Tag Archives: Jesus’ Life Lesson

REVELATIONS OF THE TRUE NEED

Leave a reply

FORGIVENESS OFFERED

Imagine you have some health systems and you tried to treat yourself without any success. Finally, you go see a physician. After careful analysis of all the facts, your physician reaches a conclusion about what is wrong and prescribes what you need to make you whole again. In this case the physician knew to fully understand what the you needed before trying to deal with how to heal you. Jesus performed a miracle that involved forgiving a paralyzed man of his sins. The miracle reminds us of our greatest need and how much Jesus wants to make us whole. Jesus desires that all people experience His forgiveness and grace. However, just like when we need to go to a physician for help, we must “go” to Jesus for His “healing”.

Read Luke 5:17-20 Jesus Honors Faith

When Jesus began His public ministry, news about Him spread quickly throughout the region. People came from Galilee and Judea to hear Him preach and teach. As they listened, the growing crowd of people got a chance to witness for themselves His power to heal. Religious leaders came to hear Him, but they didn’t come to learn from His instruction. Rather, they showed up so they could investigate Him and His ministry. Verse 17 introduces the Pharisees and teachers of the law that showed up from all over Galilee and Judea, including Jerusalem. While no sinister intent is mentioned, these religious leaders became Jesus’ severest critics. They were separatists who sought to avoid contact with unclean things and unclean people. The Pharisees were more interested in defining and keeping the huge body of religious traditions that had been accumulating for more than 400 years since the Jews’ return from exile. They were so concerned with these man-made traditions that they often lost sight of Scripture. Here these leaders felt threatened because Jesus challenged their sincerity and because the people were flocking to Him.

Among those coming to Jesus were several men (likely 4), carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. (KJV says palsy, which while being serious, it may not have alone caused the man to be paralyzed.) These men could not get through the large crowd so they took the paralyzed man to the roof and lowered him right to where Jesus was standing. In Bible days, houses were built of stone and had roofs of mud and straw with clay tiles layered on top. Normally, there would be an outside stairway to the roof. So the men carried their friend, while he was laying on a mat. To the roof and took apart as much of the roof as was necessary to get access to Jesus. It wasn’t the paralyzed man’s faith that impressed Jesus but the depth of the faith of his friends who carried him. For better or worse, our faith affects others. We can not make another person a Christian, but we can do much through our words, actions and love to another person a chance to respond. The lesson here “screams” out to us to look for any way possible to bring our friends to the living Christ.

Why did Jesus deal with the man’s sins before healing him? (Jesus dealt with the man’s sins first because that was the man’s basic need. Jesus is always concerned about the total person, but at the heart of human need is the problem of sin and guilt.) Remember that the author of this Scripture- Luke- was a physician but he knew that the greater need was for the forgiveness of the man’s sins. See Matthew 9:2 for incite into how Jesus deals with the person’s greater need first. In doing so, Jesus was asserting a prerogative that was God’s alone (v. 21; 7:49). Jesus’ subsequent healing of the man’s condition was proof that He had the authority to forgive sins as well- much to the consternation of the Pharisees.

Read Luke 5:21-26 Jesus Forgives Sin

Jesus’ actions and words led the scribes and Pharisees to accuse Him of blasphemy. He claimed to do something only God can do- forgive sins. This led the Jewish religious present to conclude that Jesus thought He was God, which is punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). They felt compelled to uphold the law here, even though they were ignoring it in many other cases. They did not understand that Jesus did have the power to heal both body and the soul. Forgiveness was a sign that the messianic age had come (Isaiah 40:2, Jer. 2:32, Micah 7:18, Zechariah 13:1). However, Jesus did not use any of the popular messianic titles. Instead He referred to Himself as Son of man. As we learned before, Jesus used this title more than any other when He was speaking of who He was. He used it to stress two aspects of His redemptive work- death and resurrection (Luke 9:22). On one hand, the Son of man is a humble sufferer who seems weak and powerless; on the other hand, He is vindicated and glorified in divine power (Luke 9:26, also Daniel 7:13).

Jesus’ actions bring to mind an important truth. Sometimes our greatest needs are spiritual in nature. This story of the paralytic doesn’t mean to imply that the cause of physical suffering is necessarily sins that need to be forgiven. (Of course, sometimes our sin causes injury.) Rather, it affirms our foundational spiritual need for an intimate relationship with God through Jesus. Believers are so forgiven that, in God’s eyes, it is as if they had never sinned. Why do you think Jesus asked the question to the religious leaders in verse 23- “Which is easier: to say, ‘your sins are forgiven you’; or to say, ‘Get up and walk”? (Jesus knew the hearts and minds of His accusers. He used His wisdom to counteract their accusations by giving them a paradox.) What He was saying is-if He did not have the authority to forgives sin, then the paralyzed man would not be able to walk. Since the man walked, it was evident that Jesus could forgive sin. Notice that both the paralyzed man and the people in the crowd who witnessed the miracle praised God for what they saw. Luke says they registered complete “awe” and gave “glory to God” for the miracle. It provided an unquestionable demonstration of Jesus’ power to heal and forgive. And of course, glorifying God has a powerful effect on the people who hear us praise Him.

Read Luke 5:29-32 Jesus Seeks Sinners

Luke presents Jesus as the friend of sinners. He freely associated with all kinds of people. This placed Him on a collision course with the Pharisees. The first collision came after Jesus accepted Levi’s dinner invitation. The Pharisees believed in close association only with people who rigidly observed the laws about ritual cleanliness. Neither of the two groups that were guests of Levi’s, met the Pharisees qualifications. Levi was a tax collector and they were outcasts from respectable society. Many tax collectors were collaborators with foreign-dominated governments. (Today they might be called traitors.) They had daily contact with all kinds of other “unclean” people. So most Jewish people thought that tax collectors were “sinners”. In Levi’s case, he seemed eager to leave all behind him because he quickly left a very lucrative business and life-style to follow Jesus as soon as Jesus asked.

Matthew’s (Levi) life was changed in a most profound way that he could not wait to have other tax collectors to meet Jesus. So he arranged a grand banquet in Jesus’ honor at his house. It seems clear that Matthew invited other folks so they would not miss out on the opportunity to know Jesus. Two insights about reaching people for Christ came into view at this point. First, notice Matthew’s method of evangelizing his friends. When we take his example seriously, we search for ways to introduce our lost friends to Christ so they can invite Jesus into their lives. Whether it is in our home and mix some lost friends with dedicated Christians for a social gathering or meal or we invite them to church, sit with them and introduce them to others at church, we are doing the same as Matthew’s example. Second, we need to pay close attention to Jesus’ willingness to associate Himself with social and religious outcasts of His day. His example compels us to see everybody who doesn’t know Him personally. If we treat them like outcasts to be shunned, then we are behaving more like the Pharisees than Christians. Jesus knew that all would not see themselves as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. However, He showed by His example how to treat all people who have not been saved. Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees, not only showed His compassion for the lost, but showed His authority to save all from their sins and trying to help the Pharisees see that they too needed to repent.

For more about helping people, Copy and Paste:

http://4fd03ku0f-4l9w6qlh25q9eh-d.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=ABIDINGINGOD

http://7a712f1s83tu0scrs5yjv6vl6w.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=VICTORIOUSCHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN LIFE IS BETTER

Leave a reply

WHY THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS BETTER

“The Best Things in Life Don’t Come Easy.” Following Christ is not always easy. The joy and peace experienced by having a genuine relationship with the Creator of the Universe makes all effort and struggles worthwhile. Figuring out how to convey this message to an unbeliever is not always easy. The main thrust of our lesson is to understand why the Christian life is better than any other manner of living and how to best share this with unbelievers.

Read John 14:15-18   The Presence

In the previous two verses, 13 & 14, Jesus gives a promise of power in prayer. The scope of prayer is unlimited but it has a condition. Verse 14 says, “Yes, ask Me for anything in My name and I will do it.” Then in verse 15, we learn the condition- Jesus says to love Him. The one who loves Jesus will live a life of obedience to Him. This is John’s account of the disciples last few moments with Jesus. The eleven disciples had given up everything to passionately follow Jesus. Now He was informing them that His time on earth was coming to an end- not exactly an easy message to swallow for the disciples. Jesus is giving some encouragement to the disciples. John shares with us these promises from Jesus to serve as a great foundation for us for a better Christian life. The close relationship the disciples had with Jesus helped in their petitions to the Father. It is this relationship that Jesus wanted to honor. So the next promise is that the Father will send them -and us- “another counselor”. When it says “another” it means a second counselor in this case. So we are being told that this counselor would be like Jesus Himself. Ask: Who is this counselor and why do you think it says “the world is unable to receive Him or know Him”? (The Holy Spirit! Unbelievers will not know Him and only believers will have the Holy Spirit to reside in them.) The promise of Jesus went even further. He was telling the disciples that even though He was going away, He would have His Father provide a helper that would be personal and permanent. We know that God never abandons us. This promise clearly says that we don’t have to face life alone. (The Christian doesn’t have to face “losing” a loved one alone and without the eternal hope of being with them again.) This is the first reason that Christian life is the best life because we have the PRESENCE of the divine Counselor and the Advocate- this means the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The word advocate combines the ideas of comfort and counsel- (The NLT version of the Bible uses “advocate” in place of “Counselor”.) Therefore, this suggests the Holy Spirit will be far more than a counselor. He will be that comforter we all need to live a better Christian life.

Read John 14:27-31a    The Peace

After the promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesus told the disciples that He leaves them with “peace”. This is not worldly peace, but Godly peace! This is described as Jesus’ peace, which will far surpass any peace of comfort we can find in the world alone. This is the peace of God, which scripture teaches surpasses all understanding and calms the inner turmoil of His followers. As believers, we receive a peace that the world will never comprehend. Ask: What seems to be the key difference in how God gives and what also Jesus said, “not give to you as the world gives”?  (The world expects that its gift needs to be repair, many times with interest. God gives unconditionally with no expectations that we repay anything.)Jesus continues by saying He expected the disciples to rejoice in the fact that He went to the Father. Then He says that the Father is “greater than I”. This is not a comparison of their ranks or equality, but rather their roles. Scripture teaches that each member of the Trinity is equal. Jesus was saying that He was submitting to many of the physical limitations of His humanity while on earth. (Philippians 2:6). Ask: Who is the “ruler of the world” that Jesus said is coming? It is not who we may first think! (Satan, but they were given assurance that Satan has no power over Jesus.) Again Jesus was giving encouragement to the disciples. He was preparing them for His “going away” and the reason was because He loved the Father and was doing His Father’s will. Jesus assured all future generations of believers that they would be able to cling to God’s presence and PEACE. This was yet another reason why Christian life is better.

Read John 15:11-16   The Purpose

The final benefit of the Christian life Jesus was teaching the disciples in John is divine purpose. We hear often of someone asking the meaning of life and they express how it must be a deep, dark secret. Christianity provides that answer very clearly and simply. We were created to fellowship with God, abide in Him so we might produce spiritual fruit. In other words, seek God’s will and do His will in all things. No one can experience genuine joy apart from a relationship with Christ. In verse 1-10, just preceding what was read, Jesus shares the analogy of the vine and the branches. He is telling the disciples (and us) that your joy will be complete when we love Him and show that love by producing that spiritual fruit. So we know that true, lasting joy which transcends circumstances originates with the Christian life because of our personal relationship with Jesus. Ask: How do you think we take hold of this life full of God’s presence, peace and purpose? (It is likely the most simple yet most difficult thing to do. We simply obey God. We do that by following His guides/commandments for our life and praying to Him constantly. This involves – to love one another.)We know that Christ demonstrated no “greater love than this”, the depth of His love we can never fully understand- until we meet Him face to face in Heaven. We are asked only to accept it. Remember, Jesus was facing arrest, trial, and execution. Yet here He was preparing and giving encouragement to the disciples- and to us. What a great example as we face our final days on this earth and prepare to experience our Great Adventure (more on this tonight). Then in verse 15, Jesus calls us, as believers, His friend! Because Jesus Christ is Lord and Master, He should call us servants. Instead we are called- “My friends, if you do what I command you.” This is not blind obedience, like one would expect from a servant or slave. This is “because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing”. Jesus tells us that He has “made known to you everything and have heard form My Father.” So Jesus indicates that He has shared all of this with us solely because He “chose us”. How great is it to be chosen by Jesus? Jesus is telling us that when our relationship with His is to the point that we are truly abiding in Him, then things we desire to pray for are the things He impresses upon our hearts. When this occurs, the Father will answer all of our prayers- those that Jesus impresses upon our hearts, through the work of the Holy Spirit. This type of intimacy with the Creator can only be obtained by living the Christian life- Presence, Peace, and Purpose.

HERE IS A STUDY OF CHRISTIAN AFFIRMATIONS  Copy and Paste:

http://90647nuue1xs5n49n8cjcx6k2x.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=CHRISTIANAFFIRMATIONS

VICTORIOUS LIVING GUIDELINES  Copy and Paste:

http://7a712f1s83tu0scrs5yjv6vl6w.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=VICTORIOUSCHRISTIAN

REVELATIONS: RESURRECTED

Leave a reply

RESURRECTED LIKE NO OTHER
Many have no fear for their own death but according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 68% of people fear death. From a purely human viewpoint, why would anyone look forward to the cessation of their life? We know those in the military, when presented with a dangerous situation, will risk their lives for others. Confronted with a situation that threatens our close loved ones, we, too, will risk our lives for them. However, in either case (military or loved ones) these potential sacrifices are not planned. Jesus’ sacrifice had long been planned. He gives us hope in the face of death. That hope was made clear when Jesus rose from the dead. His death and resurrection conquered death for those who place their faith in Him. We can be assured of eternal life- even beyond this physical life- because of Jesus.
Read Matthew 28:1-7
Jesus is alive and we can live forever!! The Jewish Sabbath day had ended at sunset on Saturday and we learn that the stone had been removed from the tomb’s entrance. Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (who was the mother of James and Joseph Matt. 27:56) went to the tomb with spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. There are reports that there was no time before the start of the Sabbath after Jesus was removed from the cross to apply such spices to His body. So when the women, who had supported Jesus during His ministry, arrived at the tomb they found the tomb empty. They had fully expected to find His corpse and they had major concerns on how they would remove the stone blocking the tomb’s entrance (Mark 16:3). Even while planning to honor Jesus by applying the spices, they had to be feeling a sense of hopelessness, defeat or confusion. Without question, the stone over the tomb was never a problem for the women as the angel had moved the stone so the women could enter the tomb. However, in their minds, they still faced the tragic situation of facing Jesus’ corpse- until the angel spoke. (It is clear that the angel was described as a “He”. Of course, we really don’t know what that means for an ”angel”.)

It should be understood that the stone was not rolled aside so Jesus could get out but so others could get in and see that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as He had promised. The women were greeted by a sight very different from anything they had expected. Either just before or at the time of their arrival at the tomb, “there was a violent earthquake” (v.2)! An angel came down out of heaven, rolled the stone away from the entrance and in triumph, sat on the stone. The angel’s dazzling appearance was a chock to the Roman guards, who trembled and fell unconscious. The angel gave the women a message of comfort- “He is not here!” His former burial place was now empty, and they could easily verify this fact for themselves. His resurrection had been a bodily one. Besides telling the women that Jesus had risen, the angel sent the women on a mission. They were to find Jesus’ disciples and tell them the wonderful news of the resurrection. They were also to tell the disciples that Jesus would precede them to Galilee. When the disciples returned to Galilee, they would find Him there already.

The angel, who announced the good news of the resurrection to the women, gave them four messages: 1) Do not be afraid! The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When we are afraid, remember the empty tomb. 2) He isn’t here. Jesus is not dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people. 3) Come see! The women could check the evidence for themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. 4) Go quickly and tell! They were to spread the joy of the resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is the key to the Christian faith.
Why is this the key to Christian faith? (It shows that the Living Christ is the ruler of God’s eternal Kingdom, not a false prophet or imposter. We can be certain that an earthly death is not the end. There is future life!)
Read Matthew 28:8-10
Notice the unusual use of the words “fear and great joy” together, but the presence of both is understandable. The women had just experienced an earthquake, had seen a radiant angel, and had heard of Jesus’ resurrection. Who among us would not have had some fear? And at the same time, the joy of knowing that Jesus had overcome death and was ready to meet them in Galilee filled their hearts with overwhelming gladness and joy. The women quickly left the tomb to carry out the angel’s instructions. So fear mingled with the joy they felt as they ran to tell the eleven remaining disciples the news of the resurrection. The empty tomb by itself did not prove the resurrection. But now the women were about to witness the real proof that Jesus had risen. Jesus met them on their way and He spoke to the women. The meeting was not merely a vision. The Mary’s were able to grasp Jesus’ feet in an act of worship. He was the Jesus they remembered. But now they recognized Him as deserving the worship belonging to God alone. They may have felt like breaking out in a happy dance or at least sing “Oh Happy Day”.
Jesus repeated the instructions the angel had given the women (28:7). There was one important change, however. He called His disciples “my brothers” (v. 10). They had failed Him completely in His time of greatest trial, but Jesus forgave them and looked ahead to what they would be as they served Him in the future. Jesus told the women to pass a message to the disciples. He said that He would meet them in Galilee, as He had previously told them (Mark 14:28). The disciples were afraid of the religious leaders and they stayed hidden behind locked doors in Jerusalem (John 20:19). Jesus did not unlock the door. He just appeared to them in the flesh. So Jesus met them first right there (Luke 24:36) and then later in Galilee (John 21).

Matthew goes to tell of that meeting in Galilee also (28:16-20), but does not mention the initial Jerusalem meeting. Why do you think that Matthew did not mention the Jerusalem meeting? (It could be that Matthew was not wanting tell that he and others were afraid to go to Galilee! Maybe he thought it was not that important to share.)

Afterwards, the disciples became eyewitnesses of the resurrected Lord. Paul wrote, “He (Jesus) appeared to over 500 at one time… Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all He also appeared to me.” (1 Cor. 15:6-8). All of these passed their witness on to others, who told others, until someone told us. So our responsibility is to pass it on to as many as we can. Because Jesus rose from the dead and is alive today, we can not only know the story, we can also experience the eternal life with Him that God desires for each of us. Jesus resurrection is completely unique. No other “leader” of their religion rose from the dead; Buddha did not; Muhammad did not; Confucius did not! As our lesson title indicates- Resurrected Like No Other!

REVELATION: A DEEPER LOOK INTO THE MEANING

THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS IS FILLED WITH SYMBOLISM AND PHRASES THAT ARE NOT EASY TO UNDERSTAND. THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD BOOKS ON REVELATION AND HEAVEN. THIS IS JUST ONE FOR YOU READING TIME.

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER LOOK AT REVELATIONS

REVELATION OF GOD’S GIFTS

Leave a reply

EQUIPPED WITH GOD’S GIFT
The word “gifted” is often used to describe a person who can perform a task easily, whereas the rest of us have to work hard to do the same thing. The world seems to gravitate to people who are talented or highly skilled with unique abilities. The more talented a person does not necessarily make the world a better place. God has a different focus. His desire is for us to serve and support others, and He equips us for that very purpose. The gifts God gives us aren’t meant to glorify the gifted person. Our gifts are to be used in service to others to build up the body of Christ. First Corinthians 12 shows us that God gives each of us gifts for ministry.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
The usual purpose of Paul’s writings to a church is due to some trouble in that church. Jesus addressed this problem in His conversation with John when He told John to record everything in Revelations. The first three chapters are devoted to the 7 churches and their problems and it remains a warning to our churches today. Paul’s writings, here in chapter 12, are for the divisive issue surrounding spiritual gifts. Some in the church were taking pride in their gifts and belittling those who possessed what they considered to be “lesser gifts”. Paul was telling them (and us) that all believers served the same Lord and all spiritual gifts were distributed by the same Holy Spirit of God as He deemed fit for the accomplishment of God’s purpose. When God gifts His people, He doesn’t use a one-fits-all strategy. He gives gifts that are a perfect fit for each individual and each church.
After dealing with the inappropriate manner in which the Corinthians were observing the Lord’s Supper (11:17-34), Paul turned to matters of the Spirit (12:1). He was especially concerned about how worship was being conducted. His emphasis was that “everything must be done decently and in order” (14:40). Paul was clearly writing in chapters 12 and 14 about that which was not happening in the Corinthian church. False teachings were being presented, and uncontrolled behavior was occurring. Those involved claimed they were being led by the Holy Spirit and their gifts were superior.
We are no more left to our own resources to be the body of Christ in a community than we are to achieve our own salvation. By grace we are saved, and by the enabling graces or charismatic gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon every believer, we are equipped as a church to serve. In verses 4-6 Paul mentioned the varieties of spiritual gifts, emphasizing the sameness of their divine source and operation. Then in verse 7, he affirmed, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”. This is great news! It means that every Christian has received some charismatic gift or enabling grace. No one is overlooked. Nor should any believers say, “I cannot do anything meaningful for the Lord”. Such a statement reflects upon the competence and generosity of the Holy Spirit.
God is completely involved in the giving, using, and empowering of gifts. Specific gifts, places of service, and activities vary, but they all have their best effects when they build up the body of Christ- the church. God creates a unique place in the body for every believer. Gifts and ministries may overlap, but each believer has a specialized, God-designed role. Part of the exciting adventure of following Christ involves discovering one’s service contribution and then making it available to God. Make serving God and His people our motive as we utilize our gifts.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:7-10
Paul listed some spiritual gifts, although not an exhaustive list. He named other spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:27-30 and Ephesians 4:11. Some spiritual gifts have equivalents on two or more lists, but others only appear on one list. People have attempted to group the gifts in various ways, but perhaps the simplest way is to put them in four broad categories: 1) Gifts that support- such as helping and managing guide the work of the church and help get it done; 2) Gifts that share- such as showing mercy and hospitality are tangible ways of communicating God’s love, both inside and outside the church; 3) Gifts that speak- such as teaching and prophecy that ground the church in God’s Word; and 4) Gifts that supplement- such as wisdom, knowledge, and faith support the other gifts. So verse 7 teaches that the spiritual gifts are bestowed upon individual members for the good of the entire congregation. They are functional; that is they equip the members of a church to function as the body of Christ in a community. But also they are congregational: they are not anointment for our private benefit but rather anointment for our joint services.
No charismatic gift is to be regarded as a merit badge designating God’s elite. None is to be regarded as an evidence of total commitment. This is to misunderstand completely the nature and purpose of charismatic endowment. At Corinth some members were so carnal that they tried to make status symbols out of charismatic gifts, especially speaking in tongues. All Christians have faith. Some, however, have the spiritual gift of faith, which is an unusual measure of trust in the power of God.
“The ability to prophecy” does not just refer to predicting the future. Paul was indicating that it can also mean giving a message received from God to the community of believers- witnessing for Christ!! “One who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them” (14:3). The prophet Joel had written the words of the Lord, “I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy” (Joel 2:28). As with the gift of faith, the ability to share one’s faith with power is available to everyone (14:1-5), but to some the Spirit gives a special measure of this gift. “God has given you different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you” (Romans 12:6). Some have interpreted “prophecy” to be fulfilled in various sermons throughout church history. Others, however, say that prophecy is not a sermon, but a spontaneous, Spirit-inspired message that is orally delivered in the congregation for the edification and encouragement of the body of Christ.
Opinions differ over exactly what Paul meant by “unknown” languages. Some believe that this refers to earthly languages that a person did not know before (the same as the gift described in Acts 2:4-8). Other scholars say that this refers to an “ecstatic” language, a “heavenly” language. Most likely the second view is correct. In his book “Heaven”, Randy Alcorn takes this view and adds that he believes in heaven we will have at least two languages: our prominent earthly language and a “heavenly” language that God will give to all so that we will all be able to talk to all different people. Probably the only time that the word “tongues” refers to other earthly languages is when describing Pentecost. Here it is used to say all present heard Peter’s message in their own language (tongue) so they could understand and be saved. At the Pentecost, it was clear that the “tongue” language must be understood by all or it is not valid language and may be even the language of Satan. The rest of the time in the New Testament, the word refers to ecstatic languages unknown to anyone- languages of angels (13:1).
Read 1 Corinthians 12:11
Paul wrote, “All these are inspired by the one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills” (v.11). Charismatic endowment is not a do-it yourself kit. Only the Holy Spirit can give these gifts. And if given, how can one boast of any them as though he has accomplished or attained whet he has received? Like we can’t do any action, – good works, pay our way, speak in a certain way (like tongues), make promises, – to “earn” our way to heaven and eternal life, that gift must come from believing in Jesus as our savior and accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
No matter what gift(s) a person has, all spiritual gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit decides which gifts each believer should have. We are responsible to use and sharpen our gifts, but we can take no credit for what God has freely given us. Note that discussions about spiritual gifts usually create difficulties when two central points are overlooked: 1) Properly used, spiritual gifts are not self-serving but serve the whole body of Christ (12:7); 2) Each gift becomes practically useless when used without love (Chapter 13). As we seek to identify and utilize the gifts God has given us, make loving God and loving fellow Christians our highest motives. Remember, the same Holy Spirit in us as Christians is the same one God used to conceive the savior of the entire world in the form of a baby- Jesus.

Learn more about God abiding in you: Copy and Paste;

http://4fd03ku0f-4l9w6qlh25q9eh-d.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=ABIDINGINGOD

NEED FOR DIRECTION IN OUR LIFE

Leave a reply

OUR NEED FOR DIRECTION Bible
We all need direction and purpose in our life. Without direction we can stumble in darkness. We like to think we live in an enlightened society, but we live in a world of darkness. Society in general is selective about what it considers wrong. In society’s “enlightened” thinking, what was once considered sin is no longer considered sin. Just as light revealed darkness, Jesus reveals our sin and darkness. Jesus does not merely reveal our darkness. He invites us to come to Him and walk in His light. Jesus is the light who reveals the way- the direction- we should go. Do you remember feeling afraid of the dark? Is there something that reminds you of that feeling? Not asking for vocal answers, just think what got you past that feeling. Jesus is there to help us through these feelings. The Holy Spirit will give us the way for the direction we need to go.
Read John 8:12
At this time, many were not as excited over Jesus and His miraculous works. This was because Jesus teaching had begun to challenge people’s beliefs. Many ceased to be enamored of Him as He clarified who He was and what He had come to do. Included in His description of His character and nature was the fact that He is the Light of the world. Even as Christians today, there are times will are not as excited over Jesus. We need to always recall the “JOY” of our salvation!
To better understand what Jesus meant by “I am the light of the world”, we need to go back to John 1:4-5. Here Jesus said about the light: “The darkness can never extinguish it”. This means the darkness of evil never has and never will overcome God’s light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and His life brings light to humankind. In His light, we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Savior). When we follow Jesus, the true light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives. In what ways have we allowed the light of Christ to shine into our lives? Think about that and the direction that gives us! Let Christ guide our life, and we will never need to stumble in the darkness.
At another unspecified time during the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus made His second great claim when He said, “I am the light of the world” (v.12). He went on to explain that the person who followed Him would not walk in moral and spiritual darkness but would walk in the light of life. One of the features of the Feast of Tabernacles was the lighting of the large golden lampstands in the Court of the Women on the first night of the feast and possible on other nights. These lights that illuminated the entire courtyard were a reminder of the pillar of fire that accompanied the children of Israel by night during wilderness wanderings. If these were not lighted each night, and Jesus made a claim (that He was the light) at a time when they were not lighted in the courtyard where they would have stood, His claim is even more emphatic. In both the Old and New Testaments light was used as a symbol of God. The true light of God’s grace and glory was expressed in Jesus Christ.
So what does it mean to follow Christ, as v. 12 is telling us? As a soldier follows his captain, so we should follow Christ, our commander. As a slave follows his master, so we should follow Christ, our Lord. As we follow that advice of a trusted counselor, so we should follow Jesus’ commands to us in Scripture. As we follow the laws of our nation, so we should follow the laws of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Read John 8:13-15
The Pharisees refused to recognize and acknowledge Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, the Messiah. They likewise failed to understand that He had come from God and would be returning to God. The Pharisees thought that Jesus was either a lunatic or a liar. Jesus provided them with a third alternative: He was telling the truth (Pilate asked the question that the Pharisees ignored- What is the truth?). Because most of the Pharisees refused to consider the third alternative, they never recognized Him as the Messiah and Lord. When we seek to know who Jesus is, we must not close any door before looking through it honestly. Only with an open mind will we know the truth that He is the Messiah and Lord.
Ignoring the claim, the Pharisees jumped to the validity of His witness. It seemed the claim of an egoist since it was uncorroborated by other witnesses (v.13). Jesus’ response to them indicated that they could not ascertain the validity of His witness because they did not understand its context. They knew neither His origin nor His destination. Since they did not know the Father who had sent Him they could not understand His witness to Himself. His judgment was not according to their standards. Their standards were external appearances. His standard of judgment rested on the truth of God. While He did not judge anyone by their external standards (v.15) His very presence was a judgment of persons.
The Pharisees were judging by “human standards” and Jesus refused to play that game. Jesus was telling them that He was not judging anyone. Instead He was using the righteous standards of God. Jesus’ role was to be the light, not a judge. Jesus had already pointed out that God had not sent Him to condemn the world but to save it. But He had also stressed that the one who would not believe in Him was condemned already (3:17-18). We know there are many reasons people give for God’s Word as truth and sharing some them may prepare us on how to respond when we encounter them. So what are some of those reasons we can tell others that God’s Word is truth? (Read 2 Peter 1:16-21; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 1:1-3; Luke 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-49; All talk of Eyewitnesses and Psalm 22:1-31- Praise). Also all the beauty of the earth, the details of the human body and of course what Jesus has done for you.)
Read John 8:16-19
Persons were judged in the light of God’s truth (v.16). Even the Pharisees own law to which they gave such credence called for two witnesses so that testimony could be verified. Jesus had two witnesses: Himself and the Father (v.18). But they immediately wanted to know where His father was so the testimony could be verified. They may have been Galileans who brought up the question of legitimacy of His birth by that question. Or they may have been Judeans who did not know that but did want to see His father produced so the story could be checked. The Pharisees argued that Jesus’ claim was legally invalid because He had no other witnesses. Jesus responded that His confirming witness was God Himself. Jesus and the Father made two witnesses, the number required by law (Deuteronomy 19:15).
The Pharisees could only ask- “Where is your Father?” One way to understand this is that it was a serious social challenge of their authority. The other way to understand this question would be that they were thinking in natural terms of an earthly father and were ready to search for him to see if he would support Jesus’ position. For me, the Pharisees were only trying to mock or trap Jesus. Clearly, Jesus was saying that they already have seen and know that. Since they know Jesus, they would know who His Father was and know where He is!!!!!!
In a statement that indicates an eyewitness, John noted that Jesus had been doing that teaching in the Court of the Women near the treasury boxes. That would have been close to the meeting place of the Sanhedrin. They could have heard what He said. They could have apprehended Him. But they did not because His “hour”, His time for presentation and glorification, had not yet come in God‘s time (v. 20). This should have been clear to all- that God was the witness.

BIBLE ANSWERS- REVELATION

SPOONFUL OF REVELATION

BASICS BIBLE ANSWERS, A LOOK AT HEBREWS, AND REVELATION.

THIS STARTS WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH! THEN IT PROVIDES THE ANSWERS ON STORY OF CREATION, RESULTS OF SIN, WHO JESUS IS AND HOW ONE CAN BE SAVED.

REVELATION, HEBREWS & BIBLE LESSONS

 

BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN

Leave a reply

PREPARE YOUR YOUNG BELIEVER FOR WATER BAPTISM- TRUE CHILDREN BAPTISM.

You want to do the very best for child by explaining the true meaning of Baptism. This can even help your child to come to faith with Jesus Christ, even if they have yet to make that decision. However, it must be understood that in no place in the Bible does it say that baptism saves someone. Salvation comes by faith in belief in Jesus Christ. So why do we baptize? Baptism is a specific loving, obedient act to God–after the salvation decision!! So the young children needs to fully understand how their are saved and that they have made that commitment to Jesus.

Recently there was a dad who wanted to have a biblical true way to teach his two boys to know what baptism means and how to it should be explained. In searching for a book in the Christian book stores and on-line a book that truly explains this, the dad could not find one.  The dad wanted his two boys, each who had put their faith in Jesus Christ at an early , to acknowledge their trust in Christ by getting them baptized. He told them that baptism doesn’t save you, but he shared the sacred importance of this special act as obedience to God! He wanted to make sure that his boys would experience their baptism as something much more than just a “bizzare ritual” (his words). So the dad pulled out his Bible, fired up his creative  passions, prayed, and began working on a project that eventually produced the important elements of baptism.

Prior to publishing it he had his children’s director examine it and they found it to be good and Bible-based. The author also had an evangelical pastor review it to ensure its faithfulness to Biblical teaching. The booklet is divided into 4 chapters:

1. Joey’s Big Question (What is baptism all about?)  2. Grandpa Explains (Baptism reminds us of Jesus’ death and resurrection)  3. Water, Water Everywhere (Water is a special element for baptism) 4. Final Questions (Baptism shows that we have put our trust in Jesus).

Each chapter gives us straightforward and engaging explanation of the importance of baptism. They are big concepts presented in simple terms to match your child’s level of understanding. Activities at the end of each chapter reinforce the concepts introduced in each chapter. It is titled “Joey’s Baptism”. Of course, having a resource that present big concepts in a readable, clear way is only good it the concepts it’s presenting are accurate. There is no compromising here! You must be comfortable that whatever you are teaching your children or other children about baptism is rock-solid. And for that reason the book was written.

So you can be confident that Joey’s Baptism will lead your child in the right direction on her or his spiritual journey.

More detailed information and a method to your own downloadable copy of JOEY’S BAPTISM-  Click

http://54770ovwb4zqayfco3xatm9l2n.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=BAPTISMCHILDREN

OR FOLLOW THE BANNER:   

PREPARE YOUR YOUNG PERSON FOR WATER BAPTISM

LEARN TO DETERMINE IF YOUR YOUNG PERSON IS SPIRITUALLY READY FOR WATER BAPTISM

REVELATION: WATER BAPTISM FOR A YOUNG PERSON: PREPARATION AND WHEN. This covers all the issues to consider and to evaluate the spiritual journey of your child. Help your child to fully understand the realmeaning of water baptism.

LEARN THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE YOUR YOUNG PERSON FOR BAPTISM