# Sermons and Studies By Stephen Reynolds Sr. # Put in Trust of the Glorious Gospel VIDEO: [https://www.facebook.com/deliverancecenter/videos/382573183242664/](https://www.facebook.com/deliverancecenter/videos/382573183242664/) - preaching begins around 35 minutes Can God trust you with His Glorious Gospel? > 1 Timothy 1:11 -- According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. > > 1 Timothy 6:20 -- O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: "According to the Glorious Gospel" "O Timothy" Paul to Timothy: Put in trust of the Glorious Gospel. > 1 Timothy 1:3 — As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:3 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1ti.1.3.KJV# Monuments ## Character over Marble - Every man should leave a monument behind him, in the mind of his friends. - A Good Character is the best Tombstone. - Carve your name on hearts and not on marble. - Better to give bread to the poor than stone’s to the dead. - Better to visit while they are alive than to bring flowers when their dead. ## Don't Let These be your Epitaph The no good - “Here lies a man who did no good and if he lived he never would, where he is gone nobody knows and how he fares nobody cares.” The Glutton - “Gentle reader gentle reader, look on the spot where I do lie, I always was a very good feeder but now the worms do feed on I.” The Gossiper - “Here lies, returned to clay Miss Clara Bella Young, who on the first of May began to hold her tongue.” The working man - “The Lord saw good I was topping off wood, and down fell from the tree I met with a check and broke my blessed neck and so death topped off me.” The Fool - ”I have played the fool” - “Died as a fool died” - “Only went to school to learn to be a fool.” - Absalom's place. - The field of blood. Judas “ his own place,” ## Let it be like these > Job 42:12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning > 2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. > De 34:7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, > Joh 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. > Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou th is? > Re 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.# Being Moral Moral: Involving right and wrong, relating to issues of right and wrong and to how individual people should behave Unregenerate Based on conscience Romans 2:14-15 Commanded by law John 8:3-5 Limited to outward appearance Isaiah 1:14-15 Object of boasting Mark 10:17-20 Regenerate Based on the New Birth 2 Cor. 5:17 Quickened (Prompted)by the Spirit Gal. 5:22-23 Comes from the heart Heb.8:10 No boasting except in Christ (called Praise) Phil. 3:7-10 Immorality A state of being wrong – Defying moral Principles Wickedness, sin, corruption, dishonesty, iniquity, debauchery Consider the sanctity of your body I Cor. 6:13-20; 7:2; I Thess. 4:3-5; Eph 5:3-6, 30 John 3:3,5 Rev.19:2 # Moved by God's Spirit to Travail for Souls > Isa 66:8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. The secret of success is an all-consuming zeal and an all subduing travail for souls. As soon as the voice of the gospel put the church of the Jews into her travail, in Christ's and the Apostles time, it brought forth. 1. There must be travail before there is spiritual birth 1. To have them saved you must agonize for them. 1. Oh for the travail that produces Immediate results 1. Travail is the churches plough Lu 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. Isa 28:24 Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground? 1Co 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 1. A church must be fruitful or rot 16. Oh the blessing from travail comes many souls saved. 1. Oh the blessing for the travail that brings many souls to Christ # The Messenger of God 1Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: {coming: Gr. revelation} 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. {divisions: Gr. schisms} 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. {words: or, speech} 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1. Called through the Will of God John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 2Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Gal. 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) Gal. 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart" ([Psalm 40:8](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+40%3A8)). "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me" ([Isaiah 6:8](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Isa+6%3A8)). 2. The messenger of God is called to be a brother to other believers 3. The Message is Grace be unto you, and peace # Water Baptism Questions 1. What is the purpose of water baptism? A. Mat. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Luke 12:9; 1Jn.2:22-23) 1. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 2. CAUTION; Gal.3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 3. Mat.3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Jesus is our example – the Perfect Pattern) If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, We can believe for the Promise of the Father (The Indwelling of the Holy Ghost) 4. Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 1. Water baptism is to impress on our mind what happened to us inwardly. Water baptism is for our benefit -- not God's. (Public Proof) A first step of obedience. 2. Water baptism symbolizes that you have passed from death unto life. 3. It is the physical sign that a person is identifying with Christ death and resurrection. 4. It is a confession of faith before the world that you have repented and will obey and live for the Lord. 5. Water Baptism and repentance are signs and both are commanded but water baptism must only be after repentance. Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Water Baptism must always follow repentance, never proceed, it should be an act of faith following repentance. It is possible for a person to go to heaven like the dying thief without baptism but not without repentance. It is possible for a person not making it to heaven by refusing to be baptized. 6. A Testimony to the world that you have accepted Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God as your Lord and Saviour. Water baptism is a picture-sermon of what God has done in you. 7. Only those who have already accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ should be baptized in water. 5. Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. 6. 1Cor. 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Water baptism is the initiatory sign and seal into the covenant of grace. As circumcision referred to the cutting away of sin and to a change of heart ([Deut. 10:16](http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Deut.%2010.16); [30:6](http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Deut%2030.6); [Jer. 4:4](http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Jer.%204.4); [9:25](http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Jer%209.25),[26](http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Jer%209.26); [Ezek.44:7](http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Ezk.44.7),9) baptism refers to the washing away of sin. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 1Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. - The circumcision of the heart is signified by the circumcision of the flesh. - Spiritual renewal is testified through Water Baptism. Water Baptism is an outward sign of an inward work of God changing us. Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Holy Ghost Baptism is God clothing us with His Himself. His Power, Wisdom, Righteousness, Love, Divine Nature and Glory Gal.3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. huios, hwee-os' a "son", kinship:--child,. Gal. 4:1—Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 7—Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. # Ye Greatly Rejoice **Ye Greatly Rejoice - Ye are in Heaviness****Preparation through hard trials**> 1 Pt. 1:6— Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ## I. A Reason for Trials, Tests and Temptations - To prove your faith. - To strengthen your testimony. - To manifest God through strong faith. 1 Pt. 1:7-11 - To manifest the life of Jesus - To show forth His Praise > 1 Pt. 1:13— Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ Ye Greatly Rejoice Ye are in Heaviness - These are not mixed emotions to strive through. - This is not a man struggling, trying to find his way. - This is faith in action not mere emotion > Matt. 5:12— Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. > James 1:2— My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; > Joe 2:26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. Joel 2:26—And ye shall: 1. eat in plenty, 2. be satisfied, 3. praise the LORD 4. never be ashamed. Acts 5:41—And they departed …rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Heb. 10:32-39—v. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 2. A Need for Trials, Tests and Temptations Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. # Heb. 12:1-15, 25-29 1. Chastening 2. Shaking / Proving Heb. 12:11—Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Heb. 12:27—And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 3. There is a need for us to choose to be under the load. 1. To bear up under a strange load. -Though free, choosing to be bound. 2. To continue to carry a load in its heaviness. -Committed to victory and to seeing it through. 4. Not only is there a need for the trial but also a need for us to choose to be under the heaviness of the trial. It is a Choice: 1. To face persecution and remain unmovable 2. To greatly rejoice, rather than to complain of being under the heaviness of the load. 3. To trust God when you cannot do anything else. Ps. 22:8—He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. Matt. 27:43—He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 2 Kings 18:5—He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. Prov. 3:5—Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding 1 Pt. 1:6—Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: It is your choice. 🡪Do you discern your responsibility? EXAMPLE: Heb. 12:2—Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. HEAVINESS: Christ was able to bear the burden of the cross with joy because he understood the great need of His sacrifice. (THE NEED: Unless Christ died, all men would be lost.) a) Christ saw the extent of the need. b) Christ understood His responsibility to that need. Neh. 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, Paul---Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: JOY: This joy is evidence that faith is at work. This faith knows: 1) Heaviness is temporary and victory waits in the end 2) Obedient sacrifice is never a waste’ but is greatly profitable. Why would being in heaviness ever become necessary? First, WE HAVE NEEDS. God uses difficulties, temptations to work negative things out of us. Secondly, OTHERS HAVE NEEDS. Every Believer has certain divinely given responsibilities and these are confirmed in burdens. The attitude of Cain’s words exposed a man that was not faithful in his responsibilities: Am I my brother’s keeper? It is not enough that I alone enjoy success, but I have a certain responsibility to my brother, as well. (i.e. Matt.18:6; 1 Cor. 8:13; 2 Cor. 6:10; 8:9; 9:8 Matt.10:8; Luke 10:36; Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 28:27) Eph. 5:17—Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 🡪We cannot allow the complexity of a trial or our own confusion to keep us from seeking to understand. It is unwise to NOT understand. Heb. 5:14—But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 🡪It is a mark of maturity to seek for understanding and knowledge of the will of God. Isa. 6:8—Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me 🡪Isaiah was a man that understood the will and work of God. That kind of man is more concerned with the accomplishment of God’s will than any adversary, hardness or heaviness. These are details of his journey, but whether there be many or few are not his concern. His portion is to glorify God in every situation and no matter what! (II Cor. 12:7-12) - God’s Grace 1 Pt. 5:8—Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: John 15:20—Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 2 Tim. 2:3—Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Matt. 8:20—And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Luke 9:23—And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. John 4:6—Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. Suffered Many Things Mark 4:37—And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 🡪Jesus is able to calm the storm within. Heb. 5:-7-9—Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Luke 22:44—And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Matt. 26:37—…began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Mark 14:33—…began to be sore amazed, … very heavy; Luke 6:22—Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you… Luke 6:23—Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 2 Cor. 1:4—Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Cor. 1:8-9—would not…have you ignorant of our trouble Though severely tried, Faith makes way for rejoicing Hab 3:16-19—When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. 17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Even to a man of prayer… -hearing God -full of faith -obeys Word -led by Spirit -strong -courageous -great success -surrendered -doing God’s will …comes temptations, persecutions, afflictions, slanders, false accusations, misunderstandings. (BUT, not without reward!) James 1:12—Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. You can stop a servant of man, but not a Servant of God. Acts 14:22—Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 20:24—But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Rom. 9:2—… great heaviness and continual sorrow… 1 Cor. 4:9—For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death:… 1 Thess. 1:6—And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thess. 3:3—That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for…we are appointed thereunto. 🡪Difficulty and affliction are part of the Christian life. 1 Thess. 5:9—For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 🡪The afflictions of the godly will not destroy them. The destruction of the wrath of God is reserved for the rebellious and unrepentant. 🡪Difficulty is not God’s wrath on the Believer, but God’s providential dealing—correction of a father. Rev. 12:11—And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. John 13:16—Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 1 John 3:1-3—Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 Cor. 10:13—There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. True soul-winners that suffer persecution are more than conquerors but they are Overcomers. 2 Cor. 4:8-18— Testimony of Faith: We are troubled on every side, yet: - not distressed - not in despair - not forsaken - not destroyed The strong feelings of discouragement and defeat must be held captive by God’s Word. We must make confessions of faith in the midst of the battle if we are to overcome. (2 Cor. 10:5) II Cor. 4:10-11The life of Jesus made manifest in our mortal flesh. 🡪The faith that produces such a testimony is a gift of grace. We are totally dependent on God’s grace. 🡪that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 🡪 though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 🡪For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal… glory 🡪 for the things which are seen are temporal; Col. 1:24—Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, … Php. 4:4—Rejoice in the Lord alway: Deut. 27:7—… rejoice before the LORD thy God. Matt. 5:10-12—Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Rom. 8:18—For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 2 Cor. 11:20—For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. -Going the extra mile is a worthy cause. Acts 23:2—Ananias \[said\]…smite him on the mouth. Jer. 20:2—Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet… John 18:22—…struck Jesus with the palm of his hand… (Deut. 32:10; Zech. 2:8) - (you are the) “apple of his eye” 2 Tim. 1:12—For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim. 2:12—If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 2 Tim. 3:12—Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 4:12—And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. - Every Christian should be a soul-winner. Gal. 6:1-18 Details the Burden of a Spiritual Man 🡪ye which are spiritual, restore…in…meekness 🡪Bear ye one another's burdens… fulfil the law of Christ 🡪For every man shall bear his own burden. 1) BEAR BURDEN: A man must not leave off his own duty in helping another. …mine own vineyard have I not kept. –S.O.S 1:6 🡪Busyness is no excuse. 2) HIS OWN: Not doing just anything, but tending to that which is HIS RESPONSIBILITY to perform. Luke 11:42—…these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Matt. 23:23) 🡪For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. -True humility is a right estimation of self- 🡪And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. -God always honors faithfulness- 🡪 As we have…opportunity, let us do good unto all 🡪But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross… -There is no substitute for taking up the cross.- - This is the true circumcision of a true Israelite. - Detached from worldliness and attached to Jesus 🡪For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 🡪… for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 1 Pt. 1:2—REMEMBER: - by faith, we are the elect of God - Sanctification is of the Holy Ghost - Salvation is through the Power of Jesus’ Blood - Constant supply of Grace and Peace for the humble 1 Pt. 1:5—Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 3:14—But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror… 1 Peter 4:12-16—The Fiery Trial is no Strange Thing 🡪rejoice,… as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; 🡪 for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you 🡪 on your part he is glorified. 🡪 let none of you suffer as a murderer,…thief …\[etc.\] 🡪Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Peter 5:5—… be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:10—But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Matt.10:38—And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) Luke 14:27—And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. John 10:27—My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 13:36—Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. John 21:19-22 —Follow me. 🡪 PETER: Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 🡪 PETER: Lord, and what shall this man do? 🡪 If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? …follow thou me. > 1 John 3:16— Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. > TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS! Holy Ghost anointed Preaching of Jesus Christ providing Salvation through the old rugged cross is what will reach this lost and dying world 1Cor. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1Cor. 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1Cor. 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: Mat.16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. > 1 Peter 1:6 — Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, **if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations**: # The Lamb and the Dove Text: John 1:29,32 John saw Jesus Coming unto Him Ps 113:6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! The Lamb and the Dove John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. \---Matters How You View Christ. Vs. 33 That the Spirit would REMAIN on us! ---The Spirit Lifts up Jesus. LAMB -->Characteristic of Christ (and we should be bearing Christ’s image and likeness.) Purity Meekness Patient (as a Lamb) Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. The lowly servant of God as the sacrificial lamb to be the Saviour of the world. Abraham Isaac Jacob Faithful Saviour endued with Power of God to restore the throne of David. The dove remains on the Lamb; Jesus Christ The Lord,The Son of God. Two creatures are emphasized; The Lamb and the Dove give us a picture of what God wants us to be like I. The nature of the Lamb-What does a lamb represent in the bible? 1. Purity 2. Meekness 3. Humility, A life laid down in sacrifice 4. Mercy through The Cross II. The nature of the Dove-What does a dove represent in the bible? 5. Cleanliness 6. Gentleness 7. Harmless, Timidity 8. Peace and Holiness in The indwelling of the Holy Ghost John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: I. This Lamb is Christ our Passover who was sacrificed for us. 1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: II. This Lamb is the precious blood of Christ which redeems us III. This Lamb is the Son given of God Jn. 1:34; Is. 9:6; I Jn. 4:14 IV. This Lamb takes away sin Jn. 1:29; Mat. 1:21; I Pt. 2:24; Heb. 9:27 Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Ac 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (leader-Led, Guidance) 1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. We as ministers must serve not dominate without help of the Holy Ghost. We as ministers must serve as a father to a child not dictate without compassion. How careful we need to be in reaction to the Lamb and the dove What kind of person will the dove remain upon. Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Lambs must be led, The Lamb was one of the first animals that the human being began to raise as a domestic animal Texas leads sheep-raising, with over six million sheep being raised yearly. 9. Australia takes the lead among the sheep raising countries, 120 million sheep raised yearly. 10. Russia takes second place, with about 80 million 11. Argentina with about 50 million. 12. The USA with about 30 million head, occupies seventh place. 13. England with about 20 million, holds tenth place. In Ancient Egypt, the lamb was idolized. It was one of the main idols of the Egyptian nation. We can therefore realize the self sacrificing courage of the Jews in Egypt when they obeyed God’s command, taking sheep - one lamb for each family II. The nature of the dove Harmless as Doves Doves are gentle–Doves don’t get rough, hiss, jeer, taunt, sneer, ridicule, disdain, scorn –Doves are Harmless–Doves don’t strike at each other. A. We should have the harmless, gentle and peaceful nature of Christ. Php 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Heb 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Song 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Mt 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: Mr 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: Lu 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. B. We should have Christ and the Whole counsel of His Word as our foundation. C. “Wise as Serpents and Harmless as Doves” (Two phrases in one)- bringing out the Truth of a dual nature. · Wise as Serpents-Perfect Hatred - - - (fight of faith) · Harmless as doves-Perfect Love - - - (work of Love) Sheep not goats, Sheep not tigers, Sheep not wolves, Sheep not serpents, \*(Sheep not doves) Mt 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Sheep live 13yrs, bear young there first year and every year This Dove is the Holy Ghost and Power remaining on Jesus This Dove is the Holy Ghost and Power remaining on you Power Purity Perfection# Prepared for the Bridegroom

> [October 5, 2021](https://www.facebook.com/deliverancecenter/videos/1326546691138084/)Tuesday Prayer and Bible Study > > Posted by [Deliverance Center - Arundel, Maine](https://www.facebook.com/deliverancecenter/) on Tuesday, October 5, 2021

**live stream recording**: [https://fb.watch/8sE\_9BZ5IR/](https://fb.watch/8sE_9BZ5IR/) > Song of Solomon 3:6 — Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? There are many Christians just "ready for this life to be over." Not in the depressed state of desiring death but just wanting Heaven to the neglect of this life. Don't count yourself out. Satan tried to get Christ to question Who He was. He certainly is going to try the same tactic on us. Who is this?\*\* Distinguished — but not so familiar. It is Great to see a reflection of Christ as the Faithful Savior and Powerful Servant in the life of any and every believer. This is about understanding the principles that prepare the bride for marriage to the Lamb. Revelation 19:7-8; 2 Corinthians 4:4-18; The life of the Bridegroom is reflected in the Scripture and speaks about us as being followers/imitators of Christ. **WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES** There are going to wilderness experiences to help us prepare for Him! If you love the Lord, you are going to go through training. Many obstacles will come your way to test you. The only way we will know the fulness of God is through the training process. If we are going to be what God has called us to be in His eteranal purpose, we are going to need to exemplify the life of Christ. - Zechariah was plucked as a brand out of the fire. Bible says he was once clothed in filthly garments. > Zechariah 3:8 — Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee; for they are men that are a sign: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch. **Christ the Servant** He is serving for our good and for the will of God to be working in our life. (Romans 11:22) God is not to be taken lightly as if he has a short memory and will just "forget it". God has a whole lot more in mind for you than what you have been receiving. But, He isn't going to just pour it into you sovereignly. There is coming a time shortly, where the antichrist is going to change laws to his advantage. The Spirit of God is leading some into a wilderness to put into them all that He has provided — the fulness of God. Christ Himself is called a "Man of Sorrows." As he obeyed in times of suffering, He grew and became the captain of our salvation. He is our leader! The Lord will deliver our soul from the day of evil, if we obey Him now. In order to get through the wilderness, we will have to learn how to follow the Spirit of God. > Ephesians 5:1 — Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; > 1 Corinthians 4:16 — Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. > 1 Corinthians 11:1 — Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. > Philippians 3:17 — Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. > Hebrews 6:12 — That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. > 1 Peter 3:13 — And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? > 1 Corinthians 15:49 — And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. > Romans 8:29 — For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. > 2 Corinthians 3:18 — But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. ## I. Reflected in Temptation > Song of Solomon 3:6 — Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness … ### A. The Question Answered #### 1. Asked about the Lord - "Who is this?" #### 2. Asked about the Bride - "Who is this?" The gentile Bride will not come out of the wilderness until the Holy Ghost takes her out. > Acts 15:14 — Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. There will come a time when the little Bride will escape all these things and then the eyes of some will be opened and they'll say, **"Who is this?"\*\* Preparing is not always glorious. Training yiels us all lkinds of sorrows and rejections and sufferings and aftwerwards yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. > Hebrews 12:11 — Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Now we all want the peaceable fruit of righteousness, but are we willing to pay the price? Go through training? The Bride will reflect that which her Bridegroom has already gone through. **Follow** in His steps. The footsteps of Jesus did not lead to a throne in Jerusalem at that time? Where did they lead? They lead to a cross outside the city. Still want to follow Him? Still want the best that He has to offer to you? As we follow, God is after everything displeasing to Him, so He can put everything glorious in us. His goodness reflected in the overcoming Believer to form the Bride. ### B. The Place of Training #### 1. Christ learned obedience by the things He suffered. We are in a training process. > Hebrews 5:8 — Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; > Hebrews 2:10 — For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Who is this that comes up from the wilderness? Isaiah says, as a root out of dry ground but not of this world. > Isaiah 53:1-3 — Isa 53:1 ¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a **root out of a dry ground:** he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah is describing a time of great stress and struggle when Christ was rejected by men and scourged by men. #### 2. Temptation in the wilderness. He did not come to reign on the throne He came to die on the cross. He came into the training ground. Where is he coming out of? The wilderness! When Jesus came up out of the waters of baptism something happened. The Bible says that the Spirit rested upon Him like a dove. But something further, he was led by the Spirit away to a specific place. Where was He led away by the Spirit? Into the wilderness! We like the Lord will be led into and out of the wilderness. The wilderness is the training ground. You will reign because you have been properly trained in the Word by the Spirit in the wilderness! #### 3. The life of temptation and testing. His whole life was a wilderness. Rejected, scoffed, mocked, falsely accused; It wasn't just 40 days that the devil came to get Christ to question but he was constantly being questioned, tested and tried all of His life time. #### 4. The garden experience of testing. At the closing of His life, we find Him in a garden, but in reality it was a wilderness — the greatest trauma and tst that Christ ever faced. Jesus groaned in agony of spirit. > Luke 22:44 — And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Have you ever groaned because of pressure? Have you ever agonized and could not form words, you just groaned? Jesus wept and groaned not for Himself, but for the world. Luke says the he being in agaony, prayed more earnestly until his sweat was as great drops of blood. That was a wilderness. Romans 8:23,26 > Who is this coming up out of the wilderness? He was **triumphant** over all the powers of hell and satan himself! He bruised/pulverised him. (Romans 16:20) #### 5. The Bride will come to perfection in the wilderness. ## II. Reflected in Power ### A. Pillars Speak of Support #### 1. Jesus was supported in the wilderness. > Matthew 4:11 — Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. #### 2. The Bride is supported like Jesus. Hebrews 1:14 as Paul 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. Tried, tested, he can support you. From bruised (Luke 4:18) to bruised/your feet (Romans 16:20). ### B. Smoke Speaks of Power and Glory The power of God displayed. God is glorified. Joel 2:30,23; Exodus 9:18; Psalm 18:3-8; Isaiah 6:1-4; Luke4:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; faith/power ## III. Reflected in Character > … perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? - powders from the crushing process - Beauty of partaking of His Divine Nature - Spiritual Character not developed by any natural process (Acts 6:15; Revelation 12:14)# Give us a Word from God 20211010A

> [October 10, 2021](https://www.facebook.com/deliverancecenter/videos/911647742773130/)Sunday Morning > > Posted by [Deliverance Center - Arundel, Maine](https://www.facebook.com/deliverancecenter/) on Sunday morning, October 10, 2021

- Ahab and Jezebel have passed and now their son is reigning. - Jehoram is not as bad as his parents, but he is still not right with God. - Lukewarm (Revelation 3 Laodicean church), not as bad as others, but not what they used to be with God either! - Prophesying is saying what God says to you. - Am I where I SHOULD BE? > 2 Ki 3:16 — And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. - Give us a king like all the other nations. > 1 Samuel 10:5 — 1Sa 10:5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:# The Birth of Jesus Christ ## [![nativity-no-text.png](https://bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/scaled-1680-/sMmnativity-no-text.png)](https://bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/sMmnativity-no-text.png) - DATE: December 19, 2021 - TEXT: Matthew 1:18-20 - TEACHER: Stephen Gordon Reynolds Sr. - TITLE: The Birth of Jesus Christ - - - - - - > Mt 1:18 ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. ## Introduction For some Christmas is their favorite time of the year and for others it is a reminder of loneliness. ## I. The Miracle of the Virgin Birth ### A. Jesus is conceived in Mary by the Holy Ghost. ### B. Joseph is Called of God > … the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost #### 1. Called by the Angel - "Thou son of David" What a glorious call. He had to have known he was in the line of David. What a glorious position! The elect are those who pay attention to their position in Christ. God made His call crystal clear to Joseph. - "fear not" to take Mary as thy wife Let God speak His peace to you and His plan for your life. Our heart can be full of unbelief and fear, God deal with us and if we are not sensitive, in our hardness, can turn and blame God. - Joseph would be the earthly father of the Messiah. #### 2. Joseph knew the prophecies and Believed the Prophecies but … Joseph believed the prophecies would one day be fulfilled, but being fulfilled WITH HIM is a revelation! #### 3. How? > Matthew 1:20 — But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. > Isaiah 7:14-16 — Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. > Isaiah 8:4 — For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. > Isaiah 8:8 — And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel. > Matthew 1:22-23 — Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. ##### a. Immanuel: God with us. ##### b. The Son of God dwelling among us, in our nature (became flesh, John 1:14) God and man meeting in one person, a Mediator between God and men. Describes his nature and office. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor … ##### c. Immanuel: is the Messiah's name > Jeremiah 23:6 — In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. > Matthew 1:16 — And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. ##### d. Christ is Called the Seed of the Woman John 1:14; Genesis 49:10; Matthew 17:2; Psalm 118:25-26; Matthew 21:9; 23:39; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; > Genesis 3:15 — And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. > Luke 1:31-35 — And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name **JESUS**. 32 He shall be **great**, and shall be called the **Son of the Highest**: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, **How shall this be**, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called \*\*the Son of God\*. ## II. The Miracle of the New Birth > John 3:9 — Nicodemus answered and said unto him, **How can these things be**? > John 3:12,13 — (John 1:18; 8:29; 14:10,11) > Romans 4:17-18 — > Romans 9:11 — > Hebrews 4:16 — > Hebrews 10:19 — - The Son of Man which is in Heaven (Colossians 1:19; 2:9-10; 4:12; 1 John 5:19,20) He is the ETERNAL DIVINE SON OF GOD > Ephesian 1:3 — > 1 Peter 1:3-5 — > 1 Peter 1:23 — > 1 John 3:9 — > 1 John 4:7 — > 1 John 5:1 — > 1 John 5:4 — > 1 John 5:18 —# Foot Washing and Servants Study # SERVANTS COME IN MANY SIZES ``` I draw four conclusions from the fact that servants are hard to define but easy to spot. ``` ## \*\* Being a Servant Is an Attitude~ Not an Action\*\* ``` So many of us think, “Tell me what I need to do if I’m going to be a ser- vant.” Being a servant doesn’t start with what you do; being a servant starts with the attitude of the heart. It’s not what you do, but why you do it that matters. ``` ## \*\* Servants Come in All Sizes, All Shapes, andAll Colors\*\* ``` Servants of God may be very ordinary persons with a very ordinary man- ner of life. ``` ## \*\* Anyone Can Be a Servant If He Has a Servant’s Heart\*\* ``` hat is it that makes the difference between being a servant and not tng a servant? Is it visiting a nursing home? Is it coaching a youth eball team? Is it giving money to those who are in need? No, because ou can visit a nursing home with a servant’s heart or you can do it out if a sheer sense of obligation. You can coach baseball because you want serve others or because you want to win favor and have others praise you. You can give money because you really want to serve or you can give money in order to curry favor with someone. The same action can be the ‘action of a servant or of a proud person. What makes the difference is the motivation inside the human heart. JESUS CHRIST IS ThE MODEL SERVANT FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD There are two verses that you ought to tattoo on your soul. The first is Mark 10:45, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” The second is Philippians 2:5, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Where do you find servanthood in the life of Christ? There are many answers to that question, but I find myself drawn again and again to the Upper Room as the disciples gathered with Jesus for their final meal. They were all there—James and John, Judas, Peter, Matthew, Bartholomew, Simon the Zealot, and the rest. The men knew that something was up. Jesus seemed pensive and quiet. He talked, but He obviously had some- thing on His mind. Jesus knew that before long Judas would leave, only to return with a kiss of betrayal. The Roman soldiers would arrest Him, and soon He would stand before Herod and Annas and Caiaphas and Pilate. In a matter of hours, He would be hanging on a cross. The chatter in the Upper Room went back and forth, and Jesus lis- tened. Suddenly, without a word, He stood up, took off His tunic, and wrapped the towel of a slave around His waist. Taking a pitcher of water, He went to the end of the table and knelt down. Without a word He took the feet of the first disciple, brushed the dirt off, and began to splash water on his feet. When they were clean, He took the towel and wiped them dry. He went on to the next man and did the same thing. In the room there was total silence. No one dared to speak. They could not believe what Jesus was doing. THREE FACTS ABOUT FOOT WASHING In order to understand what this meant, we need to know three facts about foot washing. Foot Washing Was Considered an Ordinary Sign of Common Courtevy To us what Jesus did was bizarre and unusual, but in those days foot washing was a common practice when a visitor came to your house. The roads in Palestine were dry and dusty except when it rained and they turned into a quagmire of mud. So even if your feet were clean when you left your house, by the time you got wherever you were going, your feet would be covered with dust and dirt and grime and grit. So it was com- mon in those days that if you came to my home for the evening, when you arrived I would greet you with a kiss on the cheek, I would offer you oil to rub on your face, and then I would call my servant, who would kneel down and take off your sandals and wash your feet. But it was not common for the host to wash the feet of his guests. Foot washing was the work of slaves. A rich man never washed anyone’s feet because he had enough servants to do it for him. But Jesus broke the rules, and that’s why they were so shocked—not that somebody would wash their feet, but thatJ~cus was the one doing it.2 Foot Washing by Definition Is Dirty, Smelly, and Humiliating Have you ever tried to wash somebody’s feet at the end of a long, hard day? Have you ever tried to wash somebody’s feet covered with smelly grime and perspiration? Have you ever put your face right next to an ingrown toenail? The very idea seems repulsive. Foot Washing Will Never Go out of Style Because You ‘11 Never Run out of Dirty Feet Everyone has dirty feet. That’s one good thing about foot washing. Everyone around you has dirty feet. Think about your feet right now. you happen to be reading this early in the morning, your feet are bably less than perfectly clean. Jesus came to a world of dirty feet. He came to clean those dirty feet, jch means He came foryou because your feet are dirty too. When Jesus finished, He asked His disciples, “Do you understand bat I have done for you?” In one sense the answer was yes; they under- DOd thatJesus had just washed their feet. But His question went deeper. ‘Men, do you grasp the meaning of what I have just done?” In washing their feet He was giving them a parable, an acted-out object lesson. He wasn’t just washing their feet. He was saying, “This is who I am. This is why I have come to earth. This explains the cross. I came as a servant, to wash dirty feet, to bring you cleansing.” Jesus then drove the tmth home: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example thatyou should do as I have done foryou” (John 13: 14-15). This was a shocking thought because washing feet was the work of slaves. No wonder the disciples were baffled and upset. No wonder they tried to protest. After all, these are the same geniuses who just thirty min- utes earlier were arguing about who would be greatest in the kingdom. End of argument.Jesus was saying, “If you’re going to be My disciples, go wash dirty feet, and let the kingdom take care of itself. If you’re going to follow Me, just get down on your hands and knees and find some feet to wash. You take care of the dirty feet, and I’ll decide who sits on which throne in the kingdom.” That’s the message. Then in verse 17 He promised, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS I have good news, and I have bad news. The bad news is that feet stink. If you’re going to wash feet, you’re going to do some humbling things and some humiliating things, and you’re going to be involved in some situations that aren’t very nice or popular or that aren’t going to be seen by the masses. You aren’t necessarily going to be applauded for doing it. The good news is there is a great reward for foot washers. You’re blessed if you do these things. There are three reasons why we ought to wash dirty feet. ```# The First Day Preached Resurrection Sunday 2016. The First Day ## Introduction - The Newness of Day One - This Day! 2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ## "The First Day" God Called the Light Day and the darkness He Called Night Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. ## "The First Day of the Month" Noah removed the covering of the ark and the ground was dray. Genesis 8:13 ¶ And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first \[month\], the first \[day\] of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry. ## "The First Day of the Month" Tabernacle Set Up Ex 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first \[day\] of the month, \[that\] the tabernacle was reared up. ## First Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (first and seventh) Ex 12:15,16 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.16 And in the first day \[there shall be\] an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save \[that\] which every man must eat, that only may be done of you. ## The First Day of the Feast of Tabernacles Leviticus 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. ## First Day of the Fifth Month - Aaron Dies Nu 33:38 And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first \[day\] of the fifth month. ## The First, Second and Third Day of Battle (Judges 19,20; After a Tragedy caused by The Men of Gibeah) - Men of Gibeah abused and murdered the Levite's concubine (Judges 19) - The heads of the eleven tribes come before the Lord in Mizpeh, and examine the Levite relative to the murder of his wife 1-7. - DAY ONE Jg 20:18 ¶ And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first. <Surely there cause was just and numbers superior!> - DAY TWO Jg 20:22,23 And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day. 23 (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.) <ADAM CLARKE: "They trusted in the goodness of their cause and in the multitude of their army. God humbled them, "> - DAY THREE Jg 20:26,27,28 ¶ Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 27 And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand. ## "First day of the first month" Ezra and his troop Return from Babylon (70 Years Captivity, 4 months journey) Ezr 7:9 For upon the first \[day\] of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. ## "First Day of the Seventh Month" Ezra Read the Law of God Ne 8:2,18 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day \[was\] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner. ## "First day" Ezekiel Heard alot from God on this Day! Ezekiel 26:1; 29:17; 31:1; 45:18 Eze 26:1 ¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first \[day\] of the month, \[that\] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, ## "The First Day" of Prayer, Daniel was Heard Daniel 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. ## The First Day of Unleavened Bread - Jesus and his Disciples Prepared for Passover Mt 26:17-20 ¶ Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? 18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. 20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. ## The First Day of the Week and Worship Mt 28:1 ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first \[day\] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. Mr 16:9 ¶ Now when \[Jesus\] was risen early the first \[day\] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Joh 20:19 ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first \[day\] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace \[be\] unto you. Ac 20:7 ¶ And upon the first \[day\] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 1Co 16:2 Upon the first \[day\] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as \[God\] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Php 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; # Living Waters Flowing Deliverance Center – Portland, Maine Rev. Stephen G. Reynolds, Sr. Sunday PM, November 18, 2007 TITLE: Living Waters Flowing TEXT: Isaiah 28:16,17 I Peter 2:3-12 Many have taken refuge in lies and they are appointed unto death. God has determined, judged sin. Out of your belly shall flow rivers of living waters. There is living waters flowing for us tonight. Ther eis a union that God has in mind to bring us beyond just the state of free from sin and the things that war against the soul, but he wants to free us from the things that conquer. We work at the end from the beginning to know that it is worth the fight. TO God be the glory, God is the everlasting light of our soul. He will glorify Himself in us and will establish His works. Our works our vain unless the Spirit of God moves in us. We need the Gospel made plain so that every taste is a cool drop from Heaven saying that Jesus Christ is the healer, deliverer, establisher of our hearts. A SURE FOUNDATION< A LIVING STONE ``` Not something that is dead, but LIVING. ``` Isaiah said, A SURE FOUNDATION< you can know that He is there. You don’t’ have to wonder whether God is there, but you can know him that He is there. One of the ways the lord makes us to know He is there is He allows us to TASTE. He reveals to us HIS WORD. If we don’t hunger and thirst for His Word our hunger for God is suspect. I Peter 2:8 Out of the living stone is living water flowing. The living stone gives spiritual drink. (The natural mind does not receive the things of God) If you heart will reach out to God you will find that His word will defeat the enemy of your soul and will defeat the thing that is warring against your soul. He can make us more THAN CONQUERERS, but until then we must UNDERSTAND THE BATTLE. ABASTAIN FROM FLESHLY lust, You can find yourself to be the example, a living stone placed in a spiritual house so people can come and see God, your testimony is about Jesus, you are praising the Lord, you are living for Him and bringing Him glory. So many don’t believe in SALVATION let alone PERFECTION. You don’t always have to be in a state of fighting against the flesh. Lust is an enemy, an evil desire. Abastina from fleshly lust which war against the soul, Through the power of the Holy Ghost and the Word we can say NO to sin and YES to God . We can have victory over sin. The fleshly desire is stronger than the spiritual desire. When we feed the fleshly desire, it causes us to stumble at the truth. You wander if it is fro you and whether it is for anybody. I am not satisfied with a refuge of lies. We are going to fight the flesh and unbelief. Our heart is hungry, a spiritual desire for living waters. Wee are not any better than anyone else, but just taste and see that the Lord is Good, that he is a crown of glory for them that are willing to believe God. So many have disallowed Him as the cornerstone, but I am going to believe the truth, rising about the battle. He is the livning stone, he is the chief cornerstone, he has placed in our life to make our life sure, and we are to be like him. I Peter 2:5 There is living water flowing from the living stone. If you are a living stone than out of you is going to flow that river. If the lord is the living stone in our life then He is that spiritual drink. He is marvelous, and wonderful in his workings. So that we can become like Him. He is REAL Many question, CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOUR, many others, THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST. There are a lot of fleshly desires that war against our soul. But God is going to bring judgment and lay it against the line. We are all builders…either building as an UNBELIEVER building on false hopes and lies or a BELIEVER building on that sure foundation of truth, which is Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. He that believeth on Him is not ashamed, is not confounded but shall have everlasting life. The Holy Ghost came and visited Mary highly favoring her and therefore came the life of Jesus. The son of God was born of Mary, making her highly favored of God. She was a simple virgin lady betrothed to a man named Joseph, but God saw fit to do something special in her for a purpose. Paul said that He was the chiefest of sinners. He can save anybody He saved me! Not all will be saved, but that is because of the choices that men make. We are elected because we believed Him. 4:2 They heard the Gospel but did not believe it, not mixing their hearing with faith. Help us to say “Lord I need you crown me with your glory and loving kindness. I don’t want to be drunk with the things of this world, but be filled with His spirit.” Eph. 4:16 be not drunk with wine…be filled with the spirit. By your good works glorify God in the day of His visitation…There is a day that He will visit His people. The outpouring of God’s Spirit. Knowing truth is not enough, but we must LOVE truth and it must be watered by the Spirit. The Spirit and the Word agree. God is calling for a diligent heart to seek him with the whole heart. It is the little foxes that spoil the vine. Those little fleshly desires, a little bit of doubt and fear. Matthew 17 Peter james and john whent up in the mountain and Jesus visited them in a special way. He gave them a taste that He is more than a man. They became afraid, but God has designed His word that we be not afraid of Him though in awe and reverance. Let us come boldly to the throne of grace… YOU are not going to run in haphazard and lukewarm and still receive from God, but it is going to take a whole hearted effort. All doubt and struggle must be done away with. These 3 disciples had the greatest opportunity of their life but were afraid to enter into it, Luke 9:45 Our questions should be with faith SHOW ME ZTHYZ TRUTH, TEACH MY THY WAYS. His path is that of victory and life. We are going to overcome because we know God and the spirit of God is floing in our life and He is watering that Word every day. Every day allowing our flesh to be exposed too the power of God. Holding our flesh to the altar. The blossoms and buds will bring fruit that glorify God. It is the Holy Ghost in us that cause that word, seed, to germinate. Zit is the knowledge eof God revealed to us by His Spirit and not just knowledge ein general. ONLY CHRIST THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST can reveal to us. Bellieve for the watering. It gets pretty dry looking in the mirror of the Word and having no Spirit watering it. Christ is the unseen cornerstone, solid foundation, living stone, rock that flows with water as the one that followed Israel in the wilderness. We take root in places we do not belong. If we see this World as a refuge of lies, we would not drive one stake. Lord change our heart, our mind, our attitude. There are some builders who build in disobedience, building on a lie. God is going to send his righteousness to the plummet and his judgment to the line. God won’t have to do anything the flood waters of sin will destroy you. A refuge of lies uncovered and overflowed with waters of destruction. Reject God and be overflowed by the waters of destruction. v. 8 the lord that is the living stone, became the stumbling stone. He laid his life down ‘in our path’ that we would have to ‘stumble’ over Him in order to go to hell, in order to go without. He is the rock of offense. He has allowed himself to placed down and rejected, disallowed, disobeyed. He has allowed himself to become that rock of offense. He has laid Himself down before us that after we have stumbled over him, but that we remember how we rejected him, our unbelief, and our doubts. He promised to be sin for us. To be our offense. He who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God. Some people think they can just plow so deep there is know dirt left. There is certain place in our heart that man can’t find or touch. Part of the battle is believing God in the face of adversity and not taking counsel from our flesh. Before every Pharaoh, Judas, Mary Magdalene, was laid the rock of stumbling and offense. He is willing to take it all.# At the Mouth of Jeremiah A Bible Study on Jeremiah 45:1> Jer 45:1 ¶ The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, ![](/attachments/57)A Deliverance Center Publication- - - - - - A Reason for Trials, Tests and Temptations 1. To prove your faith. 2. To strengthen your testimony. 3. To manifest God through strong faith. 1 Pt. 1:7-11 1 Pt. 1:13—Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Ye Greatly Rejoice Ye are in Heaviness![](/attachments/55) - These are not mixed emotions to strive through. - This is not a man struggling, trying to find his way. Matt. 5:12—Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. James 1:2—My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Joel 2:26—And ye shall: 1. eat in plenty, 2. be satisfied, 3. praise the LORD 4. never be ashamed. Acts 5:41—And they departed …rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Heb. 10:32-39—v. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 2. A Need for Trials, Tests and Temptations Heb. 12:1-15, 25-29 1. Chastening 2. Shaking / Proving Heb. 12:11—Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Heb. 12:27—And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 3. There is a need for us to choose to be under the load. 1. To bear up under a strange load. -Though free, choosing to be bound. 2. To continue to carry a load in its heaviness. -Committed to victory and to seeing it through. 4. Not only is there a need for the trial but also a need for us to choose to be under the heaviness of the trial. It is a Choice: 1. To face persecution and remain unmovable 2. To greatly rejoice, rather than to complain of being under the heaviness of the load. 3. To trust God when you cannot do anything else. Ps. 22:8—He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. Matt. 27:43—He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 2 Kings 18:5—He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. Prov. 3:5—Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding 1 Pt. 1:6—Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: It is your choice. 🡪Do you discern your responsibility? EXAMPLE: Heb. 12:2—Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. HEAVINESS: Christ was able to bear the burden of the cross with joy because he understood the great need of His sacrifice. (THE NEED: Unless Christ died, all men would be lost.) a) Christ saw the extent of the need. b) Christ understood His responsibility to that need. (i.e. Neh. 1:4; Paul, Col. 1:24) JOY: This joy is evidence that faith is at work. This faith knows: 1) Heaviness is temporary and victory waits in the end 2) Obedient sacrifice is never a waste’ but is greatly profitable. Why would being in heaviness ever become necessary? First, WE HAVE NEEDS. God uses difficulties, temptations to work negative things out of us. Secondly, OTHERS HAVE NEEDS. Every Believer has certain divinely given responsibilities and these are confirmed in burdens. The attitude of Cain’s words exposed a man that was not faithful in his responsibilities: Am I my brother’s keeper? It is not enough that I alone enjoy success, but I have a certain responsibility to my brother, as well. (i.e. Matt.18:6; 1 Cor. 8:13; 2 Cor. 6:10; 8:9; 9:8 Matt.10:8; Luke 10:36; Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 28:27) Eph. 5:17—Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 🡪We cannot allow the complexity of a trial or our own confusion to keep us from seeking to understand. It is unwise to NOT understand. Heb. 5:14—But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 🡪It is a mark of maturity to seek for understanding and knowledge of the will of God. Isa. 6:8—Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me 🡪Isaiah was a man that understood the will and work of God. That kind of man is more concerned with the accomplishment of God’s will than any adversary, hardness or heaviness. These are details of his journey, but whether there be many or few are not his concern. His portion is to glorify God in every situation and no matter what! (II Cor. 12:7-12) - God’s Grace 1 Pt. 5:8—Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: John 15:20—Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 2 Tim. 2:3—Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Matt. 8:20—And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Luke 9:23—And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. John 4:6—Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. Suffered Many Things Mark 4:37—And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 🡪Jesus is able to calm the storm within. Heb. 5:-7-9—Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Luke 22:44—And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Matt. 26:37—…began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Mark 14:33—…began to be sore amazed, … very heavy; Luke 6:22—Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you… Luke 6:23—Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 2 Cor. 1:4—Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Cor. 1:8-9—would not…have you ignorant of our trouble Though severely tried, Faith makes way for rejoicing Hab 3:16-19—When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. 17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Even to a man of prayer… -hearing God -full of faith -obeys Word -led by Spirit -strong -courageous -great success -surrendered -doing God’s will …comes temptations, persecutions, afflictions, slanders, false accusations, misunderstandings. (BUT, not without reward!) James 1:12—Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. You can stop a servant of man, but not a Servant of God. Acts 14:22—Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 20:24—But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Rom. 9:2—… great heaviness and continual sorrow… 1 Cor. 4:9—For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death:… 1 Thess. 1:6—And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thess. 3:3—That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for…we are appointed thereunto. 🡪Difficulty and affliction are part of the Christian life. 1 Thess. 5:9—For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 🡪The afflictions of the godly will not destroy them. The destruction of the wrath of God is reserved for the rebellious and unrepentant. 🡪Difficulty is not God’s wrath on the Believer, but God’s providential dealing—correction of a father. Rev. 12:11—And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. John 13:16—Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 1 John 3:1-3—Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 Cor. 10:13—There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. True soul-winners that suffer persecution are more than conquerors but they are Overcomers. 2 Cor. 4:8-18— Testimony of Faith: We are troubled on every side, yet: - not distressed - not in despair - not forsaken - not destroyed The strong feelings of discouragement and defeat must be held captive by God’s Word. We must make confessions of faith in the midst of the battle if we are to overcome. (2 Cor. 10:5) II Cor. 4:10-11The life of Jesus made manifest in our mortal flesh. 🡪The faith that produces such a testimony is a gift of grace. We are totally dependent on God’s grace. 🡪that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 🡪 though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 🡪For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal… glory 🡪 for the things which are seen are temporal; Col. 1:24—Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, … Php. 4:4—Rejoice in the Lord alway: Deut. 27:7—… rejoice before the LORD thy God. Matt. 5:10-12—Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Rom. 8:18—For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 2 Cor. 11:20—For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. -Going the extra mile is a worthy cause. Acts 23:2—Ananias \[said\]…smite him on the mouth. Jer. 20:2—Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet… John 18:22—…struck Jesus with the palm of his hand… (Deut. 32:10; Zech. 2:8) - (you are the) “apple of his eye” 2 Tim. 1:12—For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim. 2:12—If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 2 Tim. 3:12—Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 4:12—And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. - Every Christian should be a soul-winner. Gal. 6:1-18 Details the Burden of a Spiritual Man 🡪ye which are spiritual, restore…in…meekness 🡪Bear ye one another's burdens… fulfil the law of Christ 🡪For every man shall bear his own burden. 1) BEAR BURDEN: A man must not leave off his own duty in helping another. …mine own vineyard have I not kept. –S.O.S 1:6 🡪Busyness is no excuse. 2) HIS OWN: Not doing just anything, but tending to that which is HIS RESPONSIBILITY to perform. Luke 11:42—…these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Matt. 23:23) 🡪For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. -True humility is a right estimation of self- 🡪And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. -God always honors faithfulness- 🡪 As we have…opportunity, let us do good unto all 🡪But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross… -There is no substitute for taking up the cross.- - This is the true circumcision of a true Israelite. - Detached from worldliness and attached to Jesus 🡪For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 🡪… for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 1 Pt. 1:2—REMEMBER: - by faith, we are the elect of God - Sanctification is of the Holy Ghost - Salvation is through the Power of Jesus’ Blood - Constant supply of Grace and Peace for the humble 1 Pt. 1:5—Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Pt. 3:14—But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror… 1 Pt. 4:12-16—The Fiery Trial is no Strange Thing 🡪rejoice,… as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; 🡪 for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you 🡪 on your part he is glorified. 🡪 let none of you suffer as a murderer,…thief …\[etc.\] 🡪Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Pt. 5:5—… be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Pt. 5:10—But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Matt.10:38—And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) Luke 14:27—And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. John 10:27—My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 13:36—Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. John 21:19-22 —Follow me. 🡪 PETER: Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 🡪 PETER: Lord, and what shall this man do? 🡪 If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? …follow thou me. 1 John 3:16—Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ![](/attachments/58) Holy Ghost anointed Preaching of Jesus Christ providing Salvation through the old rugged cross is what will reach this lost and dying world 1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: Mt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mr 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. - - - - - - ![](/attachments/56) - - - - - - ![](/attachments/54)![](/attachments/54) We appreciate your interest in the Word of God. More publications are available upon request. CONTACT US: Deliverance Center 930 Old Post Road Arundel, Maine 04046 207-774-8192 Visit us on the Web at: [www.deliverance.me & www.bible.exchange](https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.deliverance.me&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1647306881705053&usg=AOvVaw2aDaao6-AI6tKQTiu3xJ8x) Email: ![](/attachments/57)![](/attachments/54)

# Potential of Perfection Rev. Stephen G. Reynolds, Sr. January 22, 2006 Sunday School Title: **The Potential of Perfection** ``` Text: **James 3:2** ``` # **INTRODUCTION** 1. Do any question if perfection is for you? 2. The Process of Perfection explained. ``` 1. ``` Perfection has stages. ``` 2. ``` Perfection is God’s work and is God-given. ``` 3. ``` Perfection and the “Bride” are widely misunderstood. 3. Self-interests prevent perfection. ``` 4. ``` We are not to be motivated by our self-interests or be self-centered. ``` 5. ``` We must be motivated by God’s interests or be God-centered. ``` 6. ``` Get rid of the things that hinder. 1. **A Prideful City** - “*The Same is a Great City*” Genesis 10:12 1. Nineveh – Resen – Calah Jonah 1:2; 3:2,3; 4:11 ``` 1. ``` *definition* *of Resen*: to curb, restrain --- halter, bridle ``` 2. ``` *definition* *of halting*: hesitance, imperfect progress ``` 2. ``` Calah – Job 5:26; 30:2 ``` 3. ``` to be complete ``` 4. ``` maturity, full {old} age ``` 3. ``` Ham – Psalm 105:23,27; 106:22 ``` 5. ``` The middle son of Noah: Shem, Ham, & Japheth. ``` 6. ``` *Definition*: to enflame self ``` 7. ``` Ham had great potential. 2. **A Pitiful Case** - “*The Same is a Thief and a Robber*” Jn 10:1; Lu 10:30-77 Acting through motives of self interest alone is highly criminal before God. ``` 4. ``` Thieves —what’s yours is mine—I’ll take it. ``` 5. ``` Priest and Levite —what’s mine is mine—I’ll keep it. ``` 6. ``` Good Samaritan —what’s mine is yours—I’ll give it. 3. **A Perfect Man** - “*The Same is a Perfect Man*” James 3:2 ``` A. Offend not in word v.2 B. Bridle the whole body ““ C. A wise man—_good, clear, honest thinking _v.13 ``` 4. Endued with knowledge ““ 5. A good conversation—\_behavior, conduct \_““ 6. Meekness of wisdom—\_character \_““# Knowledge Proceeding - Love Exceeding Knowledge Proceeding, Love Exceeding Godly Knowledge with Love Makes You to Grow Spiritually A Bible Study on Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. ![](/attachments/57) A Deliverance Center Publication Knowledge Proceeding, Love Exceeding There has been a great attack on the pursuit of even right knowledge. Many today do not appreciate the importance of studying their Bible. They claim they “do not want to know anything but Jesus.” In these last days it has been prophesied that many would be deceived. This great deception is possible because we have taken the foundation from under the building in putting off diligent search and hunger of Godly knowledge. When the stir of hyped up emotionalism fades, a person is yet without the weapons necessary to fight off the enemy. Not only is there the great danger of deception, but there are so many GREAT and PRECIOUS promises left unclaimed due to ignorance. (Hosea 4:6) There is a greater value in experiencing the LORD and the Truth of His Word than in only knowing about God and His Word. Nonetheless, the extent of our spiritual experience is limited by our knowledge and understanding. We cannot leave off the pursuit of truth if we desire to perfect our love for Christ. Ephesians 3:19 and I Corinthians 8:1 are often used to accommodate attacks on the pursuit of knowledge. These texts do not condemn knowledge, but reveal the purpose of knowledge: the knowledge of truth in a man’s mind is like a seed planted in soil. Eph. 3:19—And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 1. This is an expression of the immensity of the love of Christ. For the Holy and Righteous God to love a wretched sinner is a love unheard of and impossible according to human reason, therefore, the love of Christ passeth knowledge. 2. Yet, if a man is to experience that same love working in his heart there must first be knowledge. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth. Paul reasons this truth in Romans 10:14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ILLUSTRATION: Samuel Morris was born a pagan in dark Africa. He was utterly ignorant of the Bible or Jesus. In a torturous situation he cried out for help. Miraculously, a light shone freeing him and a voice commanded him to run. Weeks later, he heard a missionary read the Bible story of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road. The story brought understanding and further knowledge so that Samuel gave his life to Christ. He further hungered and desired more from God but did not know what to do. After learning about the promise of the Holy Ghost, he believed God for that experience, as well. We must KNOW if we are to BELIEVE and BELIEVE if we are to EXPERIENCE the fruit and gifts of God. 1 Cor. 8:1—Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 1. The context of this verse is the issue of whether or not to eat meat that had been offered to idols. Paul reasons that the KNOWLEDGE we have is there is only one God and there is no actual pollution of the meat for the idol is nothing. He follows with the following statement in verse 7: Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: 2. Knowledge of what is right is not the end goal. The end goal is to love God with the same Love that He gives you and show that Love to your neighbor. Verse 3 says, But if any man love God, the same is known of Him. A man that will love God, can enjoy the fruits of right knowledge. A religious man that self-righteously cleaves to a rule or law is lifted up in his pride because he thinks he has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:10 clearly tells us that they are so wrong for love fulfills the law. 1. Paul KNEW not to eat the meat and had a heart to help those that did not know better. Charity builds up. 2. The selfish KNEW not to eat the meat and used that for an excuse to attack and offend their brother. Knowledge puffs up. Knowledge is to be Governed by Love. Enough saying NO to Knowledge Yes, knowledge alone is not enough, but knowledge is absolutely needed. Let us take a closer Scriptural look at these thoughts… Knowledge Proceeding—Love Exceeding Eph. 3:19—And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Knowledge before — Love beyond Knowledge plus Love equals: Growth 1 Peter 4:8—And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 2 Peter 3:18—But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 1 Cor. 8:1—Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. I. Knowledge void of love puffeth up. Knowledge minus Love equals Pride No Knowledge is ignorance. No Love is always a waste. Knowledge allied to pride puffs up the mind with vain conceit, makes those who have it bold and rash, and renders them careless of others. And this knowledge without a proper love, boasted of by the Corinthians, led them to judge others and leave them there. John 8:31—Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; Knowledge without Love, does not avail, but does much hurt. It is the mistress of pride. It does not so much as deserve the name of godly knowledge if it is separate from the love of God and therefore from the love of our neighbor. Knowledge void of love is vain. II. Knowledge with Love Builds Up Godly knowledge with the love of God and the love of our neighbor is given to us by the Holy Ghost to make us to grow and cause others to grow—“edifieth” 2 Cor. 6:6—By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, Romans 5:5—And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. III. The Human Mind is Fallible 1. Godly Knowledge is not the trouble maker. Thinking you know the truth when what you believe is not scriptural is the problem. 1Cor. 8:2—And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 2Peter 1:2—Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3—According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue 8—For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus 2Cor. 10:5—Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Prov. 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? - Proverbs 1:20-33 - Wisdom is Calling - Who is listening? Wisdom reproves three kinds of men 1. Ye simple ones 2. Those who err out of ignorance Proverbs 1:22 “How long, ye simple ones” Act without really knowing is the way of the simple. Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. Prov. 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. 3. The scorners Those who cannot stand to be taught Proverbs 1:22 “the scorners delight in their scorning” Anyone can become a scorner, by just refusing to be taught. 4. Fools Those who drowned in worldly lusts, pride and hate the knowledge of godliness Proverbs 1:22 “fools hate knowledge” 2Cor. 8:7—Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. Php. 1:9—And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; We must abound in everything not just in a few areas. By the Grace of God we will abound in everything. Col 1:9—For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10—That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 2Peter 3:18—But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. John 15:8—Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 2Cor. 2:14—Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. Knowledge must proceed Spiritual fruit must exceed Knowledge Proceeding Love Exceeding 2 Cor. 6:4—But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 2 Cor. 6:6—By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, Ex. 33:19—And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. Love- Knowledge Joy- Wisdom Peace- Understanding Longsuffering- (Conscience reproof) Gentleness- (Intelligence Instructions) Goodness- Prudence Faith- Conviction, Chastening (Eternal life, Victory) Meekness- Character Temperance- Conduct 1 Peter 4:13—But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 2Cor. 7:4—Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 2 Peter 1:4—Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. - Knowledge Proceeding Love Exceeding Love Passes Knowledge Eph. 3:19—And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Always Remember 1. This is an expression of the immensity of the love of Christ. For the Holy and Righteous God to love a soul that he might be filled with all the fullness of God is a love unheard of and impossible according to human reason, therefore, the love of Christ passeth knowledge. 2. Yet, if a man is to experience that same love to the fullness of God working in his heart there must first be knowledge. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth. Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Joh n1:16— And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Hosea 4:6—My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. 1Tim. 1:14—And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 2Th 1:11 Wherefore…the work of faith with power: - Wisdom Proceeding Joy Exceeding Joy beyond wisdom Prov. 11:30—The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Neh 8:10 … for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Psalms 16:11—Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 1. This is an expression of the immensity of the Joy of the Lord. For the Holy and Righteous God to give Joy in His Full strength is unheard of and impossible according to human reason, therefore, the Full strength of the Joy of the Lord goes beyond our knowledge and wisdom. 2. Yet, if a man is to experience that Joy to full strength working in his heart there must first be knowledge, wisdom and understanding. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth. Ro mans15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 1 Peter 1:8—Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Romans 3:23—For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 5:2—By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 8:18—For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. John 11:40—Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 17:22—And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 24—Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. Romans 9:4—Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 9:23—And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 11:36—For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 15:7—Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 2 Cor. 3:9—For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10—For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 18—But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 4:6—For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Co 4:17—For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 5:12—For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 12:9—And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Gal. 5:26—Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 6:14—But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Eph. 1:6—To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 12—That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 14—Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 17—That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18—The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Eph. 3:1— That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Col 1:27—To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 1 Thes. 2:12—That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 2 Thes. 2:14—Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Proverbs 23:15—My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16—Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. 24—The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. 2 Tim. 2:10—Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Heb. 2:10—For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Heb. 9:5—And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 1 Cor. 2:9—But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10—But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Peter 1:7—That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8—Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 1 Peter 4:13—But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:14—If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 5:1—The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 4—And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 10—But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11—To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Peter 1:3—According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 3:18—But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Cor. 7:9—Now I rejoice… that ye sorrowed to repentance Heb. 12:2—Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Deut. 28:47—Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; 48—Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD…until he have destroyed thee Eph 1:23—Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Col. 1:11—Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Php 4:1—Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved 1 Thes. 2:20—For ye are our glory and joy. 2 Cor. 1:12—For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. Php 3:3—For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Jude 1:24—Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Peace passes Understanding Php 4:7—And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 1. This is an expression of the immensity of the Peace of God. For the Holy and Righteous God to give Peace to perfection is unheard of and impossible according to human reason, therefore, the Perfect Peace of God passeth all understanding. 2. Yet, if a man is to experience Perfect Peace working in his heart there must first be knowledge and understanding. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth. James 5:7—Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Isa 26:3—Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. {perfect...: mind: or, thought, or, imagination} 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: {everlasting...: Heb. the rock of ages} John 14:27—Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Conscience Proceeding Longsuffering Exceeding Longsuffering beyond the Conscience To be longsuffering is to be less conscious of self and more conscious of others. Ex. 34:6—And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Psalms 86:15—But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Romans 2:4—Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 1. This is an expression of the immensity of the Longsuffering of Christ. For the Holy and Righteous God to be longsuffering with a wretched sinner is a selflessness unheard of and impossible according to human reason, therefore, the Longsuffering of Christ goes beyond the Conscience. 2. Yet, if a man is to experience that same Longsuffering working in his heart there must first be knowledge and great understanding. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth. 2Cor. 6:6—(By longsuffering) Gal. 5:22—But the fruit of the Spirit is … longsuffering Eph. 4:2—With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Col. 1:11—Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Col 3:12—Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 2Tim. 3:10—But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 2Tim. 4:2—Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 1Peter 2:19—For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 1Peter 3:16—Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 20—Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21—The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Intelligence Proceeding Gentleness Exceeding Gentleness beyond intelligence, instruction and appearance Gal. 5:22—But the fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness 2Cor. 10:1—Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2Sa 22:36—Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. Ps 18:35—Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. GENTLENESS is being mild, calm, kind and tender and shown through mercy, courtesy and politeness while condescending to those in need. Mildness of manners Mildness of disposition Always Remember 1. This is an expression of the immensity of the Gentleness of Christ. For the Holy and Righteous God to prepare and provide for a soul that he might be filled with all the intelligence of God is a Gentleness unheard of and impossible according to human reason, therefore, the Gentleness of Christ passeth our intelligence. 2. Yet, if a man is to experience that same Gentleness to the fullness of God working in his heart there must first be intelligence. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth. A quiet approach – “A still small voice” 1Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. The biblical qualities of gentleness are misunderstood and undervalued in today's society of extremes—where all too often people tend to angrily overreact or passively underreact. Gentleness - Pro 15:1; Isa. 40:11; 42:1-3; Phil. 4: 5; Mat 5:5; 11:28-29; 12:15; Luke 7:36-50; 10:38-42; John 8: 1-11; Eph. 4:1-2; Col. 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 When we are too full of pride, we cannot be gentle with others; we cannot be a friend, for all we will do is hurt them and push them away. We can look to Jesus who modeled ultimate gentleness and care. Being fully God He does not have to be gentle, yet He takes the time to nurture others even when they make mistakes and fail. He helps them up and puts them back together; Goodness beyond Prudence (Working with good sense) Rom. 2:4—Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Rom. 11:22—Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Gal. 5:22—But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, Eph. 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Eph. 5:9—(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 2Thes. 1:11—Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power. Rom. 15:14—And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Ex. 33:19—And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 1. This is an expression of the immensity of the Goodness of Christ. For the Holy and Righteous God to show ALL His Goodness is unheard of and impossible according to human reason, therefore, the Goodness of Christ goes beyond Prudence even Moses had to be hid in the cleft of the rock and God covered him with His Hand as He passed by showing only the hinder parts of the afterglow . Ex. 33:20-23 2. Yet, if a man is to experience All God’s Goodness working in his heart there must first be knowledge and great understanding to continue in His Goodness. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth. 2 Cor. 3:18—But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Faith beyond Conviction Eph 3:12—In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Php 1:25—And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 2 Thes. 1:11—Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: Luke 17:5—And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. John 3:30—He must increase, but I must decrease. 1 Cor. 3:6—I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Cor. 3:7—So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 2 Cor.9:10—Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness Gal. 5:6—For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Eph. 4:16—From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Col. 2:19—And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 1 Thes. 1:3—Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 1 Thes. 3:12—And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 4:10—And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 2 Ti m. 2:16—But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. Isa 61:3—To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Mat .15:13—But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Meekness beyond Character 2 Cor.. 10:1—Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: Gal. 5:23—Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law 6:1—Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted Eph. 4:2—With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Col. 3:12—Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 1 Tim. 6:11—But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 2 Tim. 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; Titus 3:2—To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. James 1:21—Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James 3:13—Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 1 Peter 3:15—But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to everyman that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Temperance Beyond Conduct Acts 24:25—And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Gal. 5:23—Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 2 Peter 1:6—And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; Titus 1:8—But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Proverbs 1:7—The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 29—For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: - They hate that which is practical - They hate even their duty Ex. 31:3—And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 35:31—And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; 1 Sam. 2:3—Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 2 Chron. 1:10—Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? 11—And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 2 Chron.1:12—Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. Job 15:2—Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? 21:14—Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. 33:3—My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. 34:2—Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 36:4—For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. 37:16—Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? Psalms 19:2—Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 14:4—Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. 53:4—Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God. Proverbs 2:3—Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 5—Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6—For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 10—When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11—Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 3:20—By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 5:1—My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: 2—That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. 8:8—All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9—They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. 10—Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 9:10—The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 10:14—Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 11:9—An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. 12—He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 12:1—Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 23—A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 13:16—Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. 14:6—A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. 7—Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 14:18—The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Proverbs 15:2—The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. 17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 24:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5—A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. Proverbs 24:14—So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. No possession yields so precious revenue as wisdom. It makes men rich for time and eternity. Isaiah 5:13—Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. 11:2—And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 33:6—And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. 40:14—With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? 53:11—He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Jer. 3:15—And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jer. 4:22—For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Daniel 1:17—As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 5:12—Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation. Hosea 4:1—Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Hosea 6:6—For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Habukkuk. 2:14—For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Luke 1:77—To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Luke 11:52—Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. Rom. 1:28—And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 10:2—For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 11:33—O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Rom. 15:14—And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 1Cor. 1:5—That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 12:8—For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 13:2—And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 1Cor. 12:7—But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8—Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 15:34—Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 2 Cor. 4:6—For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 11:6—But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. Eph. 1:17—That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: God… in the knowledge of him…His Mighty Power - The God of our Lord Jesus Christ - The Father of glory - Giving unto you (Blessings, Fruits, Gifts and an Inheritance) - The Spirit of Wisdom - Revelation - Resurrection Power - Right hand in the heavenly places - Being Filled with His Fullness We must seek to know Him more and more while we hold on to what He has already given us. Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Eph. 3:4—Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Eph. 4:13—Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Php. 3:8—Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Col. 2:3—In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 3:10—And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 1 Tim. 2:4—Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 3:7—Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Heb. 10:26—For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, James 3:13—Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 1 Peter 3:7—Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 2 Peter 1:5—And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 2 Peter 2:20—For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. A Message from the Apostle of Love Knowledge Proceeding Love Exceeding John 17:3 And this is life eternal, - that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 13:17 If ye know these things, - happy are ye if ye do them. 1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby - know we that we are in him. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, - because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 1 John 5:2 By this we know - that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. All the Fruits of the Spirit working from the knowledge of God in our life make us to grow strong so God can use us in all the Gifts. “Covet earnestly the best gifts” We appreciate your interest in the Word of God. More publications are available upon request. 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# Wonderful in Counsel and Excellent in Working Isaiah 28:29 This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. Ezek. 46:1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the **Lord working** with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Ezek. 46:6 And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish. Those who do much for God must do more. Luke 12:48—*But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.* As Christ is holy, humble, faithful and without blemish we must be holy, humble, faithful and without blemish **The Lord's Great Commission** [16:14-20](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A14-20)) **Introduction— Jesus Christ, Resurrection**: this was the first appearance of Jesus to all the disciples. It is important to keep in mind that it was Sunday evening, the same day that Jesus had arisen from the dead. He had undergone an extremely busy day, encouraging those who had needed special attention and sending word of His resurrection to the disciples. They were hovered behind closed doors in fear of the Jews. Jesus needed to send word of His resurrection to them bit by bit so they would be prepared to see Him risen and in His resurrected body. The day included the following appearances. ``` ⇒ The appearance to Mary Magdalene ([Mark 16:9-11](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A9-11)). ⇒ The appearance to the women as they were going to tell the disciples ([Matthew 28:9](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+28%3A9)). ⇒ The appearance to Peter, which probably was a long conference lasting for hours ([Luke 24:34](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Lk+24%3A34)). ⇒ The appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus ([Mark 16:12-13](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A12-13)). ⇒ The appearance to the disciples mentioned in this passage ([Mark 16:14](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A14); Luke 24:36; John 20:19) ``` Note what Mark stresses in this passage (this is the close of His gospel): he stresses the Great Commission. The Great Commission is the whole focus of his attention. ``` 1. The two hindrances to the Great Commission (v.14). 2. The Great Commission: go—preach (v.15). 3. The reason for the Great Commission (v.16). 4. The promise to the believer as he carries out the Great Commission (v.17-18). 5. The confirmation of the Great Commission (v.19-20). ``` \*\*1. \*\*([16:14](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A14)) **Unbelief— Heart, Hardness of**: there are two major hindrances to the Great Commission—unbelief and hardness of heart. Standing before the apostles, Jesus upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. The word "upbraid" (onedise) means to rebuke, reproach, reprove, scold. Note three things. ``` 1. They deserved the rebuking and scolding. Their unbelief and hardness were inexcusable. a. They had witnessed Jesus' power, that is, God's power, throughout His ministry. They had seen His power over both nature and disease, and they had even witnessed His power over death when He raised up Jairus' daughter and a young man and Lazarus, and perhaps others of which there is no record. b. They had witnessed His life, His purity and holiness and sinlessness. And they had been taught that sin caused death, that is, that a man dies because of sin ([John 3:19](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A19); [John 3:16-21](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A16-21); [John 5:24-29](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+5%3A24-29); [John 8:34-35](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+8%3A34-35). Cp. [Romans 5:12](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+5%3A12); [Romans 6:23](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+6%3A23).) Jesus was without sin; therefore, death could never hold Him and enforce its power over Him. They should have been able to reason and see this glorious fact, especially in light of the Scriptures. ``` **"Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption" ([Psalm 16:10](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+16%3A10); [Acts 2:27](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+2%3A27); [Acts 13:35](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+13%3A35)).** **"Jesus Christ our Lord....declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" ([Romans 1:3-4](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+1%3A3-4)).** ``` c. They had been taught month after month that He was to die and be raised again. d. They had rejected the testimony of His resurrection. He had sent them word by Mary Magdalene and the other two disciples ([Mark 15:9-11](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+15%3A9-11), [12-13](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+15%3A12-13)). 2. The disciples' unbelief and hardness of heart was very, very serious. Jesus' rebuke (and Mark's stress) of their unbelief and hardness show this ([Mark 15:11](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+15%3A11), [13, 14](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+15%3A13-14)). It had to be dealt with if the Great Commission was to be carried out. ``` Jesus dealt with the matter of unbelief and hardness of heart. How much more should we! When we begin to believe that souls are lost and doomed unless they hear and receive Jesus, then we will take the Great Commission seriously and preach the gospel to the whole world. It has now been two thousand years, and a place as small as our world has not even been reached. Unimaginable, when we have had the means of transportation and communication and the resources at our disposal to do the job. ``` 3. The _root cause_ of unbelief and hardness of heart was very simply the misinterpretation of Scripture and of Jesus' words. The disciples had been told that Jesus was to die and arise from the dead. Jesus had told them time and time again. ``` But the disciples refused to believe the word of Christ, they... ``` • refused to see the Messiah as a suffering Savior, choosing instead to think of a conquering King ([Luke 24:44-45](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Lk+24%3A44-45); [3:24-31](http://www.crossbooks.com/book.asp?pub=0&book=593&tocpath=Luke%20Commentary//Luke//II.%20THE%20SON%20OF%20MAN'S%20APPEARANCE,%203:1-4:15//D.%20The%20Genealogy%20of%20Jesus:%20The%20Roots%20of%20the%20Messiah,%203:23-38//2.%20Davidic%20heir:%20To%20be%20the%20Messianic%20King%20(v.24-31)); [7:21-23](http://www.crossbooks.com/book.asp?pub=0&book=593&tocpath=Luke%20Commentary//Luke//III.%20THE%20SON%20OF%20MAN'S%20ANNOUNCED%20MISSION%20AND%20PUBLIC%20MINISTRY,%204:16-9:17//O.%20Jesus%20Answers%20The%20Question%20of%20John%20the%20Baptist:%20Is%20Jesus%20the%20Messiah?%207:18-28//2.%20The%20ministry%20and%20message%20of%20Jesus%20proved%20He%20was%20the%20Messiah%20(v.21-23)).) • refused to see the Kingdom of God as a spiritual kingdom, choosing instead to think of a physical kingdom on earth. • refused to see the death and resurrection of Jesus as a literal fact, choosing instead to think of it in symbolic terms ([Matthew 20:20-21](http://www.crossbooks.com/book.asp?pub=0&book=589&tocpath=Matthew%20II%20Commentary//Matthew%20II//XIII.%20THE%20MESSIAH'S%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20THE%20WAY%20TO%20JERUSALEM,%2019:1-20:34//H.%20The%20Price%20and%20Meaning%20of%20Greatness,%2020:20-28//1.%20The%20sin%20of%20false%20ambition--seeking%20personal%20greatness%20(v.20-21)//e.%20Misunderstands%20true%20greatness)). ``` Unbelief and hardness of heart are inexcusable within a believer. **"Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" ([Luke 24:25](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Lk+24%3A25)).** **"Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing" ([John 20:27](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+20%3A27)).** \*\*"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened \*\* **through the deceitfulness of sin" ([Hebrews 3:13](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Heb+3%3A13)).** **"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" ([Hebrews 4:11](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Heb+4%3A11)).** **"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" ([Rev. 3:19](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Rev+3%3A19)).** **"Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief" ([Proverbs 28:14](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Pr+28%3A14)).** **"He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy" ([Proverbs 29:1](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Pr+29%3A1)).** **"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" ([John 3:18](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A18)).** **"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" ([John 3:36](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A36)).** **"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" ([John 8:24](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+8%3A24)).** \*\*2. \*\*([16:15](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A15)) **Commission, Great— Ministry**: the Great Commission is a straight-forward command. It is brief, yet forceful and uncompromising: *go—preach*. Jesus made two critical points. 1. It is the gospel that is to be preached. We are not to preach our own thoughts and ideas, humanistic and man-centered beliefs, world religions and philosophies. We are to preach the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the news which the world desperately needs to hear. **"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" ([1 Cor. 15:1-4](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Co+15%3A1-4)).** **"The gospel of God (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" ([Romans 1:1-4](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+1%3A1-4)).** ``` 2. The gospel is to be carried "into all the world" and preached "to every creature." The gospel is the news which everyone needs to hear. Note two simple facts. ``` 1. The Great Commission was given to the discilples for the whole church, to every believer. It is a permanent commission given to the church of every generation, not only to the first disciples. Note the words, "He that believeth" ([Mark 16:16](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A16)) and "them that believe" ([Mark 16:17](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A17)). After a person believes and is baptized, Jesus says the person goes forth with power and signs while he preaches the gospel ([Mark 16:16-17](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A16-17)). Every believer who is genuinely saved is to preach the gospel ([Mark 16:16](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A16); cp. [Matthew 28:19-20](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+28%3A19-20); [John 20:21](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+20%3A21); [Acts 1:8](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+1%3A8); [2 Tim. 2:2](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=2Ti+2%3A2); [1 Peter 3:15](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Pe+3%3A15)). 2. The Great Commission does not consider difficulties, dangers, or barriers to be reasons for not going. Jesus did not discuss excuses for not sharing the gospel. His command was an *uncompromising demand*. The issue of eternal life vs. eternal damnation is too critical an issue to allow anything to stop the gospel from going forth. The gospel has to be carried forth. No land is to be neglected, no people are to be ignored. The believer is to be undaunted and unswerved from the Great Commission. The believer is commanded: "Go ye into all the world" ([Mark 16:15](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A15)). \*\*3. \*\*([16:16](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A16)) **Salvation— Belief**: the reason for the Great Commission is twofold. Men are either saved or condemned. If the gospel is shared with them and they believe and are baptized, they shall be saved; but if they disbelieve, they shall be condemned. ``` 1. A man can now be saved. He no longer needs to walk about, wandering throughout life seeking and searching for fulfillment and completeness, questioning if there is really any purpose to life. Man can be saved and live eternally. He can be delivered... • from sin and its power ([Romans 6:6-7](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+6%3A6-7)). • from death and its fear and corruption ([John 5:24](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+5%3A24); [Hebrews 2:14-15](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Heb+2%3A14-15)). • from hell and its torture and separation from God; [ Hebrews 9:27](http://www.crossbooks.com/book.asp?pub=0&book=607&tocpath=Hebrews-James%20Commentary//Hebrews//III.%20THE%20SUPREME%20MINISTER:%20JESUS%20CHRIST,%20GOD'S%20SON,%208:1-10:18//E.%20Christ%20is%20the%20Minister%20and%20Mediator%20of%20the%20Perfect%20Sacrifice%20for%20Sins%20(Part%20I),%209:23-28//DEEPER%20STUDIES//Deeper%20Study%201)). The message that life is now available must be carried to the whole world. 2. A man is lost and condemned if he disbelieves the gospel. The words "believeth not" (apistesas) mean to disbelieve. And the word "damned" (katakrithesetai) means to be condemned. The man who rejects Jesus Christ, who refuses to believe and follow Him, shall be condemned. Condemned to what? ⇒ To the power and enslavement of sin ([John 3:19](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A19); [Romans 3:12](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+3%3A12), [23](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+3%3A23)). ⇒ To the fear and corruption of death ([Romans 5:12](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+5%3A12); [Romans 6:23](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+6%3A23)). ⇒ To the torture and separation of hell Therefore, the great motive for reaching the world is the desperate need of man to be saved: saved from sin, death, and hell—saved to the uttermost—saved to live forever in the presence of God Himself ([John 3:16](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A16); [John 5:24-29](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+5%3A24-29)). ``` \*\*4. \*\*([16:17-18](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A17-18)) **Power**: the promise to the believer as he carries out the Great Commission is critical. The believer must have *supernatural power* as he goes forth throughout the world. The world is a dangerous place. The believer will sometimes be called upon to face treacherous land, violent storms within nature, savage and poisonous animals, unbelieving and hostile men, spiritual evil of unbelievable force. The evil of men, of nature, and of spirits can be so threatening to the believer that the believer's witness would be stopped if God did not provide His strength and power. This is the point of this passage. God does give power to the believer—all the power necessary to carry the gospel "into all the world" and "to every creature." This, of course, does not mean that every believer will be delivered from every threat and from ever being martyred. Some believers are persecuted and some even martyred. As God wills, He teaches and touches lives and moves history and society itself through the persecution and martyrdom of believers. Things do not always run smoothly for believers. But God does give power to believers—the power to walk through the difficulties in His confidence and peace, even through the fire of martyrdom if faced. It is often the witness of the God-given power, confidence, and peace that reaches others for Christ and that causes an enormous movement toward God. As the believer carries out the Great Commission, God promises power, the power needed to get the task done. Note the power or signs mentioned by Mark. Such power will be present in the life of the believer (when needed) as he proclaims the gospel around the world. ``` ⇒ Casting out devils (cp. [Acts 16:18](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+16%3A18)). ⇒ Speaking with new tongues ( [Acts 2:4](http://www.crossbooks.com/book.asp?pub=0&book=597&tocpath=Acts%20Commentary//Acts//II.%20THE%20BIRTH%20AND%20GROWTH%20OF%20THE%20CHURCH,%202:1-7:60//A.%20The%20Day%20of%20Pentecost%20and%20The%20Coming%20of%20the%20Holy%20Spirit:%20The%20Church%20is%20Born,%202:1-13//DEEPER%20STUDIES//Deeper%20Study%204)). ⇒ Taking up serpents ([Acts 28:5](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+28%3A5)). ⇒ Drinking any deadly thing ([Mark 16:18](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A18)). ⇒ Laying hands on the sick and healing them ([Acts 28:7-8](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+28%3A7-8)). ``` **"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+1%3A8)).** **"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" ([1 Cor. 2:4](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Co+2%3A4)).** **"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" ([Ephes. 3:16](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Eph+3%3A16)).** **"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance" ([1 Thes. 1:5](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Th+1%3A5)).** **"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" ([2 Tim. 1:7-8](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=2Ti+1%3A7-8)).** **"But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin" ([Micah 3:8](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mic+3%3A8)).** **"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" ([Zech. 4:6](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Zec+4%3A6)).** ``` **5. **([16:19-20](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A19-20)) **Commission, Great**: the confirmation of the Great Commission is seen in two acts. 1. There is the Lord's ascension to the right hand of God, that is, the position of power ( [Luke 24:50-51](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Lk+24%3A50-51); [Acts 1:9-11](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+1%3A9-11)). ``` The ascension assures (proves, confirms) that seven things are absolutely certain. ``` a. The ascension assures us that God is and that He is alive. Christ could be raised from the dead and received up into heaven _only_ by the power of God. The fact that Christ was raised up from the dead and "carried up into heaven" ([Luke 24:51](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Lk+24%3A51)) proves that God exists. Only God could do such a thing. ``` ([1 Cor. 6:14](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Co+6%3A14); [2 Cor. 4:14](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=2Co+4%3A14); [John 3:16](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A16). [Acts 2:24](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+2%3A24), [32](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+2%3A32); [Acts 3:15](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+3%3A15), [26](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+3%3A26); [Acts 4:14](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+4%3A14); [Acts 5:30](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+5%3A30); [Acts 10:40](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+10%3A40); [Acts 13:30](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+13%3A30), [33-34](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+13%3A33-34); [Acts 17:31](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+17%3A31).) ``` b. The ascension assures us that Christ is God's Son. The very fact that God raised up Christ and "received [Him] up into heaven" proves that Christ is God's Son ([Romans 1:3-4](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+1%3A3-4); [Phil. 2:5-11](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Php+2%3A5-11)). c. The ascension assures us that heaven is real. Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: {conversation...: or, we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven, or, for obtaining heaven} 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. d. The ascension assures us that the gospel is true. When God raised up Christ and received Him into heaven, God showed that the message of Christ is true. What Christ proclaimed and revealed is true. The problem with man is sin and death, a future of condemnation and separation from God. But man can be saved, saved by the cross of Christ ([Mark 16:16](http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+16%3A16); 1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. e. The ascension assures us that the Great Commission is the call and mission of believers. Two things show this. ⇒ First, Christ has ascended into heaven. He is gone, He is no longer on earth. If the gospel is to be carried to the ends of the earth, believers have to do it. They are the ones left on earth to do it. ⇒ Second, it is the risen and ascended Lord who gave the Great Commission. As the ascended Lord, He demands that His commission be fulfilled f. The ascension assures us that power is available to carry out the Great Commission Mat. 28:18-20; Mark 16:20). g. The ascension assures us that we have a very special Helper in heaven ``` Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. The Great Commission is confirmed by the Lord working through the disciples' ministry. The Great Commission is to be carried out. The early disciples "went forth" immediately and "preached everywhere." ``` The believers of every generation are to go forth immediately and preach the gospel everywhere. Two simple facts. 1. "The Lord worked" with them. 2. "The Lord...confirmed the Word of God with signs." Not just our word but His Word. ``` **Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.** Ezek. 46:6 And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish. I. That the place of worship was fixed, and rules were given concerning that, both to prince and people. Eze 46:1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. 1. The east gate, which was kept shut at other times, was to be opened on the sabbath days, on the new moons (Eze 46:1), and whenever the prince offered a voluntary offering. Eze 46:12 Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, one shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate. Of the keeping of this gate ordinarily shut we read before Eze 44:2; whereas the other gates of the court were opened every day, this was opened only on high days and on special occasions, when it was opened for the prince, who was to go in by the way of the porch of that gate, Eze 46:2,8. Eze 44:2 Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. Eze 46:2 And the **prince** shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut **until the evening**. Eze 46:8 And when the **prince** shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of that gate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof. The Prince did not go through the gate (as the glory of the Lord had done), though it was open, but he went by the way of the porch of the gate, stood at the post of the gate, and worshipped at the threshold of the gate (Eze 46:2), where he had a full view of the priests' performances at the altar, and signified his agreement in them, for himself and for the people of the land, that stood behind him at the door of that gate, Eze 46:3. Every prince must show himself to be of David's mind, who would very willingly be a door-keeper in the house of his God, and, sit or lie at the threshold. Ps 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. The greatest of men are less than the least of the ordinances of God. Even princes themselves, when they draw near to God, must worship with reverence and godly fear, owning that even they are unworthy to approach to him. But Christ is our prince, whom God causes to draw near and approach to him. Jer 30:21 And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.# The Silver Cup See Attached PDF.# Christ is Our Testimony text: Matthew 8:4 > Matthew 8:4 — And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. - We need to be saying the things that Jesus has said. - We have a testimony. - If Jesus is real in our soul, we need to tell others about it. > Matthew 4:23-24 — - Leprosy is likened unto sin. It is a destructive disease. ## It is Alright to be a Silent Witness The best testimony is what people can see in you.# A Wise Man Digging Deep ![](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2022-08/a-wise-man-digging-deep-500wide.png)# A Pattern of Sound Words TEXT: 1 Timothy 1:11-13 DATE: June 4, 2023, Adult Bible Class ## Glorious Gospel > 1 Timothy 1:11 — According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. - God is blessed: He is to be praised. > 2 Timothy 1:12,13 — For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. ## Form (2 Timothy 1:13) > \#5296 hoop-ot-oop'-o-sis typification under (after) a sketch -- for imitation: form, pattern - Having a pattern that you can follow. - There are things to be said and done everyday. What are those things? What is important to God? > 1 Timothy 1:16 — Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. - Words and deeds go together. Are you living what you say?# Obedience of Faith Act ONLY on what you know to be true

> Romans 16:26 — But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the **obedience of faith**:

## 1. Principle, Proverb, Promise

Harmony of Mark 4:24 and Luke 8:18

> Mark 4:24 — And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. > Luke 8:18 — Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. ### I. Principle #### a. Take heed what ye hear (Mark 4:24) #### b. Take heed therefore how ye hear (Luke 8:18) ### II. Proverb #### a. with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you (Mark 4:24) ### III. Promise #### a. unto you that hear shall more be given (Mark 4:24) #### b. for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; (Luke 8:18) #### c. and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. (Luke 8:18)

## 2. Knowing What is True brings Responsibility > James 4:17 — Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. > 1 Peter 1:22 — Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: ## 3. Obedience in the Midst of Rejection > Matthew 10:1 — And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. > Matthew 10:14 — And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. > Acts 13:51 — But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. > Mark 3:13 — And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

Mark 6:1,5 — 1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

> Mark 6:7,11 — And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Mark 6:12,13 — And they went out, and **preached that men should repent**. 13 **And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them**.

> Luke 6:12 — And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. > Luke 9:1,2 — Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. > Luke 9:5 — And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. ## 4. They Understood Not Until: the Master Teacher - Even the disciples did not always understand what Jesus is saying ("at the first"). > Luke 9:45 — But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying. > Mark 9:32 — But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. > Luke 2:50 — And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. > Luke 18:34 — And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. > John 10:6 — This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. > John 12:16 — These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. - The Master Teacher > John 7:39 — (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) > John 14:26 — But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ## 5. Through Obedience, Help Others to Believe > Luke 10:1 — After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. > Matthew 10:16 — Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. > Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. > Philippians 2:15 — That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; > Luke 9:41 — And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. The disbelief of the people was a constant concern to Jesus. The disbelief of today is a constant concern for us as well, but the Lord will help us to get certain people to believe and obey, as we believe and obey. > Luke 9:43,44 — And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, 44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. > 1 Peter 5:6 — Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:# Stumbled at that Stumblingstone for Altars of Brick > Romans 9:30 — What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they **stumbled at that stumblingstone**; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and **whosoever believeth** on **him** shall not be ashamed. > Romans 10:20-21 — But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. > Isaiah 65:1-3 — I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. 2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; 3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon **altars of brick**; Mud burned bricks were placed in gardens building up altars in a prettied up place, taking away the reproach, the ugliness, the death of the cross. - The altar represents the Cross - The cross represents blood, with the smell and stench of death, pain, suffering, sacrifice > Phillipians 2:8 — And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became **obedient unto death**, even the death of the cross. God demanded from the very beginning that the altar must be kept Holy, separated, undefiled untouched and untampered with by human hands. Mt 23:18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. 19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? More emphasis should be placed on the altar sanctifying gifts. Ex 29:37 Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy. The altar must be Holy separated, undefiled untouched and untampered with by human hands or instruments. The altar itself represents from the cross to a sanctified life. Ac 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Ro 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Heb 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Heb 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Ex 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. 25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. Isaiah 65: 2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; 3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; The altar must not represent the workmanship of the offer-er of gifts “for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it” “sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick” They built altars of brick in gardens They put away faith that God chose the place of sacrifice De 12:5 ¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: 6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: De 12:11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: De 12:14 But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee. They ignored the commandment of God concerning the building of an altar that absolutely must represent the cross and a sanctified life. They ignorred the cleansing/washing of the altar Ex 29:36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it. 1Ki 18:33 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. 1Ki 18:36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Le 1:9 But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Joh 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. They ignored the judgment of God They ignored the anger of God It is Not about what will draw but who will draw. We don’t preach a system of things but The Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus We preach Christ Any human touch pollutes There is no substitute for the Cross and sanctified life. There is no substitute for Christ Christ is the perfect sacrifice There is no substitute for being born again. Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ro 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Ro 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; Ro 3:19 ¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Ro 5:1 ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Joh 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Ga 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; There is no substitute for the Glory of God 1Ch 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Ps 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Isa 63:15 ¶ Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? Is His Glory restrained? 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Ho 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Ps 77:9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. Ps 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Jer 31:20 Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. Ho 14:4 ¶ I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. There is no substitute for being full of the Holy Ghost. We don’t need sentimentalism/sensitiveness to people’s fleshly desires or just mere emotionalism ``` We need old time Pentecost with the Holy Ghost/fire. ``` The alter of brick is not accepted Only the cross and what Christ has provided for us is to be accepted. Nothing can be made by human hands or designed by human wisdom to produce what the cross was designed by God to produce. No natural wisdom, no self-righteousness, No bribery or corruption, No lowering the standard. No seeker friendly/sensitive flesh church, We don’t receive healthy things but through God’s provision through Christ shed blood on the cross. We don’t receive in Christ but through His blood We don’t bring in Christ but through the beauty of Holiness. God made the whole stones by His spoken word God commanded stones unhewn by man to be used to make an altar Unhewn stones built up for an altar to offer sacrifice represents the cross unto a sanctified life. De 27:5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them. 6 Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God: Jos 8:31 As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. Re 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. On Altars of brick there is NO true spiritual substance Ro 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Ro 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Ps 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. 2Pe 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:# The Purchased Possession > Ephesians 1:14 — Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of **the purchased possession**, unto the praise of his glory. > Matthew 13:44-46 — Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. We are His By Promise, By Price, By Power ## I. We are His By Promise “our inheritance” “heirs” > 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. > 1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son > Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: > Ro 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. > 1 Co 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. > 1Co 12:27 ¶ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. > Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. > Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones > Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: > John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. > Romans 8:14 — For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. > Romans 8:17 ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. > Romans 8:29 — For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. > Romans 8:30 — Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. > 2 Timothy 1:9 — Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, > 1 Peter 2:9 — But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: > 1 John 3:2 — Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is - Romans 8:15; Galatians 5:26; 2 Peter 1:4-11 ## II. We are His By the Price of His own Blood > Ephesians 1:7 — In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; > Ephesians 1:14 — Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. > Mt 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. > Ac 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. > 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. > 1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. > 1 Peter 1:18,19 — Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Ga 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Ro 5:6 ¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 1Cor 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: ## III. We are His By The Power of God > John 1:12 But…power to become the sons of God&hellip > Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. > Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. > 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. > 1 Corinthians 2:1 ¶ And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. > 1 Corinthians 6:14 — And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. > 2 Corinthians 6:7 — By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, > 1 Timothy 6:15 — Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; > Luke 1:52 — He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. > 1 Peter 1:5 — Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. PROMISE - Abram Genesis 13:15; 26:2-4 “Unto thy seed” > Genesis 12:6 — And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.> PRICE - Ge 23:16;; Ac 7:16; Jos 24:32 > Genesis 33:19 — And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. POWER - Jacob - John 4:5 > Genesis 48:22 — Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.# "Life in this World" compared to LIFE ETERNAL [![heaven-and-earth.jpg](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/scaled-1680-/heaven-and-earth.jpg)](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/heaven-and-earth.jpg) ## I. Finding and Losing – Losing and Finding

As Eagles with the Body (An eagle with fresh slain meat - not carrion nor fragments.)

[![eagle-and-fish.webp](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/scaled-1680-/eagle-and-fish.webp)](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/eagle-and-fish.webp)

> Matthew 10:39 — He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. > Matthew 16:25 — For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. > Mark 8:35 — For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. > Luke 9:24 — For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. > John 12:25 — He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. > Luke 17:33-37 — Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. ## II. Conditions of a Soul Distinguished from Another ### a. Conditions of those in the world - Mt 24:3 “At the end of the world” ### b. Conditions of those in the church - Mt 25:1 “the kingdom of Heaven” > Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? > Matthew 25:1 — Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. > Matthew 25:46 — And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. > Matthew 24:4 — And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. > Matthew 24:8-13 — All these are the beginning of sorrows. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. > Matthew 24:20 — But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: > Matthew 24:32 — Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: > Mark 13:28 — Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: > Luke 21:30 — When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. > Mark 13:3-5 — And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? 5 ¶ And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: > Luke 21:7,8 — And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. > Luke 17:34 — I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. ### c. Condition your soul for Life Eternal NOW #### 1. “I tell you” “in that night” - Two in one bed one taken the other left - Someone is trying to go to sleep - The other one is trying to wake up > Mark 13:35 — Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping,. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. #### 2. Condition of those with Samuel/Saul in O.T. > 1 Samuel 8:7 — And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. > 1 Samuel 10:19 — And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. > 1 Samuel 10:6,7 — And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 1Sa 10:7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. > 1 Samuel 10:9 — And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. > 1 Samuel 10:24 — And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. > 1 Samuel 10:27 — But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. > 1 Samuel 11:2 — And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. #### 3. Condition of those with Paul in the N.T. > Philippians 2:21 — For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. > Philippians 2:30 — Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. > Colossians 3:3 — For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. > James 4:14 — Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. > Matthew 6:25 — Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? > 1 Timothy 6:18 &mmdash; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. # Seeking God for the Deeper Meaning ## Introduction Paul spoke a deeper meaning of David's Testimony. ![](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/scaled-1680-/amazing-white-iceberg-floats-ocean-260nw-2200987881.webp) > Acts 13:16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. > Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. > Acts 13:36-39 — For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. ## I. The Different Expresssions of the Name "David" The name David is mentioned many times in the New testament and 1100 times in the whole bible. The New Testament uses many expressions "of David". These expressions shed light on the deeper meaning behind the life and person of David. This is important because David is a type of Christ. ### 1. Son of David ### 2. House of David > Luke 1:27 — To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. ### 3. City of David > Luke 2:4 — And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) > Luke 2:11 — For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ### 4. Seed of David > John 7:42 — Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? > Romans 1:3 — Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; > 2 Timothy 2:8 — Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: ### 5. Mouth of David > Acts 1:16 — Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. ### 6. Days of David > Acts 7:45 — Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; ### 7. Sure Mercies of David > Acts 13:34 — And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. ### 8. Tabernacle of David > Acts 15:16 — After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: ### 9. Key of David > Revelation 3:7 — And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; ### 10. Root of David > Revelation 5:5 — And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. > Revelation 22:16 — I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. ### 11. Offspring of David How desperate is the Worlds’ need of Christ? > Acts 13:1 — Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. > Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. ## II. The face of God must be sought for the deeper meanings ### 1. For a deep sense of His presence and power. ### 2. For direction and good pleasure of His will. > Ephesians 1:5 — Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, > Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: > Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ### 3. For the praise of His name among His people. > Psalms 22:3 — But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. > Psalms 9:11 — Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. > Psalms 108:3 — I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. > 1 Peter 2:9 — But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: > Psalms 24:6 — This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. > Psalms 27:8 — When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. > Psalms 105:4 — Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. > Psalms 105:19 — Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.# The Urgent Call ![](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/4kVsound-the-trumpet.jpg)> Isaiah 55:1,5,6,11 — Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. > John 3:27 — John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. > John 3:32,33 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. > John 1:11 — He came unto his own, and his own received him not. > Acts 13:46 — Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. **How urgent is your need of Christ?** **How responsive are you to His call?** > Isaiah 55:6 — Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: - Seek ye the LORD while he may be found - call ye upon him while he is near > Exodus 12:33 — And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. > Daniel 3:22 — Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. > Psalm 69:13 —; But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. > Job 35:12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. > Ps 18:41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not. > Pr 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: > Jer 11:11 ¶ Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them. > Ho 5:6 They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. > Micah 3:4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. > Zec 7:13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: > John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. > 7:34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. > 8:21 ¶ Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. > John 13:33-35 — Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; **as I have loved you** , that ye also love one another. 35 **By this shall all men know** that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. > John 14:21 — He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him > John 14:23 — Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. > Revelation 3:20 — Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. > 1 John 2:5 — But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. > 1 John 2:24 — Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. > Revelation 22:17 — And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. > James 4:6 — But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. > James 4:9 — Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. > Matthew 5:4 — Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. > Romans 8:17 — And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. > 2 Corinthians 1:7 — And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. > 2 Timothy 2:12 — If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: > 1 Peter 4:13 — But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.# Pray Without Ceasing (Bible Study) ## I. What does it mean to "pray without ceasing"? ![](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/scaled-1680-/pray-without-ceasing-clock-pass-it-on.webp)> Psalm 27:8 — When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. ### A. It is A Promise as well as a Command - "Pray without ceasing" should be looked at as a promise. - "Thou shalt..." > Mt 22:37 Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt** love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ### B. Praying without Ceasing so that we can "Pass It On" - Seek God for an answer before you settle on a thought. ### C. This is A SPIRIT OF PRAYER - MORE AND MORE of The Lord ### D. A GROWING PRAYER LIFE - **knowing and Loving God and people** - Instead of talking how bad someone is, pray for them! ## II. A High Command in Scripture 1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing. (Mat.22:37-40;Gal5:14) - "Thou Shalt" is a command as well as a promise. - Without Him (and His promises) I can do nothing. ### A. Praying without ceasing is continual, unbroken fellowship with The Lord (like breathing) - A healthy body is wasted without fellowship with the Lord. - Perfect peace is promised for those who keep their mind on the Lord. (Isa 26:3 ) - Not just always speaking, but *LISTENING* ### B. Praying without ceasing is Only a Possibility in the Spirit Eph 6:18 - Without the Spirit and His work, we are incomplete. - We need Him to pray through us. > Luke 22:44 — And being in an agony **he prayed more earnestly**: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ### C. Praying without ceasing is an ability that only God can give > 1 Peter 4:11 — If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ### D. Praying without ceasing is spiritual warfare ### E. Praying without ceasing is a Promise in scripture > Hebrews 7:25 — Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. > Romans 8:26 — Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. > 2 Corinthians 13:14 — The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.> ## II. A Testimony in Scripture > Romans 1:9 — For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing ;I make mention of you always in my prayers; > Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; > Philippians 1:3 —; I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, > Acts 10:2 — A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. > Luke 1:75 — In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. > Ephesians 1:16 — **Cease not** to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; > Ephesians 5:20 — Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; > Ephesians 6:18 — Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; > 2 Timothy 1:3 — I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; > 1 Th 1:2-3 — We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father > 1 Th 2:13 — For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. > 1 Th 3:10 — Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? > 1 Th 4:1 — Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. > 2 Th 1:11 — Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: > 2 Th 2:13 — But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: > 1 Thessalonians 5:16 — Rejoice <chairo> evermore. <pantote> > John 11:35 — Jesus <Iesous> wept. <dakruo> > Luke 22:44 — And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. > 2Co 6:10 — As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. > Isa 53:3 — He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. > Heb 5:7 — Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; > Heb 13:15 — By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. > Ps 34:1 — I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. > Ps 62:8 — Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. > Ps 71:14 — But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. > Ps 106:3 — Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. > Ps 119:20 — My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. > Ps 150:6 — Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. > Col 1:3 — We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, > Col 1:9 — For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; > Col 4:2,3 — Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: > Colossians 4:6 — Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ## III. With every stage of Growth there can be a state of continuing and standing of completion 7. With every stage of Growth there can be a state of continuing and standing of completion Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Ac 12:5 ¶ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Heb 13:18 ¶ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. ## IV. A Progression to know/love from now unto the end > Eph 3:19-21 — And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. ## V. A Confession in Scripture > 1 Samuel 12:23 — Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: > 1 Thessalonians 2:18 — Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. > Romans 1:13 — Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. > Romans 15:22 —; For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. Ga 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Pr 17:17 ¶ A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Ps 72:15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. Ps 72:18 ¶ Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.# The Hour of True Worship Announcing this Hour as the Hour of True WorshipThis Time now is to be the Hour of TRUE WORSHIPREDEEM THIS HOUR for the TrueWorship **THE FATHER** in Spirit and in Truthmust worship **HIM** in spirit and in truth> John 4:23 — But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ## I. This is the hour of True Worshippers worshipping The Father and The Son > Joh 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. > 2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. > Joh 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. > Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. > Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. > Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. > Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. > Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. > Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. > 1Jo 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. > 1Jo 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. > 2Jo 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. > Mt 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. > Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. > Re 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Re 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. You won’t have true worship without a fight Joe 3:9 ¶ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Da 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: 12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Da 3:28 ¶ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 2Co 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Ex 34:5 ¶ And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Lu 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. Ge 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. Da 5:29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.# Intercession at the Throne - Adult Bible Class Sept 24 2023 The Lord intercedes continually ![](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-09/scaled-1680-/intercession-praying-the-perfect-will-of-god.webp)> Ro 8:26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. > Ro 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. > Ro 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, > Ps 139:1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: > Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. > Isa 62:1 ¶ For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. 2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. > Isa 62:3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. 4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and. {Hephzibah: that is, My delight is in her} {Beulah: that is, “thy land shall be married”} > Isa 62:5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. Pray without ceasing > 6 ¶ I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, 7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. > 8 The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: 9 But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness. > 10 ¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. 11 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 12 And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. Message from the cross It Is Finished: Redemption is Provided “The redeemed of the LORD” The Saviour is Perfected > Lu 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. > Heb 2:10 ¶ For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. > Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; > Heb 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. {consecrated: Gr. perfected } Message from the Throne > Re 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. > Re 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. > Re 2:1 ¶ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; > Re 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. > Re 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. > Re 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. > Re 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Things God Hates: - 2:6 “the deeds of the Nicolaitans“ - 2:15 “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” > Ps 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. 1Jo 4:17-18; 2Co 13:11 (2Ch 19:2)evil/wicked MISLEADING in doctrine and practice on purpose “cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel,” - 2:14 “the doctrine of Balaam”# See the Son, Believe and Be His > John 6:40 — And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. ![](https://www.bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2023-10/jesus-smaller-brighter.png)> Galatians 3:22 — But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. > Genesis 29:32 — And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. > John 7:33-38 — Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. 34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. 35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? 36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come? 37 ¶ In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. > John 1:12 — Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? > Galatians 3:26 — For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. > 2 Corinthians 5:7 — (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) > Mark 6:5 — And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.# Nourished Up in the Words of Faith and of Good Doctrine 1 Timothy 4:6-7 > 1 Timothy 4:6-7 — If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. https://youtu.be/FZsxMcMzh8A - Even the children to be ministers of the Gospel. And if were to minister, we need to know and understand the truth by the Spirit. - "Ministering Christ" Not promoting self, but true ministers of Jesus Christ. Many are talking about Jesus, but do not even know Him. Nourished Up in the Words of Faith and Good Doctrine - "Whereunto thou has attained" - So that we attain it, put it into practice Many are saying things which are not of faith. Instead are: demeaning, compromise, discouraging, of unbeliefe. > 1 Timothy 4:1 — Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. - We need the word of faith that is nourishing our soul. - The evil that is present, is going to effect alot of people. We must REMIND the brethren of these things, lest it happen to them. - "Now the Spirit speaketh..." If the Holy Ghost is speaking, shouldn't we be listening? We need to pay attention to what God is saying. - "Seducing spirits" You can start believing things that are false. You do not have to fear the devil, if you are trusting the Lord. You should respect him although as you would a snake. Pray for Jesus to be Lord of your life. If you play with snakes, you will get bit. - Remind the brethren we are in days of apostasy — of departing from the faith. > 2 Corinthians 6:1 — We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.# Going Forth, Growing Up > Malachi 4:2 — But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. - This is a message of a lifetime. - "Go forth, and Grow Up" > Hebrews 13:13 — Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. - Advancing in the privileges, promises and provisions that God has made. - Calves Out of the Stall -- just happy to be free; - As a newborn Believer, our experience is birthed in "happiness; freedom; rest", freedom from the restrictions, bondages and restraints of sin. > Jeremiah 6:16 — Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall **find rest for your souls**. But they said, We will not walk therein. - "The Crowning of the Lord", "Espousal of the Lord/Engagement", "Sonship", "Wedding" - "bearing his reproach." We will be "reproached, shunned" for following Jesus. > Ephesians 4:15 — But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: > 1 Peter 1:15 — But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; > Ephesians 4:15 — But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: > 1 Timothy 4:2 — Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;# Fruitful in Christ ## Beware of the Little Foxes You could be fruitful but if you don't pay attention to fox, he can destroy the fruit. > Song of Solomon 2:15 — Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. - The devil is a fox > The Devil Is A Sly Old Fox, > If I Could Catch Him > I'd Put Him In A Box > Lock The Box And Throw Away The Key > For All Those Tricks He's Played On Me. > I'm Glad I am a Christian (3x's) > I'm Trusting In The Lord. - 1901 Dickens "Curiosity Shop" uses the phrase "sly old fox" - 1946 "Dew on Jordan" by Harold Preece, page 47 (UK) - 1948 "Dunshaw: A Lancashire Background page 46 - 1970 Nazarine magazine, Preacher's Magazine - 1982 "The Ministry of Teaching" quotes song - Curtis Hutson in "Salvation Crystal Clear" tells the story of an "old preacher" quoting this song., 1987, Sword of the Lord Publishers - 1987, "Built by the Spirit" - Page 183 - 2009, Paraphrased version in a poem - "Poems of Shylock", 2012, section "Duel with Old Nick (in prose)", refers to "sunday school song", "Satan is a sly old fox", In order to be fruitful, the branch must be purged. > John 15:4# Profitable Servants > Luke 17:9,10 — 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. - Christ is real and must be faithful witness to no deny His reality in our works. - In Luke 14:1, Jesus is invited to the Chief Pharisees House - Because He healed on the Sabaath day, they were 'watching' Jesus. - Luke 17, is the culmination of chapters 14,15, and 16. - It is not "Praise me", but "Praise God!" - Get the whole message. ## Verse 9, "Doth he thank that servant?" - The Gospel and the Christian life is bigger than just you and I. - There is a grand scheme.# God's Provisions are for us to Know and Find Our Place with Christ > 2 Peter 1:3 — According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: > SONG: Our soul escaped like a bird > Out of the snare of the fowler > Our soul escaped like a bird > Out of the snare of the fowler > The snare is broken and we are escaped > Our help is in the name of the Lord > The snare is broken and we are escaped > Our help is in the name of the Lord \[Psalm 124:7\] - God's provisions make us free. There is a liberty in Christ. - You can know the truth. > John 8:32 — And ye shall know mthe truth, and the truth shall make you free. > John 8:34 — Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. > John 8:36 — If tthe Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. > John 8:43 — Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. > John 8:47 — He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. > 1 John 4:6 — We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. > John 10:27 — > 2 Peter 1:3 — > John 17:12 — b n5rnrrmbj > John 18:9 — > Acts 1:20 — > Psalm 69:25 — > Psalm 109:8 — > John 14:17 —# Hear and Keep the Word > Lu 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. > Lu 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. 34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Lu 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. Lu 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; Lu 11:29 ¶ And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. Lu 11:37 ¶ And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Lu 12:1 ¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. “he began to say unto his disciples first of all” - Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Lu 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. - I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear Lu 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. - Beware of covetousness Lu 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Lu 12:22 ¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. Lu 12:41 ¶ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? Lu 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 1. faithful and wise steward Lu 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. Lu 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Lu 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. Lu 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 2. False unfaithful unwise servant Lu 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 3. Unprepared/disobedient servant (poor Performance) 47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 4. Ignorant Lu 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. A Baptism of Suffering Lu 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! He warns of hypocrisy in discerning right judgments Lu 12:54 ¶ And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? 57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. 59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite. Luke 12:57-59; Mat 5:25-26; 1 Cor 6:7; 2 Cor 7:2 1 Peter 2:19-21 > # Bible Class: Four Beasts, Horses, Horsemen Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 2Co 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 1Jo 2:18 ¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 2Jo 1:7 ¶ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Php 3:17 ¶ Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Re 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. Re 6:1 ¶ And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. 3 ¶ And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. 5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. 7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth Zech 1:18-21; 6:1-9; Mat 24:4-31; Lk 21:8-28;36 Re 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Details matter Sequence time (colors/numbers) White Horse Red Horse Black Horse Pale/green Horse SOME are called to see and be a thundering voice against it Four beasts Prophecy before judgment/wrath Rev.6:17 Rom 1:17-18 Noise/Voice like thunder to roar like a lion - Four Horses - power - Four Horsemen - Leadership White Horse Red Horse Black Horse Pale/green Horse 1. White Horse False worship peace pretense lies/hate 1. Righteousness under great persecution Ac 8:1 2. Counterfeits, anti-Christ’s 2Ti 3:12,13; 2Th 2:11; 1Ti 4:1; 2Ti 2:16 (deceptions) 2. Red Horse 1. Blood, war “a great sword” (nuclear warheads) 2. Communism, Marxism, openly socialist 3. Black Horse 1. Famine and economic collapse 1. Pair of balances (every measure costs) 2. Oil/wine (little sold for alot) benefit big Business 4. Pale/green Horse 1. Transition to green economy 1. Leave fossil fuel and go green 2. Protests/bribes Am 5:10,12; Is 29:21 Gharna(700) Ukraine 113billion USA dollars “substantial sums” Funded walks to brainwashed by bad media/schools 2. Forced Ecological Transformation Re 6:8 1. No transporting oil to black outs 2. Engineered famines -DEATH slaughter 1. Zero carbon to zero nitrogen 3. The green energy religion 1. Force Submission to the agender 1. One world government 2. One world economy 3. One world religion God will bring to judgment all these decisions they are making to benefit themselves # God's Shewbread Triumphant - Called According to God's Purpose > Romans 8:28 — And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. > οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι τοῖς ἀγαπῶσι τὸν Θεὸν πάντα συνεργεῖ εἰς ἀγαθόν, τοῖς κατὰ πρόθεσιν κλητοῖς οὖσιν. "Whose Fan is in His hand" > Matthew 3:11-12 — The Baptism of the Holy Ghost > Acts 1:5 — > Acts 1:8 — > Acts 11:16 — > John 14:26 — # Calling and Election Sure > 2 Peter 1:10 — Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: We have a responsibility to believe in Chirst and to remain in Christ through diligent obedience. > John 3:31 — He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. ## I. Calling - Invitation, Invited ## II. Election > Titus 1:1 — Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;# The Eternal State of Believers > Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; > John 1:14 — And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. - - - - - - - The Eternal State (Eschatos) of Believers, The Final (Eschatos) Condition > Luke 11:26 — Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and **the last state** of that man is worse than the first. - 2078. escatwv eschatos, a superlative probably from 2192 (in the sense of contiguity); farthest, final (of place or time):--ends of, last, latter end, lowest, uttermost. > Ge 43:7 And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? > Mt 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. - Risen Up at the **"Last Day"** > Joh 6:54 — Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. > John 11:24 — Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. > Ro 8:29 ¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.# Simple Faith > Mark 11:22 — And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.# Preach and to have Power > Matthew 10:1 — And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. > Mark 3:13-15 — And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to **preach**, 15 **And to have power** to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: > Mark 6:7 — And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; > Luke 9:1-2 — Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. > Luke 10:1-3 — After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as **lambs** among wolves. Peace NOT Tension Joined to peaceful, kind disposition > Luke 10:5-6 — And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, **Peace be to this house**. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. The Word of God can change the vilest sinner. If there is a right response to the Word of God, stay there. Is the "son of peace" here? > Matthew 10:12-14 — And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Don't be so quick to shake the dust off your feet before giving opportunity to cast the devil out! God holds us responsible for those things He has offered us. > Matthew 10:16 — Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Sheep not wolves Peace NOT Tension > Matthew 10:20 — For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. > Mark 6:10-11 — And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. > Acts 1:8 — But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. > 1 Corinthians 12:13 — For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. > Romans 12:5 — So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. > Romans 12:15 — Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. > 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 — And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. > Colossians 1:24 — Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: > Job 30:25 — Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor? > Psalm 35:13-14 — But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. 14 I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. > Titus 3:5 — Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; > 1 Peter 1:12 — Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have **preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost** sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. > 2 Peter 1:21 — For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. > Jude 1:20 — But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,# Everyone of You Hath ... 1 Corinthians 14:26 > 1 Corinthians 14:26 — How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. ## Introduction ### How is it every one of you hath ... 1. A Psalm 2. A Doctrine 3. A Tongue 4. A Revelation 5. An Interpretation ## 1. A Psalm - **References:** 2 Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 6:23; Proverbs 23:23; Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:7; Isaiah 28:23; Isaiah 28:26; Isaiah 28:29; James 5:13; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:15; Luke 12:11-12; Acts 4:8; Psalm 16:7; Psalm 32:8; Song of Solomon 8:2; Matthew 26:29; Ephesians 1:11-14; Pslam 30:12: Psalm 108:1; Psalm 138:5; Psalm 149:5; Job 35:9-10; 1 Kings 4:32 - (1 Corinthians 14:26) Keep me true/PURE Lord Jesus - (Song of Solomon 8:2) The Bride's Desire - (Matthew 26:29) Two types of spiritual cups: 1) Cup of Salvation 2) Cup of Marriage - (Psalm 108:1) my glory: that is, my tongue, or, my soul - (Psalm 149:5) Continual Joy, rest and quietness as we follow His instructions. ## 2. A Doctrine - **References:** Matthew 7:28-29; 1 Corinthians 14:6; 1 Corinthians 14:3-4; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Corinthians 2:15; Matthew 16:12; Matthew 22:33; Mark 1:22; Mark 1:27; Mark 5:2; Mark 11:18; Mark 12:38; Luke 4:32; John 7:15-17; John 7:9; John 1:18; John 10:15; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 28:19; Romans 1:3; Galatians 4:4; John 18:19-21; Acts 13:12; Acts 17:19; Romans 6:17-18; Romans 16:17; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:6; 1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:9; Hebrews 6:1; Hebrews 6:2; Hebrews 13:9; 2 John 1:9 Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:26; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 2:18-19; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24; Revelation 2:14-15; Revelation 2:24; Acts 15:28; Ephesians 3:16-21; Acts 10:38; Colossians 1:9 - (1 Corinthians 14:26) Doctrine: didache instruction *(teaching, learning)* - (1 Corinthians 14:6) The right use of spiritual Gifts profit. - (1 Corinthians 14:3-4) The right use of the spiritual Gifts edity. - (1 Corinthians 14:33) The right use of the spiritual Gifts are peaceful. - (1 Corinthians 2:15) The right use of the spiritual Gifts is needed. ## 3. A Tongue - **References:** 1 Corinthians 14:6; Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:22; 1 Corinthians 14:1-18; 1 Corinthians 14:39; 2 Corinthians 12:19; 1 Corinthians 14:2; 1 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:18-19; Colosians 4:2-3; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 2:20,27; Jude 1:20; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; Genesis 11:7; Acts 2:4-6; James 3:8; Acts 1:8; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6; Isaiah 28:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:21; Judges 13:18-20; Acts 8:17-20; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5; Ephesians 1:13-14; James 5:7; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1; Acts 3:19; Acts 3:21; Acts 2:38; Luke 11:13; John 7:37-39; Acts 7:51; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; 2 Peter 3:16; John 20:22; Acts 8:15; Acts 9:17; Mark 1:27; Acts 17:19; Acts 9:18; Mark 1:27; Acts 17:19; Acts 9:18-20; Acts 26:19-20; - Making Known the Mysteries - (Mark 16:17) speak with new tongues (unction; anointing; under the influence - (Ephesians 1:13-14) "until" ## 4. A Revelation - **References:** ## 5. An Interpretation - **References:** 1 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:9; Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 2:29; Romans 7:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Romans 3:21-22; 2 Corinthians 3:8-9; Proverbs 13:17; Proverbs 25:13; Galatians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 1:6; Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 1:20; 1 Corinthians 12:30; 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:13; 1 Corinthians 14:27; Genesis 41:12; Judges 7:15; Proverbs 1:6; Ecclesiastes 8:1; Daniel 2:16; Haggai 1:13; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Philippians 2:25; John 1:42; John 9:7; Acts 9:36 BE A MESSENGER of TRUTH — Christ's Ambassador Wisely Expounding God's Will# The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is More than a Principle > Matthew 3:11 — I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: The promise of the Father is that the Holy Ghost will come upon us and indwell us. - Ephesians 4:3; Colossians 3:14-16 - HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit has no flesh. Is not a man, but is a "person"/"personal" and is a "spirit" - The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not to be made out to be an industry of man. - The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not to be orchestrated by human affair and management. > Ephesians 4:4,5 — There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, - You cannot be born again without the Holy Ghost. You cannot become saved or remain saved without the work of the Holy Ghost in us. - "Born Again" is an interpretation of "Born from Above" "Born of God" "Born of the Spirit." "**Born into family**" (Mark 1:8; Matthew 3:16; Acts 1:5) - Christ dwells in our heart through faith; The Holy Ghost dwells in our heart through faith. Salvation is a gift. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is a a gift - You do not have a gift of "eternal life" without Jesus. If Christ does not remain in you, you lose eternal life as well. We need the Holy ghost DWELLING IN US. Do not be afraid of the Holy Ghost. - Holy Ghost Baptism is not "automatic" with regeneration. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is a gift subsequent to regeneration. - Ephesians 1:13,14 -- You do not recieve PERFECTION in being once Baptized by the Holy Ghost. YOu receive the "earnest" of that inheritance of PERFECTION / COMPLETE SALVATION. > Acts 19:1 — And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, **Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?** And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, **Unto what then were ye baptized?** And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, **they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.** 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve. - prophesied: speak under inspiration. tongues: illustrates the universality of the gospel message. 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 ... order and intelligibility in worship. - The Holy Ghost in us causing us to grow. Being led by the Spirit is going to IDENTIFY who you are. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, **they are the sons of God**. > 1 Corinthians 12:12,13 — For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. - Born into the Family. Baptized into the Body. > 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 — But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. > 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 — Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. > Acts 2:38 — Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - Compare: Acts 10:47-48; 19:5 > Acts 22:16 — And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. - compare: 1 Corinthians 1:14,16 > Galatians 3:27 — For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.# The Blessed God > 1 Timothy 1:11,12 &mdash According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; > 1 Timothy 6:15 — Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; > 2 Timothy 2:15 — Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. > Matthew 11:29 — Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.