Wednesday, September 26, 2018

DEBRIEFED: - THE HOLY SPIRIT'S ROLE IN BIBLE HISTORY

A whole lot of Christians are very confused by the knowledge, Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. This serious misunderstanding stands from such an unconscionable lack of teaching on the Person and Role of the Holy Spirit that Christians populate both ends of an untenable see-saw, in big majorities.

One on end, we have those who completely ignore the Holy Spirit and therefore, go about their church and personal spiritual lives in slow-motion with almost no fruit to show for their self-proclaimed love for the Lord. On the other end, we have a charismatic fringe who misuse the Name of the Holy Ghost (using King James language) to such an extremist degree, that it comes close to blasphemy. 

We will not discuss those things here. What we should do, is live in the Biblical middle of Scripture and prayer, in order to comprehend just Who this Third member of the Holy Trinity, really is.  Here are some major past critically outstanding events which the Holy Spirit of Christ was actively involved in – DIRECTLY from the pages of the Word of God:

THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS INVOLVED IN CREATION:
Genesis 1:2  The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters".

THE HOLY SPIRIT WROTE ABOUT THE BEGINNINGS OF MANKIND THROUGH MOSES:
2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness".
There is no way Moses could have known in the natural how God created the Heavens and earth in six days, almost 6000 years ago. Moses could not have known of the Promise God made to Abraham or Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord (Jesus) or all the details of the Exodus. Moses could not have written down the intricate details of the Tabernacle of God (the moving Temple in the desert) which is an exact replica of the one in Heaven.  The Spirit of God filled in all the details from Creation to the Flood and the Post-Babylonian exiled – to the Gospel Writers and the Apostle Paul.

THE HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED AND BREATHED THE PSALMS INTO KING DAVID
When King David repented from his vile sins of adultery, murder and more by having an affair with Bathsheba and having her husband killed, he repented. He prayer of Repentance – Psalm 51 – is the standard for all sinners of all times who wish to make thing right with God. David confirms that he is one of the extremely few in the Old Testament, to whom God gave His Holy Spirit. David prays to God in Psalm 51:11b “Do not cast me from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me”. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that we are saved and Jesus is our own personal Savior.

THE HOLY SPIRIT PLACED JESUS IN MARY’S WOMB
Luke 1:35 "The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God".
Everything created on the Earth came from an act of God. From the Spirit of the Lord hovering over the unformed earth in Genesis 1:2 to the fish in the sea, the birds of the air…and the baby in the womb. The most famous Baby ever conceived was the Lord Jesus Christ. His appearance on the earth was to a pure innocent young lady named Mary. Mary, a woman chosen by God, experienced a supernatural conception so that no sinful mortal man was involved. Jesus Christ remained sinless, pure and the One True God for the brief 33 years He lived as God Who became man.

THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED ON JESUS THE GODMAN AT HIS BAPTISM
Matthew 3:16-17 "16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, 17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
God did not have to show this living and outward appearance of His Spirit visibly descending from Heaven to land on the broad Shoulders of King Jesus, at His baptism by John the Immerser (Baptist). Jesus did not even need to be baptized as He told John (click here). The first ever visible appearance of the Spirit was for the Father to confirm, once and for all, that His Only One of a Kind Son (only begotten) was indeed the Anointed One, the Prophesied One and the Promised Savior.

THE HOLY SPIRIT RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD
Romans 8:11 "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you".
The great song by Contemporary Christian singer Jeremy Camp says it all in his extremely powerful song. As good as this song is, those words actually came from the Truth of the Word of God. The enormity of this is too incredible for words. Let this sink in....really sink in. Let it be permanently engraved in your mind, heart and soul that the same Holy Spirit Who is alive in you and I who trust and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, was in that Tomb, on the Third Day after the Crucifixion. He rose Jesus from His one time mortal human body, back into the Life Giving Spirit that He always was. Is there anything better than this? A million times- NO!

THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME TO LIVE IN THE FIRST BELIEVERS AND ALL SINCE
John 16:7 "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you".
Jesus told His disciples that it is better that He goes away, so that the Helper would come. This Helper is our guaranteed Advocate before all else. The word used in the bible is "parakletos" which means One Who stands up in the Courts of Heaven among other meanings in the Bible! Wow! Other meanings of this word are well-known. Advocate, Helper, Paraclete and others complete the definition of this word.  On Pentecost day, the second visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit was seen in the Upper Room, where the disciples were sitting around praying and listening. This event circles this most significant period in the life of a church, and the true believer. This one time event, marked the next and final phase in life - all from the pages of the Bible.
Acts 2:2-4a "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit".

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

PERSPECTIVE: BE A RIVER OF LIFE

Most people’s point of reference begins from the day they were born and then become aware of their immediate surroundings.  For the majority of mankind, who are not even aware of historical events and key milestones, all that matters is the here and now. Sadly very few even consider their future, on earth and beyond.

So is it with matters of the soul.  One thing the world’s systems have succeeded in is not just removing the Bible and moral teaching from daily life, but they have removed critical thinking from the last three generations of young people, and counting.  However it is more than the inability to think of anything at all, it is the corruption which culture and poor-on-purpose education has wrought on entire people groups, over the last 55 plus years.

Those who are wise, already know that the leaders of entertainment hate the one true God, substitute Him with ungodly idolatry and have slowly boiled the frog to convince the majority of youth to believe either in nothing or a combination of nothing. This combined with a horrible liberal education system, which indoctrinates rather than educates or grows minds to fruitful, happy thinkers, has given us an increasing number of people called "nones". Nones are the fastest growing demographic in America, in that, they represent a rapid growth of people who believe in absolutely nothing at all. Faith brings hope. Lack of hope therefore, results in the opposite.

If you are looking for the root cause of the rampant hopelessness among the majority of the population under the age of fifty, these are the main ingredients: culture and indoctrination rather than STEM education (STEM being: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). But church leaders are not guiltless in any of this. Almost every western church – from Europe to North America and Australia – has failed the Great Commission. The first part of this Final Instruction from the Risen Lord as He ascended back to Heaven was “Go make Disciples”. (A disciple is defined as a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher).

There is no shortage of study, facts and evidence of what has gone wrong.  One thing is apparent, however, and it is that the vast majority of the lost (the wider population) and even weak professing Christians, do not know God, His Word or His Ways.

It is so wonderful to watch the eyes of a baby, toddler or child under the age of 10, who discovers the wonders of Creation all around them. Whether it is a caterpillar changing to a butterfly; or a loving pet snuggling up to a four year old playing with building blocks; or an 11 year old catching his first fish at the lake, Life is new exciting, and full of so much potential. It truly is beautiful thing. Here is where Life begins and all the child and young person can see, is what they have right before them.

It is incumbent upon those of us who are charged with shepharding the young, and those who will come after us,  to pass on the Knowledge of the Ages, which we were taught growing up.  God expects parents and those of us who know better, to share the Truth about Him- Truthfully. This includes the Truth about the meaning, purpose and ways of God, as much as we are capable.

The Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri
One thing which a child could notice, who has been properly educated at both home, school and/or home-school are the wonders of rivers. Ecclesiastes 1:7  tells us that “all the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, they flow again”. This is a perfect observation. For example, when the snow melts at the top of the Mississippi River in the great winter wonderland of northern Minnesota, and flows into the 1.7 square mile Lake Itasca, most people never connect it to being the very start of the Great and Fabled Mississippi River.

This River then picks up steam, width, depth and more and gets bigger as it
The Biblical Rivers Tigris & Euphrates still exist
begins its 2320 mile journey down to the Gulf of Mexico. Then, all that water, pours into the Gulf. Yet, it never overflows. It is the same with every other river, worldwide. The Tigris and Euphrates are the two Rivers from Creation and the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 2:10-14). They bob and weave, even now, all over the land of the Bible, growing in massive water volume, yet when they empty into the Persian Gulf as one – the Euphrates – that Gulf never overflows. 


Or how about the winds? Where do they originate and to where are they going? Even the best meteorologists are unable to answer these questions.  These items plus the futility of trying to change things we have absolutely no control over. This includes so-called “climate change”, which is a prideful heresy, against the Power and Control of the Lord.

The complete and unquestionable Sovereignty of God remains in place, in this timeless, seamless story where only the personnel changes. Human beings during the time of King Solomon, who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes over 2900 years ago, are the same as those being born in 2018.  Environment conditions and circumstances are obviously different, but the Plans and Ways of the Lord remain constant.

What was always will be. The entire book of Ecclesiastes describes the human condition from birth to death and all the turns, times and turbulence of life. However one thing remains true, and it is that God sees all. He will bring all to justice one day. Each generation will stand in the bright lights with our peers of our generation to account for our time here on earth.

While there is still time, we should be diligent to be aware of our Creator and His Law planted in the hearts of all who have ever lived.  The time to learn from History is now. The time to observe His ways in His creation is now. The time for our redemption is also now. Do not waver, hesitate or procrastinate. Tomorrow is never promised. In the meantime, roll on like the Mighty Mississippi and let your life be a testimony flowing into the Gulf of humanity, in all our immediate communities. Finally, may our lives be a River, through which the very life of Jesus Christ flows through us, to bless and improve the lives of others in our own families and communities.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

FAVOR BESTOWED THROUGH PRAYER

There is a very intriguing phrase which underscores a fantastic Bible verse, which is more than just poetic in meter and rhyme. Somehow, these words were just so outstanding, beautiful AND meaningful : “….favor bestowed on us, through the prayers of many”.

In the fullness of the text, the verse flowing from 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 reads like this: ….He on Whom we have set our Hope and yet He will deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many”.

Two key words pop out and up here which should, well, give us encouragement. The words “Hope and “Favor”. These two nouns carry huge significance as they are both predicated on two fantastic verbs: “deliver” and “bestow”.

The official Oxford English dictionary describes Hope as a matter of ‘trust“.  The hope which comes from the Word of God though is more than just a feeling.  The second part of this Oxford dictionary definition gives us a clue which runs right into confirmation from Hebrews 11:1. Here we learn with Faith is, and what is not. First, it is NOT a pipe dream, such as “I hope my team wins the World Series”….or “I hope I get this promotion at work next month”. Hebrews 11:1 explains that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen”.

There is a catch. Faith is EVIDENCE….but only to the person who is rescued from eternal punishment, by faith in Jesus Christ.  This fleshes out the portion of 2 Corinthians 1:10 which says “we have set our Hope, yet He will deliver us”. The English Language does not do this portion of the Bible accurate justice. In essence what the Lord said through Paul is the following:  Jesus delivered us from the extreme penalty of, well, hell and we have the complete confirmation that He will, on that Judgment Day itself, we will see and experience that Divine Deliverance – from Jesus Himself.

This is the main event. Unless we have that hope which is built on nothing else, but Jesus’ Blood and righteousness, First comes the boarding ticket to that flight that is leaving soon, next comes the wonderful first class seat He has for us. God’s Favor is actually a “gift”. While this gift will enrich our lives and grow us in spiritual maturity, it is a gift which is actually meant to benefit others, individually and in the wider church – the Body of Christ!

The very fact God has “bestowed favor” by giving of the Gifts of the Spirit – is an honor which should humble us, instead of making us full of human pride. At the same time, it should then inspire us to encourage, bless and lead others to a stronger relationship with Christ.

The verses in this portion of Chapter 2 point us to the common denominator – Prayer. Twice in these two verses, the Apostle Paul, writes down the words “your prayers". In Verse 10, he says, in part “…..joining in helping us THROUGH YOUR PRAYERS” and then in the very next verse (11), he emphasizes that favor was “bestowed on us by the PRAYERS OF MANY”.

Here are some noteworthy applicable items, we should glean from this incredible statement by the Apostle Paul:
  • Every perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights, Who is Almighty God. However, every gift is not given to enrich or make us fat and happy. Every gift is for sharing the Love of God with those around us, and for the furthering of the Kingdom of God
  • Salvation is a free gift. We are to pray for the deliverance of others to be rescued from the fires of hell, as much as we can, while there is still breath in our bodies. Most people got saved because someone was praying FOR them, before they themselves prayed for forgiveness and accepting Jesus as Lord.
  • Nothing moves without Prayer. Prayer is both the oil and the gasoline, in the internal combustion super-turbo engine called Christianity. Our Lord welcomes and even expects the prayers of His saints, because this is the only way that we, as humans, can communicate with our Father. Prayer, in the service of the ministry, for such a one who was as dynamic, powerful, bold and thoughtful as the Lord, as the Apostle Paul, is sure to bring more and more grace and favor upon him and his team. This works for your local pastor as well. Or how about your fellow church member who has a real burden for the local homeless mission or for collecting and sending used bibles to Love Packages, so that the latter can forward them to folks who currently have one bible per village or none. Pray for them. Pray for God’s favor on them. I have seen prayer and the Grace of God build some ministries like Love Packages, a local orphan ministry which went worldwide within 10 years and a local crisis pregnancy center, which was so broke for the first few years, they could hardly afford for their director to make a minimum wage. Now they have mobile unit, a paid-off center and more, in order to reach young women and men in crisis. These are all local examples of how the favor of God, can be bestowed....by the prayers of many.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

GODLY DIRECTIVES - COMFORT AND JOY

We are a people under duress these days, in some degree or fashion. It is just the nature of life. Some are in more distress and some even feel as if they are adrift in the ocean, surrounded by sharks. Some just barely have their eyes above water and others walk around in a daze. Some are doing the bare minimum to survive, but are not sure why they do, what they do.

I have encountered two varying degrees of this hopelessness in just the period of thirty minutes while visiting a college campus.  One particular young man, who looked like a freshman, was very unsure of himself, obviously troubled with no father-figure. I wish I could have spent more time speaking hope and encouragement to him.  I was able to give him a copy of the bible and show him how to read the Psalms for comfort and encouragement. Then, a beautiful coed asked if I could pray for her as she sadly swilled down gut-churning Red Bull to stay awake in class. Both young people needed comfort and hope which only God can supply.

The Lord Himself told us in His Word that He is always there available for us. Look at how many times the word “COMFORT” is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:4-7 (NASB).  Nine (9) times in four (4) verses, comfort is mentioned. The true Biblical meaning of comfort here is even more incredible. The original word, used by the Holy Spirit (the true Author of Scripture) for COMFORT here…is from the root word of….THE HOLY SPIRIT! Each of the nine times comfort is used, the root of the original – PARAKLETOS (Holy Spirit) – is evidenced.

The Holy Spirit IS God. He is the third member of the Trinity or Triune God. He lives ONLY in truly born-again.  One of the titles, or stated divine attributes of the Holy Spirit is Advocate.  He is the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ and takes our prayers up the the Throne. 
2 Corinthians 1:4-7
4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 
6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

He (Holy Spirit) is the Counselor and guides us into the path of all Truth, as found in the Bible. If it is not in the Bible, it ain’t Truth.  Being the Counselor, He also interprets the Oracles of God, found in the Word of God, so that the people of God (us) can comprehend the Power, Majesties and Mercies of God. The Holy Spirit is also the Comforter. He is the Only One Who can bring comfort, peace, joy and the mercies of the Father to His people (us).  This is the comfort of which our Bible passage is speaks.

Therefore, because of these verses, we note the following:
  • There is comfort in our afflictions (physical and mental pain), even if it appears to be the opposite at times. The Lord is still moving in His many ways.
  • We can comfort others because God has dealt mercifully with us. Then, we can go even beyond what was given us, as the Grace has been multiplied to, so will be empowered to shower love, compassion and more on the lost and hurting.
  • The comfort we share freely only has power because of the Sufferings and Price Jesus Christ paid with His life on the Cross, where we lay our burdens down and accepted Him as Lord, to begin with. The Main Comforter – the Holy Spirit – has authorized us to be the Hands and Feet of Christ, by His mere presence in our lives
  • Now, comfort may even sound generic, unless we grasp the full measure of the Love of God through the Spirit’s intervention in our lives, to effect this truth. “Comfort” is not sitting on a luxurious couch from Ashley Furniture, watching a 75 inch TV with a pizza. It is a literal Heavenly salve to soothe our souls. It is even physical in its manifestation. This Heavenly Comfort spoken of in 2 Corinthians 1:6 is what we need to persevere in times of sickness, trouble, financial difficulty, relationship problems and more….even religious persecution.

What the Lord is actually teaching us here is that He has already made provision for us to make it through, basically, Life.  The Christian is the only one equipped to persevere, if he or she reads and comprehends the Word of God and His Ways. The reason is we have the Same Power within us Who raised Jesus from the dead, on the Third Day after He was crucified.  This fact carries great weight because, when activated properly, the strong believer in Christ is perfectly positioned to both receive mercy; strength; consolation; refreshing; encouragement and good cheer. All of these are wrapped up in the Biblical meaning of Godly comfort.