, that (who) you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God – Romans 12:1-2. So we know what the Scriptures say regarding our responsibility regarding sanctification. But how do we incorporate these truths into our lives? He Saved Us to Make Us NewEverything in our relationship with Christ is activated by faith. That's right, faith. We are saved by faith. We are sanctified by faith? We live a victorious, overcoming life in Christ by faith? And we have the assurance of eternal life with Him by faith. In fact, the faith chapter in Hebrews tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6). Get that? Impossible. And one key command of the Lord, especially regarding sanctification and faith, is for us to not be conformed to the world, but to think, act, live, and feel differently because of Him. Remember Romans 12:2? And do not be conformed (to fashion alike, to be behaviorally or socially similar to something or someone, to become shaped, formed, or molded into a certain pattern) to this world (not kósmos but aiṓn) but be transformed (metamorphóō – to change one's form, to transfigure, to change completely into something else) by the renewing (to renew qualitatively, a renovation to an improved or like-new state) of your mind (noús), And what happens if we do? that you (personal promise) may prove (test, discern, judge to be right or commendable, to accept as trustworthy) what is that good (of moral excellence, best, upright, virtuous) and acceptable (well-pleasing, that which gives pleasure and satisfaction) and perfect (complete, finished, having reached its intended goal or purpose, full, wanting nothing) will of God. But how do we receive this promise personally? How does what Romans 12:2 says...

The answer to the title question may seem obvious but it isn't. Those two words are frequently misunderstood and misapplied. So, in this podcast, you may find some new ideas about those two concepts. originally presented on April 09, 2022 to church leaders of the Southern Africa-India Ocean Division (SID) In this podcast you will find out that: A Steward is someone who accepts Jesus' death on their behalf (Rom. 6:23; John 3:16; Rom. 5:1; 8:1), accepts the lordship of Jesus (Luke 2:11), and denies self (Gal. 2:20; Luke 9:23-25), living a life of an intimate relationship with Him (John 15:1-5), trusting in Him (Heb. 11:6); this person becomes a new creation (Ez. 36:26; 2 Cor. 5:17) and serves Him as His representative in the earth (2 Cor. 5:20). Stewardship is the service of the one who is saved by grace and has become a new creature by accepting the lordship of Jesus and by asking for the working of His Spirit in the heart; that person works in an intimate relationship with Him and manages His affairs on the earth.

     In our current section on case laws (Deut 19:1—26:19), we are considering how the nation of ancient Israel was to practice righteous living after they entered the land of Canaan (Deut 16:20), how righteousness was measured by conformity to God's laws (Deut 6:24-25), and obedience would result in the Lord's blessings (Deut 11:26-28). In the current section, Moses give directives concerning: 1) responsible care for a neighbor's lost property (Deut 22:1-3), 2) helping a neighbor (Deut 22:4), 3) prohibition against transvestism (Deut 22:5), 4) conservation of birds as a food source (Deut 22:6-7), 5) maintaining structurally safe homes (Deut 22:8), 6) symbolic separation of seeds, animals, and fabrics (Deut 22:9-11), and 7) wearing clothing that reminds Israel of their holy relationship with God (Deut 22:12). Moses begins these sundry laws, saying: "You shall not see your countryman's ox or his sheep straying away, and pay no attention to them [עָלַם alam – to conceal or hide oneself]; you shall certainly bring them back to your countryman. 2 If your countryman is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall remain with you until your countryman looks for it; then you shall restore it to him. 3 Thus you shall do with his donkey, and you shall do the same with his garment, and you shall do likewise with anything lost by your countryman, which he has lost and you have found. You are not allowed to neglect them [עָלַם alam – to conceal or hide oneself]." (Deut 22:1-3)      Of the 613 commands in the Mosaic Laws, 365 were negative and 248 were positive. The commands related largely to Israel's relationship with God and others. Previously, Moses commanded that an Israelite return the lost animal of his enemy (Ex 23:4). The enemy in Exodus 23:4 likely refers to a fellow Israelite who was a legal adversary. In Deuteronomy 22:1-3, the application pertained to caring for anything lost that belonged to a fellow Israelite (ox, sheep, donkey, garment, etc.), until it could be restored. If an Israelite found his neighbor's property, whatever it might be, he was not permitted to “pay no attention to them”, or “not allowed to neglect them”, which phrases translates the Hebrew עָלַם alam, and means to conceal or hide oneself. Other translations read, “You must not ignore it” CSB), and “you must not refuse to get involved” (NET). That is, an Israelite was not free to hide himself from his communal responsibility of caring for his neighbor's property. Earl Radmacher states, “Every individual in the community bore a responsibility to uphold justice within that community (compare Gal 6:2).”[1]      Moses provides another example of corporate responsibility, saying, “You shall not see your countryman's donkey or his ox fallen down on the way, and pay no attention to them; you shall certainly help him to raise them up” (Deut 22:4). Whereas the previous command related to returning lost property to its rightful owner, this directive pertained to helping an animal that had fallen and could not get up. We're not told why the animal fell, although it could have been because its owner had placed too heavy a load on it. Whatever the reason, the owner could not help the animal by his own efforts and needed assistance to help raise it to its feet. In Exodus 23:5, Moses had set forth similar instruction that pertained to an enemy Israelite, saying, “If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him” (Ex 23:5). Again, this was likely a fellow Israelite who was a legal adversary. Whatever the relationship with a fellow Israelite (friend or foe), everyone bore a corporate responsibility to help the helpless, even animals.      In the next command, Moses said, “A woman shall not wear man's clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God” (Deut 22:5). God created two genders, male and female (Gen 1:27), and these should be distinguishable in the sight of others. Whatever clothing a man or woman wears, it should not confuse their gender identity. In ancient Israel, men wore white robes, whereas women wore colored garments (Fruchtenbaum). Whatever the cultural practice—pants, dresses, tights, etc.—each person's gender should be identifiable when observed by others. In Canaanite culture, transvestism was associated with homosexuality as well as certain cult practices pertaining to idol worship. Both idolatry (Deut 5:7-9) and homosexuality (Lev 18:22; 20:13) were regarded as an abomination to the Lord. Earl Radmacher adds, “Cross-dressing was forbidden by God in ancient Israel. In the ancient Middle East, dressing in the clothing of the opposite sex was a magical practice intended to bring harm to people. For example, a transvestite male would predict that the soldiers of another army would be as weak as females.”[2]      In the next command, Moses states, “If you happen to come upon a bird's nest along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; 7 you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days” (Deut 22:6-7). Here was an example of responsible ecological conservation. The rationale was that if an Israelite found a bird's nest and ate the mother along with her eggs or young, he would have destroyed an ongoing viable food source. Originally, God created Adam and Eve as theocratic administrators to “rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Gen 1:26). After the Noahic flood, God permitted the eating of animals, saying, “Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant” (Gen 9:3). Responsible dominion means caring for the environment and animals and not driving them to extinction. This not only protects the animals, but also preserves the lives of people, as it secures future food sources. The benefit of compliance would help God's people, “in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days” (Deut 22:7b). Victor Matthews states, “One might compare this with the prohibition against cutting down fruit trees in Deuteronomy 20:19–20. In both instances, future sources of food are preserved while an alternative is suggested for immediate needs.”[3] And Daniel Block adds: "While people who discover the nest of a wild bird have several options, Moses offers simple counsel: Israelites may take the eggs/fledglings, but they must spare the mother. Reining in the temptation to cruelty, verse 7 reiterates that if a mother bird is found with its young, the mother is not to be taken. The wisdom of this counsel is obvious: Taking the mother but sparing the young would have meant the death of all, for unhatched eggs and fledgling birds depend on the mother. Israelites are not to kill for killing's sake, nor to exploit natural resources without concern for the survival of the species."[4]      Next, Moses states, “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, so that you will not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone falls from it” (Deut 22:8). Since Moses' audience had been living in tents in the wilderness for the previous 40 years, such property concerns would have been new to them. Rooftops in ancient Israel were flat and places where people gathered for fellowship (1 Sam 9:25; 2 Sam 11:2), as well as places to sleep on hot summer nights, as they would benefit from cooler winds that came from the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Daniel Block states: "Houses were often two-story constructions, with the lower floor housing animals and storing food stuffs, and the upper floor serving as the living quarters. Cooled by the breezes, flat roofs provided a third living space that residents could use for a variety of purposes. Without a barrier around the perimeter, people could step off the roof and fall to their deaths. The final clause of verse 8 holds the head of the household responsible for the life of anyone whose death is the result of negligence."[5]      Israelites were to assume reasonable responsibility for those who visited their home, making sure their home environment was safe. Again, we see a sense of corporate responsibility within the Israelite community as it pertains to structurally safe homes.      The next three laws prohibit mixing certain things together; namely, seeds in a field (Deut 22:9), animals for labor (Deut 22:10), and types of fabric for everyday use (Deut 22:11).      In the first prohibition, Moses said, “You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, or all the produce of the seed which you have sown and the increase of the vineyard will become defiled” (Deut 22:9). The production of crops was not only intended for personal consumption, but for sacred use at the tabernacle/temple. Such a mixed crop was viewed by the Lord as defiled, which connotes its being ceremonially unfit for use by the priests. Warren Wiersbe states, “Keeping the various seeds separated when sowing the fields was also recognition of the principle of separation. It's possible that the pagan nations mingled their seed as a part of their fertility rites in connection with their gods.”[6]      In the second example of keeping things separate, Moses said, “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together” (Deut 22:10). Naturally, an ox and a donkey had different strengths, and it would be cruel for the lesser animal to be paired with a stronger animal and be required to pull a load greater than its ability. Daniel Block adds, “This practice creates a fundamentally incongruous image: the animals' anatomies require different types of harness and a drastically modified yoke to link the two; their unequal strength and stamina could cause the more vigorous to exhaust the weaker.”[7]      Moses' third prohibition against mixing things was, “You shall not wear a material mixed of wool and linen together” (Deut 22:11). The meaning of this taboo is not given. Some scholars suggest this taboo was intended to separate the average Israelite from the Levitical priests, who were permitted to wear mixed fabrics. Daniel Block states, “Moses does not justify this taboo, even though it contradicts the prescriptions for the fabric of the tabernacle and the high priest's garments. While forbidden for laypersons, wearing garments of mixed fabrics was reserved for those who served in Yahweh's presence.”[8]      The last directive in this pericope states, “You shall make yourself tassels on the four corners of your garment with which you cover yourself” (Deut 22:12). This positive command reflects the command in Numbers 15:38-40 in which Moses intended the tassels to serve as a mnemonic device to help them remain conscious of their relationship with God and His commands.      For Israelites, there was a triangular relationship between God, them, and the world around them. Their relationship with God impacted their personal choices (i.e., clothing), as well as their relationship with others (both friends and enemies), the earth (caring for their environment), and even animals, both domestic and wild. If their relationship with God was prioritized, it would result in the natural function and care of others as well as their environment. In this way, God's directives resulted in righteousness as it touched all aspects of life (Deut 16:20). Present Application      As Christians, we are saved by God's grace when we trust in Christ as our Savior (John 3:16; Rom 4:1-5; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). Additionally, God selected us to “be holy and blameless before Him” (Eph 1:4). Elsewhere, Paul wrote to Christians, saying, “I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:1-2a). And the apostle Peter wrote, “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, ‘you shall be holy, for I am holy'” (1 Pet 1:15-16).      But how are we—as born-again Christians—made holy in conduct? Living distinguished from the world occurs as we learn to walk with God and advance to spiritual maturity. The following steps are helpful. First, we must be in submission to God. Scripture tells us to “Submit to God” (Jam 4:7), and “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). Being in submission to God means we desire the Lord's will above all else. When this happens, God's Word opens up to us (John 7:17). Second, we must replace a lifetime of human viewpoint thinking with God's Word. Paul said, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2). Other Scriptures support this idea (Psa 1:2-3; 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). As Christians, we cannot live what we do not know, and learning God's Word necessarily precedes living His will. A biblical worldview enables us to see our spiritual identity as children of God (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:1-5; Eph 1:3-6; 1 Pet 2:9-10), as saints (Acts 9:13; Rom 1:7; 8:27; 1 Cor 1:2; 6:1-2), and ambassadors of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:20) who have meaningful and eternal purposes in God. More so, biblically trained minds empower us to properly interpret the world in order to see it from the divine perspective. Cultural conformity is effectively resisted by believers who are “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). This means Scripture saturates our minds (Prov 3:5-6; Isa 26:3; Col 3:1), and we are not allowing our thoughts to be bogged down with the cares of this world (Matt 6:25-34). Mental discipline is necessary, for our psychological stability is often predicated on the biblical content and continuity of our thinking. Third, we must learn to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18), and to walk in dependence on the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16, 25). Being filled with the Holy Spirit means being controlled by Him. It means we follow where He guides, and His guidance is always according to Scripture. Being filled with the Spirit does not mean we have more of the Spirit, but that Spirit has more of us, as we submit to His leading. It means the Spirit is fulfilling in us all He desires. Fourth, we must learn to live by faith in God and His Word. Learning God's Word becomes effective when mixed with our faith as we apply it to all aspects of our lives. Our faith is effective when God's Word is more real than our experiences, feelings, or circumstances. The writer to the Hebrews states, “But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38), for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Fifth, we must accept God's trials that help us grow. God uses trials to strengthen our faith and develop us spiritually. Often, we don't like hardship, but we must learn to accept it as necessary. For the Lord uses it to burn away the dross of our weak character and to refine those golden qualities consistent with His character. The growing believer learns to praise God for the trials, knowing He uses them to advance us spiritually (Psa 119:71; Rom 5:3-5; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Heb 12:11; Jam 1:2-4; 1 Pet 4:12-13). Sixth, we must restore fellowship with God through confession of personal sin. As Christians, when we sin, we break fellowship with God and grieve and/or quench the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30; 1 Th 5:19). Fellowship is restored when we simply confess our sin to God and trust that He forgives us as He promises (1 John 1:5-9). Seventh, we must maintain fellowship with other believers. Scripture teaches, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25). Spiritual growth does not happen in isolation, as God expects us to exercise our spiritual gifts for the benefit of others (Acts 2:42; Rom 12:10-13; 14:19; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:3-4; 1 Th 5:11-15). Eighth, we must serve others. We are part of the body of Christ and God calls us to love and serve each other. Peter states, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). Ninth, pray to God. Prayer is essential to spiritual growth as we need to have upward communication with God to express ourselves to Him. Prayer is the means by which we make requests to God, believing He has certain answers ready for us, and that we just need to ask (Jam 4:2). Scripture directs us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Th 5:17), and “pray at all times in the Spirit” (Eph 6:18; cf. Jude 1:20). To pray in the Spirit means we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit as He directs and energizes our prayer life. Tenth, worship and give thanks to the Lord. The writer to the Hebrews stated, “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). And Paul wrote to the Christians at Thessalonica, saying, “in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th 5:18). To give thanks (εὐχαριστέω eucharisteo) is to have a daily attitude of gratitude toward God for His goodness and mercy toward us. Part of this attitude comes from knowing God is working all things “together for good” (Rom 8:28), because “God is for us” (Rom 8:31). Lastly, we must be wise stewards of the time and opportunities God provides us to advance spiritually. Paul writes, “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). The believer does not reach spiritual maturity overnight, and since we have only a measure of time allotted to us by God (Psa 139:16), we must make sure our days are not wasted on meaningless pursuits, but on learning God's Word and living His will. (Eph 5:15-17; cf. Heb 5:12; 1 Pet 1:17; 4:1-2).     [1] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 256. [2] Ibid., 256–257. [3] Victor Harold Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas, and John H. Walton, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, electronic ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), Dt 22:6–7. [4] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, ed. Terry Muck (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 513. [5] Ibid., 514. [6] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1999), 154. [7] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, 515. [8] Ibid., 515.

You may have already received Jesus as Lord of your life, but He has more than that for you. That was the first step. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the next step in your spiritual walk with God. If you are satisfied with the new birth and think that is all God has for you, then you are missing a powerful blessing promised by the Lord to all believers. God has much for you! The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the manifestation of speaking in other tongues, is what opens the door to infinite possibilities with God. We will show you what the Bible says about it, and then it will be up to you to receive this glorious experience.  And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them tongues as of fire splitting off (into individual fires); and these sat upon each one 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 2:3, 4) The apostles and all the people that gathered (120 individuals) had already received the Holy Spirit into their lives and hearts. They had already been regenerated and received Jesus as their Lord before Acts 2:4. Can we prove this? The doors were shut where the disciples were gathered... Jesus came and stood in the middle of them, and said to them, “Peace (shalom) to you!” And after He said that, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw it was the Lord! Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you. As My Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:19-22) Notice that they received the Holy Spirit at this time. This was before Jesus ascended visibly into heaven. They received the Spirit of Christ as it says in Romans 8:9-11, and the Holy Spirit came inside them, and they were born of the Spirit. Yet, Jesus explained to them that something else was needed from the Holy Spirit to empower them and propel them into the supernatural things of God. Right before His ascension into heaven He said: I send the promise of My father on you. But stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49)  Jesus was saying that receiving the Holy Spirit inside of them (the new birth) was not all that there was to the promise of the Father. God had more in mind for His people. God wanted more for them than only an internal and personal experience with God. Power would come from on high to rest on His people. It would be a glorious external manifestation worn like a coat or a suit of clothes.  The one believing in me as the Scripture said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water. But He said this concerning the Spirit that those that believe in Him were about to receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:38, 39) Note that Jesus said that the one that already believed, trusted in, and become faithful to the Lord, was to have something else from the Spirit of God. These verses speak of another experience with the Holy Spirit, one where from your belly flow rivers of living water. The rivers of water speak of this mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said this of the mighty experience with the Holy Spirit they were to receive. When He breathed on them they were birthed from above, but nothing happened externally in their lives until Acts 2:4.  Miraculous power from on High  There was no real show of God's power to the entire world until Acts 2 and beyond. They were good "Christians" but with no evidence to demonstrate to the world about the reality, not just the words, of their God.  ...But you will receive (miraculous) power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Do you see the reference here to the Holy Spirit coming upon you? This is saying the same thing as Luke 24:49. It is a being clothed upon with the power of the Holy Spirit. What is the purpose of this empowering? The purpose was so we would be witnesses to the world. The word witness means one that comes with clear and irrefutable evidence of what they are saying. Jesus told us what we would be doing with this power, and this is exactly what we see the apostles and disciples doing after the Acts 2:4 experience of receiving this power upon their lives.  And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to everybody. The ones believing, and those being immersed will be saved (delivered or made whole). And the ones that do not believe will be condemned (damned). And these signs (miraculous works of power) will accompany those believing: In My Name (dominion, authority, power) they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18) Look at Acts 28:3-5 for an example of a serpent attacking Paul and he was supernaturally protected from its venom! The serpents and drinking deadly things by accident are a part of supernatural protection from harm. Take a look also at Psalms 91, the mighty protection Psalm, and notice how it totally agrees with this part in Mark 16:17 and 18.  The above verses in Mark mean that when Jesus gave authority and power to heal the sick and cast out demons to His the apostles and to 70 other disciples, that it was localized, temporary, and unique to a limited group of his followers before the cross and the resurrection. (Luke 9:1, 10:1, 10; Matthew 10:1). It was not yet available to all His followers. After His resurrection, that power and authority was extended to ALL His followers! That means that you didn't need to be an apostle or prophet, or some especially selected disciple to walk in power to heal, deliver people, and have supernatural protection that can only be attributed to God. All God's people should be clothed with supernatural power. Each believer should speak in new tongues, cast out demons, and heal the sick in His Name.  For those of you that fuss over Mark 16:8-20 because it is not found in two of the most ancient complete manuscripts (the Vaticanus and Sinaiticus), I have three words for you, "Get over it"! It is found in all other ancient New Testament manuscripts (hundreds), and it is clearly proven as a Bible truth in the book of Acts, 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14, and by numerous references in the New Testament. So, get over lame excuses for not being baptized in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. That is one of Satan's methods to keep you out of this glorious experience with God. Traditional ignorance, and a theological debate based in unbelief of anything supernatural, has kept many denominational churchgoers from getting in on these glorious truths. God wants to clothe us with power to do signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus. He wants us to have not just words but power in demonstration in our lives. He is not only interested in the presentation of the Gospel to the world with words but with miraculous signs that no one can deny! (1 Corinthians 2:4) It starts with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. But He who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He (Jesus) shall baptize (immerse) you with the Holy Spirit and with fire... (Matthew 3:11) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is to come with "fire." That is that power that we have been talking about. It comes upon those that receive this gift of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. As the resurrected Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ is the One that personally baptizes you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He does that for all those that will receive this precious and very necessary gift. Did you connect fire here with the "fire" that showed up on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:3? You should! Even Jesus did not begin His earthly ministry without the Holy Spirit empowering Him to do the miraculous. (Matthew 3:16)  No miracles, healings, signs, or wonders were done until after He was empowered by the Holy Spirit for His ministry. Notice how He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit after being clothed with this power from on High. (Luke 4:14) Then, and only then, did the miracles begin to happen. The Holy Spirit in power released the miraculous in His life. Even though Jesus came as God manifested in the flesh, (John 1:1, 14) without this special empowerment, He did not do even one miracle or healing. If Jesus needed the power of the Holy Spirit in His life, how much more do you and I need it!  God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. (Acts 10:38) God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power at the Jordan River. That was when the Holy Spirit came upon Him like a dove, and that was when His ministry began. No one should even think about beginning a ministry without the power of the Holy Spirit upon their lives! That is another subject. Why all the Emphasis on Speaking in other Tongues?  The first evidence that was manifest when the Holy Spirit and fire came on the 120 in the house where they were seated was speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) If this was the only place this happened, then maybe we would have to say that it was something special for them that day, but it was not unique to Acts 2:4. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the word. And those of the circumcision, who believed (as many as came with Peter), were astonished because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the (non-Jewish or Gentile) nations also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.  (Acts 10:44-46) This Baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire is here called a gift. In Luke 24:49 it was called the promise of the Father. It is the desire of the Father to grant this promise and gift to you right now.  Much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him. (Luke 11:13) It is a promise and a gift that is yours for the asking and the receiving. The Father will never turn down any born again believer from receiving. It is His perfect will that you receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with this initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. Why do I say that speaking in another tongue is the initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? I just gave you the second scriptural proof of this great truth in Acts 10:44-46. The people that came with Peter knew these people had received the same gift as they had in Acts 2:4 when they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. He (Paul) said to them, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” And they said to him, “We have not heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Then to what were you baptized?” And they said, “To John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in Him that was coming after him, on Jesus Christ. And hearing this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. And as Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:2-6) This portion of Scripture makes some correction to traditional theology. Paul's question was pointed. "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" He did not ask if they got the Holy Spirit when they believed, but since they believed. Paul believed that there was another Holy Spirit experience beyond the believing in Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit in the salvation experience. If you have doubts that they were already believers (born from above or born again), notice that when Paul told them about Jesus, they heard the Word, they believed on Him, and were baptized in water. They were born again before Paul laid his hands on them. The Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with tongues. In this case, they even prophesied. There you have three places that clearly show that tongues were the initial evidence that the Holy Spirit had baptized or immersed them in His power and fire; Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, and 19:1-6. The Supernatural Connected to the Natural Praying in other tongues is supernatural and natural. Tongues come out of the human spirit as given by the Holy Spirit. That is the supernatural side. The words given by the Spirit and coming out of the human spirit must be formed by the tongue, given sound, and spoken by the mouth. That is the physical side. The benefits of speaking and praying in other tongues are clearly taught in Scriptures, and in this audio message and article, we clearly present the facts that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking with tongues is for EVERY believer. The confusion comes in when people don't understand the difference between tongues and interpretation of tongues as a manifestation of the Spirit used for ministering to others as the Lord wills (1st Corinthians 12:7-11, 28-30), and speaking and praying with tongues to edify yourself and to speak in mysteries to God whenever you want to (1st Cor. 14:2, 4, 14-17). Let's study it with some more details. Some have thought that not everybody needs to speak in tongues when they get Spirit baptized because they think that Paul didn't speak in tongues. Wrong! Paul makes this statement:  I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all. (1 Corinthians 14:18)  Paul spoke in tongues frequently and consistently. He also said:  Do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1 Corinthians 14:39) Again, Paul spoke in tongues frequently and consistently. He also commanded that Christians should not forbid speaking in tongues. Yet, most traditional, denominational churches (Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of Christ, and many others do exactly that! They forbid anyone from speaking in tongues, and are so traditionally brainwashed as to think that speaking or praying in tongues is of the devil! No, their refusal to believe the Scripture is of the devil! Tongues come from the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The Power of Praying in Tongues 1. Speaking divine secrets For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit... If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels... (1st Corinthians 14:2, 13:1a NET) You speak divine secrets before God in tongues.  Satan has no way of knowing what is happening or what is being said! You are speaking divine secrets or "divine code" that he cannot decipher. It is speaking to God and not to man. God understands them, though you and no one else around you may understand them. Speaking in tongues can be speaking supernaturally the tongues of men or angels, but spoken in a way that only the Lord understands. 2. The door into the spirit If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive. 15 What should I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing praises with my spirit, but I will also sing praises with my mind. (1st Corinthians 14:14, 15 NET) Notice that praying in tongues means that you are praying in the spirit. You can't pray in the spirit in your understanding. Regardless of the fervency of prayer in the understanding, it is just that, prayer from your mind or understanding. Though you may frame the prayer in spiritual language according to the Scripture, it is still a prayer stated via the understanding. Though there is a spiritual element to prayer when it is according to the Word, it is still not full blown prayer in the spirit. Do you get that? Prayer in the Spirit is ONLY via tongues.  Tongues open the door into the spirit, into the supernatural spiritual realm. Tongues come from the spirit man on the inside and not the mind or intellect. It bypasses intellect completely. That is why your understanding is unfruitful. Your head just doesn't get it or understand it! We are supposed to pray in the spirit (tongues) and in the understanding. The issue is that praying in the understanding is limited to what you know, which is very limited. Praying in the spirit is unlimited because one gets over into divine secrets when one is praying. Praises can be sung in the spirit or in other tongues. Praising in the spirit with singing or in other tongues is also a very rich part of spiritual language.  3. Praying the perfect will of God In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God's will. (Romans 8:26-27 NET) When I do not know what or how to pray for as I should, I can depend on the Holy Spirit to give me words of the spirit that will pray out the perfect will of God for the saints, which are the children of God or the church. I can be praying for myself as a child of God or for others. That is what I do when I pray in tongues. 4. Building up the inner man The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. (1st Corinthians 14:4 NET) Speaking in tongues edifies or builds up the inner man or spirit . We build up ourselves on our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit or in tongues.  But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude 1:20 Amplified) We make progress as we pray in tongues and rise higher and higher like a building. That is the meaning of the original Greek word used here for "build".  5. Access to wisdom And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. (1 Corinthians 2:13 Amplified) Human language is limited to the mind. Spiritual language that comes out of your spirit by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is the combination of spiritual truths with spiritual words.  Read the entire portion of Scripture  in 1st Corinthians 2:5-13. We have been granted powerful access to God's wisdom through the practice of praying in other tongues. 6. Spirit to spirit communication God is a Spirit being (John 4:24). Tongues are your human spirit contacting God who is the Father of Spirits in a way that is pleasing to Him (Heb. 12:9; 1st Cor. 14:2). It is spiritual communication. 7. Praying without error, ignorance or unbelief Since tongues bypasses your mind, this means that you can pray without error, ignorance, or unbelief when you pray in the Spirit (1st Cor. 14:14). Thank God! In Acts 2:4; they spoke in tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. It is the human spirit receiving unction to speak in an unknown language to the speaker. One Greek commentary says that they spoke as they were infused by the Holy Spirit to speak. Some of these do overlap, but you can see that the Word of God has quite a bit to say about tongues, and that was only a superficial explanation. Look at some words that will help you understand that this is all talking about this glorious experience. The Holy Spirit coming upon you  In Acts 2:4, it was the fire of the Holy Spirit sitting upon them. In Acts 1:8, it is the Holy Spirit coming upon them. In Acts 10:44-46 it was the Holy Spirit poured out on them. In Luke 24:49 it was them being clothed with power. In Acts 10:38, it was being anointed with the Holy Spirit. To "anoint" means to rub on (externally) or pour on. In Matthew 3:11 it is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. "Baptism" means "immersion” into something else. For example "water baptism" means to be immersed in water. Sorry all you "sprinkling" folk, but you are mistaken. When you first came to Jesus, you drank from the fountain of life and life got in you. Now you are being immersed in power, fire, and anointing, to carry out the great commission in Mark 16:15-20. The anointing, the fire, the Holy Spirit upon us is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. If you are not in a church that lays hands on people to receive this gift, then you need to go somewhere else! They should at least pray for you so that the Holy Spirit comes on you just like He did in Acts 2, 10, and 19. Get ready to speak in a language that you do not know with your mind the moment they lay hands on you in faith, or pray for you that you receive this gift. Speaking the words given to you by the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit will come on you and give you words to speak, but you must speak them out of your own mouth. The Spirit gave them the words but they had to do the speaking. Tongues are not the Holy Spirit speaking. The Holy Spirit does not, nor ever will, speak in tongues. He gives you the words so you can speak in tongues. Notice these phrases in Acts:  They... began to speak in other tongues... (Acts 2:4) They heard them speak with tongues... (Acts 10:46) They spoke with tongues... (Acts 19:6) Therefore, the Holy Spirit will not force you to speak with tongues. He will not overpower your tongue and make you speak. It may actually feel like that at times, but it happened so strongly because YOU yielded to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not overpower your tongue and force you to speak if you resist Him. He will give you the ability to speak in tongues, but you must speak them out by faith. They may sound silly, ridiculous, and dumb. Tongues are not mental, so they do not make any sense to your mind. They will not sound necessarily intelligent. Get over that hump. According to 1 Cor. 14: 2 and verse 14, tongues will not make sense to you at all unless God gives you interpretation. From personal experience, I can tell you that many times you will not know what you are saying or for what you are praying. Don't get hung up here. When you begin to speak in other tongues, at first, there may not be many words. Some people do receive what sounds like an entire language with many different words and variations. Others receive a sentence or two. Some may get a few words. It will greatly depend upon you and your receptiveness. If you have a strong yearning in you for this powerful experience with God, then most likely you will get more tongues than others will at first. Then, please don't stop praying in the tongues the Holy Spirit gives you. Pray in tongues every days and as often as you can.  Turning tongues on when YOU will!  Once you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, you can turn tongues on and off anytime you want to. There is no need to wait on some special anointing or feeling to pray in tongues. "I will pray in the spirit, (prayer in tongues- 1st Cor. 14:14), and I will pray in the understanding." (1st Corinthians 14:15) Once you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, tongues can be exercised at will just like praying in your own language. Just like you can pray in English, you can also pray in tongues. Don't forget that. After you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in tongues, here is Satan's #1 strategy to get you to stop. The devil may tell you that you made them up. Just rebuke his lies in Jesus' Name and begin to speak in tongues right in his face. He will absolutely hate every moment of it, and get out in one piece while he can! Praying in the spirit- making progress Once you receive, pray in tongues as often as you can, every single day of your life. As I mentioned earlier, the Amplified Bible in Jude 1:20 says that we make progress as we pray in Holy Spirit. That is exciting to know. The more I pray in tongues, the more progress in the Lord and in life I can make! No wonder Paul said he prayed in tongues more than all the Corinthians (1st Cor. 14:18). Now, I am going to pray for you receive this wonderful gift of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. The Father wants to give you this gift, and Jesus wants to baptize you right now in the Holy Spirit and fire! Are you ready to receive right now? Over the years, we have seen many thousands of people receive the Holy Spirit after they followed these simple instructions. You are no exception. When I finish praying, the Holy Spirit of God will come on you, and He will give you words in your mouth, and out of your innermost being will come a flow of unknown words to you. Speak them out by faith and enjoy it! Now say this aloud: “Father you said, “How much more will you give the Holy Spirit to them that ask you.” I ask you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I receive this gift from you. Jesus said that these signs would follow the believers. He said that in His Name I would speak in tongues. I am a believer and I receive this mighty gift with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. The moment brother Dan prays for me, I will receive from the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit who is the Lord Jesus this power from on high with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.” Now hush the English or any other known language. No more words in any known language for now and let me pray over you.  “I pray for you now in the mighty Name of Jesus. Receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you. Receive the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name! Now begin to worship God in other tongues in Jesus Name!” As soon as you read these words, throw your hands in the air in a receiving mode, open your mouth and speak whatever words the Holy Spirit is giving you right now. That's it. Begin to speak out those words by faith in Jesus' Name. Keep doing it. Relax in Him and in the tongues and let them flow out of you! All who read these words and follow these instructions will receive without exception and without any delay in Jesus Name! The audio podcast strongly compliments the article. Don't miss it!

Complete set of notes here. The History and Meaning of Death      Death was introduced into God's creation when the first human, Adam, sinned against God. Adam's sin immediately brought spiritual death (Gen 2:15-17; 3:1-7), and later, physical death (Gen 5:5). Though Adam was made spiritually alive again (Gen 3:21), his single sin introduced death, in every form, into the world (Rom 5:12-14; 1 Cor 15:21-22). Death means separation. Three major kinds of death are mentioned in Scripture, and these include: 1) spiritual death, which is separation from God in time (Gen 2:16-17; 3:1-7; Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:22; Eph 2:1-2; Col 2:13-14), 2) physical death, which is the separation of the soul from the body (Eccl 12:7; 2 Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23-24; 2 Tim 4:6), and 3) eternal death (aka the “second death”), which is the perpetuation of physical and spiritual separation from God for all eternity (Rev 20:11-15).      God has granted that some would not experience death, and these include Enoch (Gen 5:21-24), Elijah (2 Ki 2:11), and those Christians at the rapture (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Th 4:13-18). However, there have been others who died and were resuscitated, only to die a second time. These include the son of the widow in Zarephath (1 Ki 17:17-24), the Shunamite's son (2 Ki 4:32-34; 8:1), the son of the widow in Nain (Luke 7:11-15), Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:40-42, 49-55), Lazarus (John 11:43-44), various saints in Jerusalem (Matt 27:50-53), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-40), and Eutychus (Acts 20:7-10). But for most, there is an appointed time to die (Eccl 3:2; 8:8; cf. Deut 31:14; 1 Ki 2:1), and afterwards, to meet God for judgment (Heb 9:27). For believers, this is a time of reward (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10), but for unbelievers, it is a time of judgment as they face the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:11-15). Though death is inevitable; where we spend eternity is optional. God loves us and sent His Son into the world to provide eternal life for us (John 3:16-17; 10:28).      There are three major kinds of life mentioned in Scripture: 1) regenerate life, which is the new life God gives at the moment of salvation (John 3:3; 1 Pet 1:3, 23), 2) resurrection life, which is the new and perfect body we receive when the Lord calls us to heaven (John 11:25-26; 1 Cor 15:42-44), and 3) eternal life, which is perpetual life given at the moment of salvation and extends into heaven and eternity (John 3:16; 6:40; 10:28; Rom 6:23; 1 John 5:11-13). The Eternal State      What is our eternal future? Scripture reveals every person will spend eternity either in heaven with God (Dan 12:1-2; 1 Cor 15:51–53; 1 Th 4:14–17; Rev 20:4-6), or the Lake of Fire away from Him (Rev 20:11-15). Heaven is the place where God dwells, and Jesus promised we'll be there with Him (John 14:1-3). Heaven is a place of worship (Rev 19:1-3), service (Rev 22:3), and free from tears, pain, or death (Rev 21:3-4). God loves us and desires to have a relationship with us in time and eternity (John 3:16-17; 10:28; 14:1-3). However, our sin separates us from God (Isa 59:2; John 8:24; Rom 5:12). But God, who is merciful (Eph 2:3-5; Tit 3:5), dealt with our sin once and for all when He sent Jesus as a substitutionary atoning sacrifice to die in our place and pay the penalty for our sins (Isa 53:1-12; Mark 10:45; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 10:10-14; 1 Pet 2:24; 3:18). At the cross, God satisfied all His righteous demands toward our sin (1 John 2:2; 4:10). Those who believe in Jesus as their Savior receive forgiveness (Eph 1:7; Col 2:13-14), the gifts of eternal life and righteousness (John 3:16; 10:28; Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9), and will spend eternity in heaven (John 14:1-3; 2 Cor 5:1-5; Phil 3:20-21). Those who reject Jesus as their Savior have no future hope and will spend eternity away from God in eternal punishment (John 3:18, 36; Rev 20:14-15). When we turn to Christ as our Savior, we have a bright eternal destiny assured for us in heaven (1 Pet 1:3-4).       All believers anticipate a future time of resurrection in which God will reunite the soul with the body. Job said, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!” (Job 19:25-27). The body we have is perishable, but our resurrection body is imperishable. Paul compared our body to a seed that is sown into the ground that God will one day bring to life. Paul wrote, “It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Cor 15:42-44). Of course, Jesus makes this possible, as He told Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25). To trust in Christ as Savior guarantees us eternal life right now, and the promise of a new body that will live forever, free from sin and decay. By God's goodness and grace, heaven is open, and the free gift of eternal life is given to those who trust completely in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Our salvation is made possible by Jesus' substitutionary death on the cross. He paid our sin-debt and gives us eternal life at the moment we trust in Him.      All believers go straight to heaven when we die, and there we will live forever. God will let us in. He does not have a choice in the matter. The Lord has integrity, and He promised that whoever believes in Jesus as Savior will be forgiven all their sins (Eph 1:7) and have eternal life (John 3:16; 10:28). He made the provision for salvation, and He will honor His Word. In fact, God is bound to His Word, for “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb 6:18; cf. Tit 1:2). By faith, we trust Him when He promises to do something, and we know that faith pleases Him (Heb 10:38; 11:6).       When the Christian leaves this world for heaven, her last breath here is her first breath there, and what a breath that must be! Scripture reveals, “to be absent from the body” is “to be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8). Though it is a sad time for us, it is an improvement for the believer, as Scripture states, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). The advantage is that the believer gets to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, face to face, in heaven; and this joyous relationship is forever!      At physical death, all of life's decisions are fixed for eternity, and what we do with Christ determines our eternal destiny (John 3:16-18; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Eph 2:8-9). It has been said that procrastination is the thief of time and opportunity, and when one procrastinates about the gospel, it becomes the thief of souls. Please don't delay. Trust Christ as Savior today and receive eternal life, believing the gospel that He “died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3-4). And, like the thief on the cross who trusted in Jesus, you can be assured your soul will immediately go into the presence of God at death (Luke 23:43). Don't wait another day. The Lord will forgive you all your sins and grant you eternal life. He promised, and He'll keep His word. He has integrity and cannot do otherwise.

Seated - Jesus Christ Enthroned in Heaven JESUS TODAY is Enthroned in Heaven Sovereign LORD and MASTER Great High Priest and Mediator Constant Companion and Friend Preparing a home for us Hebrew 10:11-12 Hebrews 1 : 1-4 Hebrews 1 : 5-13 (NLT) Seated Sovereign Lord & Master Hebrews 1 - Jesus Sustains All things - (vs 3) Sits at God's Right Hand (vs 3, 13) Has an excellent/greater name (vs 4) Is God (vs 8) Has an everlasting throne (vs 8) Created the heavens and earth; sustains and will fold them up (vs 9-12) Always the same and lives forever (vs 12) All His enemies are His footstool (vs 13) Angels are His servants (vs 14) Hebrew 7: 23-28 (NLT) Seated Our Great High Priest & Mediator Jesus is our Great Unique High Priest (Heb 7:26) Holy, blameless, unstained by sin, set apart from sinners (Heb 7:26) Given the highest place of honour in heaven (Heb 7:26) Jesus lives forever and his priesthood is forever (Heb 7: 24) Jesus is able to save once and forever those who come to God through Him (Heb 7:25) Jesus lives forever to intercede with God on our behalf (Heb 7:25) Appointed by God with an oath as the Perfect High Priest forever Hebrew 10:11-12 (NLT) Hebrews 4: 14-16 (NLT) Seated Our Great High Priest & Mediator Jesus Offered Himself for sin for all time (Heb 10:11) Sat down in place of honour (Heb 10:12) Hebrews 4: 14-16: Great High Priest (vs 14) Understands Our Weaknesses (vs 15) Never Sinned (vs 15) Has the Throne of Grace (vs 16) Seated Our Great High Priest & Mediator We have a Saviour who walked where we walk, hurt where we hurt, cried where we cry, ache where we ache When we come to him in time of need, He understands When Jesus was cut he bled, when He was sad, He wept, when He was tired He slept, when His heart stopped He died Because He was a man He sympathises with our weakness He Offers Us Grace and Mercy for all occasion & time We are to hold firmly to what we believe We are to come with Confidence (Boldly) to His Throne of Grace Hebrews 4: 14-16 (NLT) Seated Constant Companion and Friend Hebrews 2: 9-16 (NLT) Seated Constant Companion and Friend Hebrews exalts the deity and majesty of the enthroned Saviour Jesus Suffered Death for Us (vs 9) Brought us to Salvation & Glory (vs 10) Made Us God's Children (vs 10, 11) Is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters (vs 11) Merciful and Faithful High Priest; Helps us in our suffering and testing (vs 16-18) Heavenly distance does not separate us from Jesus Heb 13:8, Heb 13:5 What a Friend we have in Jesus Seated Preparing a Place for Us (Believers) Hebrew 11: 13-16 (NLT) John 14: 1-3 (NLT) 1 Peter 1: 3 (NASB) Revelation 21:1-5 (NASB) Seated Preparing a Place for Us (Believers) Better Country –Heaven More than a place What will be in Heaven? The Lord Jesus Christ Believers What will not be in Heaven? Death, mourning, crying, pain JESUS TODAY is Enthroned in Heaven Sovereign LORD and MASTER Great High Priest and Mediator Constant Companion and Friend Preparing a home for us

     Moses continues his sermon directing God's people to maintain loyalty to the Lord. In the beginning of this chapter, Moses spoke of the false prophet who would arise among God's people—even performing signs and wonders—and seek to lead them away from the Lord and into idolatry (Deut 13:1-5). In the second pericope, Moses spoke of the close family or friend who might secretly entice a believer to break allegiance with God and worship idols (Deut 13:11-12). In this third pericope, Israel's spiritual leader addresses the possibility that certain worthless men might lead a whole city into idolatry (Deut 13:13-18). In all three examples, God prescribed the death penalty for those who promoted treason within the nation (Deut 13:5, 9, 15). These tests would arise throughout the nation's history, and each Israelite would choose blessing if he/she kept allegiance with God, and cursing if they did not (Deut 11:26-28).      Moses opens this section, saying, “If you hear in one of your cities, which the LORD your God is giving you to live in, anyone saying that some worthless men have gone out from among you and have seduced the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods' (whom you have not known), then you shall investigate and search out and inquire thoroughly” (Deut 13:12-14a). In contrast to the direct speech one would hear from a false prophet who spoke publicly (Deut 13:1-2), or the words that came directly from a close relative or friend (Deut 13:6), it might happen that one would hear from secondary or tertiary sources about a city in Israel that had broken loyalty to God. To add to the egregiousness of the offense, Moses describes the city as one “which the LORD your God is giving you to live in” (Deut 13:12b). If the account of rebellion was true, it meant the residents of the city had taken God's blessing and used it for sinful purposes. The offense was, “some worthless men have gone out from among you and have seduced the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods' (whom you have not known)” (Deut 13:13).      The term worthless men is a translation of the Hebrew בְּלִיָּעַל belial, which occurs 27 times in Scripture (a few references include Deut 13:13; Judg 19:22; 20:13; 1 Sam 25:17; 1 Ki 21:9-13; Pro 6:12-14; 16:27; 19:28; Nah 1:11). The word means “Uselessness, wickedness…good for nothing.”[1] These were people whom God designated as worthless because they continually resisted His will and disrupted the activities of His people. Over time, the term Belial became a name for Satan (2 Cor 6:15), who embodies wickedness, worthlessness and trouble, always resisting God and seeking to harm those who walk with Him (1 Pet 5:8). Solomon wrote, “A worthless person [בְּלִיָּעַל belial], a wicked man, is the one who walks with a perverse mouth, who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who points with his fingers; who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil, who spreads strife” (Pro 6:12-14). Elsewhere, Scripture describes the worthless person as one who “digs up evil” (Pro 16:27), “makes a mockery of justice” (Pro 19:28), and “plots evil against the LORD” (Nah 1:11). He leads others away from God (Deut 13:13), is given to lewd behavior (Judg 19:22), hides from justice (Judg 20:13), is unreasonable (1 Sam 25:17), defies authority (2 Sam 20:1), is willing to lie against the innocent and promote injustice (1 Ki 21:9-13), and seeks to overpower the timid leader (2 Ch 13:7). It should be noted that worthless persons can be born into good families, for “the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the LORD” (1 Sam 2:12). And, they can attach themselves to a godly leader and cause trouble, such as “the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David” (1 Sam 30:22).      In Deuteronomy chapter thirteen, the worthless men engage in organized criminal activity, working as community organizers to seduce the leadership and inhabitants of their city. The enticement was to worship idols (and there was one for everyone), which permitted easy sinful behavior and made no demands for holiness. But in God's kingdom, idolatry was treason against their good King who had liberated them from slavery and blessed them as His chosen people.      However, rather than operate on hearsay, Moses instructed them, saying, “then you shall investigate and search out and inquire thoroughly” (Deut 13:14a). This meant that some of Israel's leaders were to send a team of investigators to the city and make a thorough inquiry in the matter to determine the facts. Moses states, “If it is true and the matter established that this abomination has been done among you, you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying it and all that is in it and its cattle with the edge of the sword” (Deut 13:14b-15). Action, or inaction, was to follow only after the facts were obtained. If the matter was proven true and all the residents of the city had broken the first commandment and turned to idolatry (Deut 5:7), then the death penalty was prescribed. All the guilty inhabitants of the city were to be killed and their property was to be utterly destroyed (Heb. חָרָם charam) along with them. If Israelites turned from the Lord and acted like the Canaanites, then they would be judged and treated like the Canaanites. This shows God's actions of judgment were a response to the unethical behavior of His people who had turned away from Him in violation of the covenant.      Moses said, “Then you shall gather all its booty into the middle of its open square and burn the city and all its booty with fire as a whole burnt offering to the LORD your God; and it shall be a ruin forever. It shall never be rebuilt” (Deut 13:16). The action of judging the city included gathering everything to its center and offering it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. Furthermore, the city was not permitted to be rebuilt. Rather, it was to serve as a ruined memorial to others, that they might not follow worthless men and engage in such evil practices. The destruction of all the city's property would also impede some who might be tempted to spread falsehood about a city, hoping to claim its wealth after the residents were killed.      Moses said, “Nothing from that which is put under the ban shall cling to your hand, in order that the LORD may turn from His burning anger and show mercy to you, and have compassion on you and make you increase, just as He has sworn to your fathers” (Deut 13:17). If God's directives were followed, and the guilty city destroyed, this would turn God from His anger for their violation of the covenant. In turn, the Lord would be merciful and compassionate because they humbly obeyed, and He would bless them with increase to make up for the lost members of the community who were killed. But this was conditioned on their obedience, as Moses said, “if you will listen to the voice of the LORD your God, keeping all His commandments which I am commanding you today, and doing what is right in the sight of the LORD your God” (Deut 13:18). Keeping God's directives was the key to success and prosperity in the covenant community (see Deut 11:26-28).      As Christians, we live in a fallen world that is spiritually and morally sick. God has a prescription, but the majority of those in the world reject Him, so the disease goes untreated. As those who have turned to Christ as Savior and been restored to God (forgiven and given new life), we now have the responsibility to grow into spiritual adulthood and live effectively for God and others (i.e., the demanding life of a disciple). This will only happen as we consistently make good choices that are rooted in God's Word. We grow spiritually when we study the Bible (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17), and live by faith, following God's directives (Matt 7:24; John 13:17; Jam 1:22). We learn God's Word in order to live God's will. The Lord says, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38), for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). The believer whose mind is saturated with God's Word, correctly understood and applied, “will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psa 1:3). But there are dangers and distractions to the Christian life. We must be careful who we choose as friends, for they will influence us, either for good or evil. We do well to choose good teachers who help us know Scripture, and good friends who encourage us to pursue God's will. And we must not bow to moments of sinful pressure, nor go with the flow of our declining culture. God is at work in the world, but so is Satan and his demonic forces. We're constantly confronted with value systems that are harmful and may lead us into destructive paths. Society is never neutral, and there are pressures that pull us to go with the flow. Sometimes that's alright, but other times not. We realize any dead fish can float downstream, but it takes someone who is alive and strong to swim against it. We should strive to be that person who daily walks with God and who helps and encourages others to do the same. God has granted us the privilege of being a godly influence in the lives of others, whether with family, coworkers, or in the community. We should take these privileges seriously, knowing that our loving and godly behavior may lead others to Christ for salvation, and may encourage other Christians to know the Lord better and to walk closely with Him.   [1] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 134.

“God is my strength and my power” (2 Sam 22:23). This unique characteristic of God, His power, is called omnipotence. Your objective is to access God's omnipotence in your life. From the time you make the decision to believe in Christ you can have direct access to God's power by means of the indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit, by means of the living Word of God in your soul, and by means of “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). You can have power others don't have. It is called divine wisdom. God's power becomes your power when you learn and use the unique invisible assets He has given you. These assets are revealed in the Word of God. There are no limits on what God's power can do in your life but you have to learn to trust Him. “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him” (Heb 11:6). Faith comes from consistent learning and applying the Word of God. Here are 3 sources of power for you: “The Word of God is alive and powerful” (Phil 3:10); “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8), and “The power of His resurrection” (Heb 4:12). Full Transcript: https://rhem.pub/gods-power-8e9919 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rick-hughes/message

An Excerpt from Sunday's Word of Inspiration - Pastor Spencer shares a Word for the weary.  Do not give up!  The Lord is with you so keep going forward in God.  Keep running in this race of faith and you will win the prize!  God rewards those who diligently seek after Him (Heb 11:6).  There is a blessing in the pressing! Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/ROYALFAMILYMINISTRIE)

An Excerpt from Sunday's Word of Inspiration - Pastor Spencer shares a Word for the weary.  Do not give up!  The Lord is with you so keep going forward in God.  Keep running in this race of faith and you will win the prize!  God rewards those who diligently seek after Him (Heb 11:6).  There is a blessing in the pressing! Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/ROYALFAMILYMINISTRIE)

It never ceases to amaze me how many Christians open their Bibles and grab a verse or a promise and start applying it to their lives, or in some cases, use it as sermon material. Does context mean nothing? Well, if you agree that context is important, then you’ll want to take note of the superscript written in your Bible under the title: Psalm 3. It says, “A Psalm of David when he fled from Absolom his son”, which relates to the events found in 2 Sam.13-18, in which David’s son, Absolom lead a treasonous revolt against King David. David and his men found themselves on the run. But at some point it would appear that David stopped and prayed. He was so confident in God’s answer to his prayer that he could lie down and sleep, even though he was surrounded by up to 10,000 enemies! We perhaps can identify with some of this, or we may simply feel as if our enemies have increased. Perhaps they have mocked you concerning your prayers, saying, “God won’t answer your prayer!” Ultimately Christ would come, and would be surrounded by many, many enemies. But He went to the cross, because of the joy that was set before Him (Heb.12:2-3). To watch this sermon in its video format, click on this link to Youtube! The post Psalm 3: Help Me O LORD! appeared first on Living Rock Church.

TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com    97X     PODBEAN   Apple Podcast    webstix.com Tony Herman - the coolest cat on the net     Code: wellbuilttda 15% off   Here's a sharable link: https://wellbuiltsupplements.com/discount/wellbuilttda   Daily Greens probiotic, vegan protein, whey protein, Digestive enzymes, Omega 3's, Performance energy, Performance BCCA's, Vitamins for men, Vitamins for women and a whole lot more.  Right now I am pumping the greens and Pre-workout and loving them both… Heres a secret “I'm on them right now as I do my podcast”.    TDA Conference May 21st & 22nd at HillSpring Church BAMF Bad Action Messiah Follower  Sessions on: the 2nd amendment, Total safety in your home and person, the Homosexual agenda, Health life and fitness, The mans personality, Spiritual nuclear warfare, Making it happen! and fantastic praise and worship! AND WE ADDED A SPEAKER FROM BRIDGEWORKS… Phil Gwoke speaking on Race Relations… Starts Friday night at 7pm Saturday 8am - 4pm FREE, and a gun raffle etc… Register at TDAGiantslayer@Gmail.com     Dropping some videos these next few days… don't miss them.          INSIGHT Faith makes us aware that we are surrounded by an invisible spiritual kingdom and that which is seen is not the whole explanation of life.  There are realities which cannot be  seen,  weighed,  measured,  analyzed  touched,  and yet they are as real and vital as anything we can see, smell taste or touch.  In fact, they are more real because they are the explanation of the things which can be seen.  The spiritual world is more real than the physical world about us, and we can only enter into it through faith.    BACKGROUND: KING ARAM IS TICKED… HE MAKES PLANS TO WAR AGAINST ISRAEL AND THEY KEEP LEARNING OF HIS PLANS AND DEFEATING HIM… In 2 Kings 6:12-17 Elisha and his attendant were surrounded by the armies of the King of Syria. When the attendant saw the armies, he panicked and said, “What shall we do?” Elisha, knowing the power of the spiritual kingdom, prayed that the Lord would open the attendant's eyes to see realities of the unseen world. God opened his eyes and by faith he saw the mountains full of chariots of fire, indicating that God had sent his angelic hosts to protect Elisha and his attendant.    WHO'S EYES WERE OPEN? Not Elisha's… he didn't need to have his eyes open… he understood the faith world, the unseen world, the supernatural… but for the sake of his attendant…   What am I trying to say in this sermon… faith is not a tool we use as many sermons imply… you can use it as a tool. But faith is a lifestyle to living in the supernatural.    Only faith can give us conviction of the spiritual world. “And 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 seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).  Please God = (it doesn't mean make him happy by what you do…. but rather are you doing/living in the manner by which makes him happy.  i.e.  in the natural we can do a lot of things that seem good, religious even. But if they are not by faith (within the realm of the unseen) we are not pleasing him. Here is an example:    CFNI couple came on a Sunday chapel… they looked hokey. They felt called to work with the vagrants, derelicts, drug users, prostitutes. They sing and then preach. The teacher running chapel that day asked them to sing. They did… it was horrible and it was amazing. The Holy Spirit crushed the place. You could tell that they were so broken over those lost and going to hell… But what amazed me was afterward a girl named Renee came up to our group of friends and said “can you believe they let that couple sing?”.  It was well known  that Renee wanted nothing more than to be the next Amy Grant… I WAS FLOORED AT HOW SHE COULD MISS THAT MOMENT!  SHE WAS STUCK IN THE NATURAL, IN THE VISIBLE WORLD!      What is faith…. READY! IT IS SIMPLY CHOOSING TO LIVE IN THE UNSEEN AND THE SUPERNATURAL WORLD. I CHOOSE TO UNDERSTAND MY LIFE, MY CIRCUMSTANCES, MY PROBLEMS, MY VICTORIES IN THE UNSEEN SUPERNATURAL WORLD.    READ ANY VERSE IN THE BIBLE WITH THAT NEW UNDERSTANDING.

“Faith is the substance of the things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.… 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” (Heb. 11:1-2, 6). Jesus dealt constantly with the ugly realities of this world—tragedy, isolation, disability, cruelty, hypocrisy, slander—all things done by and to sinful people. But because He trusted a good and sovereign God, He was moved with compassion and brought the transforming power of God’s kingdom.

Faith obliterates fear and replaces it with peace in your life. This relaxed mental attitude founded on faith produces peace in a world of uncertainty. It's an amazing way to live. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I unto you. So let not your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). Believing is the action of faith. This peace isn't the removal of a crisis. It is the ability to maintain a relaxed mental attitude in the crisis using the faith-rest drill, a problem-solving device. “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Full Transcript: https://rhem.pub/faith-transcript-d5ece --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rick-hughes/message

"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 your paths straight." (Pro 3:5-6)      Fear is part of the human experience. It is first mentioned in Genesis chapter three after Adam and Eve sinned and then encountered the presence of the Lord (Gen 3:10). Since the historic fall, there exists healthy and unhealthy forms of fear. Fear of God that leads to righteous living is good. Fear of others that leads to sinful living is bad. When we live righteously, we have no reason to fear God (1 John 4:18) or righteous rulers (Rom 13:1-4). Satan, and those who align with him, will seek to intimidate others into conformity in order to frustrate the plan of God. When facing opposition to doing God’s will, the believer must stand on truth. When fear rises among believers, there are faith-strengthening techniques we can apply to our situation that will fortify our walk with God. These techniques are all learned from Scripture and applied by faith. Live in God’s Word – Scripture is the starting point for the Christian faith, as “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17 KJV). As Christians, we are to “have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Cor 5:9). God states, “my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38), for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Those who consistently live in God’s Word find stability for their souls (Psa 1:1-3; Jer 17:5-8). Scripture reveals that only God and His Word are absolutely true (Psa 119:160; John 17:17), and never fail (Matt 24:35; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18). In contrast, we learn that people fail (Jer 17:5; cf. Pro 28:26), money fails (Psa 62:10), the government fails (Psa 146:3), and the creation fails (Matt 24:35). Look up to God – When believers encounter a stressful situation, the first action should be to place our focus on God for help. David wrote, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” (Psa 56:3-4; Ex 14:1-14; Deut 20:1-4; 31:1-8). When Abraham considered God’s promise that he would have a son (Gen 15:1-6; 17:6), yet knew in his old age that neither he nor Sarah could produce an heir by human effort (Rom 4:18-19), “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” (Rom 4:20-21). The proclivity of people is to look inward, outward, and downward; whereas God calls us to look to Him. Isaiah wrote, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock” (Isa 26:3-4). And Paul wrote, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:1-2). Look back on God’s faithfulness –When facing a large population and military in Canaan, Moses told his people, “If you should say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I; how can I dispossess them?’ You shall not be afraid of them; you shall well remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt: the great trials which your eyes saw and the signs and the wonders and the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. So shall the LORD your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid” (Deut 7:17-19; cf. 8:1-4). And Jeremiah, when lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of his people, found hope by recalling God’s faithfulness. Jeremiah wrote, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lam 3:21-23). Look forward to God’s future promises – On two occasions Jesus knew His disciples were struggling with fear and He sought to strengthen their faith by instructing them to focus on eschatological certainties. In the first occasion (the one we just studied), they were to focus on God’s future judgments, as Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28). Those who kill the body do so in time, whereas God is able to destroy both body and soul at the future judgment seat of Christ (Rev 20:11-15). On another occasion Jesus instructed His disciples to focus on His promise concerning their future place of residence in heaven, saying, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). Live in God’s love – John wrote, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (1 John 4:18). God is perfect, and so is His love and care for us (Rom 8:28-39). As we walk with God, our immature love develops and grows strong, becoming like His love. When this happens, fear fades away, and we can be courageous and loving toward everyone, even those who identify as our enemies and seek our harm. Fellowship with growing believers – Paul wrote, “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours” (Rom 1:12). When writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul said, “Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith” (1 Th 3:1-2). Growing believers are marked by love for each other as we seek to encourage each other to love the Lord and to serve Him in humility and faithfulness.

This great salvation is made possible by the greatest story of the innocent sufferer, Jesus. For Naboth's story calls our attention to Jesus' story in Matthew 26:59-68. Jesus' enemies conspired against Him too. They falsely accused Him of blasphemy, mocked and beat Him, and eventually took Him outside the city to kill Him (Heb 13:10-13). Jesus' blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel and the blood of Naboth (Heb 12:24), for their blood cries out for vengeance, but Jesus' blood cries out with forgiveness to everyone. Jesus is the innocent scapegoat offering salvation to the world and promising that one day the cries of the martyrs will be heard and their blood will be avenged.

This great salvation is made possible by the greatest story of the innocent sufferer, Jesus. For Naboth's story calls our attention to Jesus' story in Matthew 26:59-68. Jesus' enemies conspired against Him too. They falsely accused Him of blasphemy, mocked and beat Him, and eventually took Him outside the city to kill Him (Heb 13:10-13). Jesus' blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel and the blood of Naboth (Heb 12:24), for their blood cries out for vengeance, but Jesus' blood cries out with forgiveness to everyone. Jesus is the innocent scapegoat offering salvation to the world and promising that one day the cries of the martyrs will be heard and their blood will be avenged.

     God desires that we advance to spiritual maturity which glorifies Him and blesses us and others. This advance assumes one has believed in Christ as Savior and has spiritual life (John 3:16; 20:31; Acts 4:12; Rom 5:6-10; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5; 1 Pet 1:3, 23).[1] To be clear, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Only Christ’s atoning work at the cross is sufficient to save, and no works performed before, during, or after salvation are necessary. Though good works should follow our salvation, they are never the condition of it. The information taught in this lesson applies only to the Christian, for “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14 NET; cf. John 8:43-44).      The advance to spiritual maturity is a process that takes time as Christians learn and live God’s Word on a regular basis. There is always opposition, for we live in the devil’s world and are confronted with many obstacles and distractions that seek to push or pull us away from God. Though constant distractions are all around us, we move forward by “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Bringing our thoughts into captivity means focusing our minds on God and His Word (Isa 26:3; Pro 3:5-6; Col 3:1-2), and not allowing our thoughts to be bogged down and trapped with the cares of this world (Matt 6:25-34). This requires spiritual discipline to learn and live God’s Word on a regular basis. Biblically, several things are necessary for us to reach spiritual maturity, and these are as follows: Be in submission to God. Scripture tells us to “Submit to God” (Jam 4:7), and “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). Submission is a will surrendered to the will of another. Being in submission to God is a sign of positive volition that we’ve prioritized our relationship with Him above all else, and that we trust Him to guide and provide in all things. Like a good friend, He is naturally in our thoughts, and we live every day conscious of Him, being sensitive to what may offend, and making every effort to please Him through a life of faith. When we yield to God, His Word opens up to us, as Jesus said, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself” (John 7:17; cf. Luke 24:45; Acts 16:14; 1 John 5:20). Continually study God’s Word. Ezra, the priest, was one who “had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezr 7:10). The growing believer is one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2). As Christians, we understand that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). We cannot live what we do not know, and learning God’s Word necessarily precedes living His will. From regeneration onward, we study God’s Word in order to grow spiritually, that we might reach Christian maturity. God has helped the church by giving Pastors and Teachers (Eph 4:11), “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature person, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:12-13). Christians have the individual responsibility of studying God’s Word in order to live the best life and grow to maturity (Deut 8:3; Jer 15:16; 2 Tim 2:15; Heb 5:12-14; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). Live by faith. Living by faith means we trust God at His Word. The writer to the Hebrews states, “But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38; cf. Heb 3:7—4:2), for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). It is possible to learn God’s Word and not believe it. For example, the Exodus generation heard God’s Word and understood it; however, “the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb 4:2). Our faith is effective when God’s Word is more real than our experiences, feelings, or circumstances. Restore broken fellowship with God through confession of personal sin. All believers sin, and there are none who attain perfection in this life (Pro 20:9; Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8-10). For this reason, familial forgiveness is necessary for a healthy relationship with God. David understood the folly of trying to conceal his sins, which resulted in psychological disequilibrium and pain; however, when he confessed his sin, God forgave him (Psa 32:2-5). John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God forgives because it is His nature to do so, for He “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15; cf. Psa 103:8-14). And He is able to forgive because Christ has atoned for our sins at the cross, satisfying the Father’s righteous demands regarding our offenses (1 John 2:1-2). The challenge for many believers is to trust God at His word and accept His forgiveness and not operate on guilty feelings. Be filled with the Spirit. Paul wrote to Christians, “don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit” (Eph 5:18 CSB). If a believer consumes too much alcohol, it can lead to cognitive impairment and harmful behavior. But the believer who is filled with the Spirit will possess divine viewpoint and manifest the fruit of godliness, worship, and thankfulness to the Lord (Eph 5:19-20). Being filled with the Spirit means being guided by Him rather than our own desires or the desires of others. The Spirit’s guidance is always according to Scripture. Being filled with the Spirit does not mean we have more of Him, but that He has more of us, as we submit to His leading. Walk in the Spirit. Paul wrote, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). In this passage walking is a metaphor for daily living, which can be influenced by God (Deut 5:33; 10:12), other righteous persons (Pro 13:20), sinners (Psa 1:1; Pro 1:10-16; 1 Cor 15:33), or one’s own sin nature (Gal 5:17-21). To walk in the Spirit means we depend on His counsel to guide and power to sustain as we seek to do His will. The Spirit most often guides us directly by Scripture (John 14:26), but also uses mature believers whose thinking is saturated with God’s Word and who can provide sound advice. Accept God’s trials (Deut 8:2-3). Paul wrote, “we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). James said, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (Jam 1:2-4 CSB). The Lord uses the fire of trials to burn away the dross of our weak character and to refine those golden qualities consistent with His character. The growing believer learns to praise God for the trials, knowing He uses them to strengthen our faith and develop us into spiritually mature Christians. Pray to God. Prayer is essential to spiritual growth as we need to have upward communication with God to express ourselves to Him. Prayer is the means by which we make requests to God, believing He has certain answers ready for us, and that we just need to ask (Jam 4:2). Scripture directs us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Th 5:17), and “pray at all times in the Spirit” (Eph 6:18; cf. Jude 1:20). To pray in the Spirit means we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit as He directs and energizes our prayer life. Worship and give thanks to the Lord. The writer to the Hebrews stated, “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). And Paul wrote to the Christians at Thessalonica, saying, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th 5:18). To give thanks (εὐχαριστέω eucharisteo) is to have a daily attitude of gratitude toward God for His goodness and mercy toward us. Part of this attitude comes from knowing God is working all things “together for good” (Rom 8:28), because “God is for us” (Rom 8:31). Fellowship with other believers. The writer of Hebrews states, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25). Spiritual growth ideally happens in community, for God expects us to exercise our spiritual gifts for the benefit of others (see Rom 12:10-13; 14:19; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:3-4; 1 Th 5:11-15). Serve others in love. We are part of the body of Christ and God calls us to love and serve each other. Paul wrote, “you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal 5:13), and “while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal 6:10). Peter states, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). As Christians, we are told, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phi 2:3-4). Take advantage of the time God gives. Time is a resource we should manage properly. Paul writes, “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). Solomon wrote, “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go” (Ecc 9:10 NET). God has determined the length of our days, as David wrote, “in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for my life when as yet there was not one of them” (Psa 139:16). Every moment is precious and we must make sure our days are not wasted on meaningless pursuits, but on learning God’s Word and living His will, and walking in love with those whom the Lord places in our path.      As Christians, we will face ongoing worldly distractions in our lives which are designed by Satan to prevent spiritual growth. We have choices to make on a daily basis, for only we can choose to allow these distractions to stand between us and the Lord. As Christians, we experience our greatest blessings when we reach spiritual maturity and utilize the rich resources God has provided for us. However, learning takes time, as ignorance gives way to the light of God’s revelation. Frustration is often the handmaiden of ignorance, but spiritual success comes with knowledge of God and His Word.   [1] Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotes are taken from the New American Standard Bible, 1995 version.

     God desires that we advance to spiritual maturity which glorifies Him and blesses us and others. This advance assumes one has believed in Christ as Savior and has spiritual life (John 3:16; 20:31; Acts 4:12; Rom 5:6-10; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5; 1 Pet 1:3, 23).[1] To be clear, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Only Christ’s atoning work at the cross is sufficient to save, and no works performed before, during, or after salvation are necessary. Though good works should follow our salvation, they are never the condition of it. The information taught in this lesson applies only to the Christian, for “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14 NET; cf. John 8:43-44).      The advance to spiritual maturity is a process that takes time as Christians learn and live God’s Word on a regular basis. There is always opposition, for we live in the devil’s world and are confronted with many obstacles and distractions that seek to push or pull us away from God. Though constant distractions are all around us, we move forward by “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Bringing our thoughts into captivity means focusing our minds on God and His Word (Isa 26:3; Pro 3:5-6; Col 3:1-2), and not allowing our thoughts to be bogged down and trapped with the cares of this world (Matt 6:25-34). This requires spiritual discipline to learn and live God’s Word on a regular basis. Biblically, several things are necessary for us to reach spiritual maturity, and these are as follows: Be in submission to God. Scripture tells us to “Submit to God” (Jam 4:7), and “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). Submission is a will surrendered to the will of another. Being in submission to God is a sign of positive volition that we’ve prioritized our relationship with Him above all else, and that we trust Him to guide and provide in all things. Like a good friend, He is naturally in our thoughts, and we live every day conscious of Him, being sensitive to what may offend, and making every effort to please Him through a life of faith. When we yield to God, His Word opens up to us, as Jesus said, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself” (John 7:17; cf. Luke 24:45; Acts 16:14; 1 John 5:20). Continually study God’s Word. Ezra, the priest, was one who “had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezr 7:10). The growing believer is one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2). As Christians, we understand that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). We cannot live what we do not know, and learning God’s Word necessarily precedes living His will. From regeneration onward, we study God’s Word in order to grow spiritually, that we might reach Christian maturity. God has helped the church by giving Pastors and Teachers (Eph 4:11), “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature person, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:12-13). Christians have the individual responsibility of studying God’s Word in order to live the best life and grow to maturity (Deut 8:3; Jer 15:16; 2 Tim 2:15; Heb 5:12-14; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). Live by faith. Living by faith means we trust God at His Word. The writer to the Hebrews states, “But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38; cf. Heb 3:7—4:2), for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). It is possible to learn God’s Word and not believe it. For example, the Exodus generation heard God’s Word and understood it; however, “the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb 4:2). Our faith is effective when God’s Word is more real than our experiences, feelings, or circumstances. Restore broken fellowship with God through confession of personal sin. All believers sin, and there are none who attain perfection in this life (Pro 20:9; Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8-10). For this reason, familial forgiveness is necessary for a healthy relationship with God. David understood the folly of trying to conceal his sins, which resulted in psychological disequilibrium and pain; however, when he confessed his sin, God forgave him (Psa 32:2-5). John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God forgives because it is His nature to do so, for He “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15; cf. Psa 103:8-14). And He is able to forgive because Christ has atoned for our sins at the cross, satisfying the Father’s righteous demands regarding our offenses (1 John 2:1-2). The challenge for many believers is to trust God at His word and accept His forgiveness and not operate on guilty feelings. Be filled with the Spirit. Paul wrote to Christians, “don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit” (Eph 5:18 CSB). If a believer consumes too much alcohol, it can lead to cognitive impairment and harmful behavior. But the believer who is filled with the Spirit will possess divine viewpoint and manifest the fruit of godliness, worship, and thankfulness to the Lord (Eph 5:19-20). Being filled with the Spirit means being guided by Him rather than our own desires or the desires of others. The Spirit’s guidance is always according to Scripture. Being filled with the Spirit does not mean we have more of Him, but that He has more of us, as we submit to His leading. Walk in the Spirit. Paul wrote, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). In this passage walking is a metaphor for daily living, which can be influenced by God (Deut 5:33; 10:12), other righteous persons (Pro 13:20), sinners (Psa 1:1; Pro 1:10-16; 1 Cor 15:33), or one’s own sin nature (Gal 5:17-21). To walk in the Spirit means we depend on His counsel to guide and power to sustain as we seek to do His will. The Spirit most often guides us directly by Scripture (John 14:26), but also uses mature believers whose thinking is saturated with God’s Word and who can provide sound advice. Accept God’s trials (Deut 8:2-3). Paul wrote, “we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). James said, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (Jam 1:2-4 CSB). The Lord uses the fire of trials to burn away the dross of our weak character and to refine those golden qualities consistent with His character. The growing believer learns to praise God for the trials, knowing He uses them to strengthen our faith and develop us into spiritually mature Christians. Pray to God. Prayer is essential to spiritual growth as we need to have upward communication with God to express ourselves to Him. Prayer is the means by which we make requests to God, believing He has certain answers ready for us, and that we just need to ask (Jam 4:2). Scripture directs us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Th 5:17), and “pray at all times in the Spirit” (Eph 6:18; cf. Jude 1:20). To pray in the Spirit means we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit as He directs and energizes our prayer life. Worship and give thanks to the Lord. The writer to the Hebrews stated, “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). And Paul wrote to the Christians at Thessalonica, saying, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th 5:18). To give thanks (εὐχαριστέω eucharisteo) is to have a daily attitude of gratitude toward God for His goodness and mercy toward us. Part of this attitude comes from knowing God is working all things “together for good” (Rom 8:28), because “God is for us” (Rom 8:31). Fellowship with other believers. The writer of Hebrews states, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25). Spiritual growth ideally happens in community, for God expects us to exercise our spiritual gifts for the benefit of others (see Rom 12:10-13; 14:19; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:3-4; 1 Th 5:11-15). Serve others in love. We are part of the body of Christ and God calls us to love and serve each other. Paul wrote, “you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal 5:13), and “while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal 6:10). Peter states, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). As Christians, we are told, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phi 2:3-4). Take advantage of the time God gives. Time is a resource we should manage properly. Paul writes, “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). Solomon wrote, “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go” (Ecc 9:10 NET). God has determined the length of our days, as David wrote, “in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for my life when as yet there was not one of them” (Psa 139:16). Every moment is precious and we must make sure our days are not wasted on meaningless pursuits, but on learning God’s Word and living His will, and walking in love with those whom the Lord places in our path.      As Christians, we will face ongoing worldly distractions in our lives which are designed by Satan to prevent spiritual growth. We have choices to make on a daily basis, for only we can choose to allow these distractions to stand between us and the Lord. As Christians, we experience our greatest blessings when we reach spiritual maturity and utilize the rich resources God has provided for us. However, learning takes time, as ignorance gives way to the light of God’s revelation. Frustration is often the handmaiden of ignorance, but spiritual success comes with knowledge of God and His Word.   [1] Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotes are taken from the New American Standard Bible, 1995 version.

     The Central Idea of the Text is that Samson fell into sin that ultimately led to divine discipline—defeat by the Philistines, gouging out of his eyes, public humiliation, and death—but God used Samson one last time to attack the Philistines, and so God’s will was accomplished through His servant.       It’s not clear why Samson went to Gaza; but once there, he fell into sin and slept with a prostitute.  It was there that the Philistines tried to capture him; but Samson supernaturally tore the gates from the city wall and transported them to an adjacent hill, showing that neither guards nor gates could restrain him (Judg. 16:2-3).  Samson then fell in love with Delilah, but it was a selfish relationship for both of them, born out of lust.  Samson loved games and being promiscuous, and Delilah loved money.  Biblical love is consistent with God and is born out of a virtuous relationship with Him (reflecting His loyalty, goodness, and grace).  Samson was defeated by the woman he loved and was betrayed by her to his enemies.  His spiritual blindness and slavery to immorality preceded his physical blindness and slavery to the Philistines.  Though it was Samson’s failures that resulted in divine discipline (his loss of strength, eyesight, capture and humiliation), it was his turning back to God and crying out to Him that resulted in one final heroic act.  In the end, Samson wanted to die, and God enabled him to end his life while also giving him one last opportunity to serve as a judge and defeat Israel’s enemy.      Samson is a complex character who simultaneously displays the characteristics of a righteous person (in judging Israel) as well as a sinner (pursuing fleshly desires).  However, God sovereignly worked through Samson’s strengths and weaknesses to accomplish His will.  Samson served the Lord and did His will (Heb. 11:32), but his poor choices of worldly companions and lifestyle (1 Cor. 15:33) led to divine discipline and eventual death (Heb. 12:5-11).  Throughout his life Samson appears to be a type of Israel in that he had a special calling from God (Judg. 13:7; Deut. 7:6-8), was blessed by God (Judg. 13:24; Deut. 2:7), had godly supervision (Judg. 14:3; Deut. 6:1-2), and was led by the Lord to defeat the enemy (Judg. 13:25; 14:6, 19; Deut. 20:3-4), yet he squandered his calling by following his sinful passions and turning away from God (Judg. 14:3; 16:1, 4; cf. Judg. 2:11; 3:12; 4:1; 6:1; 10:6; 13:1).       God uses us, even with all our imperfections and failings, and should we fail terribly and suffer divine discipline, there is still hope for ministry if we’ll humble ourselves and seek the Lord (Judg. 16:26-30; cf. Ps. 51:6-13).  Christian ministry is always hindered to the degree we choose to operate by fleshly desires and worldly values.  God is very gracious and tolerant, but does not leave unpunished those who repeatedly defy Him (Heb. 12:5-11).  Effective Christians are those who learn God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2), live God’s will (Jam. 1:22), and advance to spiritual maturity (2 Tim. 3:16-17). 

     Living by faith is the Christian way. God expects us to trust Him at His word, which is plainly understood, believed, and applied. Studying the Bible and applying it to life are comparable to breathing in and breathing out, as both are necessary for living. Much of our mental and social stability depends on how well we know the Word of God and apply it to life. The Lord states, “My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38).[1] And we know that “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Scripture reveals that only God and His Word are absolutely true (Psa 119:160; John 17:17), and never fail (Matt 24:35; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18). In contrast, we learn that people fail (Jer 17:5; cf. Pro 28:26), money fails (Psa 62:10), the government fails (Psa 146:3), and the creation fails (Matt 24:35). As we look at the Greek New Testament, we see how the word faith is used three ways: Faith, as a verb (πιστεύω pisteuo),[2] means “to consider something to be true and therefore worthy of one’s trust.”[3] It means to believe, trust, or have confidence in God (Heb 11:6; cf. Rom 4:3), Jesus (Acts 16:31; 1 Pet 1:8), and Scripture (John 2:22). Unreliable people should not be trusted (Matt 24:23, 26; John 2:24). Faith, as a noun (πίστις pistis), often refers to “that which evokes trust and faith…the state of being someone in whom confidence can be placed, faithfulness, reliability, fidelity.”[4] The word is used with reference to God who is trustworthy (Rom 3:3; 4:19-21), and of people who possess faith (Matt 9:2, 22; 21:21), which can be great (Matt 15:28; cf. Acts 6:5; 11:23-24), small (Matt 17:19-20), or absent (Mark 4:39-40; cf. Luke 8:25). It is also used of Scripture itself as a body of reliable teaching (i.e. Acts 14:22; 16:5; Rom 14:22; Gal 1:23; 2 Tim 4:7). Faith, as an adjective (πιστός pistos), describes someone “pertaining to being worthy of belief or trust, trustworthy, faithful, dependable, inspiring trust/faith.”[5] The word is used both of man (Matt 25:23; 1 Cor 4:17; Col 1:7; 1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2; Heb 3:5), and God (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 10:23; Rev 1:5). Biblical facts about faith: Faith demands an object (Acts 16:30-31). Faith is exercised with a view to receiving a benefit (John 3:16). The object of faith gets the credit (Rom 4:19-21). Salvation comes by faith in Jesus (Acts 4:12; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Gal 3:26; Eph 2:8-9). Faith is the only thing that pleases God (Heb 11:6). God expects us to live by faith (Rom 1:17; Heb 10:38). Faith is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). By faith we apply the word of God (Matt 7:24-25; John 13:17; Jam 1:22). By faith we claim promises (Heb 6:11-12; 2 Pet 1:4). It is possible to have God’s promises and not benefit from them (Heb 4:2). Our faith will be tested (1 Pet 1:6-7). Our faith overcomes fear (Deut 31:6-8; Isa 41:10-13). Trusting God produces mental stability (Isa 26:3; Phil 4:6-11). Faith can be strengthened by others (Acts 14:21-22; 16:5; Rom 1:12)      Faith in God results in a change of attitude and actions about everything. By faith, “we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible” (Heb 11:3). By faith we have confidence that God controls the circumstances of our lives, that He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Even the trials we face help to produce humility (Dan 4:37; Matt 23:12), and develop the character of God in us (Rom 5:1-5). James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jam 1:2-4). Such a faith response makes us better rather than bitter. By faith we obey God’s commands to love and serve (Gal 5:13), be tolerant (Eph 4:2), kind, tenderhearted and forgiving (Eph 4:32), and to regard others as more important than ourselves (Phil 2:3-4).      Satan, and his world-system, will strive to get the believer to rely upon anything and everything other than God and His Word. If the believer falls into this trap, he will experience worry, frustration, anxiety, and eventually a deep-rooted sense of despair. God wants us to have mental stability (Isa 26:3), love (1 John 4:16-17), contentment (Phil 4:11-13), and every other attitude that brings an abundant life (John 10:10). Only through a life of faith can we know the blessings that belong to every Christian.   [1] Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotes are from the New American Standard Bible. [2] Though I’m looking at the Greek, it should be noted that the Hebrew אָמַן aman carries the same basic meaning as πιστεύω pisteuo. In fact, the LXX translates Genesis 15:6—a passage quoted by NT writers (Rom 4:3; Gal 3:6; Jam 2:23)—by using the Greek verb πιστεύω pisteuo. [3] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 816. [4] Ibid., 818. [5] Ibid., 820.

Abiding in the Presence of God, a Command with a Promise! "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive..." (John 7:37-39). This promise is for you! God is waiting for us. Will you obey God and come into His Presenceand Soak for a while? "And 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 seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).

Disciple Up #176 Hard Work & Hebrews By Louie Marsh, 9-9-2020   Since I'm recording this on Labor Day, and since this has been on my mind lately, I preached a little bit about this two weeks ago, I thought I'd an episode on this as well as do an introduction to Hebrews.   Work Is Not a Result of the Fall   15  The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:15-17 (ESV)   "to serve, cultivate, enslave, work." This root is used widely in Semitic and Canaanite languages. This verb appears about 290 times in all parts of the Old Testament. The verb is first used in Gen. 2:5: "…And there was not a man to till the ground." God gave to man the task "to dress [the ground] Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words.   Working in An Environment That Fights You Is   17  And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18  thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19  By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:17-19 (ESV)   Give God my all by working HARD.   6  Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7  Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8  she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. 9  How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 11  and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11 (ESV)   23  Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)   God's wisdom: to see everything from a Christ Centered perspective.   10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)   Work Is Tied to God's Will for Us   24  There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, Ecclesiastes 2:24 (ESV)   10  Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (ESV)   8  The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8 (ESV)   11  To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12  and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13  when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 1 Corinthians 4:11-13 (ESV)   Because Work Is Tied to God's Will Refusal to Work (when able) Is a Sin   6  Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8  nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9  It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10  For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14  If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15  Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 (ESV)   Working with My Gifts & Abilities IS God's Will   7  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8  For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10  to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11  All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (ESV)   27  To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28  Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29  For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:27-29 (ESV)   2  “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3  and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4  to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5  in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6  And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7  the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8  the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9  and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, 10  and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11  and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.” Exodus 31:2-11 (ESV)   An Introduction to the Book of Hebrews Introduction to Hebrews   The letter to the Hebrews is a unique book in the New Testament. It begins as an essay (Heb 1:1-2), progresses as a sermon (Heb 2:1-4), and ends as a letter (Heb 13:23-25). Its contents are deep and challenging. Many Christians find it difficult; some equate its difficulty with the book of Revelation.   But for Christians willing to take the time to read and reflect upon it, they will be:   Reminded of how blessed they are to have trusted in Christ Impressed with the superiority of Christ and His New Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant Warned of the danger of apostasy and the need for steadfastness in their faith.   AUTHOR   The author does not identify himself. Many believe it to be the apostle Paul (e.g., Clement of Alexandria) and have offered arguments in his favor (cf. Commentary on Hebrews, Robert Milligan, p. 5-19). Yet it seems unlikely when you consider the author's statement, "...was confirmed to us by those who heard Him" (Heb 2:3). This suggests the author received the gospel message second-hand, while Paul declared that he had not received the gospel from or through men (Gal 1:11-12).   Other names have been proposed over the years: Barnabas (suggested by Tertullian), Apollos (suggested by Luther), even Priscilla (suggested by Harnack). Perhaps Origen says it best, "But who wrote the epistle, to be sure, only God knows."   RECIPIENTS   The general consensus is that this letter was written to Jewish Christians. There is uncertainty as to where they and the author were at the time of composition. Many believe the recipients were in Palestine, and the author in Rome. Others suggest the readers were in Rome and the author elsewhere, based upon a possible implication in Heb 13:24. In any case, they were Jewish Christians whom the author knew personally (Heb 10:34; 13:19).   DATE   We know the epistle was written prior to 96 A.D., because Clement of Rome quotes from Hebrews in his letter that was written at that time. There are certainly strong indications that it was written prior to 70 A.D....   There is no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple The author writes as though priests were still offering sacrifices - Heb 8:4; 10:11 If the Jewish Christians were in Palestine, it was likely before or at the beginning of the Jewish Wars (ca. 66-70 A.D.; cf. Heb 12:4).   The time frame of 63-65 A.D. is often suggested.   PURPOSE AND THEME   The author wrote this epistle to prevent his readers from abandoning their faith in Christ (Heb 2:1-4). To encourage his Jewish brethren not to go back to the Old Law, he endeavored to show the superiority of Christ and His Covenant (Heb 8:1-2,6). A key word found throughout the epistle is "better":   Christ is "better than the angels" - Heb 1:4 We enjoy "the bringing in of a better hope" - Heb 7:19 Jesus has become "the surety of a better covenant" - Heb 7:22 He is also "the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises" - Heb 8:6 The heavenly things benefit from "better sacrifices" - Heb 9:23   Indeed, the purpose of this epistle was to exhort his readers to remain faithful to the much better things they have in Christ (Heb 13:22). As for its theme here's what almost all Bible scholars would agree with:   The Superiority of Christ and The New Covenant   OUTLINE   1) The superiority of Christ - Heb 1:1-8:6 Better than the prophets, as a much better Spokesman - Heb 1:1-3 Better than the angels, by virtue of His Deity and humanity - Heb 1:4-2:18 Better than Moses, for He is the Son who provides a heavenly rest - Heb 3:1-4:13 Better than Aaron, as His priesthood is a superior one - Heb 4:16-8:6 2) The superiority of the New Covenant - Heb 8:7-10:18 For it is based upon better promises - Heb 8:7-13 For it is based upon a better sanctuary - Heb 9:1-28 For it is based upon a better sacrifice - Heb 10:1-18 3) Exhortations drawn from this superiority - Heb 10:19-13:25 Draw near to God and hold fast - Heb 10:19-39 Run the race of faith with endurance - Heb 11:1-12:29 Miscellaneous exhortations - Heb 13:1-25   Where this information came from: https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/eo/Heb/Heb000.cfm    

KEY TAKEAWAYSGod’s gift of wisdom allows us to understand how God is involved in life’s daily eventsFaith alone opens the door to God’s limitless treasury of wisdom. We must be diligent as we seek Him (Heb 11:6)Whether poor or rich, we must find our joy in our spiritual privileges as children of God.For more information about this show, includes additional notes and details, please visit the show page here or visit our home page at SeekingourGod.comMusicLife of Riley by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3976-life-of-rileyLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Night Vigil by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5746-night-vigilLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  

Sunday's Word of Inspiration - Pastor Spencer encourages us all to remain watchful, looking forward to the second coming of Christ. He is coming again! This wonderful truth should bring hope to the weary heart. Jesus is coming back for those who are eagerly waiting for Him (Heb. 9:28). Are you ready? Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/ROYALFAMILYMINISTRIE)

     The purpose of this lesson is to help us realize we’re not neutral nor helpless concerning the culture in which we live, and that right-living not only helps to curb divine judgment, but can also bring blessing to others. Our objective as Christians is to advance to spiritual maturity which glorifies God and blesses those around us.      The advance to spiritual maturity is a process that takes time as Christians learn and live God’s Word on a regular basis. But this is not an easy process, for we live in the devil’s world and are confronted with many obstacles and distractions that seek to push or pull us away from God. Though constant distractions are all around us, we are “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Bringing our thoughts into captivity means focusing our minds on God and His Word (Isa 26:3; Pro 3:5-6; Col 3:1-2), and not allowing our thoughts to be bogged down and trapped with the cares of this world (Matt 6:25-34). This requires spiritual discipline to learn and live God’s Word on a regular basis as we advance to spiritual maturity. Biblically, several things are necessary for us to reach spiritual maturity, and these are as follows: Be in submission to God. Scripture tells us to “Submit to God” (Jam 4:7), and “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). Being in submission to God means we desire the Lord’s will above all else. When this happens, God’s Word opens up to us (John 7:17). Continually study God’s Word (Psa 1:1-2; 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). As Christians, we cannot live what we do not know, and learning God’s Word necessarily precedes living His will. Therefore, from regeneration onward, we study God’s Word in order to replace a lifetime of worldly viewpoint with divine viewpoint. Live by faith (Rom 10:17; Heb 10:38; 11:6). Learning God’s Word becomes effective when mixed with our faith as we apply it to all aspects of our lives. Our faith is effective when God’s Word is more real than our experiences, feelings, or circumstances. The writer to the Hebrews states, “But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38), for “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 seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Accept God’s trials (Deut 8:2-3, 16; 1 Pet 1:6-7; 3:17; 4:12-13). God uses trials to strengthen our faith and develop us spiritually. Often, we don’t like hardship, but we must learn to accept it as necessary. For the Lord uses it to burn away the dross of our weak character and to refine those golden qualities consistent with His character. The growing believer learns to praise God for the trials, knowing He uses them to advance us spiritually (Rom 5:3-5; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Heb 12:11; Jam 1:2-4; 1 Pet 4:12-13). Be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). Being filled with the Holy Spirit means being controlled by Him. It means we follow where He guides, and His guidance is always according to Scripture. Being filled with the Spirit does not mean we have more of Him, but that He has more of us, as we submit to His guidance. Walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-21). Walking in the Spirit means we depend on Him to sustain us as we seek to do His will according to Scripture. Restore broken fellowship with God through confession of personal sin (1 John 1:5-9). The confessed sin is directed to God, who faithfully forgives every time (1 John 1:9). Fellowship with other believers (Acts 2:42; Heb 10:24-25). Spiritual growth does not happen in isolation, as God expects us to exercise our spiritual gifts for the benefit of others (see Rom 12:10-13; 14:19; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:3-4; 1 Thess 5:11-15). Serve others in love (Gal 5:13). We are part of the body of Christ and God calls us to love and serve each other. Peter states, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). Take advantage of the time God gives (Eph 5:15-17; cf. 1 Pet 1:17; 4:1-2). Paul writes, “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). The believer does not reach spiritual maturity overnight, and since we have only a measure of time allotted to us by God (Psa 139:16), we must make sure our days are not wasted on meaningless pursuits, but on learning God’s Word and living His will.      As Christians, we will face ongoing worldly distractions in our lives which are designed by Satan to prevent spiritual growth. We have choices to make on a daily basis, for only we can choose to allow these distractions to stand between us and the Lord. As Christians, we experience our greatest blessings when we reach spiritual maturity and utilize the rich resources God has provided for us. However, learning takes time, as ignorance gives way to the light of God’s revelation. Frustration is often the handmaiden of ignorance, but spiritual success comes with knowledge of God and His Word.

God does know what we need. God tells us in Matthew 6:8, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” But in the next verses he tells us to pray for our needs. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 God commands us to pray continually. That means to pray a lot! Prayer is God's way for us to receive what we need from Him (Heb. 4:16). He tells us the reason we don't have what we need is because we haven't asked or because we are asking selfishly (James 4:2-4).  We also need to pray because we have an enemy, the devil, who wants to rob us of the good things God wants to give us. Prayer is God's way to stand firm against the devil's tricks (Eph. 6:18). When we pray with thanksgiving  God chases away out worries and fills our hearts

To be a child of God, you must BELIEVE HE exists and without FAITH it is impossible to please HIM (Heb 11:6). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-driver/support

Sermon NotesResponsibility in Waiting10/20/19Matthew 25:14-30This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 25:14-3014 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a trip. He called together his servants and gave them money to invest for him while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of gold to one, two bags of gold to another, and one bag of gold to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities—and then left on his trip. 16 The servant who received the five bags of gold began immediately to invest the money and soon doubled it. 17 The servant with two bags of gold also went right to work and doubled the money. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of gold dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money for safekeeping. 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of gold said, ‘Sir, you gave me five bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.’ 21 The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 22 “Next came the servant who had received the two bags of gold, with the report, ‘Sir, you gave me two bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.’ 23 The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 24 “Then the servant with the one bag of gold came and said, ‘Sir, I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! You think I’m a hard man, do you, harvesting crops I didn’t plant and gathering crops I didn’t cultivate? 27 Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. 28 Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of gold. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministry: Five of the virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 are fools because they believe that the way to eternal life is easier than it really is and do not prepare themselves for the master’s return. Yet as verses 14–30 indicate, the one who thinks the Lord’s way is harsher than it truly is will also be revealed as a fool on the last day.Today’s passage shows what it means to expect the second coming of Christ and ready ourselves for it.Jesus exhorts us to stay awake and be prepared for His return in 24:36–25:13, but those verses give few specific, practical directives for how to wait and equip ourselves properly.The parable of the talents makes it plain that the waiting and preparation Jesus expects is ethical and active. We must work, putting our gifts to use for His glory, which means nothing less than the love of God and neighbor (Micah 6:8; Matt. 22:34–40). Our Father has gifted us abundantly for our own salvation and for our neighbor’s good (John Chrysostom, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, first series, vol. 10, p. 472).A faithful servant in the ancient Near East often became a steward over his master’s household (for example, Joseph; Gen. 39:1–6a) and could be entrusted with enormous resources. This is the background for the parable of the talents; even the servant who is given one talent is entrusted with much as one talent is equivalent to twenty years of pay for a first-century day laborer (Matt. 25:15).Similarly, our Creator has blessed everyone in Christ with spiritual blessings above and beyond our undeserved salvation. Even those who have comparatively fewer gifts are rich in Him and must put their time and talents to work.God sovereignly determines our gifts and graces (v. 15), and, whether we have many or few, He mandates their profitable use. Even those with only one gift have no excuse if they do not use it to bear fruit for the kingdom (vv. 24–30).An inappropriate fear of his master makes the one-talent servant do nothing; similarly, thinking of our Master as a tyrant who demands the impossible will make us fruitless as well.God has not given His people an unattainable goal; the Spirit enables us to please Him (Heb. 13:16). Matthew Henry comments, “Those who think it…vain to serve [the Lord], will do nothing practical in religion.”Far too many professing Christians are content to sit around and not use their time, talent, and moneyfor the kingdom.For Further Discussion:What is the truth contained in the main point of this parable?What does that tell us about GodIf I believed it what would I doWhat motivated the parableHow can I live the parable as part of my lifeWho are the main characters? (v. 14)How does the man determine how much of his goods each servant will receive?Why are two of the servants commended? (vv. 20–23)What is the response of the third servant and why? (vv. 24–25)“A hard man” has the idea of a person who exploits his servants. What is the man’s response? (vv. 26–30)Do you see yourself as highly motivated to kingdom service? If not, why?Since the one-talent servant knew what his master was like and what he’d expect on his return, why do you suppose he neglected his duty? Do we do this as well? Explain.If you came to the end of your race as a Christian right this minute, would you expect to hear the Master’s words as spoken in verse 23? Explain.Further Reading: Luke 19:12–27; Ephesians 1:15–23; Hebrews 12; Luke 4:1–13.Notes:

As we come to know Jesus more, as God, King of the universe, creator and sustainer of everything, and Savior of the world, we find our security and identity in Him (Heb.1:1). Knowing Jesus, gives our lives purpose and identity. We are loved, accepted, called, chosen by Him, not defined by our past, or the things that have happened to us. So instead of asking “Who am I?” our question should be, “Jesus, who are you?”

Scripture reading: Exo 14:12The former quick-tempered Moses patiently answered the people's hasty accusation with three directives to meet this emergency: (1) "Do not be afraid" The word to the patriarchs, Gen 15:1; 26:24; and to Israel as they possessed the land, Josh 1:9; 8:1)(2) "Stand firm" and see the salvation, i.e., the "deliverance of the LORD" for "the LORD will fight for you" (v.14; see Neh 4:20; Ps 35:1)(3) "Hold thy peace”. Stop all action and become inactive, for I the Lord will act by myself on your behalf (cf. Gen 34:5; 2 Kings 19:11; Pss 5:3; 83:1). “For it had been better for us to serve -- the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.” This complaint is the first occurrence of what was to become a sad refrain over the next forty years. Instead of believing that the God who had demonstrated his power so overwhelmingly could now save them, the Israelites turned on their rescuer. The cry of the unsurrendered heart is always, “Give me the security of slavery rather than the risk of faith.”Let us study HEB 2 for deeper insight into the 3rd action “Hold they peace”But the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. v2 This is a reference to the condition of many Christians, hearing the Word, but not acting on it. Faith is the substance. Heb 11:1. Faith without works is dead, but works without faith is also dead. James 2:17Study So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” Heb 4:3 Was God’s judgment against Israel’s continual unbelief. They shall not enter the promised land. Deut. 1:35Today, if you will hear His voice:“Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,As in the day of trial in the wilderness,When your fathers tested Me;They tried Me, though they saw My work.For forty years I was grieved with that generation,And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,And they do not know My ways.’So I swore in My wrath,‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ” Ps. 95:8:11How did they test God? By their constant murmuring and complaining. Faith begins in your words. God spoke the earth into existence. If you speak against the very thing you believe, you cancel your faith. Stop complaining, self-pity will not move God. Faith pleases Him Heb 11:6 Let us, therefore, be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. v11The KJV uses the word Labor instead of being diligent. 4704. σπουδάζω spoudázō; fut. spoudásō, from spoudḗ (G4710), earnestness, diligence (2 Pet. 1:5). To be diligent, earnest, or eager. (I) Generally, with the inf. (2 Tim. 4:9, 21; Titus 3:12). (II) To make every effort to do one's best, to be eager, with the inf. (Gal. 2:10; Eph. 4:3; 1 Thess. 2:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 4:11; 2 Pet. 1:10, 15; 3:14; Sept.: Is. 21:3). THUS You cannot entertain unbelief for one second. It is a parasite, it is poison, it is cancer, you need to deal with it quickly. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:11-13 Learn to wield the “sword of the spirit” Eph 6:17 like a master swordsman. Jesus masterfully endured the direct satanic temptation by saying. “It is written” The Word will answer, heal, silence the distortions and upset of the heart. Phil 4:6-8 Garrison the heart with peace. You need to master the art of holding your peace. Do not react, do not act hastily. To keep your peace, in the midst of a crisis takes considerable effort and maturity in Christ. Jesus kept His peace

You may have already received Jesus as Lord of your life, but He has more than that for you. That was the first step. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the next step in your spiritual walk with God. If you are satisfied with the new birth and think that is all God has for you, then you are missing a powerful blessing promised by the Lord to all believers. God has much for you! The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the manifestation of speaking in other tongues, is what opens the door to infinite possibilities with God. We will show you what the Bible says about it, and then it will be up to you to receive this glorious experience.  Acts 2:3, 4 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them tongues as of fire splitting off (into individual fires); and these sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The apostles and all the people that gathered (120 individuals) had already received the Holy Spirit into their lives and hearts. They had already been regenerated and received Jesus as their Lord before Acts 2:4. Can we prove this? John 20:19-22 The doors were shut where the disciples were gathered... Jesus came and stood in the middle of them, and said to them, “Peace (shalom) to you!” And after He said that, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw it was the Lord! Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you. As My Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. Notice that they received the Holy Spirit at this time. This was before Jesus ascended visibly into heaven. They received the Spirit of Christ as it says in Romans 8:9-11, and the Holy Spirit came inside them, and they were born of the Spirit. Yet, Jesus explained to them that something else was needed from the Holy Spirit to empower them and propel them into the supernatural things of God. Right before His ascension into heaven He said: Luke 24:49 I send the promise of My father on you. But stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.   The underlined phrases are essential for your understanding. Jesus was saying that receiving the Holy Spirit inside of them (the new birth) was not all that there was to the promise of the Father. God had more in mind for His people. The second thing here is the fact that it would be like being clothed with power. Therefore, it was power from on high that would be like wearing a cloak or a set of clothes on the outside. God wanted more for them than only an internal and personal experience with God, though that was the beginning. He wanted a mantle of power, a glorious bringing to the outside where you wear power like a coat or a suit of clothes.  John 7:38, 39 The one believing in me as the Scripture said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water. But He said this concerning the Spirit that those that believe in Him were about to receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Note that Jesus is saying that the one that has already believed, trusted in, and become faithful to the Lord, is to have something else from the Spirit of God. These verses speak of another experience with the Holy Spirit, one where from your belly flow rivers of living water. The rivers of water speak of this mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said this of the mighty experience with the Holy Spirit they were to receive. Notice that when He breathed on them they were birthed from above, but nothing happened externally in their lives until Acts 2:4. Miraculous power from on High  There was no real show of God's power to the entire world until Acts 2 and beyond. They were good "Christians" but with no evidence to demonstrate to the world about the reality, not just the words, of their God.  Acts 1:8 ...But you will receive (miraculous) power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Do you see the reference here to the Holy Spirit coming upon you? This is saying the same thing as Luke 24:49. It is a being clothed upon with the power of the Holy Spirit. What is the purpose of this empowering? The purpose was so we would be witnesses to the world. The word witness means one that comes with clear and irrefutable evidence of what they are saying. Jesus told us what we would be doing with this power, and this is exactly what we see the apostles and disciples doing after the Acts 2:4 experience of receiving this power upon their lives.  Mark 16:15-18 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to everybody. The ones believing, and those being immersed will be saved (delivered or made whole). And the ones that do not believe will be condemned (damned). And these signs (miraculous works of power) will accompany those believing: In My Name (dominion, authority, power) they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”[1]  For those of you that fuss over this portion of Scripture because it is not found in two of the most ancient complete manuscripts (the Vaticanus and Sinaiticus), I have three words for you, "Get over it"! It is found in all other ancient New Testament manuscripts (hundreds), and it is clearly proven as a Bible truth in the book of Acts, 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14, and by numerous references in the New Testament. So, get over lame excuses for not being baptized in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. That is one of Satan’s methods to keep you out of this glorious experience with God. Traditional ignorance, and a theological debate based in unbelief of anything supernatural, has kept many denominational churchgoers from getting in on these glorious truths. God wants to clothe us with power to do signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus. He wants us to have not just words but power in demonstration in our lives.[2] He is not only interested in the presentation of the Gospel to the world with words but with miraculous signs that no one can deny! He wants you to exercise dominion over demons in His Name, speak with new tongues, have supernatural protection that can only be attributed to God, and bring healing power from God to the people! Notice that these signs are to follow all believers. It starts with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. But He who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He (Jesus) shall baptize (to immerse into) you with the Holy Spirit and with fire... The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is to come with "fire." That is that power that we have been talking about. It comes upon those that receive this gift of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. As the resurrected Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ is the One that personally baptizes you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He does that for all those that will receive this precious and very necessary gift. Did you connect fire here with the "fire" that showed up on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:3? Even Jesus did not begin His earthly ministry without the Holy Spirit empowering Him to do the miraculous.[3] No miracles, healings, signs, or wonders were done until after He was empowered by the Holy Spirit for His ministry. Notice how He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit after being clothed with this power from on High.[4] Then, and only then, did the miracles begin to happen. The Holy Spirit in power released the miraculous in His life. Even though Jesus came as God manifested in the flesh,[5] without this special empowerment, He did not do even one miracle or healing. If Jesus needed the power of the Holy Spirit in His life, how much more do you and I need it!  Acts 10:38 ...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.   God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power at the Jordan River. That was when the Holy Spirit came upon Him like a dove, and that was when His ministry began. No one should even think about beginning a ministry without the power of the Holy Spirit upon their lives! That is another subject. Why all the Emphasis on Speaking in other Tongues?  The first evidence that was manifest when the Holy Spirit and fire came on the 120 in the house where they were seated was speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) If this was the only place this happened, then maybe we would have to say that it was something special for them that day, but it was not unique to Acts 2:4. Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the word. And those of the circumcision, who believed (as many as came with Peter), were astonished because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the (non-Jewish or Gentile) nations also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.   This Baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire is here called a gift. In Luke 24:49 it was called the promise of the Father. It is the desire of the Father to grant this promise and gift to you right now.  Luke 11:13 Much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him… It is a promise and a gift that is yours for the asking and the receiving. The Father will never turn down any born again believer from receiving. It is His perfect will that you receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with this initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. Why do I say that speaking in another tongue is the initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? I just gave you the second scriptural proof of this great truth in Acts 10:44-46. The people that came with Peter knew these people had received the same gift as they had in Acts 2:4 when they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 19:2-6 He (Paul) said to them, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” And they said to him, “We have not heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Then to what were you baptized?” And they said, “To John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in Him that was coming after him, on Jesus Christ. And hearing this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. And as Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. This portion of Scripture makes some correction to traditional theology. Notice that Paul's question was pointed. "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" He did not ask if they got the Holy Spirit when they believed, but since they believed. This clearly tells us that Paul believed that there was another Holy Spirit experience beyond the believing in Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit in the salvation experience. If you have doubts that they were already believers (born from above or born again), notice that when Paul told them about Jesus. They heard the Word, they believed on Him, and were baptized in water. They were born again before Paul laid his hands on them. The Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with tongues. In this case, they even prophesied. There you have three places that clearly show that tongues were the initial evidence that the Holy Spirit had baptized or immersed them in His power and fire; Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, and 19:1-6. The Supernatural Connected to the Natural Praying in other tongues is supernatural and natural. Tongues come out of the human spirit as given by the Holy Spirit. That is the supernatural side. The words given by the Spirit and coming out of the human spirit must be formed by the tongue, given sound, and spoken by the mouth. That is the physical side. The benefits of speaking and praying in other tongues are clearly taught in Scriptures, and in this audio message and article, we clearly present the facts that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking with tongues is for EVERY believer. The confusion comes in when people don’t understand the difference between tongues and interpretation of tongues as a manifestation of the Spirit used for ministering to others as the Lord wills (1st Corinthias 12:7-11, 28-30), and speaking and praying with tongues to edify yourself and to speak in mysteries to God whenever you want to (1st Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14-17). Let’s study it with some more details. Some have thought that not everybody needs to speak in tongues when they get Spirit baptized because they think that Paul didn't speak in tongues. Wrong! Paul makes this statement:  1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all. He also said:  1 Corinthians 14:39 Do not forbid speaking in tongues. Paul spoke in tongues frequently and consistently.   Why Tongues should be a Central Part of the Prayer Language of every Christian before God Speaking divine secrets You speak divine secrets before God in tongues. (1st Corinthians 14:2, 13:1) Satan has no way of knowing what is happening or what is being said! You are speaking Divine secrets or "Divine code" that he cannot decipher. It is speaking to God and not to man. God understands them, though you and no one else around you may understand them. Speaking in tongues can be speaking supernaturally the tongues of men or angels, but spoken in a way that only the Lord understands. The door into the spirit Tongues open the door into the spirit, into the supernatural. Tongues come from the spirit man on the inside and not the mind or intellect. It bypasses intellect completely.(1st Corinthians 14:14, 15) We are supposed to pray in the spirit (tongues) and in the understanding. Praying in the understanding is limited to what you know, which is very limited. Praying in the spirit is unlimited because one gets over in Divine secrets when one is praying. Praying the perfect will of God When I do not know what or how to pray for as I should, I can depend on the Holy Spirit to give me words of the spirit that will pray out the perfect will of God for the saints, which are the children of God or the church (Romans 8:26, 27). That is what I do when I pray in tongues. Building up the inner man Speaking in tongues edifies or builds up the inner man (1st Cor. 14:2). We build up ourselves on our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit or in tongues. We make progress as we pray in tongues and rise higher and higher like a building, according to the meaning on the word “build” in Jude 1:20. Access to wisdom We access wisdom mysteries by praying in tongues (1st Cor. 2:7-13). Look at 1 Corinthians 2:13: 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak in words which man's wisdom does not teach, but which the (Holy) Spirit teaches; combining spiritual things with spiritual words. Human language is limited to the mind. Spirit language that comes out of your spirit by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is the combination of spiritual things with spiritual words (1st Cor. 2:13, 14:2). This is only possible in other tongues. Spirit to spirit communication God is a Spirit being (John 4:24). Tongues are your human spirit contacting God who is the Father of Spirits in a way that is pleasing to Him (Heb. 12:9; 1st Cor. 14:2). It is spiritual communication. Praying without error, ignorance or unbelief Since tongues bypasses your mind, this means that you can pray without error, ignorance, or unbelief when you pray in the Spirit (1st Cor. 14:14). Thank God! In Acts 2:4; they spoke in tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. It is the human spirit receiving unction to speak in an unknown language to the speaker. One Greek commentary says that they spoke as they were infused by the Holy Spirit to speak. Some of these do overlap, but you can see that the Word of God has quite a bit to say about tongues, and that was only a superficial explanation. Look at some words that will help you understand that this is all talking about this glorious experience. The Holy Spirit coming upon you  In Acts 2:4, it was the fire of the Holy Spirit sitting upon them. In Acts 1:8, it is the Holy Spirit coming upon them. In Acts 10:44-46 it was the Holy Spirit poured out on them. In Luke 24:49 it was them being clothed with power. In Acts 10:38, it was being anointed with the Holy Spirit. To "anoint" means to rub on (externally) or pour on. In Matthew 3:11 it is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. "Baptism" means "immersion” into something else. For example "water baptism" means to be immersed in water. Sorry all you "sprinkling" folk, but you are mistaken. When you first came to Jesus, you drank from the fountain of life and life got in you. Now you are being immersed in power, fire, and anointing, to carry out the great commission in Mark 16:15-20. The anointing, the fire, the Holy Spirit upon us is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. If you are not in a church that lays hands on people to receive this gift, then you need to go somewhere else! They should at least pray for you so that the Holy Spirit comes on you just like He did in Acts 2, 10, and 19. Get ready to speak in a language that you do not know with your mind the moment they lay hands on you in faith, or pray for you that you receive this gift. Speaking the words given to you by the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit will come on you and give you words to speak, but you must speak them out of your own mouth. The Spirit gave them the words but they had to do the speaking. Tongues are not the Holy Spirit speaking. The Holy Spirit does not nor ever will speak in tongues. He gives you the words so you can speak in tongues. Notice these phrases in Acts:  Acts 2:4 They... began to speak in other tongues... Acts 10:46 They heard them speak with tongues... Acts 19:6 They spoke with tongues... Therefore, the Holy Spirit will not force you to speak with tongues. He will not overpower your tongue and make you speak. No, He will give you the ability to speak in tongues, but you must speak them out by faith. They may sound silly, ridiculous, and dumb. Tongues are not mental, so they do not make any sense to your mind. They will not sound necessarily intelligent. Get over that hump. According to 1 Cor. 14: 2 and verse 14, tongues will not make sense to you at all unless God gives you interpretation. From personal experience, I can tell you that many times you will not know what you are saying or for what you are praying. Don't get hung up here. When you begin to speak in other tongues, at first, there may not be many words. Some people do receive what sounds like an entire language with many different words and variations. Others receive a sentence or two. Some may get a few words. It will greatly depend upon you and your receptiveness. If you have a strong yearning in you for this powerful experience with God, then most likely you will get more tongues than others will at first. Then, please don't stop praying in the tongues the Holy Spirit gives you. Turning tongues on when YOU will  Once you receive, you can turn tongues on and off anytime you want to. There is no need to wait on some special anointing to pray in tongues. 1Corintians 14:15 "I will pray in the spirit, (pray in tongues- 1st Cor. 14:14), and I will pray in the understanding." Once you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, tongues can be exercised at will just like praying in your own language. Just like you can pray in English, you can also pray in tongues. Don't forget that. After you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in tongues, here is Satan's #1 strategy to get you to stop. The devil may tell you that you made them up. Just rebuke his lies in Jesus' Name and begin to speak in tongues right in his face. He will absolutely hate every moment of it, and get out in one piece while he can! Praying in the spirit- making progress Once you receive, pray in tongues as often as you can, every single day of your life. The Amplified Bible in Jude 1:20 says that we make progress as we pray in Holy Spirit. That is exciting to know. The more I pray in tongues, the more progress in the Lord and in life I can make! No wonder Paul said he prayed in tongues more than all the Corinthians (1st Cor. 14:18). Now, I am going to pray for you receive this wonderful gift of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. The Father wants to give you this gift, and Jesus wants to baptize you right now in the Holy Spirit and fire! Are you ready to receive right now? Over the years, we have seen many thousands of people receive the Holy Spirit after they followed these simple instructions. You are no exception. When I finish praying, the Holy Spirit of God will come on you, and He will give you words in your mouth, and out of your innermost being will come a flow of unknown words to you. Speak them out by faith and enjoy it! Now say this aloud: “Father you said, “How much more will you give the Holy Spirit to them that ask you.” I ask you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I receive this gift from you. Jesus said that these signs would follow the believers. He said that in His Name I would speak in tongues. I am a believer and I receive this mighty gift with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. The moment brother Dan prays for me, I will receive from the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit who is the Lord Jesus this power from on high with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.” Now hush the English or any other known language. No more words in any known language for now and let me pray over you.  “I pray for you now in the mighty Name of Jesus. Receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you. Receive the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name! Now begin to worship God in other tongues in Jesus Name!” As soon as you read these words, throw your hands in the air in a receiving mode, open your mouth and speak whatever words the Holy Spirit is giving you right now. That's it. Begin to speak out those words by faith in Jesus' Name. Keep doing it. Relax in Him and in the tongues and let them flow out of you! All who read these words and follow these instructions will receive without exception and without any delay in Jesus Name!   NOTES: [1] See Acts 28:3-5 for an example. The serpents and drinking deadly things part is supernatural protection from harm like in the life of Paul and others. [2] 1 Cor. 2:4 [3] Matthew 3:16 [4] Luke 4:14 [5] John 1:1, 14 ______________   The Power of Praying in Tongues- Removing Doubt from the Heart Series #37 is the final short audio message in this series. I skipped a few to get here. I'll publish the others later. Be mightily blessed!

Luke 9:26—The Son of Man Lesson 1: People ______ ______________ of the Son of Man, because of the cross (Luke 9:26 cf. Luke 9:22; Gal 5:11; Matt 27:39; Luke 23:36). Lesson 2: People are ashamed of the Son of Man’s words about: (Part I) ________. (Part II) __________________________ (Matt 19:5; Mark 10:7). (Part III) ______ ____________ (Rom 1:14-16, 10:13-14; Luke 12:8). Lesson 3: The ______ of ______ __________ ashamed of those who aren’t ashamed of Him (Heb 2:11, 12:2; Jer 6:15; Matt 28:10; John 20:17). Family Worship Guide Memory Verses: John 3:36 Day 1: Read Luke 9:23-27 & Daniel 7:9-14 & discuss: What’s the significance of the title “Son of Man”? Where else does it show up in the Bible? Why was it considered blasphemous by the religious leaders? Day 2: Read Luke 9:23-27 & Daniel 7:9-14 & discuss: In what way (or ways) were people ashamed of Christ during his earthly life and ministry? In what specific ways or in what kinds of situations have you (at times) been ashamed of Jesus? Aside from Jesus, what else associated with him could one be ashamed of? Day 3: Read Luke 9:23-27 & Daniel 7:9-14 & discuss: What particular teachings (doctrine) of Jesus are people commonly ashamed of? Consider your life and prayerfully examine it: has there been a recent opportunity to be a witness for God, Jesus, or God’s Word that you let slip by because of shame or embarrassment? Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Jim Donald and Tim Zumstein Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Gwen Stephenson, Isaac Studt, Jesse & Mary Studt, Carl & Audrey Templin, Ellie Templin Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Woodland Police; State:Governor Jay Inslee ; Nation: Senator Maria Cantwell Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: James & Christina Post (Wycliffe) An Unreached People Group: Arab, Sudanese (Muslim, Egypt)

Ready to Worship Season 6, Episode 4 for Friday, September 22, 2017 We are continuing our study of the nature of God. It is our hope that this study will help us to worship God better. We have noticed in past lessons that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6) and […]

Sermon Title: Choose Your Own Adventure Main Scripture: Genesis 40 I. A Divine Appointment (Gen. 39:20-40:1-8) A. Joseph's Position (39:20-23) B. Joseph's Encounter (40:1-8a) II. The Good News and the Bad News (40:8b-19) A. The Cupbearer's Hope (9-15) B. The Baker's Despair (16-19) III. Prophecies Fulfilled, but Promises Forgotten (40:20-23) A. Pharaoh's Decision (20-22) B. The Cupbearer's Neglect (23) IV. Three Reminders when Dealing with Setbacks and Disappointments A. God is with you (39:2, 21, Is. 41:10, Ps. 23:4, Matt. B. God is working (45:4-7, Rom. 8:28) C. Focus on Him (Heb. 12:1-2) 28:20b)

Jesus walked through the cross as he walked to the Joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2) (more info: www.westsidegathering.com)

We must believe that God exists and is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Heb. 11:6). What is belief, and what does it demand? Believe | The Plan of Salvation | Sermon Outline