Embarking on your journey with God!
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Contents 3 | Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?
19 | Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Power from Above
7 | Who is Jesus? Wise man or Son of God?
21 | God’s Word: The Bible
13 | Crucified: Why did Jesus have to die?
27 | Hello God! Praying and Hearing God
15 | Baptism in Water: Dying to Live
39 | Resisiting Evil Satan is not a Myth
17 | Holy Spirit: The Person and Work
SALVATION RD.
Christianity - Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?
Christianity Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant? INTRODUCTION There are three objections to Christianity that crop up regularly:
1. Christianity is boring and old-fashioned! Religion is boring but following Christ and having a relationship with Him is about living life to the full with the utmost in pleasure and fulfillment.
2. Christianity cannot be true, there isn’t enough evidence! “I have been used for many years to studying the histories of other times, and to examining and weighing the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God has given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead.” - Professor Thomas Arnold (Chair of Modern History Oxford University) “The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historian schools of the 18th and 19th centuries, certain phases of which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of history.” - William F. Albright (Archeologist)
3. Christianity is irrelevant to society today! How can an old book, a man who lived 2000 years ago and a group of people who meet on Sundays have anything to do with life today?
1. THREE LIFE QUESTIONS Why am I here? Who put me here? What should I do about it? We look for the answers and fulfillment in: • Pleasure • Money • Family • Relationships • Business
2. THREE PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS OF LIFE • Someone to love • Something to do • Something to look forward to
vant
3. DIRECTION FOR A LOST WORLD
o p of ave
A meaningful relationship with Jesus gives the answers to the above questions and fulfills the above needs - ask anyone who has known Him for any length of time!
fill-
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6).
4. REALITY IN A CONFUSED WORLD • Does it really matter what we believe? Faith is not merely a question of sincerity, for example, Hitler. We can be sincerely wrong. Faith changes our lives. Jesus, the Bible and history proves beyond a doubt that what we believe does matter.
“If Christianity is true, it is of vital importance to every one of us”. As the writer and scholar C.S. Lewis put it, “Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and, if true, of infinite importance. One thing, it cannot be is moderately important.” • What about the hypocrites? Surely the validity of the usefulness of a car cannot be based on the claims of someone who says that they can drive, but cannot and has an accident. The test does not lie in the evidence of the lives of those who claim to be Christians, but does not live up to its requirements. The test lies in the infinite infallibility of Jesus. Definition of truth: • Something understood • Something experienced
• Is Christianity only relevant to some people and not everybody?
5. LIFE IN A DARK WORLD
To answer “yes” to this question is not a logical position.
The two questions that people most often ask in times of desperation are:
• Is there hope? • Is there meaning to life? “The line separating good and evil passes, not through states, nor through classes, nor between political parties ... but right through every human heart and through all human hearts” . - Alexander Solzhenitsyn The forgiveness of our sin and the removal of our guilt that we find in Christ gives us hope and gives meaning to life.
6. MORE BURNING QUESTIONS * Don’t all the religions basically teach the same things, but just use different names for God? When you look beneath the surface, you’ll find out that there are major differences between the religions - even contradictions about who God is. For example, some forms of Buddhism don’t even teach that there is a God; Hinduism teaches that God exists, but that everything is part of Him; Christianity teaches that God exists, but that He is separate from all
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He has created. These are mutually exclusive definitions that can not possibly be descriptive of the same God. Other religions generally view Jesus as being on more or less the same level as other prophets from God, not as who He claimed to be - the unique incarnation of God who came to earth as a man. (Jn 1:1,14; Jn 8:24; Phil 2:5-11). Other religions deny the biblical teaching that Jesus’ ultimate mission was to give His life on the cross as a payment for our sins (Matt 20:28). They also overlook the fact that of all the religions in history with leaders claiming to be prophets from God, Jesus alone backed up His claims by rising from the dead. In both Old Testament and New Testament days, there were other religions in existence and these were clearly not viewed by the biblical writers as acceptable alternatives (Num 25:3-5; 1 Kgs 18:16-40 and 1 Cor 10:20). • As long as each person is genuinely sincere, what difference does it make what they believe? The problem is that sincerely believing something doesn’t make it true. You can be sincere, but sincerely wrong.
People who get on an airplane that later crashes may be sincere in there belief that they will be safe, but their sincerity doesn’t change what is actually going to happen. Our beliefs - no matter how deeply held - have no effect on reality. This is true in all areas of life. Sincerely believing it is safe to cross the road doesn’t help you if there’s traffic coming. Thinking the speed limit is 120 when it is 60 won’t prevent you from getting a ticket for speeding. And strongly holding to your beliefs about God doesn’t make them true. Sincerity did not change the facts or the outcome for the people in situations like the mass suicides of the Jim Jones cult in Guyana in the early 1980’s or, more recently, the David Koresh cult in Waco, Texas. What counts is not the sincerity of our faith, but the object of our faith. We need to ask ourselves, “Is what I’m trusting in really trustworthy?” Then do our homework to find out whether it is or not. We need to heed the advice given in the Bible “Test everything. Hold on to the good” (1 Thess 5:2).
• Isn’t it narrow-minded for Christians to think that they’re right and everyone else is wrong? It’s not narrow-minded if you’ve looked into it and found that Christianity proves itself trustworthy in ways that other religions and viewpoints do not. Wisdom often leads us to follow a certain course of action over the many other options. For example, when our family doctor prescribes a medication to help us get well, it’s not narrow-minded to accept their advice, even though we know there are psychic healers and tribal witch doctors who would urge a different approach. The question is, who has credentials we can trust?
CONCLUSION • Christianity is not boring - it is about living life to the full. • Christianity is not untrue - it is the truth. • Christianity is not irrelevant - it transforms the whole life of the Christian.
Notes
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SALVATION RD.
Who is Jesus?
Who
is
Jesus
Wise man or Son of God? 1. INTRODUCTION It has been said that the communist Russian dictionary describes Jesus as a mythical figure who never existed. There are three foundational doctrines about Jesus that are regularly questioned: • His existence • His humanity • His claims “... You can count on it. Every few years, some ‘scholar’ will stir up a short-lived sensation by publishing a book that says something outlandish about Jesus... The amazing thing about all these debunk-Jesus books is that they accept as much of the recorded Gospels as they find convenient, then ignore or repudiate other parts of the same document which contradict their notions.” - Journalist Louis Cassels - 1971
2. DID JESUS REALLY EXIST? Evidence outside the New Testament: • The writings of Roman historians
such as Tacitus ,and Suetonius refer to Jesus either directly or indirectly. • There are a number of writers who were contemporaries of Jesus who refer to Him and also other historians who are well respected by scholars today.
Evidence from within the New Testament: • The New Testament is historically reliable. • The New Testament has been preserved accurately.
• The Jewish historian Josephus, born in AD 37, describes Jesus and His followers as follows: “Now there was about the this time, Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works - a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was (the) Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principle men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again on the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians so named after him, are not extinct at this day.”
s
lly
When Written
Work
Earliest Copy
Time Span
Number of Copies
Herodotus
488-428BC
AD900
1300 yrs
8
Thucydides
460-400BC
AD900
1300 yrs
8
Tacitus
AD100
A D1100
l000 yrs
20
Caesar’s Gallic War
58-50BC
AD900
950 yrs
10
Livy Roman History
59 BC-AD17
New Testament
40-AD100 AD130 (AD 350 full manuscripts)
59 BC-AD17
Geisler and Nix make a comparison of the textual variations between the New Testament documents and ancient works and comment:
900 yrs
20
25 yrs
5000+Greek 1000Latin 9300 others
“There is no body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual assertion as the New Testament” – FF Bruce. Work
When Written
Earliest Copy
Time Span
Bruce Metzger observes that in the entire Greek and Latin literature, the Iliad ranks next to the New Testament in possessing the greatest amount of manuscript testimony.
Number of Copies
Homer (Iliad)
900BC
4OOBC
500yrs
643
New Testament
AD40-10
AD130
25yrs
24000+
“Next to the New Testament, there are more still existing manuscripts of the Iliad than any other book. Both it and the Bible were considered ‘sacred: and both underwent textual changes and criticism of their Greek manuscripts. Only 40 lines (or 400 words) of the New Testament are in doubt, whereas 764 lines of the Iliad are questioned The 5% textual corruption compares with onehalf of 1% of similar emendations in the New Testament.” Sir Frederic Kenyon, one of the great authorities in the field of New Testament textual criticism comments that textual variations do not endanger doctrine in any way: “No fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith rests on a disputed reading ... It cannot be too strongly asserted |8
that in substance the text of the Bible is certain: Especially is this the case with the New Testament. The number of manuscripts of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it that in substance the text of the Bible is certain: Especially is this the case with the New Testament. The number of manuscripts of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other book in the world.”
3. WAS JESUS REALLY HUMAN? The humanity of Jesus is clearly evident in the following: Human Body: - Tired (Jn 4:40). - Hungry (Matt 4:2) Human Emotions: - Anger (Mk 11:15-17) - Love (Mk 10:21) - Sadness (Jn 11:32-36)
Human Experiences: - Temptation (Mk 1:13; Heb 2:18; Heb 4:14-15). - Learning (Lk 2:46-52). - Work (Mk 6:3). - Obedience (Lk 2:51). - Bleeding (Jn 19:34). The virgin birth of Jesus was necessary to: • Point to divine intervention. • Provide a sinless nature. • Maintain the legal right to the throne of David (Jer 22:28-30; Matt 1:12).
The main problem people have with the virgin birth is its miraculous nature. Scripture does not treat this event as an ordinary occurrence, but rather as a supernatural act of God. The virgin birth should not pose any special problem if one grants the possibility of the miraculous.
4. WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT HIMSELF? The teachings of Jesus centered on Himself, for example: • I am the bread of life (Jn 6:35). • I am the light of the world (Jn 8:12).
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SAY
on
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• I am the resurrection and the life (Jn 11:25-26). • I am the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). • My kingdom (Lk 22:30). • Come to me (Matt 11:28-29). • Follow me (Mk 1:17). • Receive me (Matt 10:40). • Welcome me (Mk 9:37). • See me to See God (Jn 14:9). • Claimed man’s supreme love (Matt 10:37; Lk 14:26).
3. His character (Heb 4:14-15) 4. His fulfillment of at least 300 Old Testament prophecies: i.e. Heir to the throne of David
Isaiah 9:7
Matthew 1:1 Place of birth
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:1
The claims Jesus made about himself were: • To forgive sin (Mk 2:5) • To judge the world (Matt 25:31-32) • The Messiah (Mk 14:61-62) • The Son of God (Mk 14;61) • God the Son (Jn 8:58; Jn 20:28, Jn 10:33).
5. IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT WHAT JESUS SAID? 1. His teaching e.g. The Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5, 6 & 7) 2. His works (Jn 10:37-38)
Time of birth
Daniel 9:25
Luke 2:1-2 Born of a virgin
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:18 Escape into Egypt
Hosea 11:1
Matthew 2:14
5. His conquest of death Evidence for the resurrection: • His absence from the tomb | 10
Some try to explain this away by arguing that Jesus did not die or that the disciples, authorities or robbers stole the body (Jn 19:34; Jn 20:1-9). • His presence with the disciples Some argue that His appearances were hallucinations - over 500 people at 10 different times over a period of six weeks? (Lk 24:37-38).
6. WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF THE EARTHLY LIFE OF JESUS? The life of Jesus showed it’s effect in three specific ways: 1. Immediate effect The birth and growth of the Christian church. 2. Effect down the ages. The history of the church and experiences of Christians down the ages. 3. My own life.
CONCLUSION “We are faced then with a frightening alternative. The man we are talking about was, and is, just what He said or else a lunatic or something worse. Now it seems to me obvious that he was neither a lunatic nor a fiend; and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God. God has landed on this enemy occupied world in human form. “ - C.S. Lewis
Notes
ning ng id or Now s conifying accept God d
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SALVATION RD.
Why did Jesus have to die?
Crucified Why did Jesus have to Die? INTRODUCTION The cross lies at the heart of the Christian faith (1 Cor 2:2). The Atonement: The work done by God, in Christ, to make our salvation possible. This work involved: The Father (Rom 8:32), the Son (Rom 8:34) and the Holy Spirit (Heb 9:14).
1. MAN’S GREATEST NEED “All have sinned ...” (Rom 3:21-23). Results of sin: • Pollution of sin (Mk 7:21-23). • Power of sin (Jn 8:34, Heb 12:1). • Penalty for sin (Rom 6:23). • Partition/separation of sin (Is 59:2).
2. WHAT HAS GOD DONE? Revelation 13:8: • Destroyed the Power of Death (Heb
2:14). • Destroyed the Devil (Col 2:15). • Destroyed the Power of Sin (Matt 1:21). • Reconciled man to God (2 Cor 5:19; Heb 2:17). • Glorified Himself (Rom 3:25).
The Facts: Raise or lower the universe’s rate of expansion by even one part in a million, and it would have ruled out the possibility of life. If the average distance between stars were any greater, planets like earth would not have been formed; any smaller, the planetary orbits necessary for life would not have occurred. If the ratio of carbon to oxygen had been slightly different than it is, none of us would have been here to breathe the air. Change the tilt of the earth’s axis slightly in one direction, and we would freeze. Change it the other direction, and we’d burn up. Suppose the earth had been a bit closer or further from the sun, or just a little larger or smaller, or if it rotated at a speed any different from the one we’re spinning at right now. Given any of these changes, the resulting
temperature variations would be completely fatal.
The Verdict: “Someone must have gone to a lot of effort to make things just right so that you and I could be here to enjoy life. In short, modern science points to the fact that we must really matter to God! ” - Bill Hybels, “Becoming a Contagious Christian”.
3. WHAT HAPPENED ON THE CROSS? (Read Rom 3:19-26).
The Law Court - We are “Justified freely by his grace” (Rom 3:24). - The Penalty of our sin has been paid (Rom 8:33).
The Market Place - Righteousness has been credited to us (Rom 4:22-24). - “The redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). - The power of sin was broken.
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The Temple - “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood” (Rom 3:25). - The pollution of sin removed.
The Home - Reconciliation and Adoption
- “God was... in Christ” (2 Cor 5:19, Jn 1:12, Rom 8:15). - Partition of sin destroyed. - “Righteousness from God” (Rom 3:23, Is 53:6). - He died for you and me (Gal 2:20). Jesus answered, ‘’I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’ (Jn 3:5-7).
4. HOW CAN I BE SURE OF MY FAITH? Experiences can vary. Some people immediately know the difference, for others it is more gradual. When we confess with our mouths
that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead (Rom 10:9), then we become children of God (Jn 1:12). God wants us to be sure “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 Jn 5:13). “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun” (2 Cor 5:17, Living Bible).
6. TRUST IN THE WORK OF JESUS We cannot earn God’s forgiveness but because of the death and resurrection of Jesus we can have an eternal relationship with God. - God loves us and died to prove it (Jn 3:16). - He took our sins upon Himself (Is 53:6, 2 Cor 5:12). - Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Prov 3:5).
5. RELY ON THE PROMISES IN GOD’S WORD We cannot trust our feelings - they are changeable and deceptive. This is what God promises us in His Word: - “I will come in” (Rev 3:20). - “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). - “I give them eternal life” (Jn 10:28). Faith = Taking God’s promises and believing them because of who He is. | 14-
SALVATION RD.
Baptism in Water
Baptism in water Dying to Live INTRODUCTION What does the word “baptism” mean? - Dipped - Immersed
Note: Children were blessed, not baptized, by Jesus (Mk 10:14-16). Repentance and believing are two things that are done by people who have understanding. An infant cannot repent and believe!
- Submerged - The same Greek word is used in the context of dyeing cloth
1. THE MOTIVE - WHY? • Christ commanded it - Matt 28:19-20 - Mk 16:15-16
3. THE MODE - HOW? Biblical baptism is by TOTAL IMMERSION: - Mark 3:16 - John 3:23
• Christ exemplified it - Matt 3:13-16
Paul baptised again those who were not baptised correctly and those who were not baptised for the right reasons! (Acts 19:3-5).
• The early church exemplified it (Acts 2:41, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 8:12, Acts 16:15, Acts 9:18, Acts 18:18).
4. THE MEANING
2. THE MOMENT WHEN? • After believing in Jesus for Salvation (Acts 8:37). • After repenting of sin (Acts 2:38).
Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. It is the God-ordained sign that you are in Covenant relationship with God (Col 2:9-13). It is also a public testimony of change that has already taken place in your heart.
Spurgeon’s Testimony: “I will never forget the third of May, 1850. I was within a few weeks of my sixteenth birthday. I was up early to have a couple of hours for prayer and communion with my God. Then I had to walk some eight miles to reach the spot where I was to be immersed into the Triune Name... The wind blew down the river with a cutting blast. As my turn came I waded into the flood. It was then that I noticed the people on the ferry-boat, and in the boats on the shores. I felt as if heaven and earth and hell might gaze upon me, for I was not ashamed there and then to own myself a follower of the Lamb. My timidity was washed away; it floated down the river into the sea and must have been devoured by the fish, for I have never felt anything of that kind since. Baptism loosed my tongue and from that day I have never been quiet.”
r
Notes
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SALVATION RD.
The Person and the Work of the Holy Spirit
Holy
Spirit
The Person and the Work INTRODUCTION
• The promise of a ‘new thing’ - “They will all know me” (Jer 31:31-34).
anointing of the Holy Spirit at his baptism (Lk 3:22, Lk 4:1, 14, 18).
For a long time the person and the work of the Holy Spirit has been:
- “ I will put my Spirit in you” (Ezk 36:26-27).
• Jesus predicts the Spirit’s presence (Jn 7:37-39).
- Ignored: There has been a greater focus on the Father and the Son.
- “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28-29).
• He tells them to wait in the city until they are clothed with power from on high (Lk 24:49, Acts 1:4, 5, 8).
- Misunderstood: ‘he’ not ‘it’ - Resisted: He wants to take control but we want to have control.
1. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? In the Old Testament:
In the New Testament: • Around the birth of Jesus - John the Baptist... filled while still in his mother’s womb (Lk 1:14-15).
- New languages (Acts 2:4-12).
- Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:35).
- New power (Acts 2:37-41).
- Elizabeth when Mary greets her (Lk 1:41).
• He was involved in creation
- Zechariah was filled & prophesied (Lk 1:67).
- Bringing order out of chaos (Gen 1:2).
- Simeon, the Holy Spirit was upon him (Lk 2:25-27).
- Giving life to man (Gen 2:7). • He came upon particular people at particular times for particular tasks - Bezalel, for artistic work (Exo 31:1-5). - Gideon, for leadership (Jges 6:1416, 34). - Samson, for strength (Jges 15:14-15). - Isaiah, for prophecy (Is 61:1-3).
• At Pentecost the disciples were filled with the Spirit and received:
Note: The Holy Spirit only fell upon a few particular people. It was promised that the Spirit would be poured out on all believers. • John the Baptist makes the link with Jesus (Lk 3:16). • Jesus the Spirit-filled man • Jesus received power through the
- New boldness (Acts 2:14).
2. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO AND WHY DID HE COME? • To be an abiding comforter (Jn 14:16-17). • To teach us all things (Jn 14:26). • To testify about Jesus (Jn 15:26). • To reprove (Jn 16:7-11). • To guide into all truth (Jn 16:13-15, Eph 1:17-18). • To give us power to witness about Jesus (Acts 1:8). • To bear witness with our spirits.
is
• To help us to pray (Rom 8:26-27).
nce
• To produce Godly character in us (Gal 5:22-23).
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.
-15,
out
.
Gifts for all the Children “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills” (1 Cor 12:1-11). The Holy Spirit gives: • Free gifts • To each one • For the common good • Different portions/ gifts to each as He decides Every Christian has the Holy Spirit (Rom 8: 9) but not every Christian is filled with the Spirit “be filled” (Eph 5: 18 - 20).
How? “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price”. (Rev 22: 17).
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SALVATION RD.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptism In the Holy Spirit 1. WHAT DID PEOPLE EXPERIENCE IN THE BIBLE?
(Acts 2:4-6).
• Pentecost - wait for the promise, fire, languages (Acts 2:2-4). • Samaria - laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-17). • Paul - laying on of hands (Acts 9:1719). • Ephesus - languages and prophecy (Acts 19:1-6). • Cornelius - while Paul was speaking (Acts 10:44-46).
- A form of prayer (1 Cor 14:2). - Builds up individual (1 Cor 14:4). - Transcends the language barrier (1 Cor 14:4). - Speaker in full control (1 Cor 14:32).
What is the Gift of Tongues?
Think about it: Why is it that if a cinema comedy produces laughter, the film is regarded as successful; if a theatre tragedy brings tears to the audience the production is regarded as touching; if a football match thrills the spectators, the game is reviewed as exciting; but if the congregation are moved by the glory of God in worship, the audience are accused of emotionalism?
3. DOES THE NEW TESTAMENT APPROVE?
2. WHAT DID THEY EXPERIENCE? Release of power (Luke 24:49). - To be witnesses (Acts 1:8). - To perform signs & wonders (Acts 2:43). They were released in praise (Acts 2:46). - Fear of emotion - All relationships should involve emotions - Emotion versus emotionalism They received a new language
- Praise and worship - Praying for oneself - Praying for others
Read 1 Corinthians 14. This scripture talks about the debate versus public over private use of tongues. Nevertheless it says in verse 39-40, “Oh, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order.”
Why is it helpful?
4. HOW DO WE
ter, l; if the rded hrills ewed on n ed of
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RECEIVE THIS GIFT? • Eagerly desire (1 Cor 14:1). • Ask God, Jesus is the baptizer in the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11, Jn 1:33) • Co-operate with the Spirit
• Doubt • Fear • Inadequacy
• Believe
God Story:
• Persevere
“By the clock I prayed 15 minutes a day in the language of the Spirit and still felt nothing as I asked the Spirit to help me intercede for those I wanted to reach. After about six weeks of this I began to lead people to Jesus without trying. Gangsters fell to their knees sobbing in the streets, women were healed, and heroin addicts were miraculously set free. I knew it had nothing to do with me”
5. COMMON HINDRANCES TO BEING FILLED? “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:9-13).
- Jackie Pullinger.
CONCLUSION The Holy Spirit is received by faith (Gal 3:14) and maintained by obedience (Eph 5:18).
Some of the barriers: | 20
SALVATION RD.
God’s Word - The Bible
Gods The Bible
Word
“The Word of God is living and active” - Isaiah 55:11.
Because of the neglect of the Word and its practice.
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” - Colossians 3:16.
- “So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables” (Acts 6:2).
1. WHY IS THE STUDY OF THE BIBLE IMPORTANT? Because all our spiritual life is based on the Word alone. - Not reason, science, experience, tradition or the Gifts of the Spirit - “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Col 2:8). The basis of every revival in the history of the church has been a return to the Bible in understanding and practice. - Martin Luther said “Sola Scriptura”, which means “By scripture alone” is the doctrine that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness.
2. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? The Bible is God’s self-revelation to man and the revelation of His plan of salvation. (Heb 1:1, 2 Pet 1: 19-21). God has revealed himself in GENERAL revelation through:
• The revelation of God in the Bible is complete – not to be added to, or subtracted from (Matt 5:18, Rev 22: 18-19 ). • This document so important to God that He will oversee it’s writing, copying, assembling and translation in order to make sure that the complete revelation of who He is and the complete message of salvation will be communicated - it does not fit in with God’s character that He will leave the revelation of His son and the plan of redemption to chance and man’s preferences.
- Creation (Rom 1: 19-21) - Conscience (Rom 2:15) - History (1 Cor 10:11) • God’s specific revelation is through His Son and the Bible (Heb 1: 1-2; Jn 1:1, 14). • God also chooses to reveal Himself and communicate with us through the Gifts of the Spirit, but these must never contradict God’s written Word nor should they be regarded as above God’s Word - the Bible.
ble is , or v 22:
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3. WHERE DOES THE BIBLE COME FROM?
The inspiration of the Bible is proved by the New Testament fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies:
The Bible is inspired by God, ‘Theopneustos’ meaning God breathed • Micah 5:2 - Birthplace - Matt 2:1 • Is 7:14 - Virgin Birth - Matt 1:18 (2 Tim 3: 15-17). • Is 53:3 - Jew rejection of Christ - Jn 1:11 Biblical inspiration is not: • Zec 11:12 - 30 pieces of silver - Matt - God dictating to a scribe. 27:3-10 - Man recording his own ideas about God to which God puts His signature. Biblical inspiration is: God revealing the body of truth to the man by His Spirit, then superintending it’s writing and preservation through the centuries. God prompted the writers to use certain words and phrases to best communicate Himself, but the writer’s character and style was not submerged as in the case of a dictated letter.
4. HOW DO WE KNOW THE BIBLE IS FOR REAL? The Bible claims to be God’s Book. In the Old Testament alone the term “God said” is used or alluded to 2600 times (2 Tim 3:16).
The oneness of truth proves the divine origin of the Bible. The Bible consists of 66 books written over a period of 1600 years by over 40 different people, yet it has one message – Salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Its preservation through the centuries proves its divine origin. Time – Until 1450 every manuscript was copied by hand. The number of New Testament manuscripts that still exist that go back to the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th centuries are approximately 14000. (This is before printing started). The closest to this is Homer’s Iliad with 643 manuscripts. The Iliad has 5% textual corruption and the New Testament only half of 1%.
Persecution – No other book has been so persecuted. - In AD 303 Diocletian ordered that every Bible in the world should be destroyed. Possession of scripture meant execution. 25 Years later Constantine had 50 perfect copies prepared using government funds. - Voltaire said: “ Within 100 years of his lifetime the Bible would disappear”. After his death the Bible was the number 1 bestseller and 50 years after he made the statement the Geneva Bible Society moved into his house and used his printing presses to produce thousands of Bibles. Criticism – Attacked more than any other book in history. Today more people trust, read and love the Scriptures than any other time in history. Approximately 44 million Bibles are sold every year. Critics said Moses couldn’t have written the first 5 books because there was no alphabet – it has now been discovered that there was 5 written languages dating back to Abraham.
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Archaeological proofs Many Biblical records have been confirmed archaeologically, for instance the walls of Jericho, the Flood and the use of straw being abandoned in Egypt during the enslavery of Israel. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, dating back to approximately 400 years after the completion of the Old Testament, confirmed the authenticity of the Scriptures and that they had been handed down accurately by the Jewish scribes. And most importantly... The Bible Works The Gospel the Bible preaches finds it’s proof in our very lives and in the existence of the Church. The principles of the Bible applied changes lives. The Bible can be known and experienced.
5. CANONICITY The word “canon” means “measuring rod”, and refers to a standard or rule. Canonicity means that the Biblical books have been measured by a standard, have stood the test and have been recognized as inspired by God. It has been suggested that it was Ezra the scribe who, after the close of the Babylonian captivity, gathered the Old Testament books which had been written to that time into the accepted canon. (The Torah). The canon of the New Testament was accepted with its 27 books at the close of the 4th Century by using the following 4 tests: Apostolicity: Written by an apostle or someone in close relationship with an apostle.
6. OLD VERSUS NEW TESTAMENT? The new is in the old contained. The old is in the new explained. The new is in the old enfolded. The old is in the new unfolded. The new is in the old concealed. The old is in the new revealed.
7. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE DO? • Changes (2 Cor 3:16) • Creates (Gen 1, Jn 1) • Cleanses (Ps 119:9, Eph 5:26, Jn 15:3) • Corrects (2 Tim 3:16) • Conceives, Gives life (Lk 1:34-38)
Content: Is the content of such spiritual nature as to warrant inclusion?
• Conquers (Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12)
Universality: Was the book universally accepted by the church at the time?
• Defends (Matt 4:1-11)
Inspiration: Was the book inspired and does it have internal evidence thereof?
• Guides (Ps 119:105) • Heals (Prov 4:20-22)
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” - Is 55:11.
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Martin Luther said: - “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” The Bible is our manual for life! “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” - 2 Tim 3:16-17.
8. SYMBOLS OF THE SCRIPTURES • The Word is like Fire (Jer 23:29) • The Word is like a Hammer (Jer 23 :29) • The Word is like a Lamp (Ps 119:105)
25:2) • The Word is like Honey (Ps 19:10, Rev 10:10) • The Word is like an Ox-goad (Ecc 12:11) • The Word is like a Nail (Ecc 12:11)
• The Word is like a Rod (Rev 11:1-2) •The Word is like a Seed (1 Pet 1:23, Lk 8:11, Jam 1:18) • The Word is like a Sword (Heb 4:12) • The Word is like Water (Eph 5:26, Jn 15:3, Jn 17:17, Ps 119:5) • The Word is like Gold (Ps 19 7-10, Prov
10. HOW THE WORD OF GOD WORKS
• The Word is like Bread (Matt 4:4, Ps 119:103, Is 55:10)
• Mixed with faith (Heb 4:2, 1 Thess 2:13).
• The Word is like a Pearl (Matt 7:6)
• By action (Jam 1:22).
• The Word is like an Anchor (Heb 6:18-19)
• When we speak it (Rom 10:8-18).
• The Word is like a Star (2 Pet 1:19, Rev 2:28) • The Word is like Food (Heb 5:14)
9. HINDRANCES TO THE WORD OF GOD’S WORK IN OUR LIVES
• The Word is like a Mirror (Jam 1:23) • The Word is like Milk (1 Pet 2:2)
• Rationalization (Col 2:8)
• Unbelief (Mk 6:5-6) • Tradition (Matt 15:6, Mk 7:9) • Ignorance (Matt 22:29) • Shallowness, Superficiality (Matt 13:21) • Worries of life (Matt 13:22) • Deceitfulness of riches (Matt 13:22) • Twisting the Scriptures (2 Pet 3:16)
• When we appreciate it (1 Pet 2:2, Jer 15:16). • When the Holy Spirit is present (Eph 6:17). • When we preach it (2 Tim 4:2, 1 Pet 1:25). • When we give it prominence (Job 23:12, Ps 1:2).
11. HOW DO WE HEAR GOD SPEAK THROUGH THE BIBLE? Time “Money is power, but time is life”. Plan time to spend reading the Bible and develop a regular pattern. | 24
Place Find “A solitary place” (Mk 1:35). Method - Ask God to speak to you - Read the passage - Ask yourself :
What does it say? What does it mean? How does it apply?
- Respond in prayer - Put it into practice (Matt 7:24) Read the Bible consecutively: i.e. Use a “One Year Bible” or read 2 chapters of the Old Testament, 2 chapters of the New Testament, 5 Psalms, 1 chapter of Proverbs. In this way you will read through the Old Testament in one year, the New Testament 4 times a year, and the Psalms and Proverbs once a month. Look at the Old Testament for examples and “shadows”. (A shadow is cast by an actual substance e.g. The sacrificial lamb mentioned in the Old Testament is a shadow of Jesus who was the lamb that was slain for us). Look at the New Testament to know our rights and privileges in the New Covenant. Read the Psalms for praise
and encouragement. The Proverbs are good for wisdom in daily living choices and decisions.
12. WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN TO ME IN THE 21st CENTURY? • I can trust my Bible (2 Pet 1:19). • I must live by my Bible (Duet 12:32, Duet 8:1, Jam 1:22). • I must study my Bible (Rom 15:4, Jn 5:39, Jer 15:16). • I must come to my Bible as a disciple to be taught and not as a judge. • I sit under the Word and do not stand over it (Acts 17:10-12). • With an eager and open mind. • I must preach the Word (2 Tim 4:1-4, 2 Tim 3:16-17, Acts 20:20, Acts 20:27).
13. A WORD BASED PEOPLE To be a Word based people means that we are a people whose lifestyle is
radically affected by God’s Word – we live by it. It is our handbook for life and all its questions. It is the means of the revelation of God to our hearts and to our lives in general as a church. As the Holy Spirit interprets the Book to us, we have fresh illuminations of the Lord Jesus and His purposes with us individually and collectively. We must never get to the place where we venerate the Bible or come to regard it as an object of worship. Nor should it become a good luck charm or talisman. We are never to become people who could be accused of bibliolatry.
Notes
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SALVATION RD.
Prayer and Hearing God
Hello
God!
Prayer and Hearing God 1. WHAT IS PRAYER? • Communication with God. “Prayer is speaking to God who has the power to change things” - (Leader of a church involved in the transformation of the city of Kiambu, Kenya). • Prayer expresses our dependence on God. See the Disciples Prayer in Matthew 6:5-13. • Prayer is relationship. Essentially prayer brings you into contact with God. Your growth in prayer should be a deepening of that relationship with Him. Like a child who runs eagerly with requests to a loving parent, your sincerity and complete honesty are essential for prayer as you run to the Father. • The most important activity of our lives. (1 Thess 5:17). Charles Spurgeon once said that as Christians we should become addicted to prayer. • The whole Trinity involved: - To the Father (Matt 6:9) - Through the Son (Eph 2:18) - In the Spirit (Rom 8:26)
Jesus prayed “When you pray” - not “If you pray” (Mk 1:35; Lk 6:12, 9:18,28, 11:1).
2. WHY DO WE PRAY? A tale is told about a small town that had historically been “dry,” but then a local businessman decided to build a tavern. A group of Christians from a local church were concerned and planned an all-night prayer meeting to ask God to intervene. It just so happened that shortly thereafter lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. The owner of the bar sued the church, claiming that the prayers of the congregation were responsible, but the church hired a lawyer to argue in court that they were not responsible. The presiding judge, after his initial review of the case, stated, “No matter how this case comes out, one thing is clear. The tavern owner believes in prayer and the Christians do not”.
We Pray: 1. Because prayer defeats Satan There is a powerful, cunning, deceptive, determined, and vicious
devil. He is after you personally. The first step in dealing with the devil is prayer. And lots of it.
The Power of Prayer The mother of a seminary student’s was a psychic. She said to him once, “Jim, have you been praying for me?” “Of course I have, Mother.” “Well, don’t,” she insisted, “because you’re disturbing my aura.” ---A man who was a high priest in the upper echelons of Satanism was dramatically delivered. Six months after he was set free he gave his testimony in church. At the close of his testimony he was asked, “Based on your experience on ‘the other side,’ what is the Christian’s greatest strategy against demonic influence?” “Prayer,” he answered forcefully. “And when you pray, mean it. Fervent prayer thwarts Satan’s activity like nothing else.”
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2. Because prayer puts you at God’s disposal - It makes you as clay in the hands of the potter. - It enables you to say, Thy will be done. - It brings you to the place of full surrender. Then, with Isaiah, you can say sincerely, “Here am I, send me” (Is. 6:8). 3. Because prayer puts God at your disposal This is not blasphemy. It is a blessed truth. Of course, God is not an errand boy to jump every time you make a request in prayer. But He has yielded to us the keys of the Kingdom. The power He has is available to those He can trust with it. Notice what Jesus said: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours” (Mk 11:24). “If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish and you shall have it” - (Jn 15:7). And James declared, “The effectual
fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” - (Jam 5:16). When you stay on your knees before God long enough and often enough, you will lay hold of the power of God. 4. Because of what prayer accomplishes - Much gets done when much time is spent in prayer. - There is growth in grace. - There are blessings like showers upon the parched land. - There is Christ-likeness. - There are revivals in your life. - Just spend enough time on your knees so that you may walk tall and strong for Him and through Him.
Rewards of Prayer: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “ Matt 6:6 - Joy (Jn 16:24) - Peace (Phil 4:6-7)
Results of Prayer: Richard Foster says: “To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives. The more we pray, the more we come to the heartbeat of God. All the options of life fall before us. At that point we will either forsake our prayer life and cease to grow, or we will pursue our prayer life and let Him change us. Either option is painful. To grow in His likeness is to enjoy His fullness. When this happens, the priorities of the world begin to fade away.”
3. DOES GOD ALWAYS ANSWER PRAYER? A cartoon pictured a little boy kneeling in prayer. Obviously disgruntled with God, he was saying, “Aunt Harriet hasn’t gotten married, Uncle Herbert hasn’t any work, and Daddy’s hair is still falling out ... I’m getting tired of praying for this family without getting any results.” | 28
Matthew 7:7-11, says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you...”
C - Confession Asking God’s forgiveness for anything that we have done wrong.
So why are some prayers not answered?
T - Thanksgiving For health, friends, family, etc.
- Unconfessed sin (Isa 59:2, Ps 66:18). - Unforgiveness (Matt 6:14-15). - Disobedience (1 Jn 3:21-22). - Wrong Motives (Jam 4:2-3). - Misapprehension of the will of God
John Stott states that God does not answer prayer that falls into the following categories: “Either not good in themselves, or not good for us or for others, directly or indirectly, immediately or ultimately” .
4. HOW DO WE PRAY? This is only a suggested guideline. We all need to develop our own personal time with God that reflect a healthy relationship with our God. A - Adoration Praising God for who He is and what He has done.
S - Supplication Praying for ourselves, for our friends and for others. When Martin Luther’s puppy happened to be at the table, he looked for a morsel from his master, and watched with open mouth and motionless eyes; he said, “Oh, if I could only pray the way this dog watches the meat! All his thoughts are concentrated on the piece of meat. Otherwise he has no thought, wish or hope.”
5. KEYS • Set aside time. Take time when it can best be found, preferably early in the day. Prayers that are not said in the morning tend not be said at all. • Set a minimum time. Begin modestly but gradually increase in length. Ten minutes is a
realistic minimum and a half-hour is within most people’s ability. • Be faithful. Whatever length of time is decided, it should be firmly kept. Without some discipline, prayer tends to be pushed to the margin even by the most devout - there is always something else to do that appears more pressing or more attractive. There are days when prayer seems less easy and spontaneous and concentration is harder. On these days the offering of time is an act of obedience - which is itself an act of faith. • Have structure. This can give shape or constancy without constricting your spontaneous approach to God. Begin with acknowledging the presence of God. A.C.T.S. Don’t worry if one area monopolizes your prayer time - consider this as a principal need of the day. • Be ambitious but not impatient. All Christians - including the saints - have known periods when there seemed to be no progress. These are times to hold fast to the discipline of prayer, waiting until you are ready to
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receive God’s calling to new understanding and fresh devotion.
What’s your prayer excuse?
• Learn what His voice sounds like.
We know how important it is to pray. We also are excellent at finding excuses why we don’t have the time. Primarily, our lives are structured around the things we consider important. When God is important enough to us, the end result will be prayer. The decision to pray is the battle. Once that decision has been made, most of the battle is over.
His voice is a flow of thoughts that comes in the mind. • Find a quiet place and quiet your thoughts. • Pray in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit is God’s way of helping us pray when we don’t know how: “The Spirit also *helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us” (Rom 8:26). * Helps (sunantilambano): depicts the Holy Spirit’s role of coming alongside us in our condition of human frailty and spiritual vulnerability and bearing us to the other side of spiritual protection and victory (Neil Anderson). • See in the spirit through dreams and visions. • Record what you hear and see. Keep a journal.
- Daniel prayed at three different times each day: morning, noon, and night (Dan 6:10). Tips: 1. Pray audibly. Praying out loud helps you stay focused. 2. Pace. If you get drowsy while praying, get up and move around. Pacing is deliberate walking to help you concentrate on God. If you’ve ever fallen asleep in prayer simply pray when you wake up.
“I’M TOO TIRED”
“I’M TOO BUSY”
Being tired is really common. You can still spend time in prayer despite your weariness. If you allow weariness to keep you from prayer, you will always be kept from prayer because fatigue is part of this fast-paced life. Give God the best time of the day.
You need to develop an attitude about time that is similar to the one you have about money. The more time you give God, the more time you have from God. Following the principle of sowing and reaping, God will give back what you give to Him, then He increases it. Most people are busy, but not too busy to pray.
- Choose the time of day when you can be the most effective. - David would often pray at night (Ps. 63:6). - Abraham got up early to pray (Gen19:27). - Religious Jews liked to pray at the ninth hour - which was 3:00 p.m (Acts 3:1) .
“ I’M TOO DRY” You might not feel like praying. If you waited until you felt like praying you would pray very little. Jesus told his disciples that they should always pray and not give up (Lk 18:1). Should is an | 30
act of the will. Simply make yourself do it. It’s a spiritual discipline. Certainly you should pray every time you feel led to pray, but for the most part, you lead yourself to prayer. “I’M TOO LAZY” This is not something you’d like to admit. Prayer itself is not difficult. You will never run out of things to pray for. The biggest obstacle is making the decision to pray. Once you are in the place of prayer, it’s not that difficult to pray. The struggle is getting yourself in that position. Getting up out of the easy chair or out of that warm bed in the morning, turning off the TV or radio, and putting yourself in a position to pray is where most of the battle lies.
6. MODEL OF THE DISCIPLE’S PRAYER In Matthew 6:9-13, the prayer consists of only 56 words. It is not how much we say but what we say and the heart with which we say it.
A mouthful ... A US government order to set the price of cabbage consisted of 26 911 words - more words are not necessary more meaningful. A comment was made that if a lawyer wrote the line “Give us this day our daily bread” it may have sounded like this: “We respectfully petition, request and entreat that due and adequate provision be made, this date and date first above inscribed, for satisfying of petitioner’s nutritional requirements and for the organizing of such methods of allocation and distribution as may be deemed necessary and proper to assure the reception by and for said petitioners of such quantity of cereal products (hereinafter called ‘bread’) as shall, in the judgment of the afore, and petitioners, constitute sufficient amount.”
“Our Father in Heaven” He is a Good Father: • Who has plans for His children (Jer 29:11).
• Who provides for His children (Phil 4:19): - Physically (Ps 91:11) - Financially (Deut 28:1-13) - Materially (Matt 6:25-33) - Emotionally (2 Tim 1:7) - Spiritually (Ps 103) • Who is patient with His children (Ps 103:8; Ps 145:8) • Pardons His children (Lk 15:22; Ps 103:2, 9,12) • Instructs and guides His children (Prov 4:1; Ps 32:8) • Corrects His children (Heb 12:5; Prov 3:11-12) Begin your prayer time by addressing Him as “father” by virtue of the blood. “Hallowed be your name”. Make a faith declaration in relation to the covenantal names of God. E.G. Jehovah - which means “I will be to you whatever you need me to be, whenever you need me to be it.” Jehovah-Jireh- “Jehovah will provide”. Jehovah-Rophe - “Jehovah that heals” Jehovah-Elohim - “The mighty one who creates”.
• Suffering - Some measure of suffering (1 Pet 4:19). • Service - That I achieve His purpose for my life today (Matt 26:42). There are 5 areas that God’s Kingdom and Will must come to: My Life: If His Kingdom isn’t established in my life I can’t transfer it.
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My Family: Spouse, children, in-laws etc. My Church: Leaders, Home Cells, Friends, Harvest, Faithfulness.
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The Nation: Leaders, Righteousness, Integrity, Harvest etc. The Nations: Leaders, Churches, Church Planting, Harvest etc.
“Your Kingdom Come” - God’s rule and reign (government) in our own life and people’s lives - Return of Jesus - Presence of God’s kingdom now
“Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven” What is God’s Will: • Salvation - All should be saved,
including your family. • Sanctification - (Phil 1:6; 1 Thess 5:2324; Matt 18:14). • Sickness - None should be sick (Ex 15:26; 3 John 2). • Success - (Jer 29:11; Ps 1:1-3; Josh1:8) • Speech - Give thanks in all circumstances (1Thess 5:18). • Sex - Be holy, avoid sexual immorality (1 Thess 4:3). • Silence - Silence foolish man by good works (1 Pet 2:15).
“Give us this day our daily bread” “Everything necessary for the preservation of life, like food, a healthy body, good weather, house, home, wife, children, good government and peace” - Martin Luther. We want to be a people who “live to give”. | 32
Be forgiven - ask God to forgive you
”For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever”
Forgive - forgive and release others. From your heart, set your will to forgive those who sin against you.
• With others (Matt 18:19 ) • Alone (Matt 6:6) - Regular pattern. - Best part of the day (Mk 1:35). - Always be consistent and persevere (1 Thess 5:17; Eph 6:1).
Acknowledge His place of supremacy in all things.
“He that cannot pray, let him go to sea, and there he will learn”.
”Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors”
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
share your faith (Rev 12:11).
- It’s His Kingdom, not ours - It’s His Power (Zech 4:6-7; Eph 5:18) - It’s His Glory, not ours
Our Protection: • Perceive and know the truth about temptation. Temptation is not sin. (Heb 4:15; Jam 1:14). • Pray to be delivered from temptation. • Put on the whole armour of God daily (Eph 6:10-18). • Practice the presence of God, becoming more God conscious and less devil conscious. • Pray a hedge of protection ( You are my fortress, my refuge and my God ). • Place & commission angels (Ps 91:11; Heb 1:14). • Power of the blood of Jesus (Rev 12:11; Ex 12:13). • Profession of your faith. Courage to
”Amen” Amen simply means: “So let it be”. Pray the Disciples Prayer for yourself and others. E.G. Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honored in ______’s life. Give ______ the food he/she needs for today. etc
7. WHEN SHOULD WE PRAY?
- John Trapp
8. HOW DOES GOD GUIDE US? The craving for esoteric, “extra” knowledge in our culture was starkly illustrated when two conferences, both open to the public, were recently held in Pasadena, California. One was a major world conference on international missions and about 600 people attended. At the same time, a New Age conference was being conducted nearby, and more than 40,000 people showed up! That’s our society today. People don’t want to hear what God has to say. They want information and direction from someone else who “knows”: a psychic, a channeler, a palm-reader,
).
a card-reader, or the spirit of a dead friend or relative. All you have to do is change the wording from medium to channeler and demon to spirit guide and a gullible society accepts it!
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Our Real Spirit Guide A young pilot had just passed the point of no return when the weather changed for the worse. Visibility dropped to a matter of feet as fog descended to the earth. Putting total trust in the cockpit instruments was a new experience to him, for the ink was still wet on the certificate verifying that he was qualified for instrument flying. The landing worried him the most. His destination was a crowded metropolitan airport he wasn’t familiar with. In a few minutes he would be in radio contact with the tower. Until then, he was alone with his thoughts. His instructor had practically forced him to memorize the rule book. He didn’t care for it at the time, but now he was thankful. Finally he heard the voice of the air traffic controller. “I’m going to put you on a holding pattern,” the con-
troller radioed. Great! thought the pilot. However, he knew that his safe landing was in the hands of this person. He had to draw upon his previous instructions and training, and trust the voice of an air traffic controller he couldn’t see. Aware that this was no time for pride, he informed the controller, “This is not a seasoned pro up here. I would appreciate any help you could give me.” “You’ve got it!” he heard back. For the next 45 minutes, the controller gently guided the pilot through the blinding fog. As course and altitude corrections came periodically, the young pilot realized the controller was guiding him around obstacles and away from potential collisions. With the words of the rule book firmly placed in his mind, and with the gentle voice of the controller, he landed safely at last. The Holy Spirit guides us through the maze of life much like that air traffic controller. The controller assumed that the young pilot understood the instructions of the flight manual. His guidance was based on that. Such is the case with the Holy Spirit: He can guide us if we have a knowledge of God’s Word and His will established in our minds.
God promises to guide us (Ps 32:8; | 34
Jn 10:3-4) and God has a good plan for our lives (Jer 29:11; Rom 12:2). We need to consult God before making major decisions e.g. marriage, job, home, money, giving, possessions etc. (Isa 30:1-2). Jesus is the supreme example for us (Lk 4:1; Jn 5:19). Our attitude needs to be one of humility and fear of the Lord (Ps 25:9, 14; Luke 1:38; Ps 37:5,6).
tions for marriage, work, money, children, etc. (2 Tim 3:16). • Particular Will (Ps 119:105,130-133).
• Remove outer distractions • Get comfortable - but not too comfortable • Begin to worship • Remove inner distractions • Write thoughts down • Focus on God and His grace
“God’s promises of guidance were not given to save us the problem of thinking”
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”. (Jn 10:27)
(Read Ps 32:8-9; 2 Tim 2:7; 1 Cor 7:1724).
• The good thought • Strong impressions • Feelings We need to test the word we hear (1 Jn 4:1)
Scripture gives us clear instruction on the basic will of God for our lives: • God’s General Will. General instruc-
- John Stott
12. COUNSEL OF SAINTS “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” - Prov 12:15.
• Is it loving? (1 Jn 4:16).
(Read Prov 15:22; Prov 20:18)
• Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? (1 Cor 14:3).
BUT:
• Does it bring the peace of God?
9. COMMANDING SCRIPTURE
11. COMMON SENSE
10. COMPELLING SPIRIT
God speaks as you pray: (Acts 13:1-3)
How can we hear God?
Gen 18; Matt 2:19; Acts 12:7; 1 Sam 3:4-14).
(Col 3:15). • Do you have a strong desire to do something (Phil 2:13).
Who is responsible? Whom should we consult?
Sometimes He guides in more unusual ways.
13. CIRCUMSTANTIAL SIGNS
(Read Acts 11:27; Matt 1:20; Acts 16:10;
“In his heart a man plans his course, but
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17-
wn vice”
AL
se, but
the Lord determines his steps” - Prov 16:9. Sometimes God closes doors (Acts 16:7). Sometimes God opens doors (1 Cor 16:9). Watch the circumstances but don’t put too much weight on them. Sometimes we need to persevere despite the circumstances (Josh 3).
ately and so allow doubt to creep in. - Gives our minds something to do while we are hearing God in our hearts. - Gives a hard copy of what God has said. - Helps us to retain the thread of what God is saying.
- Push through - you will never look back.
CONCLUSION Don’t be in a hurry (Heb 6:15). Don’t beat yourself up, we all make mistakes - God forgives (Joel 2:2).
Results: - Deepens our relationship with God.
14. SAFEGUARDS? • The Word of God • The letter and spirit (context) of the Word
- Gives God the opportunity to point out things in my life that need changing. - Brings about a greater ability to “scope” into the future.
• A humble and teachable spirit • Become accountable • Stay within your authority and responsibility
15. JOURNALING Must reflect a two way dialogue:
16. JOURNALING TIPS Try to journal in the prime of your day Buy a special book - mark it “Private and Confidential”. - Write down the date - Record all your dreams, visions etc. - Be open to God’s affirmation
Benefits
- Be consistent
- Test the content of the dialogue.
- Persevere
- Not tempted to question immedi-
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Notes
SALVATION RD.
Resisting Evil
Resisting
Evil
Satan is not a Myth! 1. INTRODUCTION
- Jesus spoke of the devil (Jn 8:44).
Spiritual warfare is not science fiction, it is real! Who is Satan? A fallen Angel? (Is 14, Lk 10:17-20).
- Paul (Eph 6:11)
Old Testament:
3. MISTAKEN VIEWS OF THE DEVIL
(Job 1, 1 Chronicles 21:1) New Testament: A personal, spiritual being who is in active rebellion against God and has the leadership of many demons like himself (Eph 6:11-12). Satan is not to be underestimated (1 Pet 5:8) • He is powerful • He is evil • He is cunning
1. WHY SHOULD WE BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF THE DEVIL? The devil is clearly mentioned in the Bible: - The temptation of Jesus by the devil (Matt 4).
- Unhealthy interest (Deut 18:10) - Disbelief
4. WHAT ARE THE DEVIL’S TACTICS?
• Accusation - Accuses God - Accuses men before God (Rev 1:10)
5. WHAT IS OUR POSITION? “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” - (Col 1:13) Satan was defeated on the cross (Col 2:15). Jesus’ disciples given authority over demons (Lk 10:17-20).
• Aims to destroy (Jn 10:10) • Blinds people spiritually (2 Cor 4:4) • Doubt (Gen 3, Matt 4:3,6) • Temptation (Gen 3:6) Permission was given for certain activities. Some things were prohibited. A penalty is due if the prohibited line is crossed. The consequences of disobedience are: - Shame / Embarrassment (Gen 3:7) - Friendship with God broken (Gen 3:8,10) - They blamed each other (Gen 3:12)
Kingdom
Dominion
of Light
of Darkness
Jesus
Satan
Forgiveness
Sin
Slaves to God
Slavery to Sin
Life
Death
Salvation
Destruction
l 1:10)
main the l 1:13)
(Col ority
s
n
6. HOW DO WE DEFEND 7. HOW DO WE OURSELVES? ATTACK? The Armour of God: (Eph 6:11) • Belt of truth (Eph 6:14)
The kingdom of God advances through:
• Breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14, Phil 3:9)
• Prayer (2 Cor 10:4) • Action (Lk 7:22)
• Shoes of the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15, Is 52:7-10) • Shield of faith (Eph 6:16). The opposite of cynicism and scepticism. • Helmet of salvation (Eph 6:17). Past, present, future salvation. To protect the mind against doubt and accusation. • Sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) • The Word of God. The only offensive piece of armour (Heb 4:12)
- Preaching the Gospel - Casting out Demons - Healing the sick etc. “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force” - Matt 11:12. (As a precious prize – a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion).
All of these weapons are found in our inheritance in Christ – not one is something that we do or achieve within ourselves – total dependency on Him. A grounding in Christian doctrine and truth is essential to counter Satan’s lies (Jn 8:32). | 40
Notes
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