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Posts tagged ‘Jesus’

Timeline of Biblical History: From Creation to Restoration

History 

Here is a quick overview of the events that take place between the Creation and the coming of Jeus. 

  • God
    • created everything in the beginning
  • Adam and Eve created
    • They lived in the garden
    • After they disobeyed, they were expelled from the garden
  • Seth
    • One of the children of Adam and Eve
  • Noah
    • lived a Godly life
    • commanded to build an ark
  • Shem
    • one of the three sons of Noah
  • The Flood
    • It rained for only 40 days.
    • Then 190 days passed after it stopped raining for the water to dry enough for them to leave the ark.
  • Tower of Babel
    • The place where the nations was divided and the languages were confused.
  • Abraham  
    • called out 
    • Covenant made
    • promises given 
  • Isaac
    • the son of promise
  • Jacob 
    • One of the two sons of Isaac
    • Twelve sons = 12 Tribes of Israel
  • Joseph
    • one of the sons of Jacob
    • sold as a slave
    • became a ruler of Egypt
      • famine
      • Joseph’s family moves to Egypt
  • Moses
    • Deliver
    • Passover, Exodus
    • The Red Sea
    • Wilderness Journey
    • Law Given
    • Tabernacle Built
  • Joshua
    • leader of nation of Israel after the death of moses
    • leads Israel into the promised land
  • Judges
    • It talks about the ruling judges in Judges 3:7-16:31.
    • See the Bible Study about Judges
  • United Kingdom
    • Saul
    • David
    • Solomon
  • Divided Kingdom
    • Northern Kingdom – Israel = Ten Tribes
    • Southern Kingdom – Judah = Two Tribes
  • Captivity
    • Israel exiled to Assyria
    • Judah exiled to Babylon for 70 years
  • Restoration
    • Judah returns home
    • city walls rebuilt
    • temple rebuilt
    • temple worship restored
  • 400 years of silence
Exploring God’s Eternity: A Comprehensive Bible Study

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Scriptural Articles, The Eternity of God

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Understanding the Role of Biblical Prophets

Prophets

God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began… the gospel of God which he promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures 

(Acts 3:21b; Romans 1:2)

The Prophet was to:

  • Prophesy
  • speak or sing by inspiration
  • make prediction (scriptural or other)
  • give simple discourse
  • be a foreteller
  • have visions
  • see

General Titles

  • servant
  • man of God
  • mediator
  • watchman
  • messenger
  • seer

Message – Personal or National

  • Covenant Enforces
    • a call to covenant faithfulness
    • a call to repentance
    • warnings of judgement
    • blessing for obedience
  • Predictive Prophecy
    • promise of Messiah and His Kingdom
    • wrath and judgement of God
    • prophecies concerning Israel and other nations

The Greatest Prophet: Jesus

  • Behold, I have come to do Thy will (Hebrews 10:7, 9)
  • This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17)
  • Not my will but Thine be done (Luke 22:42)
  • It is finished (John 19:30)

Scriptures

  • Deuteronomy 18:15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
  • Deuteronomy 18:18-19 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
  • Acts 3:22-24 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
  • Luke 18:31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

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Finding Faith Through Playing Cards

A Deck of Cards

It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn’t been heard.

The young soldier knew it was Sunday. As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.

Just then an army sergeant came in and said, “Why aren’t you with the rest of the platoon?”The soldier replied, “I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord.”

The sergeant said, “Looks to me like you’re going to play cards.” The soldier said, “No, sir. You see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I’ve decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards.”

The sergeant asked in disbelief, “How will you do that?” “You see the Ace, Sergeant? It reminds me that there is only one God. 

The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments.

The Three represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Five is for the five virgins there were ten but only five of them were glorified.

The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.

The Seven is for the day God rested after making His Creation.

The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives – the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed the Earth.

The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.

The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.

The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God’s first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell.

The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary.

The King stands for Jesus, for he is the King of all kings.

When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year.

There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week – 52 weeks in a year.

The four suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

Each suit has thirteen cards – there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter.

Therefore, when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for.”

The sergeant just stood there. After a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, “Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?”

Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit

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Thoughts

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The Creation: God’s Eternal Power and Wisdom

Creation

In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The Lord God made the heavens and the earth. He has made the earth by His power; He has established the world by His wisdom and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion. 

(Genesis 1:1, 2:4; Jeremiah 10:12)

Vocabulary:

God -Elohim (H430 – ‘ĕlōhîm) אֱלֹהִים ʼĕlôhîym, el-o-heem’; plural of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:—angels,  exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly),  (very) great, judges, mighty.

LORD – Jehovah (H3068 – Yᵊhōvâ) יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh, yeh-ho-vaw’; from H1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God:—Jehovah, the Lord.

created – (H1254 – bārā’) בָּרָא bârâʼ, baw-raw’; a primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes):—choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).

power- H3581 – kōaḥ כֹּחַ kôach, ko’-akh; or (Daniel 11:6) כּוֹחַ kôwach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its hardiness) a large lizard:—ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth.

wisdom – H2451 – ḥāḵmâ חׇכְמָה chokmâh, khok-maw’; from H2449; wisdom (in a good sense):—skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. (in Proverbs 8 wisdom is a personified divine attribute showing God’s omnipotence and omniscience)

  • The Eternal Godhead
    • In the beginning God – Elohim
    • In the beginning God created – Elohim bara
    • In the beginning God’s power – koah
    • In the beginning God’s wisdom – hakam
    • Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
    • John 1:1-5,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 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.
    • Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
    • Colossians 1:15-17  Who (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
    • John 10:30 I (Jesus) and my Father are one.
    • Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
    • 1 John 5:7-8 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
    • Revelation 4:11 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.
    • Jeremiah 10:10 But the Lord (Jehovah) is the true God (Elohim), he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
  • Eternal Power
    • Psalm 33:6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
    • Romans 1:19-20 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
    • Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
    • Isaiah 48:13 Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
    • Isaiah 45:18 or thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.
    • Psalm 95:3-5
    • Isaiah 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
    • Psalm 33:8-9 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
    • Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
  • Eternal Wisdom
    • Proverbs 8:22-31 The Lord possessed me (Wisdom) in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.  When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
  • Eternal Praise
    • Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
    • Psalm 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
    • Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
    • Revelation 4:11 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.
    • Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
    • Psalm 104:24, 30 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
    • Psalm 148:1-6 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. 2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. 4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. 6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
    • Psalm 136:1-9 
      • O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
      • The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
      • The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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Overcoming Hindrances to Prayer: Key Insights

Hinder (meaning)

  • To Impede the progress of 
  • To Hold back
  • To Obstruct or Block

9 Hindrances to Prayer

  1. We ask amiss
    1. James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
    2. Amiss (meaning)
      1. Wrongly
      2. astray (off the right path or route)
      3. Imperfectly
      4. out of place
    3. Amiss (in Greek)
      1. Amiss (G2560) kakōs- Adverb form from G2556, badly (physically or morally):—amiss, diseased, evil, grievously, miserably, sick, sore.
    4. Key Truth #1 “Pray the Word”
      1. Nehemiah 1:8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
  2. Unforgiveness
    1. Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
    2. The Parable of the unforgiving servant
      1. Matthew 18:21-35
    3. Key Truth #2 “Walk in Forgiveness”
      1. Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
  3. Pride
    1. Psalm 138:6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
    2. Proud: H1364gāḇōha
      1. (fully) from H1361; elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant:—haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, × exceeding proudly.
    3. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
      1. Boldly does not mean demanding with an attitude of pride and arrogance. 
    4. Key Truth #3 “Pray with Humility”
      1. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
  4. Sin and Iniquity
    1. Isaiah 59:1-4 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
    2. Key Truth #4 “Confession”
      1. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
      2. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
  5. Bitterness
    1. Hebrews 12:12-15 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
    2. Bitterness:
      1. Poison
      2. Corrosive
      3. Sharp and bitter in taste and odor
    3. Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
    4. Key Truth #5 “Guard Your Heart”
      1. Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
  6. Unbelief
    1. James 1:5-8 if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
    2. Key Truth #6 “Let Jesus Hear and See your faith”
      1. Mark 2:2-5  And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
      2. Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
  7. Improper Relationships
    1. 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.
      1. Honour (G5092) a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:—honour, precious, price, some.
      2. Hindered (G1581) from G1537 and G2875; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate:—cut down (off, out), hew down, hinder.
    2. Key Truth #7 “Maintain Proper Relationships”
  8. Uncontrolled and Undisciplined Thoughts
    1. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
    2. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
    3. Key Truth #8 “Think on these Things…”
      1. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 
      2. Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
  9. We give up too Easy
    1. The Woman with the flow of blood
      1. Mark 5:24-34
    2. The Parable of the Persistent Widow
      1. Luke 18:1-8
    3. Key Truth #9 “Trust in God’s Timing”
      1. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

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Understanding God’s Word: Its Power and Promises

The Holy Scriptures
God’s oath – God’s Word – God’s law – God’s statutes – God’s testimony – God’s commandments – God’s judgments – The Book of the Law – God’s everlasting covenant


The Word of God
is living; is powerful – stands forever – is pure; is perfect – is sharper than any two-edged sword – converts the soul – pierces/divides soul and spirit; joints and marrow – is sure; is right – makes me wise – rejoices my heart – is one who discerns the thoughts and intents of my heart – enlightens my eyes – is true; is righteous – is to be desired more than fine gold – is the gospel/salvation – milk for growth – is sweeter than honey – heals and delivers me – warns His servants – is great reward to those who keep it – is a lamp to my feet – is a light to my path – does not return void – keeps my steps – accomplishes what God pleases – speaks to me – instructs me – prospers God’s purpose – guards me from sin – will not be altered – is proven – is settled in heaven
Scripture References: Is 40:8b; Prov 30:5; Ps 19:7-11; Is 55:11; Ps 18:30; Heb 4:12; Eph 1:13; Jn 17:17; 1 Peter 2:2 Ps 107:20, 119:105; Lk 4:4; Rom 10:17; Ps 119:9- 11; Prov 6:20-23; Ps 37:31,33:4, 89:34, 119:89

The Shema: (the watchword of Israel’s faith)

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you
today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You
shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night,
that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

But be “doers” of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a “doer” of the work, this one
will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22, 25)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Timothy 3:16-17)

Doctrine is what the Word of God says (teaches) on any particular subject.

Reproof exposes error in your thoughts, behavior and deeds that do not line-up with the Word of God.

Correction is often the most difficult step in the “doing” process. You may have acknowledged the error and understand the truth but are reluctant to take the necessary steps to correct you thinking or behavior. The Holy Spirit will empower you to change and walk out the truth that the Word of God
has revealed to you.

Instruction in righteousness will be gained as you spend time studying God’s word.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)

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Baptism by the Holy Spirit Explained

Believers To Be Baptized With The Holy Spirit
Acts 1:4-5 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.


Believers To Receive Power By The Holy Spirit To Witness
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.


Believers Filled With The Holy Spirit And Spoke With Other Tongues
Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.


Old Testament Prophecy; New Testament Fulfillment
Joel 2:28-29: Acts 2:14-18 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: and it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh: your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.


Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Spirit of God – The Three in One- The Eternal Godhead – The Power of the Highest
Seen in the Fruit of the Spirit – Spiritual Gifts- Dove, Wind, Fire, Rain, Oil, Water, River

Functions of the Holy Spirit
Salvation (Titus 3:4-7)
by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit
Seals (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Holy Spirit of Promise – the guarantee of our inheritance
Temple (1 Corinthians 6:19)
the body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit – where He dwells
Bears Witness (Romans 8:14-17)
the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
Empowers (Acts 1:8)
believers get power to witness
Teaches, Guides, Reveals, Comforts, Convicts, Glorifies Jesus (John 14-16)


Functions of Believers
is to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18b)
is not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
is not to quench the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5: 19)
is to pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20)
is to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13)
is to have communion/fellowship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14)

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Scriptural Articles, The Eternity of God

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Understanding Faith: Lessons from Ephesians and Hebrews

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

  • Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
    • Our Faith caused us to understand. 
  • Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
    • Abel’s faith caused him to offer a sacrifice to God. 
  • Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
    • Enoch’s faith caused him to walk closely with God. He walked so close that he walked to Heaven with God. (Genesis 5:24)
  • Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
    • Without faith it is impossible to please God. You must diligently seek God. 
  • Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
    • Noah’s faith caused him to build an ark. 
  • Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
    • Abraham’s faith caused him to leave the only place he had ever lived and travel to a place that he had never seen before. He did not even know where he was going. 
  • Hebrews 11:11-12 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
    • Sarah’s faith caused her to get pregnant after her body was well past the age of childbearing. She also was able to carry the baby to term and have the baby. 
  • Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
  • Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
    • Abraham’s faith trusted that God was able to raise Isaac from the dead if there was need. 
  • Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
    • Moses’ parents’ faith caused them to hide Moses for 3 months from the commandment of the king. 
  • Hebrews 11:24-29 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
    • Moses’ faith caused him to do many things. He rejected being called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, left Egypt, kept the Passover, and walked through the Red Sea on dry land. 
  • Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
    • Rahab’s faith caused her to hide the spies. This led to her not being killed with the other people of Jericho. 

Yes salvation is a free gift and not of works. However, it then produces a response. If your faith has not produced a response or caused you to seek a closer relationship with God, you have a problem. Each of these Heros of the Faith were moved to action by their faith. 

Spending time praying and studying His word is how to work on your relationship with God. 

James 2:17-20

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

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Praying with Confidence: God’s Promises

The Integrity of God’s Word
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. He said, “And won’t he?” He spoke, and he won’t execute it?
1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, who has given peace to his people Israel, according to all that he has said; not a word of all his promises that he expressed through Moses his servant has failed.
2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God are in him Yes, and in him Amen, through us, to the glory of God.
Why pray the Word?

  • Jeremiah 1:12 And the LORD said unto me, Thou hast seen well; for I hasten my word to do it.
    2 Chronicles 19:9 And he commanded them, saying, Ye shall also do in the fear of the Lord, with truth, and with an upright heart.
    Loyal Heart, Perfect Ear, Full Heart, Committed Heart, (Peaceful Without Strife)
  • Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord, and do good; And you shall dwell in the earth, and feed on the truth. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will grant you the desires of your heart.
    John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
  • Words (Rhema): Speak A word spoken by a living voice
  • 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have made to him.
  • Pray the Answer: Don’t Focus on the Problem, but on God’s Solution
    • Isaiah 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.10 For as rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return thither, but water the earth, and cause it to sprout and bring forth, and give seed to the one who sows, and bread to him that eateth, 11 so shall my word be that proceedeth out of my mouth; it will not return to me void, but will do what I will, and if will prosper in that for which I sent it.
    • Identify God’s Will
      • Matthew 8:1-4 When Jesus came down from the mountain, many people followed him. 2 And behold, a leper came and fell down before him, saying, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. 3 Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; Be clean. And instantly his leprosy disappeared. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Look, don’t tell anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.
  • Examples of How to Pray the Answer
    • Finance
      • Philippians 4:19 “Supplying all my needs”
      • Luke 6:38 “As I give, it will be given to me”
      • Matthew 6:33″Putting God first, all things were added to me”
      • Psalm 37:25 “I Will Not Have to Beg for Bread”
      • Psalm 34:10 “No good shall be wanting”
    • Healing
      • Isaiah 53:5 “By His Stripes We Are Healed”
      • 1 Peter 2:24″By whose stripes we are healed”
      • Psalm 107:20 “He sent his word and healed”
      • Exodus 15:26″For I am the Lord who heals you”
      • James 5:14-15 “The Prayer of Faith Will Save the Sick”
    • Guidance
      • Psalm 32:8 “I will guide with my eye”
      • Isaiah 58:11 “The Lord will guide you continually”
      • John 16:13 “The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You”
      • Psalm 37:23 “My steps are commanded by the Lord”
      • Psalm 119:105 “A Lamp to My Feet and Light to My Path”
    • Fear
      • Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear”
      • Joshua 1:9 “I will not be afflicted or faint, for the Lord my God is with me”
      • Romans 8:31 “If God is for me, who can be against me?”
      • 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.”
    • Peace
      • Isaiah 26:3 “Keep Me in Perfect Peace”
      • Philippians 4:7 “The peace of God will guard my heart and mind”
      • Psalm 119:165 “Those who love your word have much peace”
      • John 14:27 “Jesus left his peace with me, so my heart will not be troubled”

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Christ’s Life After Resurrection: Key Events

The Resurrection

  • Jesus taught His disciples that He must suffer many things, be rejected, be killed but on the third day He would rise again! (the gospels)

The Empty Tomb

  • Jesus is alive!
  • He is risen!

Appearances Of Jesus After His Resurrection

  • Jesus appears to the women first! (Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, Salome, Joanna and other women not named)
  • Jesus appeared to Peter
  • Jesus appears to His disciples several times
  • Jesus walks with two believers on the Road to Emmaus (Cleopas; the other believer’s name not mentioned)
  • Jesus appears to a group of five hundred at one time
  • Jesus appears to James
  • Jesus appears to all the apostles including Paul

The Forty Days Before His Ascension (Acts 1:2-8)

  • Jesus gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen
  • Jesus presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs
  • Jesus spoke to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God
  • Jesus commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the Promise of the Father – to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, to receive power to be His witnesses in the earth.

The Ascension

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-l1)

The Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4, 7, 8, 12)

  • Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God
  • Jesus as our High Priest ever lives to make intercession for us
  • Jesus as our High Priest sympathizes with our weakness
  • we can come boldly to the throne of Grace to obtain mercy
  • we can come boldly to find grace to help in time of need

The Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:34-35, 37-39)

Nothing can separate us from the love of God- we are more than conquerors!

  • not tribulation
  • not sword
  • nor things present
  • not distress
  • neither death
  • nor things to come
  • not persecution
  • nor life
  • nor height
  • not famine
  • nor angels
  • nor depth
  • not nakedness
  • nor principalities
  • not peril
  • nor any other created thing
  • nor powers

Behold, He is coming with clouds and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:7-8)

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