tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58138389705940044882024-03-13T00:10:15.467-05:00Redemption Draws NearBoth Time and Space are defined in relation to HIM, their Creator... HE is not limited by such as these.inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-60848515731272030982018-10-31T16:49:00.000-05:002018-10-31T16:49:01.164-05:00Spiritual Gifts: [EP 3] Pastor-Shepherd-Care-Taker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u><b>Spiritual Gifts Discussion Series Episode 3:</b></u></div>
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by Vessel4theLordJesus </div>
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Today's Gift is...</div>
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Pastoring / Shepherding / Care-taking. </div>
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What does the word PASTOR mean to you? </div>
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And what does THE BIBLE actually say? </div>
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Disclaimer: I get pretty worked up about this subject.</div>
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*Note: This is not "pastor-bashing." </div>
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Killing the Sacred Cows of Tradition and Religion is not easy.</div>
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Whole playlist:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzQ4aXdqWD_bRH_7eiP3_FRxvelz7WVm">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzQ4aXdqWD_bRH_7eiP3_FRxvelz7WVm</a></div>
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<b>[EP 1] Recap:</b></div>
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<b>Spiritual Gifts Summary </b></div>
<i>2 Cor 12:4 "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>A Spiritual Gift is "an anointing (or gifting) from God given to us after the New Birth (in Christ).<br />
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<i>2 Cor 12:11 "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills."</i><br />
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God is the one who decides which combination of gifts we will each receive.<br />
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<b>[EP2] Recap: </b><br />
<b>Preaching</b><b>, Teaching, Prophecy [& Pastoring]</b><b>are each separate </b><b>gifts that can be given together. </b><br />
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Luke says that jesus went about preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom"<br />
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<b>*[EP 3] OUTLINE:</b><br />
<b>Feed My Sheep </b><b>& Tend My Lambs: </b><br />
Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep and tend my lambs:<br />
<i>John 21:15 "When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” 16Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17Jesus asked a third time,</i><br />
<i>“Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.…"</i><br />
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<i><b>CARE-TAKER:</b></i><br />
The term "pastor" in the Greek literally means "a care taker," and is translated as "shepherd" in ALL other NT passages other than the list of gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4. CARING FOR CHRIST'S FLOCK IS A CALLING. It's not your church or flock, it's HIS. Without the gift of "pastor-shepherd-caretaker" than you are merely pretending to be something which they aren't called to be. This is probably why burnout rates among clergy are so high and frequent.<br />
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<b>Even if they are a gifted "preacher" or "teacher" or move in the Spirit with Miracles, unless they are also gifted to shepherd God's people and care for them, than they must TRED LIGHTLY.</b><br />
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<i>Ephesians 4:</i><i>11 "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">pastors</span> and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ."</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"It's a Gift not a Title."</span><br />
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<b>Truth vs. Tradition</b><br />
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I get upset because Seminaries and Bible Schools teach people the Word of God but then expect to make preachers and teacher and pastors by merely giving advice on public speaker and being an orator. It's good that they teach students how to be a good public speaker, how to manage some administrative duties, and perhaps they've also had training as a type of marriage counselor...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"...But that doesn't make you a Caretaker."</span></div>
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<b>BOTTOM LINE:</b></div>
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Stop pretending to be something you're not. And let's reject this system of tradition that cranks out cookie-cutter leaders who think that there are ministers and priests simply because they can tell inspirational stories or have been ordained. The gift of pastor may look different depending on the situation and specific calling you are given. <b>We need to stop the misuse of this word</b>. It has been incorrectly used as a title that people hastily mix up with other similar terms like reverend, minister, clergyman, preacher, and priest.</div>
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<b>Is it Biblical?</b></div>
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Many "pastors" feel tremendous pressure from their local congregations and cultural traditions to walk in several of the more popular gifts [like preaching and teaching] even when they don't posses such gifts and are not truly called for such a ministry. Too many folks think that their "Pastor" should also be a preacher.. and a teacher.. and a leader.. and a shepherd.. and a counselor.. and in some circles a prophet and healer. <u>It's not Biblical</u> to expect every devoted leader or student to learn all of these gifts if they don't actually have them or when only have one or two.</div>
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<b>Video Outline: Paraphrased</b></div>
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0:20-0:40 min - Question Tradition</div>
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0:41-1:29 min - References for Spiritual Gifts</div>
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1:20-2:20 min - Jesus on being a Care-taker</div>
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2:21-3:04 min - Mass Produced leaders</div>
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3:05-4:00 min - Are you really a Care-Taker?</div>
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4:00-4:29 min - Negative Church Experiences</div>
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4:30-4:37 min - Break + Good News for "ministers."</div>
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4:38-5:30 min - Discerning man-made titles and assumptions</div>
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5:30-6:57 min - What is you calling? Burnout among Clergy</div>
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6:58 -7:21min - Context: Tell the Truth be a Care-Taker</div>
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7:22-7:59 min - Stop giving the God's people a bad name </div>
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8:00 min. 3 Point Summary</div>
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8:30 min Final Thoughts</div>
inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-54736980493156069752018-10-29T00:00:00.000-05:002018-10-29T00:00:03.312-05:00Spiritual Gifts: [Ep. 2] Preaching & Teaching <br />
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<b><u>OUTLINE NOTES:</u></b><br />
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Spiritual Gifts Discussion Series Episode 2 by Vessel4theLordJesus<br />
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Today's Gifts are <b>Preaching & Teaching</b>. (Luke 4, 2 Tim & Isaiah 11)<br />
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What are some common interpretations of these gifts?<br />
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And what does THE BIBLE actually say?<br />
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Preaching & Teaching: What's the difference?<br />
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<b>Truth vs. Tradition</b><br />
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<b>Gifts vs. Titles</b><br />
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Luke says that Jesus went about Preaching the Gospel and Teaching in the synagogues and the Temple.<br />
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<i>(See Luke 4 & Isaiah 61)</i><br />
<i>Luke 4:17 ..."the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: 18“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”…</i><br />
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Preach + Teach + Prophecy<br />
Proclaim - Explain - Deliver (a message)<br />
Declare - Dissect - Decree<br />
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To <u>Preach</u> is to also Proclaim & Declare the Truth.<br />
To <u>Teach</u> is to also Explain & Dissect a Truth.<br />
To <u>Prophecy</u> is to Deliver a revealing message from God & issue a Decree from on High.<br />
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Preaching: Declaring His Word with "boldness" & Calling people to repentance.<br />
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<i>Eph 6:19 Paul says... "and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with BOLDNESS the mystery of the gospel..."</i><br />
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Examples:<br />
Preach = Preaching the Truth with a sense of urgency.<br />
Teach = Teaching a Truth with understanding.<br />
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<i>2 Timothy 2:15</i><br />
<i>"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."</i><br />
<i>KJV - "rightly dividing the word of truth."</i><br />
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<i>Isaiah 11:2</i><br />
<i>"The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD."</i><br />
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Spiritual Gifts Overview:<br />
Preach-ing the Word of God<br />
Teach-ing the Word of God<br />
Prophesy-ing a word From God<br />
Pastoring: Caring for the people of God<br />
Evangelist: Converting people to God (with the help of the Holy Spirit)<br />
Worker of Miracles: Doing the works of God (with God's Power and Approval)<br />
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In<i> Matt 20:25</i> Jesus tells His disciples yo NOT misuse their new authority in Him.<br />
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Bonus verse:<br />
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<i>2 Peter 2:5 [God] "...preserved Noah, a PREACHER of righteousness..."</i><br />
<i>Footnote: preacher is also translated as "herald."</i>inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-75684073551201470972018-10-28T09:23:00.002-05:002018-10-28T16:59:57.426-05:00Spiritual Gifts: [EP 1] Intro & Basics: 1 Cor 12 & More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>FULLSCREEN VERSION</b>:<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/oHMVOzUQMFs">https://youtu.be/oHMVOzUQMFs</a><br />
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<b>OUTLINE NOTES:</b><br />
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<b>Spiritual Gifts:</b><br />
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"Let's talk about Spiritual Gifts & heed a warning from Paul the Apostle."<br />
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<i>Scripture references:</i><br />
<i>1 Corinthians 12, 13 & Bonus verses from (the Fruit of the Spirit) Galatians 5.</i><br />
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This series on Spiritual Gifts is based on my own personal interpretation of Scripture. I encourage you to also share your faith and what God has shown you in the Scriptures as well.<br />
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<b>Do not be ignorant.</b><br />
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<i>2 Cor 12:1 "Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, </i><br />
<i>I do not want you to be uninformed."</i><br />
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"Many people (even Christians) are ignorant about spiritual gifts."<br />
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<i>2 Cor 12:18 "But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."</i><br />
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"We should not IGNORE or OVER-EMPHASIZE any of the gifts."<br />
(One should not be treated as more important than the others.)<br />
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<i>2 Cor. 12:13 "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body..."</i><br />
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<b>Spiritual Gifts are different from Natural Talents.</b><br />
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<i>2 Cor 12:4 "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord."</i><br />
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A Spiritual Gift is "an anointing (or gifting) from God given to us after the New Birth (in Christ).<br />
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<i>2 Cor 12:11 "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills."</i><br />
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Spiritual gifts can come in "any combination" as the Spirit wills and sometimes in clusters of several gifts together.<br />
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Natural Talents are "created blessings" (in our DNA from God) given (or inherited) at our first birth.<br />
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"Nurture the Gift. Worship the Gift-Giver."<br />
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<i>Bonus: </i>The 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5 seem parallel to the specific list 9 of the gifts shown in 2 Corinthians 12.<br />
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<b><u>List of Spiritual Gifts & Bible Passages for study and prayer: </u></b><br />
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Romans 12<br />
exhortation/encouragement<br />
giving<br />
leadership/ruling<br />
mercy<br />
prophecy<br />
service<br />
teaching<br />
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1 Corinthians 12<br />
administration<br />
apostle<br />
discernment<br />
faith<br />
healings<br />
helps<br />
knowledge<br />
miracles<br />
prophecy<br />
teaching<br />
tongues<br />
tongues interpretation<br />
wisdom<br />
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Ephesians 4<br />
apostleship<br />
evangelism<br />
pastoring/shepherding<br />
prophecy<br />
teaching<br />
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Misc. Passages<br />
celibacy<br />
hospitality<br />
martyrdom<br />
missionary<br />
voluntary poverty<br />
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the Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22<br />
"But the fruit of the Spirit is...<br />
love,<br />
joy,<br />
peace,<br />
patience,<br />
kindness,<br />
goodness,<br />
faithfulness,<br />
gentleness,<br />
self-control;<br />
against such things there is no law."inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-86926734446834172402018-10-27T14:04:00.001-05:002018-10-27T14:04:44.990-05:00Christian Liberty: <br />
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<b>Exposing the Extremes of Religious Legalism & Liberal Heresy</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX43af9f20gEkurQd6OfGTqIZnrtcGYo86V5QfyTQn3PWuDx-WqRXnhCxS0kbUbuSvfbB1C17RbB2_3B1WPZPcBPaXgBVVXO8SzFagWiTv51lY9pol9Lx9QnpR9X6hm2Eem_pG9GnkWqm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-10-27+at+2.43.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX43af9f20gEkurQd6OfGTqIZnrtcGYo86V5QfyTQn3PWuDx-WqRXnhCxS0kbUbuSvfbB1C17RbB2_3B1WPZPcBPaXgBVVXO8SzFagWiTv51lY9pol9Lx9QnpR9X6hm2Eem_pG9GnkWqm/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-10-27+at+2.43.40+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #073763;">"It was for freedom that Christ set you free." Galatians 5:1</span></span></div>
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Avoid the opposing extremes and stereotypical hypocrisies of both</div>
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*Ultra-Conservatism & *Ultra-Liberal theology. Both are bad.</div>
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Condemnation vs. Compromise. </div>
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Self-Righteousness vs. Spiritual Ignorance. </div>
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Religious Pride vs. Agnostic Apathy. </div>
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Fundamentalism vs. Relativism.</div>
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WATCH THE VIDEO</div>
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inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-3103860344515040202014-12-10T20:41:00.001-06:002015-05-20T17:32:28.191-05:00The Holy Trinity in the Bible.<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></u>
<u><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Holy Trinity </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">in Scripture and History: Volume 1</span></i></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">15 brief explanations of the Triune Nature of God based on Scripture and history.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sections A-I include 11 Major Truth's (or points of reference) with over 25 Biblical references.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A-E references the Holy Spirit as Member of the God Head. F-I is about Christ's Deity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Section J concludes the case with some minor points (#'s 12-15) that examine 4 brief Historical evaluations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All Bible verses taken from NASB translation (CAPS added for emphasis.) Approximately 7 pages in length.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Compiled and interpreted by Brandon Miller (vessel4thelordjesus)</span></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i>(UPDATED/REVISED*)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Part 1: THE HOLY SPIRIT</i></b></div>
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<b>(Section A: Point # 1)</b></div>
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The Holy Spirit can be grieved and even lied to because He is God, and He is a Person of the Trinity.</div>
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References: Ephesians 4:30 & Acts 5:3-4</div>
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<i>Ephesians 4:30 "Do not GRIEVE the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i> Acts 5:3-4 "But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but TO GOD.” </i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p10">
- Interpretation: <b>(Point #1)</b> The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force because He can be grieved and lied to. One can't grieve and lie to a thing. Rather, these occurrences sound like individuals acting grievous towards another PERSON. Therefore, Peter explains in Acts 5:4 that if someone lies to the Holy Spirit than they quote, "have not lied to men but to God." Peter's words are my conclusion. The Holy Spirit is God Himself.</div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section B: Point #'s 2-3) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
When referring to the Holy Spirit as both a "He," and the "HELPER;" </div>
<div class="p7">
Christ identifies Him as a personal being who exercises abilities and actions.</div>
<div class="p7">
Reference: John 14:16-17 & 26, and Luke12:12, and Romans 8:15-16; </div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
J<i>ohn 14:16“I will ask the Father, and He will give you ANOTHER HELPER, that HE may be with you forever; 17that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see HIM or know HIM, but you know HIM because HE abides WITH you and will be IN you.</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>John 14: 26 “But THE HELPER, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you."</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Luke 12:12 "For THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH YOU at that time what you should say."</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Rom 8:15 "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16THE SPIRIT HIMSELF TESTIFIES with our spirit that we are children of God,"</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
- Interpretation: <b>(Point #2)</b> How could the Spirit of Truth be referred to MULTIPLE TIMES as a "HE," unless He IS a Person?</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<b>(Point #3)</b> Furthermore, how can He literally "teach" us about Christ, and continually "guide you into all truth" and testify to us, unless He is a personal extension of God Himself? Thus, HE IS MUCH MORE than the just the Power of God, and certainly more than the anti-trinitarian assumption of Him as like. impersonal force. He must be God to TEACH us and GUIDE us and COUNSEL us and EMPOWER us and TESTIFY to our spirits!</div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section C: Point #'s 4-5) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
GOD'S SPIRIT COMES IN POWER AND PERSONALLY LIVES IN US.</div>
<div class="p7">
References: Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8, and Eph 2:22</div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, even to the end of the age."</div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Luke 24:49 "And behold, I am sending forth THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER UPON YOU; but you are to stay in the city until you are CLOTHED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH." </i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>Act 1:8 "but you will receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU;"</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Eph 22:2 "in whom you also are being built together into A DWELLING OF GOD IN THE SPIRIT."</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
- Interpretation: <b>(Point #4) </b>Through His Holy Spirit, God powerfully and PERSONALLY comes "upon" us (Acts 1:8). It's not just His Power we receive. It's HIM! The Holy Spirit is the One bringing this power and exercising it in us. He is referred to by Name, being described as the One (individual) responsible for clothing us "with" God's Power. We must remember that He is NOT merely "the Power" itself. Rather, the Divine Power of God in inherent with the manifestation of His Presence among us. For He is the Promise of the Father; also called "the Helper" in the Gospel of John (John 14:16, 26). Jesus is declaring that The Holy Spirit Himself will (personally) descend on us (as He did with Christ at His baptism), clothe us with power from on High (Luke 24:49), and be with us forever (Matt 28:19-20). Jesus is implying that the Spirit of the Father is His OWN Spirit as well. Therefore, having the Spirit of God with us is how Jesus can also be with us always. Otherwise, how would not have said, "lo, I am with you always, even till the end of the age."(Matt 28:19-20)</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<b>(Point #5)</b> How could God dwell "in us by His Spirit" without it being personal? If we are "being built up in a dwelling place by God in His Spirit" (Eph 2:22) than it is clear... He MUST be speaking TO us and living IN us in a very personal and miraculous way. <b>He graciously anoints us with His Power, and than does even more; He creates a secret place in our souls where His Presence is always welcome. </b> God's Presence rests UPON us with His mighty power similar to how He anointed the prophets and judges in the OlD Testament. With that said, we should also embrace the fullness of this Promise from the Father. For He also lives IN us through a personal expression of Himself, otherwise known as His Holy Spirit: who is accurately described as a member of the Godhead, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, and an extension of God Himself. </div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section D: Point #6) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
"FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT" is very personal miracle.</div>
<div class="p7">
References: Acts 4:8,31, 9:17, & 13:9, and Eph 5:18</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT;" </i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Acts 4:8"Then Peter, FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,"</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Acts 4:31 " And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all FILLER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and began to speak the word of God with boldness."</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Acts 9:17" So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.”</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation: <b>(Point #6)</b> Most would agree that God's Power can "rest on" you. But when God also FILLS you with Himself, it is a truly wonderful thing, and very personal. Jesus said you will be "endowed with power from on high" when the "Holy Spirit comes upon you." No one argues this fact. But Christ takes this Promise a to a new depths in the Gospel of John; teaching that His Spirit would also be "in" them.... to teach and guide, and give</div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section E: Point #7) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
GOD SPEAKS TO US PERSONALLY THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT.</div>
<div class="p7">
References: <i>Mark 12:36 1 Cor 12:3Acts 2:4, & Mark 10:20</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>"SPEAKING BY THE SPIRIT" in Mark 12:36 and 1 Cor 12:3.</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>"AS THE SPIRIT WAS GIVING THEM UTTERANCE," in Acts 2:4</i></div>
<div class="p8">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>"For it is not you who speak, but it is THE SPIRIT OF YOUR FATHER who speaks IN you,"</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i> in Mark 10:20.</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
- Interpretation: <b>(Point #7)</b> If the Spirit gives "utterance" and speaks through us; breathing His own breathe and words into our spirits, than He is must be personal. He is at work in our lives; giving wisdom, and SPEAKING to people the words of the Father. An impersonal force does not make decisions and form sentences. therefore, God's Spirit must be en extension of the Father just as the Son. And if He is the Spirit of Jesus</div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p12">
<b><i>Part 2: CHRIST</i></b></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section F: Point #8) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
GOD OBVIOUSLY SHARES THE WORSHIP OF HIMSELF WITH HIS LAMB.</div>
<div class="p7">
Reference: Revelation 5</div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
Reference: Rev 5:6-14</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Rev 5:13 "And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying,</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
Context:</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>Revelation 5:6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they *sang a new song, saying,</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying,</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped."-</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>-Interpretation: Worshiping the Lamb IS worshiping God. </i>All the heavenly beings and children of God in Heaven bow and worship Jesus to give Him the glory only due to God ... because HE IS GOD IN THE FLESH. It explains in verse (13) that "every created thing" gave worship "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." Also, in the last verse (14) of this chapter, "And the elders fell down and worshiped." </div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<b><i>(Point #8)</i></b><i> There is no other explanation for God encourages worship of the Lamb. Again, look at how they worship God and the Lamb together in verse 13. What else could it mean? It must be that He and the Father truly are "One" as Jesus declared in John 10:30 & 17:21. God allows this worship in Heaven because it is good and right and appropriate for again, as Hebrews 1:3 says that Christ is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact representation of His being."</i></div>
<div class="p7">
<i>___</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section G: Point #9)</b></div>
<div class="p7">
Only God can judge the heart. </div>
<div class="p7">
Thus, if Jesus is the "Judge of the Living and the dead" </div>
<div class="p7">
who has been given "all authority in Heaven and on earth," </div>
<div class="p7">
knows "all things," and is "greater" than all... He must be God.</div>
<div class="p7">
References: Proverbs16-24, John 2-5, John 10:29-30, Matthew 28:17-191 Peter 4:5 & 2 Tim 4:1.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>John 10:30 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is GREATER THAN ALL; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are ONE.”</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>"All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives." Prov 16:2</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>"Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. Prov 21:1</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>If you say, "See, we did not know this," Does He not consider it who WEIGHS THE HEARTS? And does He not know it WHO KEEP YOUR SOUL? And will He not render to man according to his work?" Prov 24:12 </i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>John 2:24-25 "But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN."</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>John 5:22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, BUT HE HAS GIVEN ALL JUDGEMENT TO THE SON,"</i></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>1 Peter 4:5 "but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>2 Tim 4:1 "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, WHO IS THE JUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD and by His appearing and His kingdom:"</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>Matthew 28:17-19 "When they saw Him, THEY WORSHIPED HIM; but some were doubtful. 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "ALL AUTHORITY has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,"</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation: <b>(Point #9)</b> If the Father shares His GREATNESS and AUTHORITY and POWER and WORSHIP with the Son, as well as His ability to know the hearts of men and judge all things (sharing in His OMNIPOTENCE AND JUDGMENT), then Jesus and the Father's ONE-ness is certainly intertwined with His deity.</div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section H: Point #10) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
THE DISCIPLES WORSHIPED CHRIST.</div>
<div class="p7">
Reference: Matthew 28</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>Matthew 28:17-19 "When they saw Him, THEY WORSHIPED HIM; but some were doubtful. 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "ALL AUTHORITY has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,"</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation: <b>(Point #10) </b>Also, again in Matthew 28 THEY WORSHIPED HIM (the Resurrected Christ). Therefore, since Christ did not forbid or correct them as He did on many other things, He was in agreement and glorified by their worship. This can only be so if He is to be worshiped. Christ himself had been recorded as quoting from Deuteronomy, "You shall worship the LORD you God and serve Him only." (Luke 4:8 and Deut 6:13). If Christ affirms that worship is strictly for God alone, than by accepting worship of Himself, He is declaring Himself to be the incarnation of the LORD God of Israel, who made Heaven and Earth.</div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section I: Point #11) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
JESUS SAID, " HE WHO HAS SEEN ME HAS SEEN THE FATHER."</div>
<div class="p7">
Reference: John 14:8-10</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<i>John 14:8-10 "Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to KNOW ME? HE WHO HAS SEEN ME HAS SEEN THE FATHER; how can you say, 'Show us the Father '?"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works."</i></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation:</div>
<div class="p11">
(Point #11) The Lord Jesus is grieved asking in verse 8, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to KNOW ME.?" He says that seeing and knowing Him is seeing and knowing the Father. For when Phillip asks Christ to show them "THE FATHER," Jesus declares that they have already have.</div>
<div class="p7">
___</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b><i>Part 3: Historical References</i></b></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>(Section J: Point #12-15) </b></div>
<div class="p7">
Historical reference: Setting the record straight; reenforcing well-established doctrine.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
1.The Council of Nicaea in A.d. 325 and the development of the Nicene Creed to resolve disputes over the Deity of Christ and establish a consensus of doctrine for the universal Church.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation: Some anti-Trinitarians reference the First Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 because the Roman Emperor Constantine who legalized and enforced Christianity was involved in planning this event (even though the current pope, Sylvester the First, who was more like a highly respected bishop than a political figure, did not attend). Thus, some who hate catholics see this like a conspiracy because of the establishment of many other catholic type structures and liturgy. However, as they discussed the deity of Christ, the Council of Nicaea determined that non-Trinitarian teachings were heretical. The Deity of Christ was also a major subject once again at the later Councils of Ephesus (A.D. 431) and Chalcedon (A.D. 451). So, the deity of Christ was a long discussion not limited to romans catholics and popes.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
(Point #12) Conclusion: We cannot dismiss such a blessed doctrine to the minds of a few mere bishops in the 2nd century. The Trinity doctrine is not going away because the majority of believers in Christ across the world see God this way. Whether catholics, protestants, independents, and most in-between; it is evident that God Himself has kept this doctrine alive in how He reveals Himself to His people, even when they disagree on so many other issues.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
2.The First Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 and revision of the Nicene Creed to specifically mention of the Holy Spirit of God as a member of the GodHead (clarifying Trinitarian doctrine).</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation: It believed that sometime between the Council of Nicaea and the later Council of Constantinople, that the current version of the Nicene Creed was developed before it's revision in A.D. 381 during the time of Constantine's Son. Just because the this council added more details about the Holy Spirit being God does not mean that it wasn't already an established belief. A doctrine can be practiced and believed without the official backing from a state religion or the organized church of its day. Maybe it wasn't spelled out in such intricate detail and a theology as the case in these official church documents and proceedings, but it was obviously on the minds of the people long before any of these councils. And it is still a topic that some hold controversial even today. Also, whether or not anyone before them used the phrase "Trinity" does NOT exclude the belief and theology of a Triune God from having a history of its own. Believing that the Holy Spirit is God Himself does not require one to use the term, "Trinity." Likewise, the belief that God the Father shares His deity with both His Son (Jesus) and His Holy Spirit, may be practiced without the to be label of "the doctrine of the Trinity."</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
(Point #13) Thus, Scripture points to both the Holy Spirit and Jesus as God (see Points #1-10), but some interpret this according to their own philosophies which are similar to the same quarrels over doctrine seen in early church history between differing sects and groups. The naming and endorsement of a doctrine by a state religion is NOT the same as "inventing" it.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
3.The great Schism (or split) between Eastern Orthodox and (west) Roman Catholics in the 11th century over matters such as the "Filioque;" how to describe whether the Holy Spirit proceeds first from the Father or from both the Father and the Son in origin.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation: The Orthodox church existed before the roman catholics. When these two groups split during "the great schism" over how to word the theology of the Trinity, neither side retracted the doctrine as a whole, and strictly disagreed on the details of it's theology. Thus, the roman catholic church did NOT invent this doctrine. Rather, they inherited it, and would later word it differently than the eastern orthodox. Just to be clear. Their bishops fought over the details of this doctrine and how to describe the mystery of it, but they weren't the first to believe in doctrine of the Holy Trinity. </div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
(Point #14) This doctrine should never be dismissed, even if groups disagree on how the Trinity functions, their disagreements do not negate the doctrine itself.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
4. The term "one catholic church" means "one universal church:" eastern orthodox as well as roman catholics, and many other denominations (lutherans and episcopalians) still endorse this phrase.</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
-Interpretation: If someone criticizes the "catholic" church, they should realize that the term "catholic" is not solely associated with the "roman" catholic church. The eastern orthodox and other denominations still teach it and consider themselves part of the "universal Church" being that it was part of the Nicene Creed which predates the schism. Therefore, we see yet another loophole that should deter people from thinking that the "roman" version (or western version) of catholic ideology was somehow responsible for all the modern doctrines shared by mainline Christians today. </div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
*Regardless of all the criticism and condemnation of many roman catholic teachings and practices by both Martin Luther in 1517 A.D. (i.e.- protesting the sale of indulgences, and the corruption and favoritism among the clergy and Popes of his day), and many modern protestants distance themselves from Roman Catholicism (seeing prayers to Mary and the infallibility of the Papacy as strictly "Catholic practices"), we see that the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity is one of the only remaining doctrines from Roman Catholicism still upheld by mainline protestants (along with a shorter version of the Nicene Creed such as The Apostles Creed).</div>
<div class="p9">
<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
(Point #15:) Conclusion: The Doctrine of The Holy Trinity is not merely a matter of one or two denominations, and certainly not an invention by the "roman catholic church," especially when even the term of "one holy catholic Church" is not solely attributed to one particular group. </div>
<div class="p9">
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<div class="p9">
_</div>
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inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-2041401173123179762014-07-13T08:28:00.001-05:002014-12-15T13:44:37.691-06:00Total Restoration & True Conversion: Lessons from Ezekiel and David<div class="p1">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></h2>
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<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Total
Restoration & True Conversion:</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A
study on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Soul Cleansing </i>& <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spiritual Transformation</i> from</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.9pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ezekiel Chapter 36 & Psalm 51 </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(Excerpt
from the ongoing Bible Study Series <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">True
Christianity: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What the Bible really teaches</i> by Brandon M.)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here are some basic questions addressed in
this study:</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> 1) What really happens at
conversion? </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2) How do I grow spiritually? </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3) Explain a few core doctrines of the
Christian faith.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Conversion & Growth: How does this
happen?</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Scripturally speaking; we see several
miracles during conversion, rededication and times of spiritual growth. These
can occur simultaneously, or as a believer grows in their faith. However,
Some miracles may be invisible; taking place in the spiritual realm. Therefore,
it is possible to be intellectually unaware of certain miraculous events taking
place within one's own self and inner being. We must remember that the miracles
which occur during a true conversion are all connected, and can only originate
with God. For Jesus Himself said, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: maroon;">"No one can come
to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the
last day."</span></i><span style="color: maroon;"> </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">John 6:44 </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">by</i> His<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Spirit,</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">through </i>His <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spirit, </b>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in</i> His <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spirit</b> that an authentic conversion
takes place and genuine spiritual growth is accomplished. Scripture reveals the
ingredients for a genuine conversion, consistent spiritual growth, and ongoing
transformation throughout the Christian life.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit."</span></i></b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Acts
1:5</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* Disclaimer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before we continue I must reference two of the core doctrines mentioned
in this study; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Baptism of the Holy
Spirit and The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit.</i> These doctrines are linked to
a deep and precious reality that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: maroon;">"God is
Spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."</span></i></b>
(John 4:24). Our Lord would not allow His disciples to begin preaching the
gospel to the whole world until they first received the Holy Spirit in a new
and powerful way similar to how He did at His own baptism and the beginning of
His ministry (see Matthew Chapter 3, John 1, and Acts 1). Sadly, some
denominations and ministries disagree and debate over the details of this
Divine manifestation revealed in the second chapter of Acts during the Jewish
Feast of Pentecost. However, this study does not specifically interpret the
Baptism of the Holy Spirit according to any group or division of the universal
Church. Rather, it will leave the interpretation of this amazing miracle up to
the reader. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Truth
from God's Word</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Let us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"examine the Scriptures"</i>
(Acts17:11) for these key elements of soul cleansing, renewal, and the
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. I have highlighted multiple verses from
two parallel passages that each exemplify these three essential miracles
associated with conversion, rededication, and spiritual growth. The
passages for study are Ezekiel 36:25-29 and Psalm 51. Below are the highlighted
verses in context proceeded by an interpretation from the perspective of a New
Testament gentile believer.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In Ezekiel 36 he speaks
of...</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(A) Spiritual cleansing </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(v25)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(B) Renewal</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <b> or Regeneration</b> (v26) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(C) The Indwelling of the Spirit </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(v27)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Salvation </b>(v28)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Repentance</b> (v31 & 32)</span><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0d3f81; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">* (Passage 1) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ezekiel 36:22-32</b></span></i><span style="color: #0d3f81; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> reads, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Therefore say to
the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house
of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have
profaned among the nations where you went. I will vindicate the holiness of My
great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned
in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord,” declares the
Lord God, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. For I will take
you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own
land. (v25) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I will sprinkle clean water
on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your
idols I will cleanse you. </b>(v26) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will
remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. </b>(v27)
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And I will put my Spirit within you, and
cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. </b>You shall
dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and
I will be your God. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers;
so you will be My people, and I will be your God. <b>Moreover, I will save you from
all your uncleanness;</b> and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will
not bring a famine on you. I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the
produce of the field, so that you will not receive again the disgrace of famine
among the nations. <b>Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that
were not good, and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your
iniquities and your abominations.</b> I am not doing this for your sake,” declares
the Lord God, “let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways,
O house of Israel!</i>”<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">" Ez 36:22-32</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In Psalm 51 David prays
for...</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Forgiveness</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (v1)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(A) Spiritual cleansing & Repentance </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(v2, v7, & v14)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(B) Renewal</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <b>or</b> <b>Regeneration</b> (v10)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(C) The Presence and Anointing of the Holy Spirit</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
(v11)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Restoration</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (v12)</span><br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0d3f81; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*(Passage 2) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 51 </b>reads, "Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your
lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my
transgressions. (v2) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wash me thoroughly
from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin.</b> For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned And done
what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when you speak And
blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin
my mother conceived me. (v6) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Behold, You
desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me
know wisdom. </b>(v7) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Purify me
with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.</b>
Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. (v10) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Create in me a clean heart, O God, And
renew a steadfast spirit within me. </b>(v11) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit
from me. </b>(v12)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Restore to me
the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.</b> (v13) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.</b> (v14) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then
my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.</b> O Lord, open my lips,
That my mouth may declare Your praise. (v16) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are
not pleased with burnt offering.</b> (v17) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God,
You will not despise</b>. By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of
Jerusalem. Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, In burnt offering and
whole burnt offering; Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar."
Psalm 51</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #878787; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
following is a brief expository study verse by verse extracting truth from
these passages.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A:
The Miracle of spiritual cleansing & genuine repentance </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1a) Ez 36:25 <span style="color: #004080;">"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I will sprinkle clean water on you, and</b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you shall be clean</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">from all your uncleannesses, and</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">from all your idols I will cleanse you</b>."</span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2a) </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Psalm 51:2 & 7 <span style="color: #004080;">"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And
cleanse me from my sin... </i></b></span></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #004080; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">...Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I
shall be whiter than snow."</span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An interpretation for Gentile believers: The Lord's work
of sprinkling <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"clean water"</i>
on His people and His Church to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cleanse </i>them
from sin, sickness, and oppression is later symbolized in the New Testament
through the Baptism of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Repentance</i>
(i.e. - public immersion in water). This practice was initiated by John the
Baptist, and later continued by the Lord Jesus and His Apostles. For John
proclaimed, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I baptize you with
water</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for repentance,</b>"
(Matt 3:11a). Ezekiel shows us a reoccurring desire of God to cleanse His
people from idols and uncleanliness (sin and wickedness). But what Ezekiel
doesn't say in the passage is also important. Biblically speaking; God rarely
cleanses, heals and restores His people without also giving a call to
repentance, obedience, and faith. For even the Lord Jesus said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw
it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have
two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire"</span></i><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;"> </span>(Matthew 18:8). Therefore,
repentance is a greater miracle and lasts longer than purely physical
healing. Though we long for and are promised an increase in healing miracles,
signs and wonders throughout the Bible, eternal life only comes with
repentance. And it's only when we have personally undergone repentance
that we can appropriately proclaim the next section of this humble prayer in
verse 13,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be
converted to You" </i></b>(Ps 51:13).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the New Testament; Jesus healed, cleansed, and forgave
many people who were unaware of His power. And sometimes they didn't even ask
for His help. For example: He raised a dead teenager to life at his own funeral
[Luke 7], and restored sight to a man born blind [John 9]. Even though some did
not actually petition Jesus, most who received miracles had requested for His
help. Regardless of how God chooses between miracles, His teachings and
commands will always lead us to repentance. Jesus told people to prove
themselves <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"clean"</i> (e.g.
-the cleansing of the 10 lepers [Luke 17]), and to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"sin no more"</i> (e.g. - the woman caught in adultery [John
8]). Truthfully, if we spend enough time with God, than we WILL be called to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"turn from"</i> sin (2
Chronicles 7) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"return to the
Lord"</i> (Zech 1, Hosea 6, & Joel 2). God never says that we can earn
healing and deliverance, or cleanse ourselves through our own merits and
apologies. Even holy sacraments such as Baptism and Temple sacrifice are
dependent upon the mercy of God. The Bible teaches that repentance and
restoration (i.e. - cleansing) go hand and hand. David explains this later in
the highlighted Psalm, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For You do not delight in sacrifice,
otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The
sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You
will not despise</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">" (Ps
51:16-17). </i>Jesus also sheds light on this very thing by referencing
the prophet Hosea, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">"But go and
learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to
call the righteous, but sinners" </span>(</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Matthew 9:13)</i>. In the case of the Israelites; whenever they
repented, God would restore His sustaining presence to their land. It is
evident that God cares more about repentance than lavish sacrifices. Consider
this verse: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"If my people, which are
called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">turn from their wicked ways</b>; then will
I hear from heaven, and will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">forgive
their sin</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and will heal</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">their land.</b>" 2 Chronicles 7:14</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Consequently, when David repented of adultery and murder
during this Psalm he pleaded with the Lord multiple times for forgiveness,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"Wash
me thoroughly... And cleanse me... Purify me... Wash me, and I shall be whiter
than snow" (</b></i>Psalm 51:2,6-7).<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
</i>So, we see that repentance is certainly intertwined with restoration. It is
clear that the miracle of repentance was already on God's mind long before John
the Baptist came preaching at the Jordan River. Ezekiel also speaks of
repentance throughout his writings as well. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,
"Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all
your abominations.” (Ez 14:6)</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Apostles tell us that we have been<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
“redeemed"</i></b> (1 Peter 1:19), and "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">washed in the Blood of the
Lamb"</i></b> (as referenced in Revelation 7:14). We will talk more about
the renewal process in the next two sections; briefly covering the redemption
of the spirit, heart, and mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Consider these OT verses for further meditation on
repentance: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Turn to me and be saved</b>, all you ends of the earth; for I am God,
and there is no other." (Isaiah 45:22) "Incline your ear and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">come to Me. Listen that you may live</b>;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful
mercies shown to David." (Is 55:3) "Say to them, 'As I live!'
declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but
rather that the wicked <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">turn from his way
and live</b>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Turn back, turn back from
your evil ways</b>! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?' (Ezekiel
33:11). </i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> B:
The miracle of spiritual renewal & regeneration</span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1b) Ez 36:26 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #004080;">"And</span></b><span style="color: #004080;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I will give you a</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">new heart</b>,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> and a new spirit I will put within you</b>. And I will remove the
heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2b) </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Psalm 51:6 & 10 <span style="color: #004080;">"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Behold, You
desire truth in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">innermost being</b>,
and in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hidden part</b> You will make
me know wisdom... <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Create in me a clean
heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An interpretation for Gentile believers: The Lord reveals
His plans to renew His children from the inside-out. First He gives them a
tender <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"heart" and "a new
spirit."</i> This is why our Lord Jesus was so upset when Nicodemus (a
teacher of the Law of Moses) couldn't quite grasp the divine mystery of rebirth
(John 3). Though Jesus describes spiritual renewal differently than
Ezekiel and David, someone familiar with the prophets and kings should
certainly recognize this obvious connection. The Lord said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you
must be born again"</b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(John
3:7) and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"born of the Spirit"</i> </b>(John 3:6 & 8). When true
conversion occurs; the new believer will receive a portion of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"the
divine nature"</i> </b>(2 Peter 1:4), <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">renewed mind</i> </b>(Romans 12:1), <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a new
spirit</i></b> (Ezekiel 36:26, Ps 51:10) and a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">new heart</i> </b>(also in
Ezekiel 36:26, Ps 51:10) in anticipation for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"the redemption of our
bodies"</i> </b>(Romans 8:23 & 1 Cor 15:51-52). This is the beginning
of sanctification (i.e. - spiritual growth, inner healing and soul cleansing).
The Lord appropriately links this together with the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"cleansing" </i>of His people from spiritual adultery. For we
cannot stay clean and holy without partaking of the divine nature which gives
us new desires and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“a right spirit
within.”</i> Referencing King David in Psalm 51 yet again, we see a similar
pattern to Ezekiel's prophecy in his psalms. David repents, asks for cleansing,
and then makes some very profound statements. He speaks of his <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"inmost
being," </i></b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"the hidden part."</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Then he requests both a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"clean
heart"</i></b> and a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"steadfast spirit within.</i>"</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>During this heartfelt prayer, the Lord showed
David his deepest need. He needed a supernatural restoration of his heart and
spirit. He uses words like, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"create, “renew," </i></b>and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"restore."</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Just as Ezekiel saw that ONLY the Lord
could renew His people, David also understood that the Lord was his only source
of healing and redemption. How long will we attempt change ourselves to no
avail? When will we 'let go, and let God?' <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>The next set of verses will teach us more in regards to being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Born of the Spirit."</i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">C:
The miracle of being filled & anointed with the Spirit of the Living God</span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1c) Ez 36:27 <span style="color: #004080;">"And
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I will put my Spirit within you</b>, and
cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2c) </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Psalm 51: 11-13 <span style="color: #004080;">"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do not cast me away from</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Your
presence</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And do not take</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Your Holy Spirit from me</b>. Restore to me
the joy of Your salvation <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And sustain me
with a willing spirit.</b> Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And sinners will be converted to You.</b>"</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An interpretation for Gentile believers: Most prophets
and saints in the OT were familiar with the Holy Spirit coming <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"upon"</i></b>
them <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"in
power" </i></b>and on a temporary basis (e.g. - Gideon and Samson in the
Book of Judges), but until the time of Jesus and John the Baptist, there were
few examples recorded of being <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"filled with the Spirit"</i> </b>or
having Him live <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"in"</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>someone
through faith. Some call it the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, borrowing from John
the Baptist, but it is more than that. John the Baptist explained in
Matthew chapter 3 that there is a distinction between his Baptism of
Repentance, and Jesus' Baptism of the Holy Spirit when he said,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I
baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is
mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit
and fire</b>."</i> (Matt 3:11)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Remember how John the Baptist saw the Holy Spirit descend
and remained on Jesus<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in John chapter 1?
This confirmed that Jesus was bringing the Spirit of God on a permanent
basis. Once the disciples received <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“the Holy Spirit in power"</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>on the Day of Pentecost, they would
have Him forever! It wasn't just His power. It was His tangible presence. The
Third Person of the Holy Trinity of the One and Only Triune God would live
inside of them and guide them throughout their natural lives and into eternity.
From then on their ministries included both the baptism of water as well as the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Baptism with water and with the Holy Spirit are
intimately connected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Book of Acts is filled with instances confirming both
the baptism of repentance and of the Holy Spirit fit together in God's plan.
And many people in the Bible (especially the NT) are mentioned to have been <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"filled
with the Spirit."</i></b> These precious saints were usually described as
humble individuals and who possessed great faith. For why would God give His
Spirit to those who reject and rebel against Him? The Holy Spirit's leads us to
an earnest state of repentance where he can then <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"wash"</i></b> us. Once
we have been <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"redeemed"</i></b> (1 Peter 1:19), and "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">washed
in the Blood of the Lamb"</i></b> (as referenced in Revelation 7:14), the
Spirit of God can abide in us FOREVER! Being restored unto holiness is for the
Holy One Himself to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> "dwell in our hearts"</i></b> through faith (Ephesians 3).
We now see that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is connected to the Indwelling
of the Holy Spirit; a doctrine established through the teachings of Jesus and
the Apostles of how the Spirit of God will dwell <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"in" </i></b>those who <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know"</i></b>
and recognize Him [John 14:16-17]. Here is an example of being clothed with
power in the Old Testament: Samson was clothed with the Spirit's power in a
unique and miraculous way. God had given him supernatural strength in order to
defeat Israel's enemies and convey His wrath on the Philistines (Judges 14:19).
However, we see the Holy Spirit in more detail that Samson did. His presence
for believers is not simply for miracles and wonders, but to build each one of
us into a "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">temple</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">" </i>(1 Cor
6)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>and a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"</i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dwelling
of God in the Spirit.”</i></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (Eph 2). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This could be one of the reasons Jesus told the Jews, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: maroon;">"Your father
Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”</span> </i>(John
8:56)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>Not only would the people of
Christ's day see the Incarnation of God in the flesh (John 1), but an infilling
and indwelling of God's Spirit in a new and powerful way was about to
begin. Consider this verse: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: maroon;">"But I tell you the truth, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it is to your advantage that I go away;</b> for if I do not go away,
the Helper will not come to you; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but if
I go, I will send Him to you."</b> </span>(John 16:7) </i>Would there have
been anything better than walking with Jesus so many centuries ago? Yes.
God revealed to Ezekiel a wondrous truth that would was later completed in
Christ, and astounds us to this very day. God's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Spirit within" </i>us<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>is
even better than having Him with us in the flesh. Meditate on that for all
of eternity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">These verses confirm
that His<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Spirit"</i></b> (Ez 36:27) is our source for power, and enables
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"cause(s)" </i>us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(also in verse 27) </i>to walk in His ways.
By embracing this journey of regeneration and renewal, we experience God in
ways that many prophets such as Ezekiel and patriarchs like David never fully
understood. Jesus said, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #640e2f;">“For truly I say
to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and
did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”</span></i></b>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Matthew 13:17) </i>And Peter wrote, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Concerning this salvation, the prophets,
who spoke of the grace that was to come to you made careful searches and
inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them
was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to
follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but
you, in thes</i>e things <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">which now have
been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy
Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter
1:10-12)</i> Though many of them obviously spoke about these miracles through
Divine Revelation, much of the details were hidden until the day of Pentecost
when the Church was born. Therefore, if you claim to be a Christian than you
should pray about God's plan for the total restoration of your "innermost
being" (Ps 51). If you attempt to spread the Gospel and expect people to
be "born again" (John 3), as defined by the Lord Jesus, than these
core doctrines and Scriptures as essential to help enlighten one's
understanding of true conversion,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>genuine repentance, and the work of the Holy Spirit of God in the life
of every believer. We must look for these 3 miracles of faith in our own lives
as well as the lives of others who claim the Name of Christ. For Jesus Himself
said, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: maroon;">"So then, you will know them by their
fruits." </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">(Matt 7:20)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></i><span style="color: black;">and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">...</span><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is
in heaven." </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(Matthew 16:17b).</span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In Conclusion:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ezekiel and David are both examples of r<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">estoration </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">transformation by God’s Spirit and grace</i>. These miracles of God how
the Gospel is far more than someone joining a religious organization or even
attempting to pious and religious.</span> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to
everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom 1:16)</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In reality, Christianity
is about having a real encounter with the Living God. There is no turning back
once the process of cleansing and spiritual transformation has begun. God does
not expect you to be holy on your own. Not only does He give us a new nature,
but comes to dwell in us forever! So, prepare your hearts <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"that the King of Glory may enter in"</i> (Ps 24:9). </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If the greatest miracle is the miracle of conversion, than we are
obligated to pray about, live out, teach, and preach what the Bible really says
regarding this doctrine. As mentioned in the first section of this study, many
are unaware of the invisible miracles of God, but the Lord will reveal His
presence and power to us throughout our lives as we walk with Him by faith. I
did this study to grow closer to the Lord, and to clarify some essential truths
of the Christian faith for those who believe and who are curious. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #004080; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in
order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his
glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for
us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Reference Scriptures: PLEASE PRAY AND STUDY ON YOUR OWN FOR MORE.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">-</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">A brief word study through the New
Testament with these terms and concepts reveals truth about the Gospel and a
genuine conversion. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Repentance: “<b>Repent, </b>for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand." (Matt 4:17a)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Old Testament example
to for context: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"<b>Cast away from
you all the transgressions</b> that you have committed, and make yourselves a
new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no
pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; <b>so turn, and live.</b>" Ez 18:31-32</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Some New Testament
examples for further mediation:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the
wilderness of Judea, “<b>Repent, </b>for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt 3:1-2</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “<b>Repent, </b>for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand." Matt 4:17</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee,
proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the
kingdom of God is at hand; <b>repent </b>and
believe in the gospel." Mark 1:14</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need
of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous
but sinners to <b>repentance.</b>"
Luke 5:31-32</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the
mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have <b>repented</b> long ago, sitting in sackcloth
and ashes." Luke 10:13</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans
were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this
way? No, I tell you; but unless you <b>repent</b>,
you will all likewise perish." Luke 12:2-3</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke
to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law
of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened
their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is
written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
<b>and that repentance and forgiveness of
sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations,</b> beginning from
Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the
promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are <b>clothed with power from on high."</b>
Luke 24:44-49</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">“I baptize you with water for <b>repentance</b>, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose
sandals I am not worthy to carry. <b>He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire</b>. His winnowing fork is in
his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the
barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Matt 3:11-12</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And Peter said to them, “<b>Repent</b> and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will <b>receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.</b> For the promise is for you and
for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God
calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to
exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those
who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three
thousand souls." Acts 2:38-41</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Repent</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"> therefore, and <b>turn back</b>, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of
refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the
Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for
restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy
prophets long ago." Acts 3:19-21</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior,
to give <b>repentance </b>to Israel and
forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is<b> the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to
those who obey him."</b> Acts 5:31-32</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he
commands all people everywhere to <b>repent</b>,
because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by
a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by
raising him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Also many of those who were now believers came, <b>confessing and divulging their practices</b>.
And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together
and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and
found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord
continued to increase and prevail mightily." Acts 19:18-20</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the
elders of the church to come to him. And when they came to him, he said to
them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first
day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears
and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did
not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you
in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of <b>repentance </b>toward God and of faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by
the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that <b>the Holy Spirit testifies to me</b> in
every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me."</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Acts 20:17-24</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the
heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and
throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should <b>repent and turn to God,</b> performing
deeds in keeping with their <b>repentance.</b>"
Acts 26:19-20</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and
forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you
to <b>repentance</b>?" Romans 2:4</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind
to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents
with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them <b>repentance</b> leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come
to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by
him to do his will." 2 Tim 2:23</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ
and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of <b>repentance </b>from dead works and of faith toward God, and of
instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the
dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is
impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have
tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted
the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then
have fallen away, to restore them again to <b>repentance</b>,
since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and
holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls
on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated,
receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is
worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned." Hebrews
6:1-8</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse
your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded. Be
wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your
joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
James 4:8-10</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"If we <b>confess our
sins</b>, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to <b>cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</b> If
we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in
us." </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">1 John 1:9</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"<b>Having purified
your souls</b> by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love,
love one another earnestly from a pure heart, <b>since you have been born again</b>, not of perishable seed but of
imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;" 1 Peter 1:22-23</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent,
and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your
lampstand from its place, unless you repent." Revelation 2:5</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to
die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember,
then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake
up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come
against you." Revelation 3:2-3 -</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- <b><i>Regeneration:</i></b>
the renewal of the inner self (i.e. -"you must be <b><i>born again</i></b>" (John 3)
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">and become a "<b><i>new
creation In Christ </i></b><i>"</i>(2
Corinthians 5).</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Old Testament context
for regeneration and the phrase "born again."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And I will give them one heart, and <b>a new spirit I will put within them. </b>I will remove the heart of
stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my
statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I
will be their God." Ez 11:19-20</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have
committed, and make yourselves <b>a new
heart and a new spirit!</b> Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no
pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and
live." Ez 18:31-32</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Old Testament with all
three examples:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and <b>you shall be clean from all your
uncleannesses</b>, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. <b>And I will give you a new heart, and a new
spirit I will put within you.</b> And I will remove the heart of stone from
your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. <b>And
I will put my Spirit within you,</b> and cause you to walk in my statutes and
be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your
fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. " Ez 36:25-29</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- More New Testament
examples for further mediation:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- "Born of the
Spirit" and "born again."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless
one is<b> born again</b> he cannot see the
kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old?
Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is <b>born
of water and the Spirit</b>, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is
born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is <b>born of the Spirit</b> is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, <b>‘You must be born again.</b> ’ The wind
blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it
comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is b<b>orn of the Spirit."</b> John 3:5-8</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
According to his great mercy, <b>he has
caused us to be born again </b>to a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled,
and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded
through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1
Peter 1:3-5</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"<b>Having purified
your souls</b> by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love,
love one another earnestly from a pure heart, <b>since you have been born again</b>, not of perishable seed but of
imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;" 1 Peter 1:22-23</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Believers are given a new nature and have put on a "new
self.":</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"<b>His divine power
has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness</b>, through
the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he
has granted to us his precious and very great promises, <b>so that through them you may</b> <b>become
partakers of the divine nature</b>, having escaped from the corruption that is
in the world because of sinful desire." 2 Peter 1:3-4</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"But that is not the way you learned Christ! — assuming
that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is
corrupt through deceitful desires, <b>and
to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created
after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness</b>." Eph
4:20-24</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off
the old self with its practices and have <b>put
on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its
creator.</b> Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." Col
3:9-11</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is
wasting away, <b>our inner self is being
renewed day by day.</b> For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us
an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things
that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen
are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">2 Cor 4:16-18</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Become a "new
creation in Christ Jesus."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Therefore, if anyone is <b>in Christ</b>, <b>he is a new
creation</b>. The old has passed away; behold, <b>the new has come</b>. All this is from God, who through Christ
reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is,
in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their
trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of
reconciliation." </span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">2 Cor 5:17-19</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor
uncircumcision, but <b>a new creation.</b>"
Gal 5:15</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am
making all things new." Revelation 21:5</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">_________________________________________________________________________________</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Reception: "<b><i>Receive
the Holy Spirit "</i></b><i>(John
20:22b) & </i>"<b><i>Be filled with the Spirit</i></b> "(Eph
5:18b)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Old Testament Context:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">“And it shall come to pass afterward, that <b>I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh</b>;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in
those days <b>I will pour out my Spirit.</b>"
Joel 2:28-29 & Acts 2:17-21</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Old Testament with all
three examples:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"> "I will
sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">, <b>and
from all your idols I will cleanse you.</b> <b>And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within
you.</b> And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a
heart of flesh. <b>And I will put my Spirit
within you,</b> and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my
rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall
be my people, and I will be your God. " Ez 36:25-29</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- Some New Testament
examples for further mediation...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- "Receive the Holy
Spirit" and being "given the Spirit."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">“I baptize you with water for <b>repentance</b>, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose
sandals I am not worthy to carry. <b>He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire</b>. His winnowing fork is in
his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the
barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Matt 3:11-12</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.
He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “<b>The Spirit of the Lord is upon me</b>,
because he has anointed me</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
liberty to the captives</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those
who are oppressed,</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"> to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke
4:17-19</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this,
that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, <b>for he gives the Spirit without measure</b>."
John 3:33-34</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood
up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever
believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers
of living water. ’” Now this he said about <b>the
Spirit</b>, whom those who believed in him were to <b>receive</b>, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus
was not yet glorified." John 7:37-39</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said
to them, “<b>Receive the Holy Spirit.</b>
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold
forgiveness from any, it is withheld." John 20:22-23</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ
should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, <b>and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his
name to all nations,</b> beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these
things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in
the city until you are <b>clothed with
power from on high."</b> Luke 24:44-49</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And while staying with them he ordered them not to
depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he
said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will <b>be baptized with the Holy Spirit </b>not
many days from now." Acts 1:4-5</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or
seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will <b>receive power when the Holy Spirit has come
upon you</b>, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:7-8</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will <b>receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.</b>
For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off,
everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he
bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this
crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there
were added that day about three thousand souls." Acts 2:38-41</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior,
to give <b>r</b>epentance to Israel and
forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is <b>the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to
those who obey him." </b>Acts 5:31-32</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing
that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and
character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love
has been <b>poured into our hearts through
the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.</b>" </span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Romans 5:3-5</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"<b>The Spirit
himself bears witness with our spirit</b> that we are children of God,"
Romans 8:16</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Likewise the <b>Spirit
helps us</b> in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought,
but the <b>Spirit himself intercedes for us</b>
with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the
mind of the Spirit, because the <b>Spirit
intercedes for the saints according to the will of God</b>." Romans
8:26-27</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my
conscience bears me witness <b>in the Holy
Spirit</b>" Romans 9:1</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- <b>Filled with the Spirit:</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"May the God of hope<b>
fill you </b>with all joy and peace in believing, so that <b>by the power of the Holy Spirit</b> you may abound in hope."
Romans 15:13</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"For I will not venture to speak of anything except what
Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word
and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, <b>by the power of the Spirit of God</b>—so that from Jerusalem and all
the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of
Christ." Romans 15:18-19</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the
will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery,
but <b>be filled with the Spirit</b>,
addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for
everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting
to one another out of reverence for Christ." Eph 5:17-21</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That
he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, <b>to be</b> <b>strengthened with
might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by
faith</b>; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to
comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and
height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, <b>that ye might be filled with all the
fulness of God."</b> Eph 3:14-19</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
and <b>you have been filled in him</b>, who
is the head of all rule and authority." Col 2:9-10</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">- He will be "in
you."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"I will ask the Father, and <b>He will give you another Helper</b>, <b>that He may be with you forever;</b> that is the Spirit of truth, whom
the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, <b>but you know Him because He abides with you
and will be in you.</b>" John 14:16-17</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"You, however, are not in the flesh but <b>in the Spirit</b>, if in fact the <b>Spirit of God dwells in you</b>. Anyone who
does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if <b>Christ is in you</b>, although the body is
dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If <b>the Spirit </b>of him who raised Jesus from
the dead <b>dwells in you</b>, he who
raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also g<b>ive life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you</b>."
Romans 8:9-11</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"In Him you also are being built together into <b>a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.</b>"
Eph 2:22</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Or do you not know that <b>your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have
from God,</b> and that you are not your own? For you have been bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."1 Corinthians 6:19-20</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"To them God chose to make known how great among the
Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is <b>Christ in you, the hope of glory</b>. Him
we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we
may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his
energy that he powerfully works within me" Col 1:27-29</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"But the anointing
that you received from him abides in you</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as
his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as
it has taught you, abide in him." 1 John 2:27</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,
because <b>the one who is in you </b>is
greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John4:4</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">
-</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">_________________________________________________________________________________</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Other verses for study:</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And not only the
creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan
inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes
for what he sees" Romans 8:23-24</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Such is the
confidence that we have through Christ toward God. <b>Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming
from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be
ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the
letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Now if the ministry of
death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites
could not gaze at Moses 'face because of its glory, which was being brought to
an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there
was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must
far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to
have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was
being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have
glory." 1 Cor 3:5-11</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"And Jesus came and
said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them <b>in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit</b>, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded
you. And behold, <b>I am with you always,
to the end of the age.</b>" Matt 28:18-20</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Ephesians 1:13</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">English Standard Version
(ESV)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">13 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">In him you also, when you heard the word of
truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the
promised Holy Spirit,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Isaiah 4 The Branch of the Lord Glorified</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">2 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">In that day the branch of the Lord shall be
beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor
of the survivors of Israel. <b>3 </b>And
he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone
who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, <b>4 </b>when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the
daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a
spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. <b>5 </b>Then theLord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming
fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. <b>6 </b>There will be a booth for shade
by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"Now these Jews
were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all
eagerness, <b>examining the Scriptures
daily </b>to see if these things were so." Acts 17:11</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">"So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and
alive to God in Christ Jesus." - </span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Romans 6:11 </span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">“All these people were
still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised;
they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were
foreigners and strangers on earth.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Hebrews 11:13</span></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-37248254788835355092013-09-08T11:20:00.003-05:002014-07-18T06:44:33.219-05:00The 5 'F's of FAITH<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgD3cldKKIJXL4qzhGWx_NSEJCuCzktmdIvqsMDnqCPv7QMck-hDNhaPI64nlVtPuP4kWgTNjPvru6Eb4FP4bQSY-e5fN0tGl5k9z4mo9REJxadvKm9JRHXxDQHWCBJQB6NLT-hMUHIXc/s1600/God-Love-and-Faith-god-28819888-450-337.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgD3cldKKIJXL4qzhGWx_NSEJCuCzktmdIvqsMDnqCPv7QMck-hDNhaPI64nlVtPuP4kWgTNjPvru6Eb4FP4bQSY-e5fN0tGl5k9z4mo9REJxadvKm9JRHXxDQHWCBJQB6NLT-hMUHIXc/s320/God-Love-and-Faith-god-28819888-450-337.gif" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n my walk with God I have seen a trend or pattern. One must begin the journey of faith, and grow through it to eventually, 'win the race.' It may look different to each Christian but here is one pattern I have observed. </span></span><br />
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<i style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">- A healthy Fear <b>OF</b> God leads to a living Faith <b>IN </b>Him and His Christ who prepares us for a supernatural Fellowship <b>WITH </b>Him (as the Holy Trinity) that we might also be <b>WITH AND IN</b> Him Forever.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we acknowledge and revere God, we are then able to trust His character or have FAITH in Him; Thus beginning to walk with Him... following Him into a deeper and more intimate relationship (or fellowship) that lasts through eternity. -</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One may start this journey with 'being aware of God' and even 'acknowledging Him.' For example:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- 1st:</i> Possessing a healthy and holy FEAR of the Lord (or a holy reverence) ... (becoming God-fearing people).</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 9:10 ; Psalm 111:10a NIV "</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The fear of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15804A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> is the beginning of wisdom." -</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 3:5 KJV</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Prov-3-5" id="en-KJV-16461"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> "</span>Trust in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.</span><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."</i>-</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <i>The 2nd </i>is an actual living FAITH (i.e. - belief or trust) </span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Luke 7:50 "</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i>Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."</i></span></span></span><br />
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</i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i> </i></span></span><b style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Mark 5:36 NIV "</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i>Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b>James 2:23 NIV</b> <i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i>And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. "</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-<i> 3rd: </i>FOLLOW the Master (Come follow me) </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b>Matt 4:19 NIV </b><i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i>Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-<i> 4th:</i> experience FELLOWSHIP with Him (Face to face, as a friend) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 23.100000381469727px;">Acts 2:42 "</b><i style="line-height: 23.100000381469727px;">And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.</i></span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 2:1-2 "</b><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 John 1:6-7 "</b><i>If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b>2 Peter 1:4 <i>"</i></b></span><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 19px;"><i><b> Exodus 33:11, </b>"And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle." </i></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- 5th:</i> Be connected FOREVER with Him ("That where I am you may also be" and I will be with you always)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 14:1</b> </span><i><span class="text John-14-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">“Do not let your hearts be troubled.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26670A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> You believe<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26670B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> in God<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-26670a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></span>;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26670C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> believe also in me.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-14-2" id="en-NIV-26671" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26671D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> to prepare a place for you?</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-14-3" id="en-NIV-26672" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26672E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26672F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-14-4" id="en-NIV-26673" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>You know the way to the place where I am going.”</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 14:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15 </span></b><span class="text John-14-15" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“If you love me, keep my commands.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26684V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-14-16" id="en-NIV-26685" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26685W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span> to help you and be with you forever—</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-14-17" id="en-NIV-26686" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>the Spirit of truth."</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span class="text John-14-17" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-14-17" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b>Matt 28:20 </b><i>"and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span class="text John-14-17" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Colossians 3:1-4<span style="font-size: 12px;"> (ESV)</span><span class="text Col-3-1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; font-size: 1.25em; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;"> "</span><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29502A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><i>If then you have been raised with Christ, seek <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29502B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>the things that are above, where Christ is, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29502C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>seated at the right hand of God.</i></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="text Col-3-2" id="en-ESV-29503" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">2 </span><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29503D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="text Col-3-3" id="en-ESV-29504" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>For <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29504E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span>you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="text Col-3-4" id="en-ESV-29505" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>When Christ <span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29505F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span></span>who is your<span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-29505a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></span></span> life <span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29505G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span></span>appears, then you also will appear with him <span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29505H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span></span>in glory."</span></i></span></h3>
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inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-8762500795193360682012-11-22T08:31:00.002-06:002014-07-18T06:46:50.584-05:00(Can I love God Part 2) Social Justice Anyone?<br />
LOVE AND JUSTICE COEXISTING<br />
Remember I told about 1 John 4 "God is Love." many people have trouble understanding Him as love as well as Holy and Just all at once. So, let me explain how Christ reconciles the perfect Holiness of God (He must to uphold righteousness and justice by nature and His character makes Him forever true to His Word and Holy standards) Well, how then do Grace and Wrath fit in the same plan? God must uphold Justice and "the wages ( consequence or punishment) of sin is death (romans 3)" and in the same chapter "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Now, if God must remain Holy and perfect and be the perfect Judge that His is, and you wouldn't want it any other way, than He has to punish sin. We as finite beings and sinners may ask "is that fair?" Yes, it is what we all deserve, no matter how nice a person seems, sin is still present.... that's why Jesus came. And you and I know that Jesus had to have chosen to come for lots of reasons.<br />
If people don't want God to punish sin than Holiness and true Justice would not be exercised, and what would Jesus have died for? Jesus' death paid the "wages of sin" for "those who believe (john 1:12 and 3:16)" So, his love and mercy created a bridge to justice and wrath. For those who believe, God poured out the wrath and punishment that we earned unto Christ on the cross . Jesus' sacrifice satisfies true and fair justice, because OUR sin, for those who accept it, has been paid for, we are covered by the precious Blood of The Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world. Those who reject God's act and extension of divine love, grace and mercy, may say "I'll take my chances, or maybe He'll let me off the hook?" and still have to pay for the "wages" that they have earned by sinning over an over. Jesus offers them the chance for Him to pay their debt for them and some people refuse, thinking “if my good wages (deeds and their consequential actions) out weigh my bad ones than maybe that will be enough?" But as long as sin is still unaccounted for (by God who knows all), than the one who committed the sins will be held accountable for them unless they can pay or someone else (namely JESUS) can pay it for them.<br />
Some people think they may think that this life gives them enough time to do enough good works to get by, but the law of God demands and requires perfection which only comes from Him any way. If we try to obtain perfection some other way we would “fall short” like Romans 3 says. Jesus said in the gospels that every “word" and "a man's works" will be judged according to what a person has done. Its more than fair, for God has given us an opportunity to receive a redemption that even angels don not get. AND His also gave us Himself, His Son, God in the Flesh. He came and dwelt among us (John 1). So, if God dies for us than that is above and beyond what a limited sense of justice like ours would obligate Him to do. His Mercy is so great because he didn't have to do all that just for us, He had the power and the right to destroy us all. And remember that God is Life itself and separation from Him, or Life, is death. than death is what we deserve, separation from Him, which is what hell truly is, I chose Christ I chose Life, you see? Any way, you may have heard this but I know that God's wrath is hard to understand sometimes, I just wanted to assure you that the God who has"lavished His love on us (Paul said)" is the same God who "will judge the living and the dead (1 peter)"AND that this is a good and marvelous truth that God can be both LOVE and JUSTICE all at once.<br />
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Praise God, Amen!! thanks for reading with and open heart. love you - B<br />
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Its like this, God is the Judge and Love as well. Let's Imagine a court room, maybe the Judge<br />
(played by GOD) would be examining this case. The accuser (the devil) could say, “Your Honor, in the case of “the Law versus “mankind”, you have admitted to the whole human race, as recorded in their own texts, that “all like sheep have gone astray (Book of Isaiah)” and giving them your own Holy Law stating, “Chose this day... life or death (Exodus and Deuteronomy).” Therefore you're own words condemn them. Should you not correct this matter? than let the defendants be sentenced immediately.” And then the Defense counsel (Jesus) who is also the prosecution ( He would be the only one qualified for both positions) could say, “Your honor, Father, I do not need to remind this court of the agreement we had before the foundation of the world and the creation of mankind.” The judge could reply, “What I have done, I have done. All have sinned and fallen short of my Glory and the wages of (their) sin is death. Since, my glory has been dishonored and evil has taken place because of this sin, the price of death must be paid that My Law may be upheld in perfect justice.” So, maybe the Judge sends a summons letter, a copy of the law and explanations thereof (all 3 are in the Bible) to those who represent the whole human race (Prophets and Apostles). And part of the letter could say something like this, “Because of your deeds and disregard for the law a sentencing must commence-but your Advocate (lawyer) and I have come to an agreement that fulfills the law to the fullest degree, and still gives each of you a chance to pay for the damages that you have done according to your works... we have decided that you have exactly one lifetime or how ever long you live, to find someone else to pay this debt for you, since you are unable. He must be blameless and without sin, and worthy of the highest honor and praise in order to withstand death (the punishment) and my wrath. I am pleased to announce to the defendants, that the defense counsel Himself, Jesus Christ my own Son, has offered to pay these damages for you in accordance with the terms of the law. He has appeased my Holy anger and satisfied my jealous and compassionate love for you by willingly shedding His own blood unto death for each of you and rising again unto glory So, do you accept His offer and come into agreement with my only Son and I?” Now, God is really a Judge and Jesus is our real Advocate and doesn't this scenario sound somewhat similar to the Bible?inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-68624088997145473822012-02-26T14:29:00.000-06:002018-09-09T22:42:00.970-05:00Signs of a Maturing Christian<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>7 SIGNS OF A MATURE CHRISTIAN</b></span></div>
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<i>Spiritual Growth Series: Lesson 1</i><br />
<i> Learn to Discern</i></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">When you meet someone who claims to be "</span><i>spiritual</i>" or "<i>religious</i>,"</div>
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simply do as the Apostle Paul instructed,</div>
<i> "<b>Test and weigh everything!</b>"</i> (1 Thess 5:12; 1 Cor 14:29; 1 John 4:6)<br />
<i><b>And look for good Spiritual Fruit in their life</b> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">(as in Galatians chapter 5).</span><br />
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You may also use these scriptures to test yourself.</div>
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Question 1:</div>
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Are they (and are you)</div>
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<b><u>LED BY THE SPIRIT?</u> </b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Are they FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">?</span></div>
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Or are they (or perhaps you) just wandering around in the dark, subject to their/your fleshly impulses?</div>
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<b>Exodus 35:31</b> And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship;"</div>
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<b>Micah 3:8</b> On the other hand I am filled with power— With the Spirit of the LORD— And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin."</div>
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<b>Luke 1:15 </b>"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb." </div>
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<b>Luke 4:17 </b>And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the [<span style="color: #651405;">f</span>]book and found the place where it was written,18 “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, 19 TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."</div>
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<b>Romans 8:14</b> "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."</div>
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<span style="color: #020202; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Galatians</b></span></span><b style="color: #020202; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5:18</b><span style="color: #020202; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Luke 1:67 </b></span><span style="color: #651405;">"</span>And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied," </div>
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<b>Acts 2:4</b> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.</div>
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<b>Acts 4:31</b> And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.</div>
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<b>Acts 9:17</b> So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “ Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Ephesians</b></span></span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5:18</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,"</span></span></div>
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Question 2:</div>
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Are they (and are you)</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>BEARING THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?</b></span></div>
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Or are they/we exhibiting hatred, malice, selfishness, and rage instead?</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Galatians</b></span></span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5:22</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who [</span></span><span style="color: #651405; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">k</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">]belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Galatians</span><span style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"> 5:25</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.</span></span></div>
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<b>Luke 6:43</b> "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, [<span style="color: #651405;">z</span>]on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."</div>
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<b>John 15:8</b> "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples."</div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">Question 3:</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;"> </span>Do they (and do you)</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD?</b></span></div>
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Or are they self centered?</div>
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<b>Matthew 6:33</b> "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."</div>
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<b>Luke 9:23</b> "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."</div>
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<b>Colossians 3:2</b> "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."</div>
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4) <i>Do they/we... </i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BOAST IN THE LORD</span> rather in themselves/ourselves?</div>
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<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span style="color: #b2462d;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+20:7&version=NASB"><b>Psalm 20:7</b></a></span><b> </b>"Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God."</li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span style="color: #651405;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34:2&version=NASB"><b>Psalm 34:2</b></a></span><b> </b>"My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.</li>
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Question 4:</div>
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Do they (and do we)</div>
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Do they/we truly submit to God and His Word, the Bible?</div>
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<b>Romans 12:1 "</b>Therefore 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. 2 And 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."</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Romans 6:13 "</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px;">Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>1 Corinthians 6:20 </b></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px;">"...you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #001321;">Question 5:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #001321;"> </span>Do they (and do we)</div>
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<b><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;">CORRECTLY HANDLE THE WORD OF TRUTH? </span></b></div>
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Do they/we want to receive revelation and wisdom from God to interpret His Word correctly?</div>
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<b>2 TIMOTHY 2:15</b> "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal;"><br /></span><b>John 8:31</b> So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “ If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;"</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Acts 17:11</b> "</span>Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."<br />
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<b>1 Corinthians 14:29</b> "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said."</div>
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<i style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #001321;"><b> </b> Question 6:</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #001321;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: black; text-align: center;">Do they (and do we)</span></div>
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<b> </b><b><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">HAVE CHRIST'S CHARACTER</span>?</b></div>
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Note: Spiritual fruit is evidence of holy character in the inner man.</div>
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<b>Philippians 2:1</b> Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,… <b>3</b> Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; <b>4</b> do not <i>merely</i> look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. <b>5</b> Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, <b>6</b> who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, <b>7</b> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, <i>and</i> being made in the likeness of men. <b>8</b> Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."</div>
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<b>John 13:34 "</b>A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”<br />
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<b> </b>Question 7:</div>
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Are they (and are you)</div>
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<b><i style="font-style: normal;"> </i><span style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: underline;">PRESSING ON TOWARDS THE NEXT STEP IN THEIR/YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY?</span></b></div>
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<b>Philipians 3:13</b> Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, <b>14</b> I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</div>
<b>Ephesians 4:15</b> "…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,"</div>
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<b>Hebrews 12:11</b> "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;"</div>
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<b>Hebrews 6: 1</b> "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits."</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Conclusion 1: The Holy Spirit can give us "discernment" as Paul wrote, and help us "know them by their fruits" (</span><b>Matt 7:16</b>) as Jesus said.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px;"><b>1 Cor 12:7-11</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits…All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Conclusion 2: Sometimes the Lord simply reveals to us whether someone is trustworthy or not, or in "truth or error" (1 John 4:6) through a gift or through proper examining as to how they handle truth.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b>1 John 4:6</b> "</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."</span></span></div>
inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-90999599661828364402011-08-25T13:22:00.001-05:002014-07-18T06:51:45.774-05:00Healing & Blessing IS Yours IN CHRIST, But Beware of Televangelists Who Seek Wealth.Here are some verses that are certainly true and inspired by the Holy Spirit from the Word God. BUT may be misinterpreted and presented by some as a "Prosperity Gospel." Please Read them pray-fully and I will show the reader how they are used wrongfully to further larger ministries and increase wealth rather than make mature Christians. -<br />
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<b><u>Ephesians 1:3</u><i> </i></b>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A3-6&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29212a">a</a>] predestined us for adoption to sonship[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A3-6&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29212b">b</a>] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." <i>Footnotes:<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A3-6&version=NIV#en-NIV-29212">Ephesians 1:5</a> Or sight in love. He<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A3-6&version=NIV#en-NIV-29212"> Ephesians 1:5</a> The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legsal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture. </i><br />
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<b><u>2 Corinthians 1:20</u></b> For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God"<br />
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<u><b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4&version=NIV#en-NIV-28026">Romans 4:3 &22</a> Gen. 15:6;</b></u> "What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”<br />
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* Instead of spending month after month reading new mini-books from famous televangelists (though some may be sincere) who search over and over for "secret" clues and keys or method and rituals to unlocking God's favor and blessing, read<b> </b>Rom 4:3 and Gen15: 6 about Abraham's faith being blessed by God. It's not un-bliblical to comb through the Old Testament to look for specific Blessings from God to the Jews (Abraham's fleshy seed), yet as Abraham's spiritual seed (children of faith) we already have these blessings as stated in Ephesians 1 and 2 Corinthians chapter 1 as well. AND we have them because Christ has done the work for us. We don't need to repeat Old Testament sacrements to try to earn God's blessing. So, when a man looks into the TV camera and says something like, " I believe that God is saying that since Jacob was blessed one hundred fold when he married Rebecca, that you need to give or sow a one hundred dollar financial seed to our ministry as a show to Him that you want that same blessing," He better be speaking from God otherwise he is using the Bible for his own benefit.-<br />
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So, stay close to Jesus and learn to discern. Discover the Blessings of God but don't try to earn them or look for a magic number or dollar amount to unlock them, Christ has already unlocked them all you have to do is be like Abraham and "believe."<br />
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inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-72296827748638841582010-12-17T08:53:00.005-06:002018-11-11T18:47:56.662-06:00The Relationship Detectives Series: Vol. 1 [Updated]<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<i>Uncovering the Truth about Relationships.</i></div>
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<i>By Brandon Miller
(2008)</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Do you ever find yourself
acting like a Relational P.I., (or Private Investigator) in a
particular friendship, family relationship, or even in your marriage? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Do wonder why you or someone else has behaved in a way not pleasant?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Well, I invite you to use
these helpful codes and acronyms which illustrate the law of </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Sowing
and Reaping,</i></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> as it
applies to relationships. You can't expect a healthy response from
others if you begin a conversation or debate with a bad attitude.
These acronyms can help you decipher some of the relationship mishaps
you may be currently experiencing, but will only work if used
objectively and with prayer and introspection. As a Christian, I know
that God will empower you to become someone whom others can rely on,
and give you the self-control and understanding needed to navigate
difficult relationships. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Verses for Mediation:
The Ancient Principle of Sowing and Reaping:</u></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>this he will also reap.” </i></span><i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">- Galatians 6:7</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Proverbs 15 shows this principle in action...“A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.” - Proverbs 15:1-2</i></span></div>
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<i><b> Become a Relational <span style="font-size: large;">P.I.</span></b></i></div>
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<i>Discerning between reality and wishful thinking.</i></div>
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When engaging with others in social situations are you a good <b>P.I. </b>or and bad one?</div>
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Do you know the difference between what you wish and what is real? </div>
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<b style="text-align: left;">P. </b><i style="text-align: left;"><b>- Perceived Affection:</b></i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span>I think a person likes me simply because <i>I want them to</i>,<br />
despite their obvious signals
of disinterest or lack thereof.</div>
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<b>I.</b> <i><b>- Intended Affection:</b></i> I know for sure that this person likes me. For they have <i>intentionally</i> responded to my gestures of friendship or obvious signs affection.</div>
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<i><b>Example 1: Give your Love Life the “P.I.” test…</b></i></div>
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<i>When you are in love but not sure if the other person feels the same way, simply ask yourself:</i></div>
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<i>Is there a genuine connection between us, or is it just my imagination?</i></div>
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<i>Are they sending social cues or using body language to indicate an attraction, or is it just me?</i></div>
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<b>Dealing with the pain:</b></div>
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<i>When someone seems to hurt you emotionally, is your pain
perceived or intended?</i></div>
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<b>P. </b><i><b>- Perceived Hurt: </b></i>I feel hurt because <i>I
want to be hurt.</i></div>
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<b>I. </b><i><b>- Intended Hurt:</b></i> I feel hurt because <i>someone intended to hurt me.</i></div>
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<i><b>Example 2: Give your Pain the “P.I.” test…</b></i></div>
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<i>When someone close to you hurts your feelings, ask yourself:</i></div>
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<i>Did they hurt me on purpose, or am I really upset about something else?</i></div>
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Truth: Some people project pain from their past unto those of us in the present.</div>
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We can't hold our current friends and loved ones accountable for the emotional trauma and baggage of the past. It's not fair. We must be able to tell whether or not someone meant to upset us, and when it is simply a misunderstanding.</div>
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<i>Constructive P.I.'s? </i><i>Destructive P.I's? </i>
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<b>P</b>erceptive and <b>I</b>nteractive <b>P</b>rideful and
<b>I</b>ndifferent
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<b> P</b>eaceful and <b>I</b>nviting <b>P</b>retentious and <b>I</b>nterruptive</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Are you an A.C.E. at relationships?</b></i></span></div>
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<td width="50%"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Do you make others feel... </b></i></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>A. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Affirmed</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>C. </b>Comforted and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>E. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Edified</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Because you are…</i></span><br />
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<b>A. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ac</span>cepting,</div>
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<b>C. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">C</span>ompassionate
and</div>
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<b>E. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Encouraging?</span>
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<td width="50%"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Or Do they feel...</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>A.
</b>Agitated, </span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>C.
</b>Confused and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>E.
</b>Exploited </span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Because
you are…</i></span><i> </i>
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<b>A. </b>Abrasive,
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<b>C.
</b>Condescending and</div>
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">E. </span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Explicit?
</span></span><i><b> </b></i>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Are you a good D.A.T.E.? </b></i></span>
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<td width="50%"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Reveal your best
qualities: Show them that you are...</span>.</b></i><br />
<b>D.</b> deep, delightful, and dependable
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<b>A.</b> accepting, adaptive, and active
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<b>T.</b> tasteful, thoughtful, and therapeutic
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<b>E.</b> endearing, empathetic, and engaging
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<td width="50%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Don't be... </b></i></span>
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<b>D. </b>demanding, domineering, or dysfunctional
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<b>A.</b> abusive, adamant, or anxious
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<b>T.</b> threatening, tense, or temperamental<br />
<b>E.</b> evasive, exclusive, or emotionally unstable
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Do you express yourself clearly like C.I.A. agents and C.S.I. officers...?</b></i></span></div>
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<td width="50%"><i><b>When it's your turn to speak, be...</b></i><br />
<b>C.</b> Confident
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<b>I.</b> Intelligent &
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<b>A.</b> Assertive
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<i>Offer comments and ideas that are... </i>
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<b>C.</b> Creative
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<b>S.</b> Stimulating and<br />
<b>I.</b> Innovative
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<td width="50%"><i><b>Don't be...</b></i><br />
<b>C.</b> Condemning
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<b>I.</b> Inconsiderate or
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<b>A.</b> Adversely Aggressive<br />
<i>Or you will look... </i>
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<b>C.</b> Complacent<br />
<b>S. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stubborn and</span><br />
<b>I.</b> Inconsiderate
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</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>Be like an <b>N.C.I.S.</b> Agent by <b>N</b>avigating <b>C</b>arefully <b>I</b>n <b>S</b>ocial Situations.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Resolve conflict utilizing the I.R.S. System...</b></i></span></div>
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<td width="50%"><i><b>Resolve conflict with...</b></i><br />
<b>I.</b> Intellect
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<b>R.</b> Reason and<br />
<b>S.</b> Skill
<br />
<i>Change the atmosphere by being... </i>
<br />
<b>I.</b> Introspective and Intuitive
<br />
<b>R.</b> Respectful and Refreshing
<br />
<b>S.</b> Sympathetic and Soothing</td>
<td width="50%"><i><b>When angry don't act... </b></i>
<br />
<b>I.</b> Impulsive
<br />
<b>R.</b> Rash or
<br />
<b>S.</b> Simple-minded
<br />
<i>Or you will look... </i>
<br />
<b>I.</b> Insensitive
<br />
<b>R.</b> Rude and<br />
<b>S.</b> Selfish
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Motivate others like a relational F.B.I. Agent…
</b></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>See
if you are a Helpful or Destructive Force in your immediate circle of
influence.</i></span></div>
</div>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">
<colgroup><col width="128*"></col>
<col width="128*"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="50%"><i><b>Motivate others with... </b></i>
<br />
<b>F. </b>Faith and Fortitude
<br />
<b>B. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Beauty and </span>B<span style="font-weight: normal;">oldness</span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><b>I. </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">Inspiration
and </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ntelligence</span></td>
<td width="50%"><i><b>Not with... </b></i>
<br />
<b>F. </b>Fear or False Promise<br />
<b>B. </b>Bitterness or Bondage<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>I.
</b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Intimidation or Ignorance</span></span></span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Questions for personal growth:</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“<i>Am I…_______?”</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Relatable</u> or Resistant <span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span><u>Selfless</u> or Selfish </i>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Inspiring</u> or Intimidating
<u>Inviting</u> or Inconsiderate</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Insightful</u> or Immature <u>Discerning</u>
or Defensive </i>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Giving people space while building up the relationship:</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Keeping tabs on your mate or a friend?</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“<i>Are we…_______?”</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“<i><u>Keeping Up</u>” on our relationship? or
“<u>Keeping Track</u>” of each others’ failures?</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Resolving Conflict:</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Arguing? </i>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Consider which of these phrases are more
constructive and life-giving instead of destructive and selfish…</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“<i>I love you so” vs. “I told you so” </i>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“<i>I’m here for you.” vs. “I’m better
than you.”</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Sowing and Reaping in Relationships</b></u></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Cycle of Pain: From right to left…</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
We Hurt Others = 's</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hurt in Self = = Hurt in Others</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
= Others Hurt Us</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Commentary: </b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Human nature is flawed: We are all sinners and act out of sin. We
all may disappoint ourselves and others at some point in life. We
all have faults and quirks and baggage. We need help to flourish and
thrive in life and in relationships.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Verses for Reflection:
The Truth about Human Depravity</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Romans chapter 3 says that, <i>“The consequences (or result) of
sin is death…all have fallen short of the glory of God.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And Proverbs says that, <i>“There is a way that seems right to a
man but in the end leads to death.” Also, Isaiah says that All are
like sheep gone astray and have turned to there own ways. There is
not one righteous.”</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
“<i>Wide is the gate and broad the path that leads to
destruction and many follow it. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a
few find it.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">”
- Jesus in Matthew 7</span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
“<i>Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
For the day that you eat of it you will die.” (God to Adam, Genesis
Chapter 3).</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The nature of God is perfection. He does not settle for less but
turns sinners into saints. We too, should not make excuses, but help
others reach their potential and rise above their circumstances.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that
which was lost." - Luke 19:10</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The example God gave through His Son is above and beyond what was
required. We didn't deserve His grace. Thus, we should pass on His
grace to others whether they deserve it or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>"We love, because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:19 </i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jesus Christ breaks the cycle of sin and death. <i>"... I
have come that you may have life more abundantly." - John
10:10b</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-67426411606516103892010-10-07T10:03:00.000-05:002010-10-07T10:03:37.946-05:00House Church with Simple Church Ministries<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10ZIMJU3DhU">House church with Simple Church Ministries</a><br />
<br />
Youtube channel with more videos <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/timdale#p/u">http://www.youtube.com/user/timdale#p/u</a><br />
<br />
When you come together part 1<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10ZIMJU3DhU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10ZIMJU3DhU</a><br />
<br />
When you come together part2<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2_hiPSW54Y">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2_hiPSW54Y</a>inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-26458831193046882992010-10-07T09:36:00.001-05:002010-10-07T09:38:41.483-05:00Missionary Testimonies Missionary Testimonies....Awesome! PRaise Jesus!!<br />
<br />
Part 1 of Mouk tribe<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8FOVYT9CH8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8FOVYT9CH8</a><br />
<br />
Part 2<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ma6U-wae6A">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ma6U-wae6A</a><br />
<br />
New Tribes Missions Tesimonies<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PfNCemTs-k">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PfNCemTs-k</a><br />
<br />
Another NTM Testimony <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57cHMFLPkLw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57cHMFLPkLw</a>inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-3783274252026465082009-08-11T08:25:00.015-05:002014-07-20T20:18:28.947-05:00“A Story of Three Men / or A Parable of the Trustworthy King?”<div style="text-align: center;">
“A Story of Three Men /or<br />
A Parable of the Trustworthy King?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Kingdom of God is similar this story:</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9OXkXG3tRSSjVX4m3T2F-HioTwDtX1IwpyDrapu7JPstQbWvyin1NTV_oK7YxqosddWmmJBslfDHAOycyr7G1tTWMq43HMKlC0tsrXppDFzMn0Yrzejm6xC9oSttbxfFD2l5FU1R8Z7-/s1600-h/5b676e34b3d15f7e.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9OXkXG3tRSSjVX4m3T2F-HioTwDtX1IwpyDrapu7JPstQbWvyin1NTV_oK7YxqosddWmmJBslfDHAOycyr7G1tTWMq43HMKlC0tsrXppDFzMn0Yrzejm6xC9oSttbxfFD2l5FU1R8Z7-/s320/5b676e34b3d15f7e.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368708964902967634" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 215px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 215px;" /></a>There was a certain King who was the most righteous and noble of all kings, famous for his mighty deeds and known for His godly character. One day, He was deeply grieved because some of his own servants had betrayed him and rebelled against his father’s kingdom. He was not surprised, for many people did the same to his father. Therefore, he set it in his heart to obey the command of his father, “let us dwell not only with loyal servants but among a people to receive as our own. Ones who will love and trust us as sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters do.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ehUhOMFlqR6LO5ywxzuRV2VffqyKJ5MFrHb2znoD0L6hLhKtsfloLRVr_NrLprLZxfibQ_8tNRH_vgZyOjJZmssTYPmqF_tbtiJHvAxRE6sQ15vGTyk7EzcwJsbYXU0oi_ZAgqPCTwvJ/s1600-h/another.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ehUhOMFlqR6LO5ywxzuRV2VffqyKJ5MFrHb2znoD0L6hLhKtsfloLRVr_NrLprLZxfibQ_8tNRH_vgZyOjJZmssTYPmqF_tbtiJHvAxRE6sQ15vGTyk7EzcwJsbYXU0oi_ZAgqPCTwvJ/s320/another.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368697226921474018" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 146px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 143px;" /></a><br />
So, he began searching the entire earth for trustworthy people to call his own and fellowship with: that they would experience the love that he and his father shared together. During his adventures, he once traveled as a Sheppard, allowing humble garments to temporarily veil his royal clothing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjkG4ecOC70j-V7VY0vdiAYzJvTz01XGBL7cj2kgWe6oYlOF8IEs6lb0EoOS32FDc-J8keb1Ga3lsJAvyrBJIbG4D9QhhTjUYpkiNsonKZHWGYWBRkBsnbwE1al1RmdJmpzV6dLINt5mm/s1600-h/bable_4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjkG4ecOC70j-V7VY0vdiAYzJvTz01XGBL7cj2kgWe6oYlOF8IEs6lb0EoOS32FDc-J8keb1Ga3lsJAvyrBJIbG4D9QhhTjUYpkiNsonKZHWGYWBRkBsnbwE1al1RmdJmpzV6dLINt5mm/s320/bable_4.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368701187705761826" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 114px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 152px;" /></a><br />
Eventually, he came upon a large city that was full of wickedness, and met three people outside its gates; an angry person, an indecisive one, and friend with a soft heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW5adbgMIKwAJCywWwfo5Id5yURr3WDXVI6YwsUIIDplSBQHLiLF8QJabsMzdbfWQqdSgh2TgDoSgnS6Sg9MzA5x5Cwy1hLfPVqtaaFNZG4RjV-hb9axFzClCYmq80PJL2KlBwgwHBiyx/s1600-h/staffofGod.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW5adbgMIKwAJCywWwfo5Id5yURr3WDXVI6YwsUIIDplSBQHLiLF8QJabsMzdbfWQqdSgh2TgDoSgnS6Sg9MzA5x5Cwy1hLfPVqtaaFNZG4RjV-hb9axFzClCYmq80PJL2KlBwgwHBiyx/s320/staffofGod.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368699382523089938" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 124px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 132px;" /></a>The first man came running from the opposite direction and rushes towards the city. He attempted to push the king aside, but the famous one was as an unmovable rock and kept him from his pursuit of wickedness. This man became angry and yelled at Him, “Who are you to get in my way?” So, the king revealed himself, but the angry one did not believe him. “You can’t be this man who you claim to be. I have heard many different things from all kinds of people regarding the king and he is not like you. Besides he does not come this way.” However, before the angry one could leave, the king warned him once more, “I tell you the truth, I AM. Also, if you continue on this path, you will surely die tonight. Rather, believe me for who I am. Come sup (eat) with me tonight, that you may dwell in my father’s house as one of our own. Then you we would trust one another and you will surly have abundant life and not taste death.” The man did not listen or heed the king’s godly warning and invitation, but hurried off into the city and pursued all his sinful desires.<br />
<br />
<br />
A second man was wondering indecisively back and forth outside the city entrance, and asked the godly king for advice. They immediately recognized each other, and began walking and talking together.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuHbWU9Ty7Uu3KmHX8Hzggig9cRBgilaXJwhkJrE4AZ6qOmEUe2WwGpJQXJbWA2PQ-lp6EFHPdTNgnemMaWizrYJtjOv2d5vmkNJnMuAK3X8BTAp0qAOadyNq9gm5aV5TtmFXCs5b8ZVn/s1600-h/jesus_last_supper_4_poc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuHbWU9Ty7Uu3KmHX8Hzggig9cRBgilaXJwhkJrE4AZ6qOmEUe2WwGpJQXJbWA2PQ-lp6EFHPdTNgnemMaWizrYJtjOv2d5vmkNJnMuAK3X8BTAp0qAOadyNq9gm5aV5TtmFXCs5b8ZVn/s320/jesus_last_supper_4_poc.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368704027113629218" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 135px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 233px;" /></a>Then the trustworthy king invited him as he did with so many others, “Come sup (eat) with me, and dwell in my father’s house as a member of my own family. I will give you rest for your weary soul and you will have life. Then we might trust one another and live in peace.” The indecisive man was flattered by the request, but politely declined, “Though you are very willing to help me and I remember how trustworthy and powerful you are, I must do as I please for now. Later I will come, after short while. Once I have tried my own way in this city, doing all that I want with my own strength Then, I will surly come.” The trustworthy king was deeply saddened once more, but not surprised. He replied gently, “I tell you the truth, you are right in saying that I AM. Though my invitation is always yours, if you continue on this path you will surely die this very night while you sleep in your drunkenness. Rather, believe me for who I am ever more. Come follow me, be with me forever and you will most assuredly have life to the fullest.” However, the man convinced himself that he would come later and insisted that he go his own way for a period of time.<br />
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A third man was traveling in the same direction as the godly king and following in his footsteps along the same path. He begins walking beside him. “It is you!” he shouts joyfully, “Just as I have heard from your trusted friends! I too, am in search of those with good character that we might be as brothers and dwell in peace together. Yet, I am tired from the trials of my journey; let’s stop in the city for a while. I know this place is evil, so we won’t stay long.” He then led him to the entrance of the city gates but the good king stopped and rebuked him gently, “if you continue on this path, you will surely die tonight.” Then the tired one, in holy fear, took him at his word and believed. So, he asked, “My gracious <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vEM0m5zBJk1LWEcMofhi6d_dmluOXN1-KB9mMEiQ32X0LD8qKXYtrvcj9RXGAS1eoLiqRQEYMo4xdtU33CSrXEgmgvIpei6rJRhg1yfdqkVCreH3TmHHupuaC6Q0Ymlth9VsfLv3llDO/s1600-h/The%2520Righteous%2520Robe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vEM0m5zBJk1LWEcMofhi6d_dmluOXN1-KB9mMEiQ32X0LD8qKXYtrvcj9RXGAS1eoLiqRQEYMo4xdtU33CSrXEgmgvIpei6rJRhg1yfdqkVCreH3TmHHupuaC6Q0Ymlth9VsfLv3llDO/s320/The%2520Righteous%2520Robe.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368703297002077138" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 172px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 231px;" /></a>king, you are truly greater than all man I have ever known. Say the word, and I will obey. Therefore, tell me how I may find life instead of death?” The king answered, “You have brought me great delight good and faithful servant. For I know you will believe me for who I am and serve me through the ends of your days. Come, you are now my brother. Follow me, and we will sup (eat) together, and dwell with my father in peace. Then, you will have the abundant life you seek.”Immediately, he came to his senses and heeded the words of the king. Therefore, they turned around and did as the king had instructed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUe2Cwa-aKVCNvYQslqZPJKk-ZO1nlbfP-6FYgTlRKDLRBA0Q_jdDi21HeALf2l3nf7_DBM7eVvOqq9d3kF-fI87DrpRO3x56aK_LuehJLkoChAMEo51YjnOoq4e54dVL3aQMPP8Jlym8/s1600-h/jerusalem_war_babylon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUe2Cwa-aKVCNvYQslqZPJKk-ZO1nlbfP-6FYgTlRKDLRBA0Q_jdDi21HeALf2l3nf7_DBM7eVvOqq9d3kF-fI87DrpRO3x56aK_LuehJLkoChAMEo51YjnOoq4e54dVL3aQMPP8Jlym8/s320/jerusalem_war_babylon.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368702468066405634" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 156px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 207px;" /></a><br />
Later that very night, just as the king prophesied, a band of robbers came and burned the wicked city to the ground. Everyone there, including the first two men, was killed. Though they were warned by the most trustworthy of all men, and the greatest king is history, they did not believe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJYplVk3vuKzTVEQ1Cg-Tj8dAebN_3tCpjM03cAgEMxaO51PkfMrvPCp6Fg4qfy9DukJI-efWYx1AZzeASX4KuSzrZcWts836E4stiH2XUcbHYFTe26Ub-3ygCRWmOwLevdG-UePDtYXQ/s1600-h/abrahamic.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJYplVk3vuKzTVEQ1Cg-Tj8dAebN_3tCpjM03cAgEMxaO51PkfMrvPCp6Fg4qfy9DukJI-efWYx1AZzeASX4KuSzrZcWts836E4stiH2XUcbHYFTe26Ub-3ygCRWmOwLevdG-UePDtYXQ/s320/abrahamic.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368705317321497346" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a><br />
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On his journey, the king found more people who would not repent and take his hand, but the countless others who longed for the love of his father and joined him became as numerous as the stars.<br />
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The Meaning:</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VuMajJJR-hwUBK76siwgI_JWRtuBwgW55W77D5JpyCyoLMLFpqNucZNB-p3QTrKXNVsIzTehoi2iJ9kNc64v2a9M4wJFinNgoBhMgxrJxXxcMXORpuK-r5BmYIJ3FXfQ6m_b8xvVe784/s1600-h/JESUS20THE20WARRIOR20KING20ON20HORS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VuMajJJR-hwUBK76siwgI_JWRtuBwgW55W77D5JpyCyoLMLFpqNucZNB-p3QTrKXNVsIzTehoi2iJ9kNc64v2a9M4wJFinNgoBhMgxrJxXxcMXORpuK-r5BmYIJ3FXfQ6m_b8xvVe784/s320/JESUS20THE20WARRIOR20KING20ON20HORS.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368708498192646178" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 280px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 245px;" /></a>The godly king one represents Christ, the King of all kings: God Himself inviting men to His home (Heaven) to be one with Him, and adopting them as sons of God. The angry man is in rebellion towards God and knows his own selfishness and stubbornness. He persists to do things his way and dies because he did not believe God that “the road to destruction is wide.” Instead, this person believed what others people said and even believed wrongly or incorrectly about God. The second man is someone who is familiar with God but never knew Him intimately. He wants to join God, but is led astray by the world and his own sinful desires. The third is one who is in continual search for God, but has worn himself out by trying to do much of his rightful journey by his own strength. He begins towards destruction, but his childlike faith, given him by the Holy Spirit causes him to heed (trust and obey) the word of the Lord instead. The wicked city burning to the ground represents “the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth” that Jesus calls Hell or Hades. The two men made their choice and the righteous man his as well. What will yours be? Proverbs of Solomon: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end leads to death: Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but the will of God prevails:Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledged Him and He will direct your paths. Also, Isaiah prophesied, “there is not one person righteous, we have all like sheep, gone astray to our own wicked ways.”-inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-37703066229896524152009-08-10T21:29:00.002-05:002014-07-18T06:49:04.021-05:00The Birds and the Bees: What’s Up With That? A Sex Life vs. Life-Sex:<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvkdiEaQu3NAV4wArsBKkhH48vM8ZnC0NkklEMsAK5Lxi9ekSfZBUW1GHCVkQzg_eipIqqKIwVwxcX0mX3BUX9Kev0AR5E3MfLR87hKOnHj38jIr1Dwo8MYl0YggP__L2nGCF9nLbb95q/s1600-h/SERMREPRO.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvkdiEaQu3NAV4wArsBKkhH48vM8ZnC0NkklEMsAK5Lxi9ekSfZBUW1GHCVkQzg_eipIqqKIwVwxcX0mX3BUX9Kev0AR5E3MfLR87hKOnHj38jIr1Dwo8MYl0YggP__L2nGCF9nLbb95q/s400/SERMREPRO.bmp" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368528291309702946" style="height: 400px; width: 317px;" /></a></div>
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Theme verses: Galation 5:16 “So I tell you: Live by following the Spirit. Then you will not do what your sinful selves want.17 Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other, so you cannot do just what you please.18 But if the Spirit is leading you, you are not under the law. 19 The wrong things the sinful self does are clear: being sexually unfaithful, not being pure, taking part in sexual sins,20 worshiping gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people,21 feeling envy, being drunk, having wild and wasteful parties, and doing other things like these. I warn you now as I warned you before: Those who do these things will not inherit God's kingdom.22 But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their own sinful selves. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do.25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.26 We must not be proud or make trouble with each other or be jealous of each other.”<br />
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The Birds and the Bees:<br />
What’s Up With That?<br />
Sex Life vs. Life Sex:<br />
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I remember when I was in fifth grade and a nurse came into our homeroom to teach us sexual- education. She told all the girls that, depending on their ovulation cycles, every time they have unprotected sex, they have of chance of becoming pregnant. I didn’t really understand the cycles of the female body at that time, being of the male gender. However, I did understand what the nurse, as well as my parents, were trying to say. They made it clear to me that sex is not only for fun, it’s for making babies too.<br />
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Why am stating the obvious? Well, as I grew older and more exposed to the world around me, pop culture seemed to bombard us with a very different message from what we were taught about the “birds and the bees.” Television, magazines, and most films conveyed the idea of “sex for pleasure” as more significant than sex for reproduction. Where is the balance. I’d see countless episodes of TV dramas and movies with scenarios such as this: a man is at a party and suddenly notices a dazzling young beauty from across the room. They make eye contact and instantly the viewer is taken to a bedroom scene. The two strangers are now having sexual intercourse without even learning each other’s names. Finally, they spend the rest of the movie getting to know one another, and possibly falling in and out of love, several times. So, according to holly-wood, are we actually supposed to think that romance comes with, sex first, than a relationship, and eventually, marriage.... maybe. Adults can be such hypocrites! Didn’t the little girls in your town sing, “Ken and Barbie, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COME MARRIAGE, THEN COME KENNY IN THE BABY CARRIAGE. When did sex become more like a handshake, instead of an intimate and private thing between a man and his wife, or Mommy and Daddy?<br />
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I was just as stunned as you. Between birth control, abortion, and the mass media, I wouldn’t be surprised if some kids today are more confused than I was. Birth control and contraceptives introduced what many call “safe sex.” I was under the impression that abstinence and a monogamous relationship was the safest way for a healthy sexual relationship to be nurtured. Some view me as old-fashioned in this regard. Whatever you believe about birth control, that is not my concern. I am not against contraceptives, I just think that they are a privilege, and in a face paced society, privileges can be abused and perverted. Perhaps, the pleasure and simplicity of sex has been overexposed or exploited and most definitely, overemphasized in this culture. For example: have you ever heard someone say, “I had know idea I was going to get pregnant?” Was it really that unexpected? I understand that they were using birth control, and weren't planning on it, but are some people actually forgetting that large amounts of sexual activity actually promotes reproduction and may increase the chances of pregnancies?<br />
I believe that history shows us that cultures in every major time-frame have struggled with these types of issues with sexuality. So, I’m not shocked at what I see in American culture. Rather, I’m shocked that people are so forgetful of the facts of life. <br />
When did we forget that reproduction comes from either having sex at the right time or having lot‘s of it for long periods of time, and that “Sex CAN equal reproduction.” It’s not just for our enjoyment, but for creating families and furthering the human race and the Kingdom of God as well. We all know what a “sex life” is, but many fail to grasp what I refer to as “life sex” or a monogamous sexual relationship with one life-long and exclusive partner in order to create the potential of a family unit. Hmmm... sounds like marriage? Maybe some in the culture don’t want us to think of sex as something responsible and mature people do. If pleasure has consequences, than one might have to be careful and exercise self-control. Without meaningless pleasure and countless sex partners, might some people get bored? No, they would then be forced by their own consciences to seek purpose in life, instead of the constant pursuit of pleasure and good feelings. Also, they would have to hold themselves accountable. However, this would require divine intervention, and possibly values and conviction. Honestly though, how many of those in the mass media and worldly culture do you know that are ready to have convictions about things like self-control? They traditionally have convictions about issues like the environment and civil rights, but not about self-control and patience. For example: Hollywood would not be a billion dollar industry if their viewers had more self control. If people shut off the television and experienced more of real life while sitting at home, and spent money on more valuable things than cable and pay per view, it would be broke.. I don’t know, but I will personally continue to encourage “life sex” and discourage multiple partners and sexual promiscuity. How about you? When in doubt Jesus said “ a tree is known by it’s fruit.” Let’s ask the Holy Spirit for the fruits that He has for us like love, longsuffering , patience and self control… to name a few.-inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-72902581673796728972009-07-06T19:40:00.002-05:002014-07-18T06:50:28.960-05:00CAN and DO I LOVE GOD? Part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIqskNpdoFwYe74d3XOPtKy2l5-WvHlvGk_vYeoitiMSkaArZCaee5kSoMyC1FZOHfHAojLBbNB3-vl9MEGjXnhZCRlIyuwUmYq4UoLGe8Dy8CC-FYyrYg9Rw1IF0W8h7GbZynvcrMzgc/s1600-h/Jesusvxv.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIqskNpdoFwYe74d3XOPtKy2l5-WvHlvGk_vYeoitiMSkaArZCaee5kSoMyC1FZOHfHAojLBbNB3-vl9MEGjXnhZCRlIyuwUmYq4UoLGe8Dy8CC-FYyrYg9Rw1IF0W8h7GbZynvcrMzgc/s320/Jesusvxv.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355513316541830610" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
CAN and DO I LOVE GOD?<br />
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Many of Christians have spoken with countless friends, family members and strangers of the deep things of God, the details of faith , and even of hypocrisy and that which wages war against Him. Some of those conversations were merely debates or arguments, while some, reaping much joy, were Holy Spirit inspired and definably Divine Moments or Appointments of what is referred to as Divine Intervention. Millions of people talk about God and sometimes those conversations actually help people grow closer to Him. Whether believer or heathen, spiritually mature or not, seeker or skeptic, devout or foolish: Don’t you wonder certain things about Him. Like “Is God is like us? Does He love? Does He bleed? Does He know what it’s like to die?” Well, Judeo-Christians have taught for two thousand years that the answer is “Yes.” However, I have another question that many skeptics, seekers and believers, even some more mature ones, think about, whether they have not voiced it with words or not. The question is not if God can love “me,” but if “I” can love God. You may have heard the message and Good News of Jesus Christ, that God loves you (John 3:16) but does it work both ways? So, can you love God? I know that masses of people can name at least one person in their life whom they claim to “love,” but are you able to love Him in the same manner as you love others or in a higher fashion, if that is truly possible? God should be easy to love, right? I think He is, but do you? Are you entranced by His majesty, beauty, strength, wisdom, splendor and character? I find Him irresistible because I know Him. I know Him only from the fact that He first knew me, loved me, sought me out, and revealed Himself to me. In order to love God we must ask ourselves, “Is He worth loving?” and “Would He be effected by my love?” He has everything and is everything. So, would it even matter to Him if I said those three words for Him and really meant them? Yes…Yes and Yes, it would!<br />
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The Apostles John, who walked so closely with JESUS that he “leaned his head on His chest,” says that “God is Love (1 John).” Well, if He is love than loving Him should be simple. There is only one issue though, we are not the embodiment of love itself. We, aka the human race, have fallen from grace. “All have sane and fallen short of God’s glory.” Without getting too wrapped up in our sin and depravity lets remember what happened before all our troubles: “ and He made them male and female in His image, in the image of God He made them.” So, if God is Love itself or Himself, than the desire to love should be supernaturally engrained or deposited some how into the very nature of those made in His image. The ability needs awakened by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls, but I believe that He has already put at least the desire in our hearts. Some have fought it, “in the last day the love of men will grow cold,” Others have sown into it, “If I have but not love, than I am a resounded noise.”<br />
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It’s not the “love” characteristic of God that some people have issues with. Rather, as rebellious teenagers may resist the discipline of a parent who will not yield to their comprises, some avoid God like a criminal does the police. He is the ultimate JUDGE of all things said and done, and "will judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter). Though the full extent of His Judgment is not fulfilled or has completely come to pass, He has historically exercised some portions of His wrath. Read the Old Testament and there are many examples. I have heard some say that these instances are what they have trouble with in regards to knowing God. They say, “how can a loving God do that, like have someone killed or cursed?” Well, He alone (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) qualifies as judge because He is perfect and Holy. He tells us to “Hate evil and love good ” (Romans 12:9, Amos 5:15, Psalm 97:10) for He is obligated by His own character to do just that. We need this Character impregnated in us otherwise we may yield to the sinful nature which entices us to revert to “survival mode” and focus on self preservation and selfishness. God unlike us, enjoys being Holy and above all. He reviles evil and makes all things work out for good, whether instantly or in His time. While on His first earthly ministry Jesus exemplified this truth. When the poor and the things of God were exploited He acted without much hesitation. He kicked the money changers out of the Temple. Though He cleansed the temple 3 times, He was there many other times without doing cleansing it. Even so, He eventually could no longer stand by a watch evil persist. God has his buttons and they are being pressed or pushed daily. However, he sees things through an eternal perspective where one day He will respond is such strength towards the evils that mock His Holiness and oppress the innocent in such ways that they will be utterly destroyed,. After this time Jesus said that “I will “make all things new” and that God will wipe away all the tears from their eyes of His children.<br />
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When I was 16 years old I was in a Youth group Sunday school service I where I observed a video with speaker, pastor, author and socialogist Tony Campolo. He said, “you can believe are the right stuff and not LOVE JESUS!” Ten years later a friend told me one day “ I just don’t feel like playing this good Christian thing anymore… saying God Bless you and not telling people what I really feel.” I responded with many words but first, told “Good. Now that you honest with God He can build upward from there.” You see it wasn’t about my friend pretending to a good Christian to make some of the other, possibly more legalistic Christians around him happy with him. It’s if he LOVE’S JESUS! He had a history of drugs and promiscuity, and needed to give that up to God not only because it was the right thing to do and he rightfully felt convicted over it, but because he loved Jesus. While writing this I have come to the understanding that my next conversation with him should be about this truth. When I was 18 an old friend of mine with a slight catholic upbringing had become involve with new age belief and witchcraft. When sometimes talked about Christ he admitted, “Yeagh, Jesus is different though.” He was saying that there was something about Jesus that was mysterious, right and attractive. So, why didn’t he embrace Jesus with all his might? I don’t know. I hope he has now. He desparately wanted to follow and probably new that God loved Him so much that He sent his son to die, but my friend didn’t know how to love Jesus for some reason, at least not yet<br />
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LOVE AND JUSTICE COEXISTING<br />
Remember I told about 1 John 4 "God is Love." many people have trouble understanding Him as love as well as Holy and Just all at once. So, let me explain how Christ reconciles the perfect Holiness of God (He must to uphold righteousness and justice by nature and His character makes Him forever true to His Word and Holy standards) Well, how then do Grace and Wrath fit in the same plan? God must uphold Justice and "the wages ( consequence or punishment) of sin is death (romans 3)" and in the same chapter "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Now, if God must remain Holy and perfect and be the perfect Judge that His is, and you wouldn't want it any other way, than He has to punish sin. We as finite beings and sinners may ask "is that fair?" Yes, it is what we all deserve, no matter how nice a person seems, sin is still present.... that's why Jesus came. And you and I know that Jesus had to have chosen to come for lots of reasons.<br />
If people don't want God to punish sin than Holiness and true Justice would not be exercised, and what would Jesus have died for? Jesus' death paid the "wages of sin" for "those who believe (john 1:12 and 3:16)" So, his love and mercy created a bridge to justice and wrath. For those who believe, God poured out the wrath and punishment that we earned unto Christ on the cross . Jesus' sacrifice satisfies true and fair justice, because OUR sin, for those who accept it, has been paid for, we are covered by the precious Blood of The Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world. Those who reject God's act and extension of divine love, grace and mercy, may say "I'll take my chances, or maybe He'll let me off the hook?" and still have to pay for the "wages" that they have earned by sinning over an over. Jesus offers them the chance for Him to pay their debt for them and some people refuse, thinking “if my good wages (deeds and their consequential actions) out weigh my bad ones than maybe that will be enough?" But as long as sin is still unaccounted for (by God who knows all), than the one who committed the sins will be held accountable for them unless they can pay or someone else (namely JESUS) can pay it for them.<br />
Some people think they may think that this life gives them enough time to do enough good works to get by, but the law of God demands and requires perfection which only comes from Him any way. If we try to obtain perfection some other way we would “fall short” like Romans 3 says. Jesus said in the gospels that every “word" and "a man's works" will be judged according to what a person has done. Its more than fair, for God has given us an opportunity to receive a redemption that even angels don not get. AND His also gave us Himself, His Son, God in the Flesh. He came and dwelt among us (John 1). So, if God dies for us than that is above and beyond what a limited sense of justice like ours would obligate Him to do. His Mercy is so great because he didn't have to do all that just for us, He had the power and the right to destroy us all. And remember that God is Life itself and separation from Him, or Life, is death. than death is what we deserve, separation from Him, which is what hell truly is, I chose Christ I chose Life, you see? Any way, you may have heard this but I know that God's wrath is hard to understand sometimes, I just wanted to assure you that the God who has"lavished His love on us (Paul said)" is the same God who "will judge the living and the dead (1 peter)"AND that this is a good and marvelous truth that God can be both LOVE and JUSTICE all at once.<br />
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Praise God, Amen!! thanks for reading with and open heart. love you - B<br />
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Its like this, God is the Judge and Love as well. Let's Imagine a court room, maybe the Judge<br />
(played by GOD) would be examining this case. The accuser (the devil) could say, “Your Honor, in the case of “the Law versus “mankind”, you have admitted to the whole human race, as recorded in their own texts, that “all like sheep have gone astray (Book of Isaiah)” and giving them your own Holy Law stating, “Chose this day... life or death (Exodus and Deuteronomy).” Therefore you're own words condemn them. Should you not correct this matter? than let the defendants be sentenced immediately.” And then the Defense counsel (Jesus) who is also the prosecution ( He would be the only one qualified for both positions) could say, “Your honor, Father, I do not need to remind this court of the agreement we had before the foundation of the world and the creation of mankind.” The judge could reply, “What I have done, I have done. All have sinned and fallen short of my Glory and the wages of (their) sin is death. Since, my glory has been dishonored and evil has taken place because of this sin, the price of death must be paid that My Law may be upheld in perfect justice.” So, maybe the Judge sends a summons letter, a copy of the law and explanations thereof (all 3 are in the Bible) to those who represent the whole human race (Prophets and Apostles). And part of the letter could say something like this, “Because of your deeds and disregard for the law a sentencing must commence-but your Advocate (lawyer) and I have come to an agreement that fulfills the law to the fullest degree, and still gives each of you a chance to pay for the damages that you have done according to your works... we have decided that you have exactly one lifetime or how ever long you live, to find someone else to pay this debt for you, since you are unable. He must be blameless and without sin, and worthy of the highest honor and praise in order to withstand death (the punishment) and my wrath. I am pleased to announce to the defendants, that the defense counsel Himself, Jesus Christ my own Son, has offered to pay these damages for you in accordance with the terms of the law. He has appeased my Holy anger and satisfied my jealous and compassionate love for you by willingly shedding His own blood unto death for each of you and rising again unto glory So, do you accept His offer and come into agreement with my only Son and I?” Now, God is really a Judge and Jesus is our real Advocate and doesn't this scenario sound somewhat similar to the Bible?inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-62271522053277854672009-07-01T17:29:00.001-05:002009-07-01T17:29:19.754-05:00By Grace We Stand Bible Study Blog<a href="http://bygracewestand.wordpress.com/">By Grace We Stand Bible Study Blog</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br />inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-49309669171126279452009-03-24T08:28:00.011-05:002009-03-24T12:01:11.409-05:00"Judge rightly," Quotes to be examined.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRTn3f5tCmMRePItos4cDn8I9w88_fx2nwFF3n3qK90YwprR___LSRoYz3CQR0rrs5nYgoiDUu_J_LOuEtE0NAH4umNTwUZpgYOoT0rRf_D1gHEbvkVLk1VUG9XUqxwIXS-zeehoz2NjN/s1600-h/good+with+cildren.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRTn3f5tCmMRePItos4cDn8I9w88_fx2nwFF3n3qK90YwprR___LSRoYz3CQR0rrs5nYgoiDUu_J_LOuEtE0NAH4umNTwUZpgYOoT0rRf_D1gHEbvkVLk1VUG9XUqxwIXS-zeehoz2NjN/s320/good+with+cildren.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316766946019087090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Luke 6:<sup id="en-NIV-25175" class="versenum" value="36">36</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. </span><sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-25176" class="versenum" value="37">37</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. </span><sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-25177" class="versenum" value="38">38</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>Matthew 7 <sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-23318" class="versenum" value="1">1</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. </span><sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-23319" class="versenum" value="2">2</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. </span><sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-23320" class="versenum" value="3">3</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>Luke 12:<sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-25508" class="versenum" value="56">56</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? </span><sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-25509" class="versenum" value="57">57</sup><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">"Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? </span><sup style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" id="en-NIV-25510" class="versenum" value="58">58</sup> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. "</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> "God loves you just the way you are" and "follow your heart and you can't go wrong?"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">God does love us just the way we are, that's why He won't let us stay that way! Jesus said that murder, adultery and all kinds of evil come out of the heart of man and (the prophet Jeremiah states that the heart is wicked, THATS ONE REASON WHY JESUS FOCUSED SOME MUCH ON HEART MATTERS. Some use these phrases to excuse behavior but JESUS' DEATH is in response to that of 'original sin,' ( being born with the sin of Adam( the first man) and inherently sinners ourselves). the Bible teaches that we are born with sin in our veins and we all do it knowingly one way or another sometime in our life (knowingly refers to any age we become aware and accountable for of thoughts and actions)<br /><br />So, this means that God formed you like a master potter with His clay and when the water of the Holy Spirit covers you (the clay vessel) (Paul references clay vessels) than you become softened up to be continually formed and molded be God's hands. You see, His love for you employs Him to want to change you with your sinfulness. If we are born into sin than even genes can be effected in some cases: for example like if your father was an alcoholic than you might be to, or some flippiently say that homorns in the water can cause people to be born gay (I don't believe this), and thus they say "God loves you just the way you are" and "follow your heart and you can't go wrong." BUT if God is freeing us from the sin we are born with than whether you are born an sinner who struggles with lieing/ cheating/stealing/ whatever, or a sinner who is born alcoholic, or even if one could be born gay, we are still sinners by nature and need Jesus and the transformation of being born again/ the gentle and truthful Potter's hand. (being born with sin means we need reborn or born again of the Holy Spirit with a new nature in us that fights against the sinful nature (read paul's writings on Spirit vs flesh). I realize that being born with something like alcoholism or even if one could be born gay, would a struggle in that of itself, but That's what DIVINE INTERVENTION is available for. The potter is readily available to all whose pottery is cracked, broken or mishapened. You see, God did make you, but He is also continually 'making' you, it's still in process. Who will you become when this life is over.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8Cvz7XZYjIlsMSJD4YX-bTSOJmD_Kf40R9RgkR2SM6eNkTOxbK9ducTO2iCL2yl16qI00UJhRl8Vzp36TnlTkmPzYxYDUxyYtpzxTtZhL6i8ROMh2a-NOJSU5MwDXfw1kixz1DV5wfB6/s1600-h/jesus1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8Cvz7XZYjIlsMSJD4YX-bTSOJmD_Kf40R9RgkR2SM6eNkTOxbK9ducTO2iCL2yl16qI00UJhRl8Vzp36TnlTkmPzYxYDUxyYtpzxTtZhL6i8ROMh2a-NOJSU5MwDXfw1kixz1DV5wfB6/s320/jesus1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316754449645600482" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br />"Judge not"- heart vs actions, actions vs intentions<br /><br />Jesus said "<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">judge not lest ye be judged. Whatever measure you have given will be given unto you." </span><br /><br />Wow that is big!! Admitingly, many people use that verse as an excuse, like I was saying before, as if people shouldn't judge anything at all. Well, Jesus also told the Pharisees to "<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Just rightly" or "judge for yourselves what is right".</span> So, He still wants us to judge between right and wrong. "<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">God weighs the heart (psalms)" and "you desire truth in the inmost parts (psalm 51)."</span> Jesus is saying also saying not to judge the heart for we don't know on our own people's thoughts and intentions except by Divine revelation (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">gifts of the Holy Spirit</span>, example: <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">gifts of prophecy like a 'word of knowlege,' (1 corinth and Ephesions)</span>. God judges the heart and He is the ultimate Judge of all things. If we think we know it all than we are mistaken, ( <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">james chap 1 , if any of you lack wisdom ask God who give liberally with out question</span>) We all need more wisdom in judging what is right and making right judgments, and we need not make excuses either <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">(romans 2)</span><br /></div></div><br /><h4>Romans 2 God's Righteous Judgment </h4> <sup style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" id="en-NIV-27949" class="versenum" value="1">1</sup><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. </span><sup style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" id="en-NIV-27950" class="versenum" value="2">2</sup><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. </span><sup style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" id="en-NIV-27951" class="versenum" value="3">3</sup><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><sup style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" id="en-NIV-27952" class="versenum" value="4">4</sup><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? </span><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> <sup id="en-NIV-27953" class="versenum" value="5">5</sup>But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. <sup id="en-NIV-27954" class="versenum" value="6">6</sup>God "will give to each person according to what he has done."<sup class="footnote" value="" href="%22#fen-NIV-27954a%22" title=""See">a]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&version=31#fen-NIV-27954a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> <sup id="en-NIV-27955" class="versenum" value="7">7</sup>To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. <sup id="en-NIV-27956" class="versenum" value="8">8</sup>But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. <sup id="en-NIV-27957" class="versenum" value="9">9</sup>There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; <sup id="en-NIV-27958" class="versenum" value="10">10</sup>but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. <sup id="en-NIV-27959" class="versenum" value="11">11</sup>For God does not show favoritism.<br /></p><h3>1 Corinthians 6:1Lawsuits Among Believers </h3> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"> </span><sup style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;" id="en-NIV-28453" class="versenum" value="1">1</sup><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? </span><sup style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;" id="en-NIV-28454" class="versenum" value="2">2</sup><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? </span><sup style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;" id="en-NIV-28455" class="versenum" value="3">3</sup><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!</span><br /><br /><br />note: This life is where we learn to judge before we did it in the next.<br /><br /><br /><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&verse=12&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 5:12</a></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"What business is it of mine to </span><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">judge</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> those outside the church? Are you not to </span><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">judge</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> those inside?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="keywordresultextras"></span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&verse=13&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 5:13</a></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> God will </span><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">judge</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="keywordresultextras"></span><br /><br />Note: How can I judge or in this context, "hold accountable" people who embrace the sinful nature, are there not captive to it. Than how can I say to an alcoholic or pro-choicer "stop" so hastily, if i don't first offer them the Holy Spirit who overcomes the sinful nature? then once one is born again apart from the inhereted sinful flesh, they can seek God's counsel to began to judge rightly and against their fleshly lusts<br /><br />HERE IS MORE FOR FURTHER STUDY TO DECIDE FOR YOURSELVES<br />THESE WILL AS JESUS' WORDS DO, BLOW YOUR MIND and that's the point.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Romans 12" be no conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of your mind"</span><br /><br />wwww.biblegateway.com<br /><ol start="1" class="keyword-result-list"><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&verse=1&version=31&context=verse">Romans 2:1</a></strong><br />[ <i>God's Righteous Judgment </i> ] You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you <b>judge</b> the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&verse=1&end_verse=3&version=31&context=context">Romans 2:1-3</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&version=31&context=chapter">Romans 2</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&verse=12&version=31&context=verse">Romans 2:12</a></strong><br />All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be <b>judge</b>d by the law.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&verse=11&end_verse=13&version=31&context=context">Romans 2:11-13</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&version=31&context=chapter">Romans 2</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&verse=16&version=31&context=verse">Romans 2:16</a></strong><br />This will take place on the day when God will <b>judge</b> men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&verse=15&end_verse=17&version=31&context=context">Romans 2:15-17</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=2&version=31&context=chapter">Romans 2</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=3&verse=4&version=31&context=verse">Romans 3:4</a></strong><br />Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you <b>judge</b>."<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=3&verse=3&end_verse=5&version=31&context=context">Romans 3:3-5</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=3&version=31&context=chapter">Romans 3</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=3&verse=6&version=31&context=verse">Romans 3:6</a></strong><br />Certainly not! If that were so, how could God <b>judge</b> the world?<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=3&verse=5&end_verse=7&version=31&context=context">Romans 3:5-7</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=3&version=31&context=chapter">Romans 3</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&verse=4&version=31&context=verse">Romans 14:4</a></strong><br />Who are you to <b>judge</b> someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&verse=3&end_verse=5&version=31&context=context">Romans 14:3-5</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&version=31&context=chapter">Romans 14</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&verse=10&version=31&context=verse">Romans 14:10</a></strong><br />You, then, why do you <b>judge</b> your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&verse=9&end_verse=11&version=31&context=context">Romans 14:9-11</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&version=31&context=chapter">Romans 14</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&verse=3&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 4:3</a></strong><br />I care very little if I am <b>judge</b>d by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even <b>judge</b> myself.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&verse=2&end_verse=4&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 4:2-4</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 4</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&verse=4&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 4:4</a></strong><br />My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who <b>judge</b>s me.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&verse=3&end_verse=5&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 4:3-5</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 4</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&verse=5&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></strong><br />Therefore <b>judge</b> nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&verse=4&end_verse=6&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 4:4-6</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 4</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&verse=12&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 5:12</a></strong><br />What business is it of mine to <b>judge</b> those outside the church? Are you not to <b>judge</b> those inside?<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&verse=11&end_verse=13&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 5:11-13</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 5</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&verse=13&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 5:13</a></strong><br />God will <b>judge</b> those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&verse=12&end_verse=13&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 5:12-13</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=5&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 5</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=2&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 6:2</a></strong><br />Do you not know that the saints will <b>judge</b> the world? And if you are to <b>judge</b> the world, are you not competent to <b>judge</b> trivial cases?<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=1&end_verse=3&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 6:1-3</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 6</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=3&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 6:3</a></strong><br />Do you not know that we will <b>judge</b> angels? How much more the things of this life!<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=2&end_verse=4&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 6:2-4</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 6</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=4&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 6:4</a></strong><br />Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as <b>judge</b>s even men of little account in the church!<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=3&end_verse=5&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 6:3-5</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 6</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=5&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 6:5</a></strong><br />I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to <b>judge</b> a dispute between believers?<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&verse=4&end_verse=6&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 6:4-6</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=6&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 6</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=10&verse=15&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 10:15</a></strong><br />I speak to sensible people; <b>judge</b> for yourselves what I say.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=10&verse=14&end_verse=16&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 10:14-16</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=10&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 10</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=10&verse=29&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 10:29</a></strong><br />the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be <b>judge</b>d by another's conscience?<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=10&verse=28&end_verse=30&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 10:28-30</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=10&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 10</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&verse=13&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 11:13</a></strong><br /><b>Judge</b> for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&verse=12&end_verse=14&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 11:12-14</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 11</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&verse=31&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 11:31</a></strong><br />But if we <b>judge</b>d ourselves, we would not come under judgment.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&verse=30&end_verse=32&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 11:30-32</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 11</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&verse=32&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 11:32</a></strong><br />When we are <b>judge</b>d by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&verse=31&end_verse=33&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 11:31-33</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=11&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 11</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=14&verse=24&version=31&context=verse">1 Corinthians 14:24</a></strong><br />But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be <b>judge</b>d by all,<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=14&verse=23&end_verse=25&version=31&context=context">1 Corinthians 14:23-25</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=14&version=31&context=chapter">1 Corinthians 14</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=55&chapter=2&verse=6&version=31&context=verse">Galatians 2:6</a></strong><br />As for those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not <b>judge</b> by external appearance—those men added nothing to my message.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=55&chapter=2&verse=5&end_verse=7&version=31&context=context">Galatians 2:5-7</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=55&chapter=2&version=31&context=chapter">Galatians 2</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=58&chapter=2&verse=16&version=31&context=verse">Colossians 2:16</a></strong><br />Therefore do not let anyone <b>judge</b> you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=58&chapter=2&verse=15&end_verse=17&version=31&context=context">Colossians 2:15-17</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=58&chapter=2&version=31&context=chapter">Colossians 2</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=62&chapter=4&verse=1&version=31&context=verse">2 Timothy 4:1</a></strong><br />In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will <b>judge</b> the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:<br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=62&chapter=4&verse=1&end_verse=3&version=31&context=context">2 Timothy 4:1-3</a> (in Context) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=62&chapter=4&version=31&context=chapter">2 Timothy 4</a> (Whole Chapter) </span> </li></ol>inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-31048670706348995922009-03-23T21:45:00.006-05:002009-03-24T08:28:44.756-05:00Stereotypes of christians in the West<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfCw53RXLqzML-kBXZrbuTjrMyoAcxE7jy_3jwfTkOgf1MSGAjs8Yyqf_V-MUERU9P4RWfrUv1jXip2g9TkyK40gvIvXTqOSvtU0oi7SoY4KT4fvO1FTutYorBfHAqmjn9ehaaBTWmLjn/s1600-h/CA09MNCD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 95px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfCw53RXLqzML-kBXZrbuTjrMyoAcxE7jy_3jwfTkOgf1MSGAjs8Yyqf_V-MUERU9P4RWfrUv1jXip2g9TkyK40gvIvXTqOSvtU0oi7SoY4KT4fvO1FTutYorBfHAqmjn9ehaaBTWmLjn/s320/CA09MNCD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316585644998390210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Being the Brideof Christ and loving our enemies (as Christ taught):<br /><br />I am praying that more Christians will take their place in the Spirit as of the Bride of Christ, who adorns herself with love and truth, justice and peace. Spreading that which she recieves freely from her redeemer and bridegroom, Jesus Christ the holy and annointed one King of Kings and Lord or Lords. -<br /><br />Personally, I want to hear from Christians and nonbelievers on some things: I love that most of the time I meeting Christ followers from every walk of life, they are usually NOT "tomatoe-throwing- cross burning-abortion-clinic-bombers. " Those are usually extreme cases, not repesenting all of us. I am not in favor of homosexuality or abortion, but I don't cast stone s and tomotoes in my spare time and I have never been or known any one associated with a the "KKK." Don't get me wrong, most of us that I know, hold to the Word of God, which is God breathed (1 timothy), when it clearly states verses against homsexuality and verses that show God's presence and plan for people while still in the womb (psalm 139, jere 1). though some bible verses are explained more thouroughly with contextual and historical factors like, "the original audiance, who wrote it" and when was it written" but verses that agree in context with the Bible as a whole are usually not ment to be misinterpreted. Anyway, I am saying that "hate the sin not the sinner" and " let the one who is without sin cast the first stone. (john 8)" just because we don't excuse sinful lifestyles and choices, does not make us (the christians I know) "hate-monguls" or whatever. - I am letting Jesus cast the stone in His time, ofcourse with Sodom and Gomorroh is was more like a meteorite, and in John 8 (for that specific case) He chose to not stone the woman caught in adultery at all and said "go and leave your life of sin." So, like romans 12, Jesus is into transformation and repentance and forgiveness as a more effective way of dealing with sin than stoning. I know that in the end there will be judgment and wrath, but we are currently in a time of 'availible grace' from Jesus untill that Judgment comes. besides ,He did DIE for these things (transformation/ repentance/ forgiveness) to make that grace possible. Ok, He said that He is Truth (John 14). so, we do need to not comprimise. I am sending a reminder also that grace be amajor factor in lifestyle just as upholdinhg truth is. Being Spirit Filled and Spirit Led, like PAul says, is the only way to powerful and inwardly extend God's grace, foor we must recieve it first before we gave give it. "freely it is given freely receive" (Jesus) I think He wants a Bride who surley upholds Holiness and is full of grace. For "he came full of GRACE AND TRUTH (John 1)-<br /><br /><br />Stereo types:<br />Hmmmmm...<br />I wonder.... when did political and descriptive terms like "republican" , and "democrat" or even "conservative", "evangelical" and "liberal" become "dirty-words" for some people- have you ever been around someone and said one of these terms, like "evanngelical" and they began ranting on about all types of stereotypes and mixing opinions with facts while the vein in their forehead is about to burst.- what's up with that!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />grace, God's grace, truth, gay, homosexuality, bride of christ, republican, conservative, free, give, wrath, christians, hate, sodom. gomorrah, sin,Jesus, bible, Spirit filled, Spirit, paul, Holy Spirit, King of Kings, love<br /><br /><br /></div>inchrist83http://www.blogger.com/profile/04600340226570738525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813838970594004488.post-42054008321904022372009-03-23T17:42:00.006-05:002014-12-25T19:26:05.329-06:00The Word Of God in Question? Marriage and Faith Lessons from Genesis Chapter 3, The Fall of a Man Part 1: What happened, eh?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgE7SUIMzItFTv26KRRFGl1upV_lQRihn7NnDE5PviFlgiiyoJsLVo-j7ulhoKD2_ZbWA8fJ6piGb8xM-DQfW3ujwDXI2Wis6aJPhKeH7ypEVrs6DxA8xDuxF0ucXXxEsFN9-p0qJgptgD/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgE7SUIMzItFTv26KRRFGl1upV_lQRihn7NnDE5PviFlgiiyoJsLVo-j7ulhoKD2_ZbWA8fJ6piGb8xM-DQfW3ujwDXI2Wis6aJPhKeH7ypEVrs6DxA8xDuxF0ucXXxEsFN9-p0qJgptgD/s320/Copy+of+IMG1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316517377604627250" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 256px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Context: Genesis chapters 1-3<br />
Discussion Focus: Chapter 3<br />
Edification and Purpose:<br />
1)Strengthen faith in God's Word and character.<br />
2) Encourage husbands and believers to...<br />
-Lift up their family and friends in prayer<br />
-Speak up and make their voices and opinions heard<br />
- Stand up and stand firm for righteousness and against evil.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #330099;">UNITY IN CHRIST PREVENTS DECEPTION</span><br />
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Man and Woman: They were made to walk and fight together, and were called not only 'good,' but “very good.” Each are unique in design but both are made in God's image. <br />
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Gen 1:25 “...and God saw that it was good. 26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion ... and over all the earth... 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion... over every living thing that moves upon the earth. 29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat... and it was so. 31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”<br />
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One Flesh:They were one flesh and had a shared potential. If one is weak in something, than the other is strong in that matter that both succeed together. Each are designed and called as “very good.” So, they were not ashamed of who they were in each other's presence.<br />
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Gen2:23 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #330099;"> Truth VS Lies:</span><br />
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It's a matter of trust or faith...<br />
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-God had faith in Adam, but Adam did not return the favor. He knew that God was True to His Word and still sins anyway.<br />
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It's a matter of communication and Godly Instruction/ Stewardship...<br />
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-Eve may have had a misguided view of the command that God gave. (Perhaps, she had been taught improperly or maybe not). I wonder about this because she seems to maybe misquote God, “...do not even touch it or you will die...”<br />
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It's a matter of Integrity...<br />
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-Any entity, whether an individual or culture , that is caught in sin will challenge God's word and character.<br />
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-Their eyes may have been opened to some extent but their minds were currupted.<br />
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“Be not conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff;">DON'T BACK DOWN</span><br />
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The man (ADAM): placed in authority and had more experience and knowledge and is later held accountable for the fall. Adam had first-hand experiences of God's faithfulness to His word. Though Adam was not deceived, he sinned even when he knew it was wrong.<br />
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James 4:16 “As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.”<br />
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1 Peter3:7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.<br />
“<br />
Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”<br />
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<span style="color: #33ccff;"> <span style="color: #cc33cc;">- Summary:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc33cc;"> “Do the good you know that you should,” “honor those under your protection,” and “love your wife as Christ loved his bride and died for her...and wash her in the Word of God like he has.” If your not a husband, you must still protect, honor and wash with the Word those under your authority.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #330099;">DON'T FIGHT ALONE</span><br />
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The woman (EVE): -an easier or more vulnerable target in this case, was not covered (or protected) and MAYBE EVEN not taught properly by the one in authority (i.e. - Adam) BUT we are not sure how she was or was not tought. Eve have was deceived and relied on the more experienced (Adam) to prevent deception.<br />
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I Tim 2:13 “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”<br />
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2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”<br />
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Reemphasize: James 4:16, 1 Peter3:7, and Ephesians 5:25 for <span style="color: #993399;">Husbands or persons in authority to TAKE ACTION. Paul said,“Actions speak louder than words.”</span><br />
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Genesis 2:18 “Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper (a)suitable for him." <br />
(a )literally means - “corresponding to.”<br />
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May I suggest an alternate or contextual meaning may imply- “capable,” (to walk along side of him through life's journey). In order for her to truly be an equal and corresponding “help meet” she must have the potential for similar(i.e. - intelligence, etc) as well as unique functions (i.e. - childbirth and nursing, even different use of the brain, etc).<br />
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By design she is physically more delicate and graceful and therefore slightly weaker, but “Eve” was also given a more vulnerable role (submission and dependency). She was entrusted to Adam from the day her Father (GOD) gave her away. However, weaker is not worse.... or “less than.”<br />
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<span style="color: #330099;"> “Help-Meet” Does Not = “Help-less”</span><br />
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- Jesus submits to the Father whom He is in unity with... submission doesn't have to imply inferiority.<br />
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John 10:30 ”I and the Father are one."<br />
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John 5:19 “Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”<br />
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Phil 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.<br />
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If Jesus was given authority over the church with one role, as well as being One with the Father and submits to the godly counsel of His Father in a simultaneous role, than it is a privilege to learn firsthand of our LORD's experiences through whatever role we are given (whether leading, submitting, or both).<br />
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Drop the attitude “gender warriors”-<br />
“I can do anything you can do... better. I can do anything better than you.” - Music lyric<br />
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<span style="color: #330099;">Believe and Obey HIS COMMANDS and Trust HIS WORD</span><br />
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- Jesus asks the same of us that God did in the beginning with Adam and Eve.<br />
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“Believe on the one God has sent.” John.<br />
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“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans.<br />
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Luke11:28 “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”<br />
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John 14:22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”<br />
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Genesis 22:18 “Abraham...through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”<br />
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Exodus 19:4 “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."<br />
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Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.” -Hymn Lyrics<br />
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<span style="color: black;">In the words of Christ Jesus...</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"> “Go and do likewise.”</span><br />
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<img alt="" src="file:///C:/Users/Brandon/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-5.jpg" /><img alt="" src="file:///C:/Users/Brandon/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-6.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #330099;">Applications: </span><br />
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<span style="color: #330099;">God = given of wisdom </span><br />
<span style="color: #330099;">God (your true strength) will strengthen you</span><br />
<span style="color: #330099;"> in temptation and testing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #330099;">God's teaching sets you free if you heed the instruction.</span><br />
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Source: JAMES Chapter 1<br />
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2 My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. 5 But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.7-8 Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord....<br />
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12 When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all those who love him.13 When people are tempted, they should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone.14 But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them.15 This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death.<br />
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16 My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this.17 Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows.18 God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily,20 because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.21 So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. Then in gentleness accept God's teaching that is planted in your hearts, which can save you.<br />
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22 Do what God's teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves.23 Those who hear God's teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror.24 They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like.25 But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.</div>
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