Podcasts about spirit it

We pray for blessing. We chase breakthrough. We plead for provision. But there's one promise in Scripture that is greater than them all—yet it's the one we pursue the least. In this powerful, Spirit-soaked message from the Spring of the Spiritseries, Pastor Benjamin exposes the forgotten center of the Christian life: the Holy Spirit Himself. Get ready for a deep, honest, and transformational encounter that will awaken your hunger for more. This is not about tongues. This is not about hype. This is about the gift of God's own presence—Himself. If you're thirsty, come and drink.

Well, the war was finally over. At least that's how it appeared. Following ten long years of battle, the Greeks had finally given up hope of taking the city, they'd gotten back on their ships, and set sail for home. The Trojans were overjoyed. Their opposition was gone. That night, they slept well. Really well. Surprisingly well, in fact, for a people who'd hung up their swords, set down their shields, taken off their armor, left all their doors unlocked despite the fact that members of the enemy army were, at that moment, inside their very gates, still armed, still dangerous, eager to shed blood, and standing no more than 5, 10, feet away from some of them as they laid down for bed. But the Trojans didn't see them. Had no idea they were there. They thought the war was over. They didn't realize the war was being waged from within. That night they laid down and slept well, really well, surprisingly well, and many never woke up, because that same night, several members of the Greek army crawled out from a trap door of a wooden statue of a horse that'd been parked in the center of the city, and within a blink of an eye, captured all of Troy.Our unity as God's people, our Holy Spirit unity, our unity centered on Jesus as our shared, surpassing treasure, is, as Pastor Jonathan showed us last week, an embattled unity. A unity amidst opposition. The opposition comes from without – opponents out there who do not love Jesus and do not love his people. We saw them last week in chapter 1 verse 28. And, opposition also comes from within through the sin that still dwells in each one of us. This sin is a danger to our unity together as God's people. God, through the Apostle Paul, is calling us today to flee from it with everything we've got, in pursuit of something far better. Let's pray, and ask God, together, for his help.So, our focus is on unity amidst opposition from within. And we're going to work our way through it in three steps: Unity directed, Unity developed, Unity Defended. Unity Directed (Verse 2)First, unity directed, and this is going to have us beginning with verse 2, where Paul says,“complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”One of the first things to note here is that Paul is taking a layered approach to directing the Philippians toward unity. He's not, in other words, directing them toward it by way of four distinct, independent requests. Do this, this, this, and this, and if you do, then the combined result will be unity. Rather, he's directing them to pursue unity itself, four times over, in more or less the same way. We can see that with the first and the fourth phrase in this list. “(Complete my joy by) being of the same mind, (and) being of one mind.” Tremendous overlap between the two, wouldn't you say? I mean to be of one mind is to have the same mind — one that holds to the same truths, calls out the same lies, gives priority to the same things. Both directives point to the same main idea of unity.And the third one, “being in full accord.” Well, to be in accord with someone is to be in agreement with them. They say that's true, you agree that's true. You say that's false, they agree that's false. They say that's sin, you agree that's sin. You're in accord, you're in agreement, you are of the same mind. You are of one mind. You're experiencing unity.“Having the same love,” is basically right there as well — if you're in accord with someone, of one mind with them, it'd be awfully strange if you were to find that your loves differed from one another. In fact, if you did happen to find your loves differed from one another, the most obvious explanation would be that you really aren't of the same mind after all. Paul, in other words, is directing these Philippians four-times over, though in slightly different ways, be unified, be unified, be unified, be unified. Paul is a brilliant communicator. He's no slouch when it comes to writing. Repetition, by him, is never accidental. Why, then, is he repeating the same idea four times over? Same reason any of us might repeat the same thing four times over. Emphasis. A hammering home the importance of one main idea. This thing really matters! Christian unity, Paul is saying, really matters. Like you really need to have it. So be unified. Be a people who, though likely very different in a whole host of other ways, nevertheless are of the same mind, have the same love, are in full accord and of one mind when it comes to who and what is most important in all the world — Jesus, and the glory of God.How do these people get such unity? How do they develop it? This will bring us back to verse one, Unity developed.Unity Developed (Verse 1)Once again, we have a fourfold pattern here. “So (1) if there is any encouragement in Christ, (2) any comfort from love, (3) any participation in the Spirit, (4) any affection and sympathy.” And this fourfold pattern makes up the first part of what is one big “if/then” statement. We know how an if/then statement works, right? “If its sunny, then the game will start at 6 pm. If it's storming, then the game will be postponed till tomorrow.” This entire section of Philippians is one big “if/then” statement. Here, in verse one, are all the “ifs”. If encouragement, if comfort, if participation, if affection.” Followed by all the “thens” in verse two, which we just saw. So, if something, something, something, something, then be unified, then be unified, then be unified, then be unified.And, just as all the “thens” in verse two, though slightly different from one another, were hammering home the same main idea (be unified), so all the “ifs” here, though slightly different from one another, are too hammering home one main idea. Which, I believe, is this: “If you are experiencing the grace of being a Christian…” Let me show you how I got that. Look at “Any participation in the Spirit” It's the third phrase you see there in verse one. We're going there because some of these other phrases are a bit vague, this one's most clear. “Any participation in the Spirit.” Okay, so we've already seen “standing firm in one Spirit” (1:27). Here we have “participation, (also translated fellowship) in the Spirit.” And the thing we know right away, without doubt concerning participation/fellowship with the Spirit, is that there's no way to have it, apart from being a Christian. If you're not a Christian, you have no participation in the Spirit. Jesus says it this way, speaking of the Holy Spirit in John 14, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper…even the Spirit of truth (The Holy Spirit), whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.”The world, non-Christians, cannot receive the Spirit. They have no participation, no fellowship, in the Spirit. Jesus says they don't see him, or know him, and cannot receive him. But, Jesus continues, saying of believers,“You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”Christians, followers of Jesus, know the Spirit. Have a participation in the Spirit. He dwells with them. In fact, he dwells in them. So Paul, in saying, “If you have any participation in the Spirit…” is saying, “If you are experiencing the grace of being a Christian…” Set that main idea next to the other phrases in this verse. First one, “If there is any encouragement in Christ.” Well, who are those who've received encouragement in Christ? Those who are, in fact, in Christ. God's promises are yes for those who are in Christ. “Whoever has the Son has life, whoever does not have the Son does not have life.” Do you have encouragement in Christ? Let me ask another way, are you experiencing the grace of being a Christian? Keep going down the list, “Any comfort from love.” This from the same man who wrote, “For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (2 Cor. 1:5). Comfort is experienced through Christ. Who are those who experience comfort from love? Those who are in the love of Christ. People who are Christians.Lastly, “Affection and sympathy.” What affection? Look back at 1:8, “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Who are those who have the affection of Christ? Those who are in Christ. Those who are Christians.Paul's main idea is, “If you are experiencing the grace of being a Christian.” In other words, unity is developed within God's people who, together, experience the grace of being Christians. Paul says, verse one, “If you Philippians are experiencing the grace of being Christians, then live it out through unity with one another. If you're all Christians, dwell in unity with one another. And, one way to do that is by defending the unity we have from the sin we have in ourselves. From our sin that threatens our unity from within. So, verses 3-4, Unity defended. Unity Defended (Verses 3-4)“Do nothing from selfish ambition and conceit.”This, my brothers and sisters, is the two-headed monster lurking within all of us — selfish ambition and conceit. And it is a threat to our unity as God's people. A real, live, dressed to kill threat, that must not be coddled, must not be kept, but crushed beneath the feet of every single one of us. That's why Paul says, “Do nothing, nothing, nothing from selfish ambition and conceit.”What is selfish ambition? It is, simply, the thing inside of all of us that says, “I gotta get mine.” And, we've seen it once already in this very book in Chapter 1. Talking about the people who are preaching Christ not sincerely, but thinking to afflict Paul in his imprisonment – it says they're doing so motivated by “Selfish ambition.” That's chapter 1:17. Now, we're seeing it again, this time alongside one of its strongest allies, conceit. And if selfish-ambition says, “I gotta get mine,” then conceit says, “mine is the most important, for I am the most important.” Together these two, selfish-ambition and conceit, take aim against our being of the same mind, and same love. They'd like our being in full accord to get twisted up into discord. Selfish ambition and conceit join hands with quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, disorder (2 Cor. 12:20). In fact James says of selfish-ambition specifically that wherever you happen to find it, there also will you find “disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:16). For that reason, again, Paul warns, my brothers and sisters, “Do nothing from selfish-ambition or conceit but, in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.”Note, Paul could have just said, “Count others more significant than yourself.” He didn't. He specified the action — “count others more significant than yourselves” and he specified the manner in which you are to do that action, “in humility.” The manner matters, so much so that if you get the manner wrong, the action is pointless. Selfish-ambition, after all, is not an action. It, too, is a manner. In fact, I think there's even a way you could, in selfish ambition, “count others more significant than yourself.” You're doing it, thinking, now what can I get from them now that they're in my debt? The manner, doing it “in humility,” matters. So what is it? What is humility? Merriam-Webster offers a definition, saying humility is “freedom from pride or arrogance.” I believe that's true as far as it takes us. Humility is freeing. Frees us from pride, frees us from arrogance, frees us from the terrors of selfish-ambition. Another definition, along similar lines, CS Lewis describes humility as: “not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” That's good. Humility is not thinking you're worthless. Not thinking you're a worm. I mean, after all, both ways of thinking have the focus still on you. No, says Lewis, humility is a turning of the lens away from self. “Not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”Okay, so humility features a freedom from pride. Humility involves a focus away from self. But if not pride, and if not self, then what does humility focus upon? Others? I'll have you know what'd happen to me if I turned from self to others and that's all I did. It'd go something like this, “Wow, they're kind of intimidating. They look impressive. I wonder what I need to do to be liked by them? To earn their approval? Make sure I don't embarrass myself before them?” Does that sound like humility? Sounds more like selfish ambition to me.Humility includes a freedom from pride, and a focus away from self, but it must be so much more than that to be true humility. So let me suggest a definition given by Pastor John Piper, during a BCS Chapel about two years ago. I was at this chapel, on accident. Truth be told I didn't know BCS even had chapel, of course, now that I think of it, it makes a lot of sense. But I'd just gone there on that Wednesday two years ago to check out their bookstore. Said to one guy in the bookstore, “Man, there's a lot of cars in the lot today, what do you think is going on?” Quickly found out Piper was giving the chapel message so I headed on over. That message was on the topic of humility. Piper's definition for humility went like this:“Humility is the disposition of the heart to be pleased with the infinite superiority of Christ over ourselves in every way.”I really like this definition for at least two reasons. First, it puts our focus on Christ, the only being beautiful and great enough to render our pride and self-ambition complete foolishness. Both our pride and our selfish ambition just burn up in the atmosphere of his presence. Second, because this definition says we see this superiority of Christ and take pleasure in it. We don't just see it. We don't just acknowledge it. The world will one day see it, acknowledge it, and it will not bring them pleasure. But we see it, and oh, it just makes us happy! It pleases us. It pleases us because he's not just some Christ … He is our Christ. Not just some Savior. He is our Savior. Not just some King. He is our King. We see him and say, “I know him, I love him, he's the one that died for me, called me to himself, says I belong to him.” We can say, “Jesus, be great! Be glorious! Keep shine bright like a billion blazing suns as we look upon you overjoyed and overwhelmed by the magnitude of your glory. Now tell me a person could turn from such a moment and soon say, “Now how can I get mine?” You don't have to tell me. Truth be told I already know a person could do such a thing, because I've done it. Perhaps you have as well. See because we still got this part of us, the old self, which never truly stops whispering “Hey, seriously, you gotta start looking out for number one. You gotta make sure you're getting yours. You got other people over there passing you by. Other people who don't get how significant you really are. Get going. Get your hands up. Start grabbing for what you can before anyone else gets it instead of you.”But if we could just keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, even when that whisper starts up — keep our satisfaction in him unhindered, though the voice of selfish ambition tries to steer us away — then we will begin to hear that voice differently than we used to. We'll stop hearing it and thinking, “Yeah, I guess you're right.” We'll start hearing it and thinking, “Man I think there's been some sort of mistake, voice. I think you must be confusing me with somebody else, or perhaps the somebody else that I used to be. See, I'm a Christian now. On the day I became one, God's word tells me all of heaven and its angels rejoiced in joy over me. My Father is the King of Heaven, he calls me his son, because that indeed is what I now am. God tells me he knew my name before I was even born because he wrote it out for me in his book of life. He formed my being, he's counted the hairs upon my head, he knows just how many days I have left to live here before I get to go home to him. And when I do get home, oh, I will see Jesus then, face-to-face. He will wipe away every tear from my eye, death shall cling to me no more, Jesus will bring me to my room, the one he's made just for me, but he'll say, “don't settle in just yet, because I've set out a feast upon my table, and you must go and eat with me there. You, and all the others I've called to myself.From now till then, my treasure in heaven will be kept imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. My faith in Jesus will remain secured, for the Lord intercedes for me before the Father, as does the Spirit. God himself has promised that nothing shall be able to separate me from this love, for neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor even my own whispering voice of selfish ambition, will be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Oh, and there is much more we could say to our selfish ambition, but I believe what has already been said has well rendered all sense of “us getting ours here” quite ridiculous — scraps compared to what God has in store for you and me. No, no we don't need to get ours in this world. But what we do get is one remarkable opportunity to look to the interests of others, with a peculiar form of intrigue, that asks, “Now how might that man, or that woman: be brought to enjoy Jesus more fully, see heaven more clearly, praise God more gladly, believe God more steadfastly, pray to God more fervently, serve God more joyfully, be even more compelled to live even more in accord to the reality of God. And how, how, might God use me, even me, to help them get there? What a thrilling way to live. A way that both defends the unity we have together as a people and gives us a front row seat to what God is doing in the world through those all around us. So, I want to close with four points of application. First two will go along with verse 3. Final two with verse 4.1) In humility, count others more significant, by remembering whose blood was spilled for them. We're talking about you and other Christians, remember this is about unity within the family of faith — Christian to Christian unity. And you're endeavoring to look at other Christians less through the lens of what they do for a living, their outward appearance, their personality, their quirks or areas of immaturity, and more through the lens of — wow, Jesus, my Jesus, spilled his blood for them. Has washed them clean in the sacrifice of his blood. Precious ointment was broken and poured out upon Jesus, Jesus has his very own body broken and poured out for them. My goodness, how significant, in the eyes of God, is this individual! In humility, count others more significant, by remembering whose blood was spilled for them.2) In humility, consider how much God desires to bring that person all the way home. God is, right now, working all things for the good of that Christian in front of you. God, right now, has predestined them, called them, justified them, and will glorify them. This is one of God's sheep, and God loses none of his sheep, no one tears them out of his hand. They are the apple of his eye. They might not look all that awesome to you. They may have some areas to grow in. God will get them home. How might you, play a role, in getting them home? In humility, consider how much God desires to bring that person all the way home.3) In humility, look not only to your interest but also to theirs by praying for them.Paul prayed for these Philippians. He used his energy, that he could have used for other things. His mental focus, which he could have used for other things, to pray for others, prayers that no one else would ever see, other than God. It's good for you to pray to God. It's in your own interest to spend time in prayer before God. How do you look not only to your own interest but also the interest of others? By spending time in prayer to God on behalf of others.4) In humility, look not only to your interest but also to theirs by showing up for others even when you don't feel like it. Brothers and sisters, be there for your church family. Don't underestimate how your presence might encourage your church family. You're tired during the week, bless your Community Group by showing up all the same as a reminder to them, fellowship matters. You're exhausted by the time Sunday comes around, bless your church by showing up all the same as a reminder, corporate worship, hearing God's word, being with God's people, matters. You get a phone call from a friend late at night. You still got a lot to do to prepare for tomorrow. Pick the phone up, answer it, remind them, they matter to God, they matter also to you. In humility, look not only to your interest but also to theirs by showing up for others even when you don't feel like it. The TableAnd all of these words to us are what bring us to the table, for it is at this table we're reminded of how Jesus spilled his blood for us. It's symbolized for us every Sunday when we drink the cup. At this table, we're reminded Jesus left heaven, took on human flesh, so that he might dwell among us, and that he might have it broken for us. It's symbolized for us every Sunday when we eat the bread. It's at this table we remember, and we celebrate, that Jesus has come and has given himself, sacrificially, for the good of his people.

Hey there, fellow seekers of the spirit! It's Matthew Adams, bringing you a nifty nugget of wisdom that just might change the way you hear the voice from above. Now, I've often thought of spirituality as a solo act, a personal tête-à-tête between me and the Man Upstairs. But what if we've been missing out on some spiritual surround sound?Scripture:"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." - GALATIANS 5:25Imagine a symphony orchestra. Alone, each instrument is beautiful. But together? Ah, that's where the magic happens. That's where the rich, harmonious melodies come to life. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit doesn't just whisper to individuals; He's conducting a spiritual orchestra, aiming to create a divine harmony amongst us believers.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Driving Points:* The Unity of the Spirit:It's no secret that God is a fan of unity. Just peek at Acts 15, where church leaders collectively felt the Spirit's nudge. The same Spirit that moves within you moves within me. When we're in sync, listening together, decisions aren't just good; they're divine.* The Amplification of Collective Listening:Ever tried catching a whisper in a noisy room? It's tricky. But what if everyone in the room was listening for that whisper, too? Chances are, it'd be heard loud and clear. When believers come together, seeking guidance, it's like amplifying the Holy Spirit's voice, making it clearer and more potent.* The Visible Transformation of Unity:Let's be honest; nothing says "God's at work" like a congregation pulsating with divine energy. When a group of people, with open hearts and ears, come together, the resulting unity isn't just inspiring – it's downright supernatural. It's the kind of thing that not only changes lives but can change the trajectory of nations.Conclusion:So, individual prayers? Absolutely essential. But the collective listening? It's like tapping into spiritual high-definition audio. By uniting in purpose and prayer, we get to experience the Holy Spirit in full stereo, and let me tell you, it's a sound you won't want to miss.Call to Action:The next time you find yourself in a spiritual gathering, whether it's a Sunday service, a small group, or just a chat with fellow believers, tune in together. Encourage shared listening and see how the Spirit leads your collective hearts.Prayer:Spirit of Unity, guide us towards collective harmony. Let our combined voices and ears amplify Your divine message. Ignite our hearts, bridge our souls, and usher in a unity that transcends mere human understanding.Alright, fellow navigators of the divine frequencies, the next time you lean in to hear that still, small voice, invite a friend or two to lean in with you. Until next time, stay plugged in, stay united, and always keep those spiritual antennas raised. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there, fellow seekers of the spirit! It's Matthew Adams, bringing you a nifty nugget of wisdom that just might change the way you hear the voice from above. Now, I've often thought of spirituality as a solo act, a personal tête-à-tête between me and the Man Upstairs. But what if we've been missing out on some spiritual surround sound?Scripture:"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." - GALATIANS 5:25Imagine a symphony orchestra. Alone, each instrument is beautiful. But together? Ah, that's where the magic happens. That's where the rich, harmonious melodies come to life. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit doesn't just whisper to individuals; He's conducting a spiritual orchestra, aiming to create a divine harmony amongst us believers.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Driving Points:* The Unity of the Spirit:It's no secret that God is a fan of unity. Just peek at Acts 15, where church leaders collectively felt the Spirit's nudge. The same Spirit that moves within you moves within me. When we're in sync, listening together, decisions aren't just good; they're divine.* The Amplification of Collective Listening:Ever tried catching a whisper in a noisy room? It's tricky. But what if everyone in the room was listening for that whisper, too? Chances are, it'd be heard loud and clear. When believers come together, seeking guidance, it's like amplifying the Holy Spirit's voice, making it clearer and more potent.* The Visible Transformation of Unity:Let's be honest; nothing says "God's at work" like a congregation pulsating with divine energy. When a group of people, with open hearts and ears, come together, the resulting unity isn't just inspiring – it's downright supernatural. It's the kind of thing that not only changes lives but can change the trajectory of nations.Conclusion:So, individual prayers? Absolutely essential. But the collective listening? It's like tapping into spiritual high-definition audio. By uniting in purpose and prayer, we get to experience the Holy Spirit in full stereo, and let me tell you, it's a sound you won't want to miss.Call to Action:The next time you find yourself in a spiritual gathering, whether it's a Sunday service, a small group, or just a chat with fellow believers, tune in together. Encourage shared listening and see how the Spirit leads your collective hearts.Prayer:Spirit of Unity, guide us towards collective harmony. Let our combined voices and ears amplify Your divine message. Ignite our hearts, bridge our souls, and usher in a unity that transcends mere human understanding.Alright, fellow navigators of the divine frequencies, the next time you lean in to hear that still, small voice, invite a friend or two to lean in with you. Until next time, stay plugged in, stay united, and always keep those spiritual antennas raised. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Fighting for Your Life “Throwdown in the Desert” Luke 4:9-13 Satan takes Jesus to a high point A place Jesus had been before: Luke 2:49 Satan follows the “if” with a “what if” Satan challenges Jesus to prove something to: God: He acknowledges his sonship, He cares, He's present People: you are their Messiah Prove it how? Jump = “Throw yourself down from here” (ESV) The invitation = “follow me” The backstory = (Isaiah 14:12-15|Luke 10:18-20) Satan quotes scripture to prove his point: Psalm 91:11-12 Jesus takes Satan to a low point A place Satan had been before…Exodus 17 Jesus doesn't debate, he debunks = “expose the sham” What Jesus proves: He is the Rock immovable & miraculous - 1 Corinthians 10 His complete trust is in the Father - Psalm 91:1-4 The “if” lived out means victory - Psalm 91:9-13 Ringside lessons regarding testing and temptation: It will continue - Mark 1:13, Matt. 16:22-25: 27:40-43 It will divide us from or deepen us in - developing faith that can move mountains (Matt. 17:20-21) It will expose the source for our Hunger = the Word (Jesus) Worship = the Father Thirst = the Spirit It will empower God's indwelling Spirit anew for what lies ahead   Core CHRIST-like Characteristics:  Connected to God through the Word and prayer, Heart of Worship, Spirit-led servant. Friday Focus:  Join us Sunday for the final round of 3: the Throwdown in the Desert! Jesus and Satan have been battling and in this last round, the Devil pulls some punches he has not thrown before.  Are you ready for the next unexpected swing the enemy has for you?  Are you trained up and ready to cover when it matters most?  Come ringside Sunday to watch and learn from the greatest Fighter who ever lived and still lives: Jesus Christ!

When you come together   Talk 3 Baptism the Spirit (1) 1 Corinthians 12:13   In the introduction to this series of talks we suggested that 1 Corinthians 14:26 gives clear biblical guidelines as to what Christians should expect as they gather together in worship. We noted that these include supernatural manifestations like speaking in tongues, interpretation, and prophecy. So in our last talk we considered the supernatural gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:1-12 and concluded that all the gifts listed there are supernatural, that all these gifts are certainly for today, and that we should certainly expect to see them in evidence in churches today. Now such manifestations would clearly be impossible if it were not for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So it's not surprising that in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 there are no less than eight references to the Holy Spirit. It's only by the Holy Spirit that we can confess that Jesus is Lord (3). Although we have different gifts, it's the same Spirit that inspires them all (4). If we have received a gift from the Spirit, it's not for our benefit alone, but for the good of all the church (7). All these supernatural gifts are given by the same Spirit who gives them to each one, just as he determines (8-11). And in verse 13, Paul goes on to talk about being baptised in the Spirit. It's clear, then, that if we are to see these gifts in operation in our meetings, we need the presence and power of the Spirit moving among us. But what exactly does Paul mean in verse 13 when he talks about being baptised in the Holy Spirit? In this chapter of my book I shall: examine the meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:13 and explain why I believe it's a reference to the baptism in the Holy Spirit as described in the book of Acts. outline what Acts reveals about what it means to be baptised in the Spirit consider how this relates to our understanding of 1 Corinthians 12:13 and give reasons why we should understand baptism in the Spirit to be the gateway to the supernatural gifts of the Spirit. Although these three topics are contained in Chapter 2 of the book, I will devote 3 podcasts to them in order to keep each talk relatively brief and to allow time for feedback from you. So today we'll just be talking about the meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:13. Now please be aware that this will involve consideration of the Greek text, and some listeners might find it a bit complicated. But, please, don't switch off! I'll try to explain it as clearly as I can.     The meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:13 The first thing we need to say is that there are several different interpretations of this verse. This arises from the fact that it's possible to translate the text in a variety of different ways. So I'm going to begin by stating what I believe to be the best way to translate the first part of the verse, where Paul refers to being baptised in the Spirit. He says: For we were all baptised in one Spirit for one body. I have emphasised the two prepositions, in and for, because this highlights where my translation differs from the NIV which says: For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body… As we proceed I will justify my decision to translate the verse this way, but at this stage, all we need to determine is what the New Testament church believed about what it means to be baptised in the Spirit, and for our answer we turn to none other than the Lord Jesus himself. In the first chapter of Acts we read Luke's account of the very last words that Jesus spoke to his disciples before he finally left them and ascended into Heaven. In Acts 1:4-5 Luke tells us that On one occasion, while Jesus was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with (or in) the Holy Spirit'… This is the same terminology as Paul uses in 1 Corinthians 12:13. The Greek preposition used in both passages is en. This can carry a variety of meanings, including by and with, but it usually means in. This means that in Acts 1:5 Jesus is saying You will be baptised in the Holy Spirit and in 1 Corinthians 12:13 Paul is saying We were all baptised in one Spirit… It seems reasonable, therefore, to conclude that Paul is referring to the same experience, and since, in Acts, supernatural gifts like speaking in tongues followed the disciples being baptised in the Spirit (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6), it's not at all surprising that Paul mentions baptism in the Spirit in close connection with supernatural gifts. However, this understanding is challenged by versions such as NIV which translates the first part of 1 Corinthians 12:13 as follows: For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body… or, in later NIV versions: For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body… We can deal with the translation of en very briefly.  Does it mean in or by? Although NIV translates it as by, it recognises in a footnote that in is a possible alternative. And as I have already pointed out, en usually means in, and that's how ESV translates it here in 12:13. But, in a way, the English translation is not so important. What matters is that in the original Greek text, both Acts 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 12:13 use the word en. And that clearly suggests that what Paul is talking about is the  same experience of the Spirit as Jesus referred to in Acts 1:5. But there's a further problem with the NIV translation of this verse. You will have noticed from the two quotes above that the NIV translators appear to have changed their mind about the next part of the verse. Earlier versions say into one body while later versions say so as to form one body. In my view, neither of these translations is entirely satisfactory, but, to explain why, we need to look at the possible meanings of another Greek preposition – eis. Although this can, and very often does, mean into, this is by no means its only meaning. In the New Testament it is frequently used to mean for and often conveys the idea of purpose. The Greek expression eis polemon, for example, is used in the context of preparing for war and the phrase eis ti means ‘for what?' or ‘why?'   A highly significant example of this use is found in Matthew 3:11 where baptism in the Spirit is contrasted with baptism in water.  Here eis does not carry the force of ‘into', for repentance was required before John would baptise, as the preceding verses make clear.  Accordingly NIV translates, I baptise you in water for repentance.  By analogy, the baptism in the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:13 no more puts a person into the body than baptism in water puts them into repentance. More important still, we know that Paul himself understood and used eis with this force as is demonstrated by the NIV translation of eis as ‘for' in, for example, 1 Corinthians 8:6 and Ephesians 4:30. So eis certainly can mean for the purpose of. This is supported by the fact that, as we've just seen, later NIV versions translate it as, so as to form which recognises the fact that eis can convey the idea of purpose. But the NIV translation suggests that the purpose of our being baptised in the Spirit is to form one body, the body of Christ, the church. However, the words to form are not found in the Greek text, but NIV translators have clearly felt it necessary to supply some additional words to clarify the meaning of eis. However, in doing so they have, in my view, applied the meaning of eis too narrowly. Of course, it's possible that Paul's meaning here is that we're baptised in the Spirit to form the church. After all, the purpose of the disciples being baptised in the Spirit was that they might be witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:5, 8) and the church was formed when they were baptised in the Spirit at Pentecost. But in my view the context in 1 Corinthians 12 implies more than this. If the baptism in the Spirit is given for the purpose of forming the church, it is also given for the benefit of the church. The verse is set in a context where Paul is discussing the use of charismatic gifts within the context of the church.  We know from chapter 14 that the Corinthians were using gifts like tongues for their own edification instead of seeking to edify the church (14:1-12). Paul had to teach them that spiritual gifts were not given for their own selfish benefit, but for the good of all. That's why he says: Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (12:7), And if my understanding is correct, he seems to be saying much the same thing in 12:13, which might be paraphrased as follows: You have been baptised in the Spirit for the good of the whole church, so that by the spiritual gifts which result from that baptism, you might edify, not just yourself, but the whole body of believers. But do we need to choose between the NIV translation and the one I have suggested? Might not both be implicit in what Paul is saying? As we have seen, eis often carries the idea of purpose. Might there not be a twofold purpose in the baptism in the Spirit, both the formation and the edification of the church? I have argued from the context in which 1 Corinthians 12:13 is set that it's primarily edification that Paul has in mind. But as we shall see next time when we turn to baptism in the Spirit in the book of Acts, its purpose is strongly connected with evangelism by which the church is formed. It is also invariably connected with the manifestation of supernatural gifts. Those gifts are vital as signs confirming the message of the gospel. They are no less important in strengthening those who have already come to faith in Christ. The baptism in the Spirit and the gifts that come as the result of it are for both the formation and edification of the church. To summarise, I believe that in 1 Corinthians 12:13 Paul is talking about the same experience of which Jesus spoke, and examples of which we see in the book of Acts. So if we take seriously the idea that 1 Corinthians 14:26 is an indication of what we should expect when we come together to worship the Lord, we will not only recognise the importance of supernatural gifts, but also of the baptism in the Holy Spirit which is the gateway to the exercise of those gifts.

What is the unity of the Spirit- It cannot be ecumenism as that is a manufactured unity. Here are the seven things that bind true believers together. Also, the vital duty of each believer to guard unity in the local church by exercising humility and meekness.

Opening Salvo - the Usual Suspects- The Wheels - Let's have a ball [Premium 1956] 45 rpm* Bed - Stones - 2120 S. Michigan AveSet 1       Playing Scales Like A Fish- Tarheel Slim - Wildcat tamer [Fury 1958] 45 rpm- Tarheel Slim & Little Ann - Security [Fire 1960] 45 rpm- Spirit - It's all the same / Fresh garbage [Ode '68] LPs - S/T & The Family That Plays Together- Jade Warrior - Obedience [ Vertigo 1972] LP - Last Autumn's Dream* Bed - Aee aboveSet 2       Magoos & Bloos [Magoos?]- Blues Magoos - Gotta get away [Mercuty 1966] 45 rpmEdgar Broughton Band - Evening over rooftops [Harvest '71] LP - S/Tittled / Meatlocker- Mary Lou Lord - Baby blue [Rubric 2004] CD - Baby Blue- Betty Davis - Game is my middle name [Just Sunshine 1973] LP - S/T* Bed - See aboveSet 3       Happy & High [8 miles like]- Big Joe Turner - Feelin' happy [Freedom 1950] 78 rpm- Les Fleur de Lys - Circles [Immediate 1966] 45 rpm- Byrds - 8 miles high [RCA MIX / unissued]- Rolling Stones - Stray cat blues [London 1968] LP - Beggar's Banquet * Bed - See aboveOver & Out- Morphine - Honey white [Rykodisc 1993] LP - Cure For Pain

The SUPERIORITY of Love-- It is top of the list of the Fruits of the Spirit-- It is the GREATEST COMMANDMENT -Mark 12-30-31--- It is the Royal law -James 2-8--- It is the Greatest test of Genuine Service -John 21-15-17--- Without this Fruit, God declares we are Nothing -1 Corinthians 13-1-3--- Love is the Greatest Virtue -1 Corinthians 13-13--- The Fruit of love is the greatest evidence you belong to Christ

In this episode, Malcolm interviews Augustine Tardiff, a member of the Madonna House community in Combermere, Ontario. They discuss the history and spirituality of Madonna House, the life of the founder, Catherine Doherty, and the formation of intentional community. Origin and Structure of Madonna House Madonna House is a lay apostolate founded by Catherine Doherty, a Russian refugee who worked with the poor in the US and Canada before retiring to Combermere. Augustine pointed out that she didn’t intend to found a community, but people kept coming, and a community gradually grew up around her. This is similar to the origin of the Benedictines and the Franciscans; saintly figures have the ability to attract others, even without intending to do so. Eventually, the community became more formalized; it includes lay men and women as well as priests. It is structured rather like a religious order though there are differences canonically speaking. The community members share their goods in common. Most of them live on the Combermere property; there are a number of smaller satellite communities around the world. New members initially make a series of temporary promises to the community. After having been with the community for ten years, they can make a life-long promise to remain with the community. Catherine Doherty Augustine said “Her life story would make a two hour Hollywood movie!” She was born into nobility but lost everything and had to flee Russia after WWI and the Communist revolution. After many harrowing adventures, she made her way to Toronto. She worked with the poor in Harlem and worked for racial justice. Her love of God was what attracted people to Madonna House; she showed them that the Gospel way of life is possible. Organic Development and Openness to the Spirit It can be dangerous for a community to start with a highly detailed plan; this can block the workings of the Holy Spirit. It can be tempting to impose a plan or vision on other people. The vision of Madonna House, in contrast, has evolved over time. The evolution of perspective can also happen to those who join a community. Augustine described his own journey to community life. Initially he was much more focused on leaving behind the problems of the world, but he came to see that this was not a sufficient perspective on community life. Over time, he also came to see that his initial focus on finding a good place to support his personal relationship with God didn’t take relationships with others into account. We don’t have to sacrifice our relationship with God to help others; these two relationships always go together. Being in but not of the World Madonna House is not separated from the world; it has a strong emphasis on hospitality, with hundreds of guests coming every year. These guests come to experience spiritual revitalization, and then take that renewal of spirit back into the wider world. Augustine also stressed how “natural” the life at Madonna House is. He pointed out that it isn’t so far removed from everyday life as to be irrelevant to the normal lives of those who visit. The members don’t wear habits, and don’t “put on” a “holy” aspect. As he put it, the people are “good people”, but they are “just people.” The fact that the community contains both men and women is also part of this kind of “normalcy.” Augustine remarked that this aspect of the community is unusual but very enriching. Listening Houses Some of the satellite houses run clothing rooms and soup kitchens for the needy. Many of them, however, have come to realize that there are a lot of other organizations that provide material assistance to the poor. Many of them now focus on offering “prayer and listening houses.” They provide a Christian presence and listen to others, helping to combat the pervasive problem of loneliness. Those who run such houses say they are busy from morning to night. People just keep coming to them. Living the Liturgical Year at Madonna House The emphasis put on the liturgical year at Madonna House is one of the aspects that Augustine found particularly appealing. He said that in the world, feast days are hardly different from any other day, but in the community they are a big deal. He also discussed the Eastern Christian influences on the liturgy and spirituality of Madonna House. Working the Land as Spiritual Practice Madonna House runs a farm where they grow a lot of their own food. Working the land can help us to realize our dependence on God. The care that farmers have for their animals can give us insight into the care that God has for us. Like the animals, we don’t always understand what’s best for us, and we are prone to getting into trouble, but God loves us anyway. The Little Mandate of Catherine Doherty: Madonna House Spirituality During the podcast, Augustine mention Catherine’s “Little Mandate”. It wasn’t that God spoke to her and told her to write this down; rather, these were themes that came to her over and over again in prayer. These principles are the best short summary of Madonna House spirituality. Arise – go! Sell all you possess. Give it directly, personally to the poor.Take up My cross (their cross) and follow Me,going to the poor, being poor,being one of them, one of Me. Little – be always little! Be simple, poor, childlike. Preach the Gospel with your life – without compromise!Listen to the Spirit. He will lead you. Do little things exceedingly well for love of Me. Love…love…love, never counting the cost. Go into the marketplace and stay with Me. Pray, fast. Pray always, fast. Be hidden. Be a light to your neighbors feet.Go without fears into the depths of men's hearts. I shall be with you. Pray always. I will be your rest. Cover image: Combermere Madonna House. Photo by Rob Huston, CC BY 3.0

The Upper Room – John 13 Intimacy with the Lord - “I have given you an example” – John 13 marks a change in the audience he's addressing - The upper room is symbolic – time apart with the LORD - The Setting – long established tradition and cultural - The Lessons the disciples were learning : - servant humility - need for cleansing, comfort in this world, Christlikeness - Peter was going to learn many lessons that night - All believers need to experience PURITY, PRESENCE, PEACE 3 Washings in John 13 1. The Washing of Regeneration – “ the one who is bathed is entirely clean” - Once for all Heb 10;14 - Regeneration is the New Birth – comes by the WORD & The SPIRIT - It's the truth of JUSTIFICATION 2. The Washing of Restoration – “ except to wash his feet “ – filth, defilement - need for confession, and cleansing by the WORD – the scriptures - Psalm 119: 9 / Ephesians 5:26 - This is the truth of SANTIFICATION 3. The Washing of Refreshment – “ You ought to wash one another's feet” - This is the truth of FELLOWSHIP – sharing the WORD / serving one another - showing LOVE to the saints, Christlike humility - examples in I Cor 16:15 / 2 Tim 1:16

Ezekiel 37: 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘ Thus says the Lord G OD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.10 So I prophesied as He commanded me,and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army Acts 2: 1When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2: 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved Opening Remarks: Two constantly recurring themes lately have been Spiritual Breakthrough and Unity. I do not believe the two can be separated. Fanning the flame. In Pentecost, it took both the fire of God and the wind of the Spirit to impact the world. We must hear the rushing wind from heaven before we will experience the Fire There once was a blacksmith who had two pieces of iron which he wished to weld into one. He took them just as they were, all cold and hard, and put them on the anvil, and began to hammer with all this might, but they were still two pieces, and they would not unite. At last he remembered what he should never have forgotten. He thrust both of them into the fire, took them out red-hot, laid one on the other, and by one or two blows of the hammer they soon became one. Describe the scene in Ezekiel has a battlefield where the enemy had annihilated Gods people by dismembering them. Restoration must follow some order. Bones came together Bone To Bone (under the word of God or the wind of the Spirit) It is not original to compare the Church to the human body. Should it surprise us that the enemy would like to disassemble the church by dividing us? Before anything else can take place we must become One 2. Breath came into them Three examples in scripture where God-breathed 1) Adam 2)valley of bones 3)When Jesus imparted power on the disciples Jn 20:22​ 3. They Lived Romans 8: 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 4. Stood upon their feet (Individually) We must each begin to stand upon our own Spiritual legs. We can not ride the back of others. 5. Became an exceeding army (corporately) Only then will we become the Mighty army as a Church that God wants.

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 19th century German Idealist philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's work, the Phenomenology of Spirit It focuses specifically on his discussion of the dialectical development of the Slave's consciousness in the famous Master-Slave dialectic. Three things are required for this development of consciousness for-itself, i.e, independent consciousness to take place: Fear, Service, and Work. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Hegel's Phenomenology - https://amzn.to/3nqcdx5

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 19th century German Idealist philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's work, the Phenomenology of Spirit It focuses specifically on his discussion of the position of the Master in the famous Master-Slave dialectic, which involves enjoying the recognition coming from the slave, but also the enjoyment of the products worked upon by the slave. The master is able to satisfy his or her desire, but does not develop dialectically any further. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Hegel's Phenomenology - https://amzn.to/3nqcdx5

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 19th century German Idealist philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's work, the Phenomenology of Spirit It focuses specifically on his discussion bearing upon the famous "struggle to the death" occurring between two self-consciousnesses, each of which desires its recognition from the other. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Hegel's Phenomenology - https://amzn.to/3nqcdx5

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 19th century German Idealist philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's work, the Phenomenology of Spirit It focuses specifically on his discussion of how self-consciousness is mediated by another self-consciousness. In other terms, self-consciousness exists as such only in relation to its other. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Hegel's Phenomenology - https://amzn.to/3nqcdx5

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 19th century German Idealist philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's work, the Phenomenology of Spirit It focuses specifically on his his discussion bearing upon the duplication (or doubling) of self-consciousness in relation to its other. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Hegel's Phenomenology - https://amzn.to/3nqcdx5

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 19th century German Idealist philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's work, the Phenomenology of Spirit It focuses specifically on his discussion bearing upon the nature of self-consciousness as desire for the other. The desire (Begierde) is actually for recognition (Anerkennen) from the other. Self-consciousness cannot be what it is - cannot be related to itself, and understand itself adequately - without its other. Following out this dialectic will eventually lead into the dialectic of Master and Slave. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Hegel's Phenomenology - https://amzn.to/3nqcdx5

What a thrill it is to "flow in the Spirit." You feel that what you are doing is worthwhile; you feel authenticated, you feel loved; you know you are a part of something very important—the kingdom of God. What does it mean to "flow in the Spirit?" It is moving along with Him, keeping in step with Him, and missing nothing He may want to do through us. The joy of flowing in the Spirit is equal to anything God may ever do for us and in us. God wants intimacy with us, and there is no greater joy than to keep in step with the Spirit. To flow in the Spirit is to learn God's ways, style, gentleness, indignation, impulses, manner of doing things, and His way with people. In other words, flowing in the Spirit is doing what pleases the Spirit and what He This is what Peter and John were doing when they were walking toward the temple one afternoon but were unexpectedly stopped, only to see the healing of a forty-year old man who had never walked. (See Acts 3:1-10) READ.Ex. 33:19

Anyone else long for a time when we truly will all be one with the Spirit? It feels a long way off, doesn't it? But it doesn't have to be. We can all change our actions and live the faith we proclaim. We can trust that God is in control and do what He is calling us to. Even, maybe even especially, when it seems contrary to what our better judgment tells us to do. In this week's episode of Longing for More, we revisit the sixty's folk song, They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love and explore what that can look like in today's world. Listen now, you'll be glad you did!

14 June 2020 - 11am ServiceLiving Inside Out | BecomingDave and Amy are hosting this morning from the Foyer. The service will include worship led by April Ballard with our Woodlands worship team, plus Philip will sharing a message with us as part of our series 'Living Inside Out' on 'Becoming'. Joe from Devo and Abi, one of our young people, will be praying about on racial injustice. It's also Global Partners Sunday and Johnny Walker caught up with Josh Rutere in Kenya to find out what's happening there.STUDY NOTESBecoming | Galatians 5:16 and 2 Corinthians 3:18'We are being transformed into his image with ever increasing glory'.IntroductionMost of the things we place our value on are temporary (Marriage, job, location, health, etc). At best they are only for a lifetime. Our souls are made for eternity however, we are on a spiritual journey of soul care, spiritual growth which looks like transformation from the inside out. Who I'm becoming is more important than what I'm doing (though they affect one another).QuestionsHow does what I'm doing in life right now affect who I'm becoming (and vice versa)?Galatians talks about Spiritual fruit. What is the difference between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit?It's easy to invest in our 'outer' humanity, to pursue education or physical fitness (or a romance!). How do we pursue and invest in spiritual growth?Imitating Jesus can be in his character (what he was like) and in conduct (the things he did. How are you pursuing imitating Christ?One way we can imitate Jesus in character and action at the same time is by being generous and giving to those in need. A book about Mother Theresa was called 'Something beautiful for God'. What have you seen in others spirituality that you could describe as beautiful? What place does 'dying to self' have in becoming more like Jesus? Do we have to 'die' to our selves or let our selves be full of Him? What's the difference?Practice Matthew 6:2-4 talks about giving (almsgiving) to the poor in secret to be rewarded by your Father in secret. It's about doing the things the Father himself does. Review your giving. How much do you give to the poor? Do you know any poor people? What does it feel like to do a generous deed? What might you do with and for the Father this week that is secretly generous? Are you becoming more or less generous as you grow older?ResourcesWoodlands giving page: https://www.woodlandschurch.net/givingWoodlands Global Partnerships Fund offering page:https://www.woodlandschurch.net/offering

Some moments of particular interest: 2:00 A billboard with a spiritual message can really have an impact on your life! 2:55 The loss of a loved one, raising the bigger questions about life 4:52 Realizing that the claims of the Resurrection “had real value to them” 7:54 Reading the apostolic fathers to gain insight into what to believe 10:40 After Confirmation, a different kind of encounter with Jesus 12:22 How did Bishop Scott know God was calling him to be a priest? Takeaway quote (On baptism in the Spirit): “It was the watershed moment in my life. I encountered the living Christ. The risen Jesus. And that faith that was developed in my head, and was germinating in my head, really found (an) anchor in my heart in that moment. Those hungers, those desires that I was experiencing… they found their source, and their fulfilment.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/RbvanhpogFE).

Opening Salvo - The Usual Suspects- John Hammond - I can tell [Atlantic 1967] LP - I Can Tell* Bed - Rolling Stones - 2120 S. Michigan AveSet 1: Moans & Mona's- Bo Diddley - Mona [Checker 1957] 45 rpm- Spencer Davis Group - Watch your step [Fontana 1966] 4 song 45rpm EP* Onion Radio News - Chocolate Factory- The Clash - Justice tonight [Epic 1979 ] 12" single- Spirit - It will be [Ode 1968] LP - The Family That Plays Together* Bed - Calvin Cool & the Surf Knobs - El Tecolate [Charter 1963] 45 rpmSet 2: Diddy's- Roy Brown - Diddy Y Diddy O [Imperial 1957] 45 rpm- The Exciters - Do wah diddy [U/A 1963] 45 rpm- Blind Blake - Diddy wah diddy [Biograph 1981] LP - Best of...originally Paramount 1929- Capt. Beefheart - Diddy wah diddy [ A&M 1966] 45 rpm* Bed - Hollywood Persuaders - Jungle mambo [Original Sound 1965] LP - Drums A-Go-GoSet 3: Funkee Fusion- The Funkees - Ole [Amba 1974] LP - Point of No Return- Fusion - Struttin' down Main St. [Atco 1969] LP - Bordertown- Pastor John Rydgren - Beautiful girl [Silhouette Segments]- Herbie Hancock - Cantelope Island [Blue Note 1964] LP - Emperian Isle- The Grease Band - All I wanna do [Harvest 1971] 45 rpm EP

Another week, another indie film to delight us. This time it's a Film 4 picture about a musician with a paper mache head. Nominated because one of the Dads shares the same surname as the film's main protagonist.A good time was had by all as we discuss the best work of Mr Clint Eastwood. Not much love for Every Which Way But Loose though...There could be a shock on the cards in the kids entertainment world... Have we found something to match the brilliance of Spirit? It's possible, but lets have the thoughts of a much younger viewer!Tune in, find out and help us finish of our Clint Eastwood top 5.

Message on 26/01/20 by Marc Van WykA seed has purpose, but will remain dormant unless you take actionFor the potential to be unleashed, it needs to be planted, and then needs to die.P.A.R. = Purpose, Action, ReleaseA purpose will always fulfill a needBeatitudes (blessed = prosperous and happy)To harvest a specific seed, you need to sow that specific seedFruit of the Spirit - It's already inside of youFruit comes from seed so get the fruit by sowing the seedsSowing is a spiritual principle which requires physical action(If you are lonely... pray for the lonely.If you are sick... pray for the sick.Sow the seeds you want to harvest in you own life!)

In this episode we get to look back at one of our most popular episodes on spiritual development.  Every faith journey is different, but are there discernible patterns that are common among us? Law was good, but it could never transform It was good, it taught you that we live in a moral universe, you weren't designed to live under a baby-sitter for ever, meant to mature and live by the Spirit It's openness to God that transforms, Jesus is the path to openness in God, in his death, he demonstrated his absolute trust—his absolute openness—to God and to resurrection life in God There often will come a point where you have to get off the paved path. Often times it's suffering or some sort of inner conflict, or a product of the Christian culture that we're living in today. “If you ask anybody, ‘What's the activity that you had that made you who you are?' no one says, ‘You know I had a really great vacation in Hawaii.' No one says that. They say, ‘I had a period of struggle. I lost a loved one. I was in the Army. And that period of struggle or that period of toughness made me who I am.'” This idea of the dark night, some period where your faith seems inadequate or your suffering makes you ask, “Where is God?” is one of the key characteristics in the pattern of spiritual development Every journey is different, but are there discernible patterns to the spiritual journey? This can help us normalize our journey! We are not alone. “It hurts to become real” -The Velveteen Rabbit SCRIPTURE This development is actually normalized in Scripture We are all being changed (2 Corinthians 3:18) What matters is becoming new creation So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. Law-NT Paul: law is a baby-sitter (Galatians 3:24) Law was good, but it could never transform It was good, it taught you that we live in a moral universe, you weren't designed to live under a baby-sitter for ever, meant to mature and live by the Spirit It's openness to God that transforms, Jesus is the path to openness in God, in his death, he demonstrated his absolute trust—his absolute openness—to God and to resurrection life in God Development in the nation of Israel Jesus: Kingdom of Heaven: Mustard seed NT Wright: every generation must wrestle with… “We must stop giving 16th century answers…” PSYCHOLOGY James Fowler Stage of Faith M. Scott Peck The Road Less Traveled http://www.whale.to/b/peck1.html -Stage I Chaotic, Antisocial Antisocial in that it's all “me” (perhaps Hedonistic) -Stage II Formal, Institutional, Fundamental Boundaries good Dark side: very either-or, all-or-nothing. Have difficulty explaining, or comforting when experiencing suffering. -Stage III Skeptic, Individual, Questioner Life is more gray than previously acknowledged -Stage IV Mystic, Communal Open to God Notice, Every pattern or theory of development we're going to talk about today ends in some sort of “union” It's possible, or probable to be in more than one at once. Not linear. We may be in both or all at different times. Exercise:  In the midst of a painful thought, relationship or memory, asking God: "How can you be so good?"

As a Christian, what would be my answer to a stranger who stops me to politely ask, "who is Jesus?". My answer to this question would reveal my level of devotion, and an understanding of my faith in Christ. This is not a question that merely calls for intellectual discourse and debates, no. It is one that calls for truth, as I have encountered, by faith in the grace of Christ through His word. It is one that seeks to draw from the bowels my participation in the new covenant and divine life with Christ, in the power of His Holy Spirit. Who is Jesus, as I have beheld Him by the Word, and by the Spirit? It's a question I endeavor to answer every morning, yet I go to bed at night still pondering in my spirit with a deeper quest. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloryfield/message

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? It means to be controlled by the Spirit of the living God. Roy teaches how to continue to walk in the Spirit and not our human intellect, reasoning or natural thinking. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/KINGworldwide/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/KINGworldwide/support

Want a visit from a loved one in Spirit? It happens!!! Once we learn to trust ourselves, it happens easily and naturally!

Life presents situations where we wonder where God could be. It happened to so many in the Biblical text and happens every day to us. We ask the same question the psalmist asks, “Where can I go from your Spirit?”It is a good question to ask whether captured by guilt or facing struggles.

Attitude is a decision you make every day. It's how you dress for the day. Because you're never fully dressed without a smile. Attitude sets the stage for your day. A smile. A frown. It's all about how you dress yourself. And your attitude plays a huge role in a productive day. Desire to be supported and encourage by other like-minded women? Join us at Women of IMPACT. http://facebook.com/groups/thewomenofimpact The attitude that comes from the right side of the bed bringing you joy and happiness even amongst the messes. Or the attitude when you get up on the wrong side of the bed; lots of crabby and cranky! Well I think we can all say that the tendency is to get up and just let the day happen. Most of us don't get up with our attitude in mind. It all depends on the spouse, the children, the to-do list, the puppy dog, and how smooth it goes in the kitchen. Any spilt milk? Understand that attitude is related to how your day goes; where you choose to focus your mind. It's your state of mind. Your emotions are then drawn from the stimuli of your environment releasing the chemical reactions (the feel good or feel bad hormones). When you choose joy and more purpose-driven emotions, your mindset is grounded with positivity. You get the feel good, dopamine release. Otherwise, you are tangled in a web of negativity, which drags you down at every turn regardless of the environment. Who wants to be strangled in a day with bad moods and fussy hearts? So if you're never fully dressed without a smile, what do you do to pursue an attitude that compliments a well-dressed mindset? The K.I.S.S. ~ Clothe yourself with the armor of God! Don't let others clothe you. Clothe yourself with the armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Belt of truth (Truth is not your circumstances, it's where God meets you. It's in the real, not the interpretation.) Breastplate of righteousness (God's got your heart! Most are fearful of letting people see the authentic self. Be your best selfie. God's got you!) Feet fit with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Knowing where to step when the going gets tough. One step at a time leads to mile of greatness.) Shield of faith (You CHOOSE to take up the shield of faith to move forward and ward off your struggles --- insecurities, financial hardships, illness, relationship battles. This is your protection for the fights of your life.) Helmet of salvation (This is a gift for you to take. It's freedom from the negativity which opens up towards the positive. It's a changed mindset. You are free! No longer are you bound to what the world has against you.) Sword of the Spirit (It's the Word of God. Be in the Word to fight the daily grind. Write it on your heart.) Pray in the Spirit (Communicate with God. Be consistent with your prayers. Make your requests known to God. He wants to hear from you.) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ~ Ephesians 6:10-18 You're never fully dressed without a smile! "What smile will you wear today? A smile that stands for whom you belong to, or one that fights an endless battle alone."   TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation  - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will be able to discuss your specific situation and gain tools and strategies to move you forward. Live. Love. IMPACT!  "One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!"   Subscribe to Create Your Now TV on YouTube. Listen to Create Your Now on Spotify. Listen to Create Your Now on iHeart Radio. Click here. 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How would it be if you could live a life where you are happy, healed and connected fully to Spirit? It would be amazing, wouldn't it?And in this episode Lisa Natoli explains how you can do this when you connect with a Divine Presence within you. Lisa is a teacher of A Course in Miracles and in this interview she shares how she healed herself from an autoimmune disease, using the principles from the Course.To find out more about Lisa visit www.lisanatoli.com

Are you open to the Spirit? It's exactly what we need.

To resolve or not to resolve? This is the question that we ask ourselves – especially at this time of year. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Or have you given up on such nonsense? Do you feel like it’s not practical or not spiritual to make resolutions? Perhaps you’re of this mindset – Shouldn’t I just love myself the way I am? If I’m on a journey to know Love, I’m here to surrender to the Source of Unconditional Love, not to create resolutions from my ego self. There is a common belief that the ego self is separate from the Divine Self, and we should not listen to it, we should dismiss it and listen only for the voice of Spirit. But this is not entirely true. So how does “I want to lose 20 pounds this year” have anything to do with the voice of Spirit? It’s really simple. Join us for today’s Prayer & Healing Circle, we’ll draw the pathway between the common resolutions and our human journey to live aligned with our purpose and our Source – which is also the pathway to lasting transformation and not just temporary band-aids.

Series THE BOOK OF ACTS with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 2.PENTECOST When the Holy Spirit came like a shower upon the apostles, the history of this world was changed forever. From now on the apostles were no more cowards but behaved in a courageous manner. Memory Text: Acts 2:32,33 – This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 2.1 The Coming of the Spirit It was foretold. But when it happened in reality everybody fell to the ground. My God bless you today and always. For video recording : vimeo.com/278652586

Every faith journey is different, but are there discernible patterns that are common among us? Law was good, but it could never transform It was good, it taught you that we live in a moral universe, you weren't designed to live under a baby-sitter for ever, meant to mature and live by the Spirit It's openness to God that transforms, Jesus is the path to openness in God, in his death, he demonstrated his absolute trust—his absolute openness—to God and to resurrection life in God There often will come a point where you have to get off the paved path. Often times it's suffering or some sort of inner conflict, or a product of the Christian culture that we're living in today. “If you ask anybody, ‘What's the activity that you had that made you who you are?' no one says, ‘You know I had a really great vacation in Hawaii.' No one says that. They say, ‘I had a period of struggle. I lost a loved one. I was in the Army. And that period of struggle or that period of toughness made me who I am.'” This idea of the dark night, some period where your faith seems inadequate or your suffering makes you ask, “Where is God?” is one of the key characteristics in the pattern of spiritual development Every journey is different, but are there discernible patterns to the spiritual journey? This can help us normalize our journey! We are not alone. “It hurts to become real” -The Velveteen Rabbit SCRIPTURE This development is actually normalized in Scripture We are all being changed (2 Corinthians 3:18) What matters is becoming new creation So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. Law-NT Paul: law is a baby-sitter (Galatians 3:24) Law was good, but it could never transform It was good, it taught you that we live in a moral universe, you weren't designed to live under a baby-sitter for ever, meant to mature and live by the Spirit It's openness to God that transforms, Jesus is the path to openness in God, in his death, he demonstrated his absolute trust—his absolute openness—to God and to resurrection life in God Development in the nation of Israel Jesus: Kingdom of Heaven: Mustard seed NT Wright: every generation must wrestle with… “We must stop giving 16th century answers…” PSYCHOLOGY James Fowler Stage of Faith M. Scott Peck The Road Less Traveled http://www.whale.to/b/peck1.html -Stage I Chaotic, Antisocial Antisocial in that it's all “me” (perhaps Hedonistic) -Stage II Formal, Institutional, Fundamental Boundaries good Dark side: very either-or, all-or-nothing. Have difficulty explaining, or comforting when experiencing suffering. -Stage III Skeptic, Individual, Questioner Life is more gray than previously acknowledged -Stage IV Mystic, Communal Open to God Notice, Every pattern or theory of development we're going to talk about today ends in some sort of “union” It's possible, or probable to be in more than one at once. Not linear. We may be in both or all at different times. Exercise:  In the midst of a painful thought, relationship or memory, asking God: "How can you be so good?"

Inspired - Life in the Spirit - It's all about relationship by Jubilee Community Church, East Grinstead Sermons

What does the Bible mean in Ephesians, the second chapter, when it says, "He made us alive TOGETHER in Christ"? What about when the Scripture says, "He raised us up with Him and seated us [TOGETHER] in heavenly places in Christ Jesus"? What about when the same letter closes with a similarly situated description of us "being joined TOGETHER" and "being built TOGETHER into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit"? It sounds an awful lot like we need each other? We apparently need to be "TOGETHER" in order to fully experience the Christian life offered by the Lord Jesus' resurrection! Find out just how important the grace of the local church assembly is to your citizenship status in Heaven in this careful look into the juxtaposition of Ephesians chapter two and Romans chapter ten. Is Christianity mostly about you, alone, in your personal relationship with Jesus? Has the modern church overemphasized our "personal relationship with Jesus" at the expense of reverence for the local church established by Jesus? Can this error be eternally deadly? Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus!