Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

While going through the NBS study of the Holy Spirit, it is apparent that I have really missed the totality of God, His awesome power and plan for His creations.  With this said, I personally need to,and have ask God (especially the Holy Spirit) for forgiveness.  I have left Him in the bible as a lesser part of the Father and Jesus.  My bad……  There are some great articles and readings from the English Standard Version (EVS) Study Bible that relate to this type of study of the Holy Spirit.  Here is some of the points that I thought important which are presented in the ESV Study Bible as related to the study of the Holy Spirit.

The biblical teaching on the Trinity embodies four essential confirmations: 

1. There is only one true and living God.
2. This one God eternally exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
3. These three persons are completely equal in attributes, each with the same divine nature.
4. While each person is fully and completely God, their personality are not identical.

The differences among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are found in the way they relate to one another and the role each plays in accomplishing their unified purpose.  The Holy Spirit is fully and completely a divine person who possesses all of the divine attributes. God the Spirit applies the work of God the Son. The Spirit’s distinct role is to accomplish the unified will of the Father and the Son and is in a personal (and equal) relationship with both of them.

The Holy Spirit has a distinct personality with definite characteristics. He is not merely an impersonal force that is floating around, looking for things to do for people or for God.  The Holy Spirit is personal in nature, being called the “Comforter and the Helper.”  In John 14:16 Jesus says that He will ask the Father and that He will send another, the Helper and that He (the helper) will be with you for ever.  And in John 16:7 Jesus tells us that His going away will be an advantage to us because if He doesn’t go away, that the Comforter will not come to us.  But if He goes, He will send the Holy Sprirt to us.  How could the Holy Spirit provide great comfort like Jesus if the Holy Spirit was an impersonal force?

 

A quote from the ESV Study Bible.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in nature but distinct in role and relationship. The distinct roles typically have the Father willing, the Son accomplishing, and the Spirit applying the work of the Son. The Spirit is clearly at work in the key events throughout the history of salvation, including the creation, Christ’s incarnation, Christ’s resurrection, human regeneration, the inspiration and illumination of Scripture, and the believer’s sanctification.

Things to think about……..

Thinking About Spiritual Gifts

 

Been doing a bit of reading and/or thinking about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, lately?  Me too!  After reading scripture and comments from other writers, it appears that “man” has made the distinction between what is considered “miraculous” and what is not.  There are accounts of miracles performed in His Word, but I don’t think, God (the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) necessarily makes that distinction with spiritual gifts.  He imparted “gifts” to individuals, so to establish His glory and to confirm His sovereignty to unbelievers.  Why would He not do that in the world today?  In my opinion, He does.

 

I don’t think one of the shepherds is going to hold up his staff and part the waters the next time the YMCA on Concord Road floods, but maybe that’s because I lack the faith that I need for that to happen.  Or maybe, it’s just that the “gifts” of today are ones that are needed for a different direction.  Such as seeking and saving the lost, praying and caring for each other, loving God with all your heart and soul, and your neighbor as yourself.  1Co 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

A good place to start, you ask?

 

1.  Maintain a close relationship with the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit.

2.  Desire spiritual gifts from God. (1 Cor. 12:11)  (“The answer is no, unless you ask.”)

3.  Use the gifts that you already have been given. (Rom. 12:3)

4.  Use them for His glory, not our own, like the Corinthians did. (1 Cor. 14:12)

 

It is my belief that there are more spiritual gifts awaiting us, as we open our hearts and our minds to His will.  Maybe some are even what man calls, “miraculous” and maybe not.  But wow, I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with us next…………

 

In My Opinion….

Have you, like me, through your Christan walk missed  the parts related to the Holy Spirit, ?  Surely, I was just absent on those Sundays when teachers taught, and preachers preached about the third portion of God……..
 
Christian Growth
All the growth of the Christian is more and more life he is receiving.
At first his religion may hardly be distinguishable from the mere prudent
desire to save his soul: but at last he loses that very soul in the glory of love, and so
saves itself; self becomes but a cloud on which God divides into harmonies unspeakable.
George McDonald (1824-1905)
 
Can we not extrapolate this into an action of God through the Holy Spirit, for our growth?  If we “walk by the Spirit,” (Galatians 5: 1) and allow ourselves to be “led by the Holy Spirit,” (Gal 5:18) will we not “live in the Holy Spirit” (Gal 5:25) and receive the fruits of the Holy Spirit as described in Gal 5:22-23 ?  And, as McDonald stated, “become but a cloud on which God divides into harmonies unspeakable?  I think we can………

(Note on George McDonald;  He was C.S. Lewis’ favorite author.  McDonald is worth the read)

God Watered His Soil…..

It rained yesterday.  God watered my location on His earth.  Praise Him for that.  We needed rain so very badly.  I have not planted anything yet, for it is too early.  But for the last three or four weeks, the weather has been warm enough that I have been preparing “God’s soil” for rain and eventual planting..  We grow herbs, vegetables, and tomatoes.  We sell the herbs and tomatoes to resteraunts  and grow the veggies for people that need them.  We love this time of year because is tends to bring us closer to God.  You begin each spring by turning the soil over and tilling it after a long winter.  The smell is overwhelming.  It smells clean, fresh and renewed. Yes, dirt can smell clean….  It is just something about working your fingers into God’s soil that draws you closer to Him.  This is difficult to understand, if you don’t farm or garden.  But I can promise you, there is nothing like working God’s soil.  It is the closest thing that I have achieved that draws me closer to Him other than spending time in His Word.  Maybe it’s an Adam thing, or an Old Testament connection, or maybe it’s just the simplicity of how God wants us to view Him, as our Father, as life comes from Him.  Whether you plant flowers in front of your house or farm, the connection is there, if you just pause long enough to recognize it.

 

Planting the seed……  How does that relate to our trust in God?  How does that relate to our charge to spread the Word?  It seems to me that God intended us to be farmers, of both the fruits of the land and the human race.  We are to plant His seeds of life in the ground as well as in the hearts of man.  And by the will of God,  it sprouts and grows into a plant that bears fruit.

 

Mr 4:26 And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;  Mr 4:27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows–how, he himself does not know.

 

There are at least 50 times that the word, plant or plants are used in the Bible.  Over 80 times the word seed is used.  I think I’m seeing a connection here….  Maybe that’s why I feel closer to God when I out in the middle of the rows.  This is my favorite time, the preparing of the soil, the planting of the seed.  Seeing the first tiny sign of green coming out of the dirt, where just a few weeks earlier a seed had been planted and covered with dirt.  It’s a beautiful thing to behold. Life, as God breathes it into all.  Every good thing comes from Him.

 

Just things to think about………

Meeting of the “Unwell Minds” (week 4)

 

Wow !!!  What a great class discussion we had Tuesday night regarding “How God Longs for US to Know Him.”   We finished lesson one (1) finally.  But what a great few weeks of growing closer to one another and to God we have shared!!   We discussed the question, “Is it really possible to see God.”  After reading Exodus 33:18-20, John 4:24, and John 14:5-9, we think so.   In John14:5   Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”  8 Philip *said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus *said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  This led us to a discussion on baptism.  In Ro 6:1 ¶ What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?    2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?  3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?    4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.    5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,    6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;    7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.    10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.   11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. This study continued into a discussion regarding the fact that if we will just follow Christ’s teaching, we CAN see God.   If we know Jesus, we know and have seen God.  The secret is to know Christ well enough to be able to see God through our Savior, Consequently, we postulate that Christ’s suffering (death, burial, & resurrection) directly correlates to the necessity for us, in our human form, to submit to His will.  A requirement of that submission is to be baptized into His Kingdom.   Not that baptism is what saves you, but rather one is eager to be obedient, and is willing to surrender to His teachings and the grace that is available to all that are willing to know Him.   By the act of baptism, we willingly submit our lives to serve a master that loves us and denies a life of sin.  By Him alone, forgiveness (mercy) triumphs over judgment.   Christ paid the price of our sins on the cross.  When we submit to His teachings, we no longer fear spiritual death, for we know that He will intercede for us on the day of judgment.   Praise be to Him for His love for us. 

Baptism represents a step of a person’s submission of trust in our Savior.  It states to the world that we believe in Him and that we are a willing follower of His Word.   Spiritual baptism washes away our sins through Christ’s blood.  We go under the water a sinner and emerge a sin free being.  Christ’s crucifixion confirms this act.   As He was crucified, buried and raised, we too, are crucified, buried, and resurrected to a newness of life.Grace and Peace of God to all. To be continued……

Wisdom, Ask for it…

Wisdom:  I Kings 3:9, 11-14 & James 1:5 I Kings 3 begins by telling the reader about King Solomon’s quest to become a wise ruler of his people.  It starts out with Solomon making of an alliance (treaty) with Pharaoh of Egypt, as well as arranging a marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter (more likely an arranged marriage to insure the stratagem of the alliance with Egypt).  That within itself seems wise.  Verse 4 tells us the Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because it was a high place.  I mention verse 4 in this writing, only because it is at Gibeon where the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream.  (Solomon’s sacrifice on alters in high places, is subject to additional discussion but, this subject will not address it at this time.) 

During the night at Gibeon, God appears to Solomon in a dream and asks him a question.  (verse 5) In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish me to give you.”  Solomon gives an answer that pleases God, (1Ki 3:9) “So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? Solomon didn’t ask for something that would only benefit only himself.  While in reality, asking for wisdom will be a huge personal benefit; his intent was to be able to wisely govern an earthly kingdom that belonged to God.  By asking for “an understanding heart to judge thy people,” Solomon would be infused by the inspiration of God and a general knowledge of all things.  Because of this he did not neglect the research and observation of ordinary things.  In Ecclesiastes we read that Solomon “gave his heart to seek and search out all things under heaven.”  Ec 1:13 And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 

At this point one would need to stop and consider Solomon was somewhat wise before God appeared to him in a dream.  It is apparent that Solomon had some pretty serious gray matter already, just to ask for wisdom in the first place.  Most would have asked for riches, long life, health, power, or as one comment I heard “three more wishes.”  I admit, the three wish idea is pretty wise as well……. 

As we read further in this scripture, we find that because Solomon made such a judicious and perceptive request, God gave him the things that he didn’t ask from Him.  The story of Solomon’s choice not only instructs us in that point of history, but furnishes out a very fine moral to us, namely, that he, who applies his heart to wisdom, does at the same time take the most proper method of gaining long life, riches, and reputation, which are very often not only the rewards, but the effects of wisdom.  Addison. After the example of Solomon, we should all learn to labor after, and beg of God, in the first place, true wisdom, which consists in fearing Him, and the gifts and graces of the Spirit necessary to that end. Ostervald. 

Fast forward into the New Testament, specifically, James 1:5  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  This is taken exactly the way it is stated.  When we need his wisdom, we should ask Him, expecting that He will freely give it to us, as He did to Solomon, not only for specific situations but to be infused with general knowledge and wisdom, in all things.

“If any of you lack wisdom…” in this passage refers to the type of wisdom which Christians need to enable them to bear their trials in a proper manner.  However, the language is used generally in verse 5 which leads one to conclude the intension is to be applied in general terms for one’s everyday walk in life and with God. The particular kind of wisdom which we need in trials is to enable us to understand their design and tendency; to perform our duty under them, or the new duties which may grow out of them; to learn the lessons which God designs to teach, for he always designs to teach us some valuable lessons by affliction; and to cultivate such views and feelings as are appropriate under the peculiar forms of trial which are brought upon us. 

“Let him ask of God……  Some feel means for Christians to ask for the specific wisdom which is necessary for him in the particular case. It is proper to bear the very case before God; to make mention of the specific want; to ask of God to guide us in the very matter at hand. It is one of the privileges of Christians, that they may not only go to God and ask him for that general wisdom which is needful for them in life, but that whenever a particular emergency arises, a case of perplexity and difficulty in regard to duty, they may bring that particular thing before his throne, with the assurance that he will guide them. Compare Ps 25:9; Isa 37:14; Joe 2:17 

 “And it shall be given him…..” Compare Jer 29:12-13, “Then shall ye call upon me, and go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with your whole heart.” See also Mt 7:7-8; 21:22; Mr 11:24; 1Jo 3:22; 5:14. This promise, in regard to the wisdom that may be necessary for us, is absolute; and we may be sure that if it be asked in a proper manner it will be granted us. There can be no doubt that it is one of the things which God is able to impart; which will be for our own good; and which, therefore, he is ever ready to bestow. About many things there might be doubt whether, if they were granted, they would be for our real welfare, and therefore there may be a doubt whether it would be consistent for God to bestow them; but there can be no such doubt about wisdom. That is always for our good; and we may be sure, therefore, that we shall obtain that, if the request be made with a right spirit. (Barnes) 

Summary of 1-March-2007 NBS, as lead by Steve Clark

Meeting of the “Unwell Minds” (Week 3)

This week was used as a feedback session.  In the last two weeks, we had covered several key points of our topic of “How God Longs for You to Know Him” by Chip Ingram.  We listened to Chip’s radio broadcast of Part 1 of “Is Your God Too Small” which is the 1^st lesson of the series study.  Next week we plan to move forward in lesson 1.  The following week, the 4^th week, we will listen to part 2 of “Is Your God Too Small” completing the first lesson.  There are eight lessons in all, contained within this series.  Some where within the course of these studies I’d like to take a break and do a mini-study of another topic, such as the “Five Smooth Stones, How to Deal with Life’s Biggest Battles” or “Ancient Paths to Intimacy With God” which are both Chip Ingram series.

By listening to Chip’s daily radio lesson, I have realized that he has his finger on the pulse of the religion in America, as it is today.  He brings God’s Word to a position that can be understood by all and he presents in a practical fashion that can be made relevant to all who listen.  He has such a fresh approach to serving God.  If you are interested in hearing lessons by Chip Ingram, you can go to the Living On The Edge website at www.lote.com for his daily broadcast, or visit the Walk Through The Bible website at http://www.walkthru.org/site/PageServer?pagename=loteListen which contains an archive of broadcasts that number over 1500 lessons.  His ministry and broadcast cover every topic needed by brand new Christians or those who have been in their walk with the Lord for several years. Tonight Scott joined us for the first time.  We sure did like having him with us.  We had a one brother that couldn’t be with us because of back problems.  We sure did miss him.  We prayed for him, now he’ll be better and back with us soon.  The brothers that haven’t shown up since we began didn’t show up tonight either.  We sure miss you boys!  We talked about you, in a nice way, kind of…….  Just kidding, the ones that didn’t show up are involved in other works and/or their jobs are quiet demanding this time of year.  We really did miss you however.

 AND, we had a very special guest tonight, which I pray becomes a regular, my son Grant.  He is 11 ½ years old.  He knew we had started this study a few weeks ago and ask questions regarding the group dynamics, i.e., “what do we do, what do we study, who all attends, etc., etc.”  After answering his questions, I told him that he was welcome to attend sometimes, if he’d like, never dreaming that an 11 ½ year old would be interested.  Well, Monday night he told me he was going to go with me.  I told him okay, but his homework had to be finished before he could go.  When I picked him up from school on Tuesday, the first thing he said was, “I finished all my homework at school, and I’m going with you tonight.”  The first thing I did was to stop and praise God.  You see, today was one the warmest days we’ve had in a long time and I’m sure some of the neighborhood kids were getting up a backyard football game or something. I was truly impressed. He went; he participated, followed along in his bible, even made notes, comments, and underlined text in his bible.  Is God calling this kid or what???  Please pray for his continued growth in the Lord.  He has not yet addressed baptism (still a little more time) but he is growing.  And by attending the study, it’s only a matter of time.

I need to make a special “Thanks” to those that are members of this group, whether you have been able to make it to a session or not.  When I got the idea to start a study group, I hand picked the first few (test group), because of their faith and my closeness to you (Scott, this doesn’t mean I love you less, I thought I had you on the original email).  I never dreamed that Grant would be so interested.  But after reviewing the group, you guys are the guys that he looks up to in our body of Christ.  It all makes sense now.  He loves you guys like Becky and I do.  Oh the responsibility, the care, the mission set before you of being an example to my son.  Scary ain’t it ???  Thank you.  I could not think of a better group of “Unwell Minds” that I would rather have my son look up to, than you.  God bless each and every one of you.

To be continued……..

Grace & Mercy

John 1:14-17

 

Grace is mentioned 123 times in the New Testament alone.  To me, that means that the writers meant for us to focus in on it and come to understand it’s impact upon us as children of God.

 

The book of John, the first chapter, verses 14 through 17 says; (14)And so the Word became flesh and took a place among us for a time; and we saw his glory–such glory as is given to an only son by his father–saw it to be true and full of grace.  (15)  John (the Baptist) gave witness about him, crying, This is he of whom I said, He who is coming after me is put over me because he was in existence before me.  (16) From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace.  (17) For the law was given through Moses; grace and the true way of life is ours through Jesus Christ.

So if I understand this correctly, this tells me that the “Word” (actually the second person in the Trinity) was united with human flesh and became a man, Jesus.  He was born, grew up and lived among us for a time.  In I Timothy 3:16, we are told; Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.  John told us that Jesus the Christ was full of grace and truth.  As His disciples, we have received mercy and grace from His abundant love of us.  We did so, to be able to understand His plan for our salvation, to tell others of His gospel, to live holy lives, and to enjoy His great blessings that He so freely gives. 

Consequently, it can be concluded, that Jesus came to freely give His grace and mercy to “all” that believe on Him and follow His teachings.  And, through Him, can we receive the full measure of His grace and mercy.  

In Eph 1:23; 3:19; Col 1:19; 2:9. scripture tells us that Christ (our Saviour) is represented as the fullness of God–as abounding in mercy, as exhibiting the divine attributes, and as possessing in himself all that is necessary to fill his people with truth, and grace, and love.  As Christians, we are to be like him in meekness, humility, and love.

I found John 1 16 interesting.  (From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace.)  Barnes commentary explains; so here grace for grace may mean much grace; superlative favours bestowed on man; favours superior to all that had been under the law –superior to all other things that God can confer on men. These favours consist in pardon, redemption, protection, sanctification, peace here, and heaven hereafter.

 

Thought of the Day

 

I have often thought that if Heaven had given me a choice of my position and calling, it should have been on a rich spot of earth, well-watered, and near a good market for the productions of a garden.  No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.—–Thomas Jefferson

Murphy, Missed a Few……..

Law of Mechanical Repair: After your hands become coated with grease your nose will begin to itch and/or you’ll have to go to the bathroom.

Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

Law of Probability: The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

Variation Law: If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will start to move faster than the one you are in now. (works every time)

Bath Theorem: When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

Law of the Result: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won’t work, it will.

Law of Bio mechanics: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

Theater Rule: At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.

Law of Coffee: As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold. 

Law of Lockers: If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

 Law of Dirty Rugs/Carpets: The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.

Law of Location: No matter where you go, there you are.

Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you don’t know what you are talking about.

 Oliver’s Law: A closed mouth gathers no feet.

Wilson’s Law: As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will
stop making it.