Receive the Son
1 JOHN 5:11-12 – And this is the record, that God hath given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Dominion of Sin
THE EPITOME OF EXCELLENCE
In 1 Corinthians 12, spiritual gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit, with each Christian receiving a unique gift. In Chapter 13, we find that all Christians share three gifts: faith, hope, and love, which are highlighted in verse 13 as enduring qualities. Paul’s use of the singular for the three subjects of faith, hope, and love in 1 Corinthians 13:13 emphasizes the unity of these virtues, showing that they are interconnected and everlasting. This verse serves as a reminder to believers that while these gifts are essential, the greatest of them all is love, which encompasses and surpasses both faith and hope in its power to transform lives and bring about unity within the community of believers.
The enduring nature of faith, hope, and love is emphasized over temporary gifts that will fade away, highlighting the importance of love as the most excellent way. The foundational gifts of faith, hope, and love are permanent and more valuable than fleeting abilities. The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts not for personal gain, but for the common good of the church, enabling us to build up the church and serve others. Some spiritual gifts, like tongues and prophecy, are given as signs for unbelievers, revealing God’s glory through supernatural displays. These gifts are bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit for His glory and our benefit, with various spiritual gifts listed in the Bible for His purpose and our good.
Faith, hope, and love are eternal gifts that will endure throughout all ages. Love, rooted in God’s nature, is unending, while faith and hope will continue to grow in the eternal state, guiding us towards infinite progression and unseen glories. These three gifts will be ours for eternity, with agape love standing as the ultimate gift bestowed upon us by God.
Agape love, as translated from the Greek word, is distinct from other forms of love found in the New Testament. It embodies goodwill, benevolence, and a deliberate joy in the object of affection. Unlike the English term “love,” agape does not pertain to romance or physical intimacy. It also differs from friendship or brotherly love, represented by the Greek word philia.
Agape love entails loyalty, dedication, and a conscious choice. Its moral integrity and resolute nature set it apart from other expressions of love, as eloquently expressed in 1 Corinthians 13.
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Through baptism, all believers are united in one Body through Christ’s immersion. We not only partake in Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, but also in His embodiment. Each believer is endowed with spiritual gifts by the Spirit for the benefit of the church, likened to a human body where each gifted function represents an essential body part.
Paul lists the following spiritual gifts: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, various kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear! Jesus teaches us that we are shaped by our thoughts, not just by what we consume. Proverbs 23:7 supports this by stating, “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our self-perception may not always align with reality, but our thoughts ultimately define who we are.
Proverbs 23:7
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”
What you see in this verse is a person who is saying one thing with their mouth—but their heart is in a completely different place. When faced with this conundrum, which one do you believe? You believe what’s in the heart. The thoughts and inclinations of the heart shape the reality of who you are.
By reshaping one’s thoughts, an individual has the power to mold their character and shape their life’s circumstances. The ability to alter one’s mindset opens the door to transforming the very fabric of one’s existence, leading to a path of growth, success, and fulfillment.
Through the intentional choice to shift one’s perspective, a world of endless possibilities emerges, allowing for the creation of a reality that aligns with one’s deepest desires and aspirations. Embracing this truth empowers individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, determination, and unwavering positivity, ultimately paving the way for a future filled with abundance and joy.
You In Jesus are Baptized in the Spirit
Do not conform to the ways of this world, but instead, allow your mind to be renewed, enabling you to better understand and follow the will of God, which is good, acceptable, and perfect. Jesus teaches us that our thoughts shape who we are more than anything else, as affirmed in Proverbs 23:7: “For as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he.” It is essential to realize that while our thoughts define us, our perception of ourselves may not always be an accurate reflection of who we truly are.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
This power that comes from the Holy Spirit allows you to stand strong for the things of God.
What does Galatians 4:16 mean? True love tells the truth even when it hurts. It can be challenging to always be honest, but those who speak the truth are our strongest allies according to the Bible. It is surprising how many people react negatively to the truth, even going as far as to view the truth-teller as an enemy.
If you are a Believer, when we believed in the Gospel and trusted Jesus to save us, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls you God’s temple because God’s Spirit dwells in you, as children of God, we have the Spirit of God living inside of us.
Praying in the Spirit
Feeling uncertain in your prayer life as a Christian is common. When you’re at a loss for words, the Holy Spirit is there to guide you in praying for God’s will. Remember to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in times of weakness.
It is crucial to understand that praying in the Spirit aligns our prayers with the will of God. The Spirit, being God Himself, has the ability to reveal and interpret God’s will to us. This is why He has been entrusted to the Church – to intercede for believers according to God’s perfect will (Rom. 8:27).
The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20–21) and helps us to understand by interpreting them (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:9–11; Heb. 3:7; 10:15).
Poor in Spirit
Having a contrite heart entails acknowledging our sinfulness and brokenness, embracing humility and openness to learning. It involves reaching the lowest point and realizing that only God and following His path can lead to a positive transformation. Enduring being present and honest is a necessary step towards healing, forgiveness, and renewal.
The Holy Spirit can guide your understanding of the Bible through personal reading, interactions with family and friends, and the proclamation of the gospel.
The Holy Spirit can guide your understanding of the Bible through personal reading, interactions with family and friends, and the proclamation of the gospel.
Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the message as you study the Bible, and when sharing scripture with your loved ones, small group, or church community, ask for His help in ensuring clarity and comprehension.
Power of Spirit
Expand on the idea of who the Holy Spirit is by seeking truthfully into the characteristics and attributes that define him.
While the Holy Spirit may seem mysterious, he is far from impersonal or strange; rather, he is a comforting presence that guides and empowers.
By developing a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit, one can uncover the profound impact he can have on individuals and communities alike.
Embrace the journey of getting to know the Holy Spirit, as his essence transcends mere description and reveals a divine connection that brings clarity, wisdom, and grace into our lives.
Born again the Holy Spirit works in your life today.
The Gates of Heaven
Satan is the mastermind behind the distorted teachings on ‘prayer.’ His cunning plan leads believers to seclude themselves, stepping into the role of Jesus in intercession. Hours are spent beseeching God to avert His anger, release His Spirit, and fulfill the needs of His people.
Jesus instructs us to be vigilant for God’s kingdom, where all our hopes will be realized, although much must transpire before its arrival. In the meantime, amidst the impending judgment, loved ones and acquaintances are facing eternal damnation and suffering from illnesses. The path to salvation is not through intercession but through proclaiming the Word, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:21. We are called not to just pray for the sick, but to actively bring about healing by speaking restoration into their afflicted bodies, as directed in Matthew 10:8.
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE NEWS
We have been misled into thinking that prayer is about convincing God to unleash His power, making us believe that we must earn His grace through our own efforts. The reality is that we are unworthy and will never measure up on our own. Thanks to Jesus, all of God’s blessings are freely available to us. This is incredible news – no more begging or pleading, we simply need to embrace the authority bestowed upon us and receive His abundant blessings.
Discover the true teachings of the Bible on prayer and unlock the power to receive the results God desires for you in this life. Start praying with confidence and see the transformation in your life.
HE GUIDES YOU NOW
The Holy Spirit’s divine characteristics: He is referred to as God, the Spirit of God, considered God, treated equal to God the Father and Son, eternal, self-existent, omnipresent, omniscient, sovereign, triune with the creator, breathed the Bible, helps us recognize God’s glory and will, and enables us to call upon Jesus as Lord. The Holy Spirit is far more than an impersonal force or object—He is God. You become a place where three rivers meet, the Father, the Son and the Holy spirit
The Holy Spirit not only guides us in our daily lives but also plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey, leading us towards righteousness and truth. From guiding Jesus into the wilderness to providing direct guidance to Philip, the Holy Spirit actively works in our lives to steer us in the right direction. While the Scriptures emphasize our responsibility to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s guidance by aligning our actions with His will, it is essential for us to actively engage in prayer and preparation rather than passively waiting for a specific feeling. By walking according to the Spirit and being prepared for action, we open ourselves up to the empowerment and transformation that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives.
HE CALLS YOU TO YOUR WORK
The Holy Spirit not only leads individuals to faith in Jesus Christ, but also guides them towards a specific vocation or task. This divine guidance ensures that every decision made aligns with God’s plan for their life, even in the seemingly unrelated aspects such as work. Trust in the Holy Spirit’s direction can bring clarity and purpose to one’s journey.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit will supernaturally guide us in the decisions we make. But normally, the Holy Spirit guides us through the ordinary ebbs and flows of life. As you trust God (Prov. 3:5–6), read the Bible (Rom. 12:1–2), and seek godly counsel (Prov. 11:14), the Holy Spirit will gently lead you into the work he has uniquely designed you for, guiding your steps with wisdom and clarity along the way.
Abundant Life
JOHN 10:10 – The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Believing Jesus
THE CORE TENETS OF CHRISTIANITY BELIEFS
Christianity, with over 2 billion followers, is the most widely practiced religion globally. The faith revolves around the beliefs surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite originating from a small group of believers, the evolution and acceptance of Christianity worldwide are considered by many scholars as one of the most successful spiritual endeavors in human history.
Some fundamental Christian beliefs encompass the monotheistic view of one God who created the universe, comprising the father (God), the son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Christianity centers on Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, with the belief that he was sent by God to save humanity through his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Christians anticipate Jesus’s return in the Second Coming, while adhering to the teachings of the Old and New Testaments found in the Holy Bible. The cross symbolizes Christian faith, with Christmas celebrating Jesus’s birth and Easter commemorating his resurrection.
Discover the Identity of Jesus
Historians widely accept the existence of a historical figure named Jesus, believed to have been born after 2 B.C. The New Testament of the Christian Bible provides much of the information about Jesus, including his birth to a young Jewish virgin named Mary in Bethlehem. Christians hold that his conception was a miraculous event, with God impregnating Mary through the Holy Spirit. Details of Jesus’s childhood are scarce, though scriptures mention his upbringing in Nazareth, his family’s flight to Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution, and his father Joseph’s occupation as a carpenter. Raised in the Hebrew tradition, Jesus’s early years remain shrouded in mystery.
At around 30 years old, Jesus began his public ministry following his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Over the course of about three years, Jesus journeyed alongside his 12 chosen disciples, also known as the 12 apostles, imparting teachings to large crowds and performing miraculous deeds as witnessed by many. Some of the most notable miracles included resurrecting Lazarus from death, walking on water, and restoring sight to the blind.
Explore the Wisdom of Jesus
Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew outlines his moral teachings, including the Beatitudes, Lord’s Prayer, and Golden Rule. The discourse provides instructions to his followers, such as the Twelve Apostles, on how to preach, travel, and behave. It emphasizes humility, self-sacrifice, and the anticipation of a future community of followers. The final discourse, known as the Olivet Discourse, delves into judgment, the conduct of Jesus’s followers, and the need for vigilance in the face of impending judgment. It touches on the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the Second Coming of Christ, offering scholarly discussion on its various interpretations.
Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection
Scholars posit that Jesus likely passed away between A.D. 30 and 33. The specifics of the date remain a topic of debate within theological circles. According to scripture, Jesus faced arrest, trial, and eventual condemnation to death. Roman governor Pontius Pilate ultimately ordered Jesus’s execution under pressure from Jewish leaders, accusing him of various offenses, notably blasphemy. Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem by Roman soldiers and laid to rest in a tomb. The narrative unfolds with Jesus’s body mysteriously missing three days following his crucifixion, leading to reported sightings and experiences with him in the days post-mortem. Biblical accounts narrate the resurrection of Jesus and his ascent into Heaven.
Scholars posit that Jesus likely passed away between A.D. 30 and 33. The specifics of the date remain a topic of debate within theological circles. According to scripture, Jesus faced arrest, trial, and eventual condemnation to death. Roman governor Pontius Pilate ultimately ordered Jesus’s execution under pressure from Jewish leaders, accusing him of various offenses, notably blasphemy. Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem by Roman soldiers and laid to rest in a tomb. The narrative unfolds with Jesus’s body mysteriously missing three days following his crucifixion, leading to reported sightings and experiences with him in the days post-mortem. Biblical accounts narrate the resurrection of Jesus and his ascent into Heaven.
Jesus imparted his teachings through parables, short stories with profound meanings. The core lessons embraced by Christians include loving God and one’s neighbor, forgiving those who have wronged you, extending love even to enemies, seeking forgiveness for sins, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah with the authority to forgive, acknowledging the importance of repenting for sins, avoiding hypocrisy and judgment, and understanding that the Kingdom of God is within reach for the weak and poor.
SACRED SCRIPTURES
The Christian Bible is a collection of 66 books written by various authors. It is divided into two parts: The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament describes the history of the Jewish people, outlines specific laws to follow, details the lives of many prophets, and predicts the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament, written after Jesus’s death, includes the first four books – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, known as the “Gospels.” These texts provide accounts of the life and death of Jesus, composed sometime between A.D. 70 and 100.
Letters written by early Christian leaders, which are known as “epistles,” make up a large part of the New Testament. These letters offer instructions for how the church should operate.
The Acts of the Apostles is a book in the New Testament that gives an account of the apostles’ ministry after Jesus’s death. The author of Acts is the same author as one of the Gospels—it is effectively “part two” to the Gospels, what happened after Jesus’s death and resurrection.
The final book in the New Testament, Revelation, describes a vision and prophecies that will occur at the end of the world, as well as metaphors to describe the state of the world.
According to the Bible, the first church organized itself 50 days after Jesus’s death on the Day of Pentecost—when the Holy Spirit was said to descend onto Jesus’s followers.
Most of the first Christians were Jewish converts, and the church was centered in Jerusalem. Shortly after the creation of the church, many Gentiles (non-Jews) embraced Christianity.
Early Christians considered it their calling to spread and teach the gospel. One of the most important missionaries was the apostle Paul, a former persecutor of Christians.
Paul’s conversion to Christianity after he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus is described in Acts of the Apostles. Paul preached the gospel and established churches throughout the Roman Empire, Europe and Africa.
Many historians believe Christianity wouldn’t be as widespread without the work of Paul. In addition to preaching, Paul is thought to have written 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament.
CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION
Early Christians endured harsh persecution for their beliefs, facing brutal torture and execution under leaders such as Emperor Nero, Emperor Domitian, and co-emperors Diocletian and Galerius. Despite these challenges, their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of adversity ultimately set a powerful example for future generations to follow.
CONSTANTINE EMBRACES FAITH
When Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity, religious dynamics changed in the Roman Empire. Various Christian factions had differing views on scripture and the church. A.D. 313 marked the end of the Christian ban with the Edict of Milan. Constantine introduced the Nicene Creed to unify and address disputes within Christianity, a pivotal moment in history.
CATHOLICISM
Emperor Theodosius I declared Catholicism the state religion of the Roman Empire in A.D. 380, establishing the Pope as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire in A.D. 476, differences arose between Eastern and Western Christians, leading to the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox church in A.D. 1054.
THE CRUSADES: A HISTORICAL JOURNEY
The Crusades, a series of religious conflicts that spanned from A.D. 1095 to A.D. 1230, were waged by Christians against Islamic rulers in a bid to recapture the holy land in Jerusalem. While the Christians did manage to seize control of the city in certain Crusades, ultimately they were unable to maintain their hold. In the aftermath of these wars, the Catholic Church saw a significant increase in both its influence and affluence.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHRISTIANITY
The Catholic branch, led by the Pope and Catholic bishops worldwide, is known for its centralized leadership structure. In contrast, the Orthodox branch operates through independent units governed by a Holy Synod, highlighting its decentralized nature. Protestant Christianity, encompassing diverse denominations with varied interpretations of the Bible and outlooks on the church, reflects the rich diversity within the Christian faith.
In Protestant Christianity, a diverse array of denominations such as Baptist, Episcopalian, Evangelist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal/Charismatic, Lutheran, Anglican, Evangelical, Assemblies of God, Christian Reform/Dutch Reform, Church of the Nazarene, Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, Mennonite, Christian Science, Quaker, and Seventh-Day Adventist exist. While these sects have differences in views, traditions, and worship practices, they all share a common foundation rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus.
Thank You Lord Thank You Jesus
The evidence for the existence of Jesus of Nazareth is well-documented and widely accepted, with references by Jewish, Roman, and Christian historians. The historical documents from various writers provide significant support for the life and death of Jesus, leaving little doubt about his existence. The question remains, for you to ponder, whether Jesus truly died and lived beyond mere historical facts.
The works of Jesus
John 10:32
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
John 6:65; John 7:17; John 8:42
