Foundational Doctrines

This is the full book, Pathway to the Mature Christian in web form. This is what our connect group leaders are teaching on and from as well. We want everyone to have a baseline knowledge of what we see as foundational truths and have tried to unpack it all in this book while giving it enough depth to answer questions that can come up in your walk with God. Below is a download for the PDF version should you want to save it for offline use. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to one of our staff members by calling the church or on a Sunday Morning. 

 
Pathway to the Mature Christian Index
Page 1 – 12...Foundational Doctrines
APPENDIX: A THRU X
APPENDIX A. APPENDIX B APPENDIX C APPENDIX D APPENDIX E APPENDIX F APPENDIX G APPENDIX H APPENDIX I APPENDIX J APPENDIX K APPENDIX L APPENDIX M APPENDIX N APPENDIX O APPENDIX P APPENDIX Q APPENDIX R APPENDIX S APPENDIX T APPENDIX U APPENDIX V APPENDIX W APPENDIX X.

Page 1.....What does it mean to be saved?
Page 5.....Grace
Page 11...Faith
Page 17...1 John 1:9
Page 21...Anointing
Page 24...Name of Jesus
Page 27...The Heart
Page 29...The Power of the Resurrection
Page 32...Union of Man and God
Page 33...How to Pray
Page 35...Authority
Page 37...Healing
Page 41...Healing Scriptures
Page 45...Offices of Believer
Page 47...The Tithe
Page 49...Holy Spirit
Page 54...The Baptism Holy Spirit Page
61...Gifts Of The Spirit
Page 72...Creation, Trinity, satan
Page 75...The Blood Covenant
Page 78...What is the Kingdom
Page 80...The End Times
Page 86...Heaven and Hell
Page 90...Cremation

FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINES
Everyone has a ministry and purpose in the body of Christ. But so many people never find that purpose or fulfill the ministry God has called them to serve. Our goal as Christians should be to find our calling in our life so we can have a life well lived and someday hear Jesus say, “well done good and faithful servant.”
Today there are too many people in the body of Christ who have become victims. A victim is someone who has been swindled, tricked, or duped. They have become victims of the world’s system and lack the knowledge of who they are in Christ, which produces fear and unbelief and keeps them from pursuing their calling.
Colossians 2:8 describes a victim. “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy, empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ.”

1. Philosophy - false teachings
2. Empty deceit - leading people from the truth
3. Traditions of men - teachings of men which do not conform to Christ and His teachings
4. Basic principles of the world - anything that points you away from Christ

Doctrine is a basic accepted truth or teaching of those things we affirm and believe as true that is built on the divinely communicated word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Victims do not have a basic doctrinal foundation. They are not responding to the good news of the Gospel. They are responding to the world system and their feeling, emotions, human reason, and experiences, and doing what is right in their own eyes. They do not believe God is faithful to His word. Their trust is in their ability, the world system’s ability, and not God’s ability.
A strong doctrinal foundation will keep you from being a victim. Any new teaching that is against the established word-based doctrines should be questioned.
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Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and you come to need milk and not solid food. Vs 13 For everyone who partakes of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
Hebrews chapter six begins with the six fundamental doctrines of Christ. They are not doctrines of man but Christ. Having a working knowledge of the six fundamental doctrines will allow the believer to become skilled in the word of righteousness and not become a victim of false doctrine. The believer will be equipped to do the work of the ministry and edify the body of Christ in the unity of faith. They will not be tossed around by every wind of doctrine. Everyone will know what this church believes and teaches, be on the same page, going in the same direction, with the same goal, under the leadership of the Pastor.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of.... the writer is now going to list the foundational doctrines every believer needs to know and apply in their lives.

1. DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS
The first foundational doctrine is “repentance from dead works”. The word repentance means to turn away from, to change one’s mind or purpose, to turn from sin, resulting in a confident commitment to God’s offer of salvation. Dead works are deeds or actions that are powerless, unproductive, useless, and can not help us.
A dead work is not receiving by faith what God has already done. It is working in your power and ability to get God’s approval or perform an act on your behalf.
Many Jewish believers were wanting to go back to the law to gain God’s favor. They did not believe the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus was enough for salvation but needed to continue in the works of the law.
The 10 Commandments were given by God to Moses. The Jewish Pharisees took each letter of the 10 Commandments and made 613 man-made laws. There was 248 thou shall do’s, and 365 thou shall not do. These laws covered every aspect of life. It put the people under legalism at its worst. The law was given not to put the people under bondage but to show them that they need a savior. Galatians 3:24 Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
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Man’s good works, rituals, traditions of men, and keeping the law cannot produce salvation or God’s favor. They are powerless, unproductive, dead, and pervert the gospel. Isaiah 64:6...... And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.
Today many religious sects are preaching a perverted gospel of dead works. Galatians 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel. Vs 7 which is not another, but some trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
How do you pervert the gospel of Christ? By denying that faith in what Jesus did through his death and resurrection was sufficient and adding rituals, traditions of men, and works to God’s plan of salvation.
This is the point the writer of Hebrews was saying when he said, “repent from dead works or turn away from any act or deed that will separate man from God.” Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, AND NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God, Vs 9 NOT OF WORKS, lest anyone should boast.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO:
APPENDIX B: STUDY OF GRACE
APPENDIX C: STUDY OF FAITH
APPENDIX D: STUDY OF I JOHN 1:9 CONFESSING OF SIN

2. DOCTRINE OF FAITH TOWARD GOD.
The second foundational doctrine is “faith toward God.” Faith toward God is by faith, moving toward God and His gospel of salvation.
The Jewish believers had trusted in their works to gain God’s favor for their salvation. Faith toward God is when a person turns from works and, by repentance, moves toward His saving grace. It is turning from their works and trusting God for their eternal life. Their faith is not in their ability but in repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord.
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out....
Mark 1:15 Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.”
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The word repent means a change of mind, a complete change in the way one thinks, lives, and behaves. It is a change of direction, a new course, and a completely altered view of life and behavior. Repentance comes when you realize you have a problem or addiction, and you are ready to face it and make the necessary changes. Faith toward God, then is admitting I cannot save myself in my power and ability; it is only through faith in God.
What is true repentance? What is being saved, and how are you saved?
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO:
APPENDIX A: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?

3. DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS
The word baptism means to be fully immersed into something by someone. It can indicate to symbolically wash away. In Hebrews 6:2, the baptisms are plural, showing there is more than one baptism. In the New Testament, three baptisms deal directly with the believers. Using the word doctrine of Christ shows that these doctrines are not human doctrines but doctrines of Christ as head of the church, fully accepted as sound doctrine.

1. Baptism of Salvation:
When you are born again, you are baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we are baptized into the body— whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. When you are baptized into the body by the Holy Spirit, you are sanctified, made Holy, justified, and made righteous.
Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness, which we have done (our works), but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration (spiritual rebirth, saved) and renewing (inner work of sanctification) of the Holy Spirit. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh (human birth), and that which is born the Spirit (Holy Spirit) is spirit. (spiritual birth of being born again).
Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, (spiritually alive) who were dead in trespasses and sin (spiritually dead) Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Vs 22, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
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1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? Vs 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which is God’s. The Holy Spirit indwells you. And because you are a new creation who has put on Christ. Galatians 3:27 For as many of you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (born-again), he is a new creation (inner sanctification, no longer dead). Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Vs 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of grace.
When we are baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified, justified, made righteous, and our sins are forgiven by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing He was raised from the dead.
The believer is now immersed in Him and consecrated to the office of Christian or, like Him, the little anointed. I John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
The believer is now a candidate to be water baptized.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO:
APPENDIX A: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED

2. Water Baptism:
In Acts 2, Peter went into the streets of Jerusalem and preached Jesus, Him crucified. Then people ask him what shall we do to receive this free gift of salvation? (Amplified) Acts 2:38 ... Peter then said to them, “Repent and let everyone (not some) be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ BECAUSE of the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Vs 41..... Then those who gladly received the word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”
Romans 6:3 ... “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Vs. 4... Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in the newness of life.”
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Water baptism is a picture of the old man dying and becoming a new creation, free from the law of sin and death. It is for the believer, so now
he has a faith action to remind him I am born-again.
When a person is born again, as an act of obedience, they are immersed in water by a believer as a public profession of their faith in Jesus as Lord. Matthew 10:32.... Jesus said, “Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will confess before my Father who is heaven.” Water baptism is a public profession in that Jesus is my Lord, and I am now righteous.
Matthew 28:19... Jesus gave a command, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” It is a command to be baptized. John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
Those who continue to refuse to be water baptized will struggle with being obedient in other areas of their Christian walk. They are doing what is right in their own eyes and not submitting to the commands of Jesus.
Water baptizing then is submitting to the command of Jesus in faith, making a public profession I am now righteous, and declaring Jesus is my Lord. It is an act of physical and spiritual faith that produces faith in your salvation.

3. Jesus Baptizing The Believer With The Holy Spirit:
Luke 3:23 says the ministry of Jesus did not begin until He was thirty years old, and He stepped into the river Jordon and was baptized by John the Baptist. He was making a public declaration I am righteous. He was consecrated or was being set aside. He is now a candidate to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, to be filled, empowered, and made complete.
Luke 3:22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon high... Luke 4:1 Then Jesus, being filled (made complete) anointed with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordon and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. By being baptized with the Holy Spirit, He is now ANOINTED (Appendix E) or empowered by God to minister.
Act 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him. He was ANOINTED (empowered) to defeat the works of the devil. I John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.
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For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested so that He might defeat the works of the devil.
When you are born again, you are consecrated to the office of Christian. You are now a candidate to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire, to be a witness. Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall BE MY WITNESSES BOTH in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and the top end of the earth.
Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Jesus is the baptizer with His anointing or empowerment.
1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing (empowerment) from the Holy One. The empowerment is to be a witness and to allow the Holy Spirit to manifest
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a personal decision you make that allows the Holy Spirit to manifest through you. His nine manifestations are found in 1 Corinthians 12:8 - 10. The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. (Appendix K: Manifestations of the Holy Spirit)
Jesus also baptizes you with fire. The word fire means to purify. James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature: and is set on fire by hell. Vs 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. The tongue is purified only by the Holy Spirit... with spiritual fire.
Acts 2 is the account of when the 120 were in the upper room in one accord (unity). Vs 3 Then there appeared to them divided (distributed to each one) tongues as of fire and sat upon each of them. Vs 4, and they all were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. Their tongues had been purified by the Holy Spirit. They have a heavenly language to speak to God with, in faith. I Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to man, but God for no one understands him; however, in the spirit, he speaks mysteries. The disciples’ tongues are now purified, and they are empowered to GO in the power of the Holy Spirit and be witnesses.
Matthew 28:19 Jesus gave a command to go and make disciples of all nations. Go in His power and ability. and boldness.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO:
APPENDIX E: THE ANOINTING
APPENDIX Q: THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
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4. DOCTRINE OF LAYING ON OF HANDS
The fourth doctrine is Laying On Of Hands. The most common practice is recognizing those who are being set apart for work in the ministry in the local church. In Acts 13, we have a scriptural precedent for this doctrine.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Vs 3 Then, having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
Acts 6 The disciples recognized they needed help in taking care of the business of the church so they could spend more time in prayer and ministry. Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Seven men were chosen by the congregation. Vs 6 whom they set before apostles, and when they prayed, they laid hands on them. This commissioned them to the work in the ministry in the local church.
The next practice of laying on of hands is the imparting of God’s anointing. (APPENDIX E) Luke 4:40 ...” and He laid hands on every one of them and healed them. Through the laying on of hands, Jesus made contact with the sick, and the healing anointing manifested.”
The hands of the believer in faith become the hands of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to impart the anointing. Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make what are the riches of glory (manifested power) among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory. The anointed one (one empowered by God) in you with the expectation that He will manifest through you. He will manifest when the believer lays hands on the sick, .as Jesus did. Mark 16:18.... They (believers) will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Laying hands on the sick is the responsibility of the believer to follow His command and example.
2 Timothy is the account when Paul instructs Timothy to stir the gift that is in him through the laying on of hands. Vs 1:6 ...” Therefore, I remind you to stir up (arouse, awaking) gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands. The gift was more than a natural gift, it was an empowering of the Holy Spirit through the laying of hands. I Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift (spiritual gift) that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the eldership. You are instructed to use the gift, not neglect it.
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Acts 19 Is the account of when Paul ministered to the disciples of John the Baptist. He preached Jesus to them. Vs 5 When they heard this (the gospel), they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Vs 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
There can be an impartation of the Holy Spirit through the laying of hands by the believer. Then we are to fan the flame. Develop and use the gifts that were imparted. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Holy Spirit.
The word quench means to throw water on, to lose zeal, confidence, or courage. You stop using and developing the gift that was imparted. The Holy Spirit is waiting for the believer to stir the gift up, then He can manifest. (Appendix Q: Baptism Holy Spirit)
How do you stir the gift up and keep your excitement and zeal?
Ephesians 5:18 and do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation. (foolishness) but be filled (a command to be that is an ongoing process) with the Holy Spirit.
Vs 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. A person does so by worshipping God in songs of praise and singing in tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:15 and I will sing in the spirit (tongues) with understanding. 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God. Vs 13, which things we also speak not in words (utterances) taught by human knowledge (your natural language ie. English) but In those taught by the Spirit (Acts 2:4 as the Spirit gave them utterance), combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. (supernatural utterances...tongues)
They continued being filled by hearing the word, praying, praying in tongues, worshiping, and singing in the spirit.
Laying on of hands is acknowledging the power and authority of the Holy Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit is waiting for the believer to obey the command to lay hands on others, so He can manifest and confirm the word with signs following those who are continually being filled.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO: APPENDIX E: THE ANOINTING
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5. RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
This is an important doctrine of the Christian faith. It was a belief held by Jews in the time of Christ. The disciples were familiar with the doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead. It was taught in the Old Testament. Daniel 12 is a prophecy about the end times. Vs 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake. Some to everlasting life. Some to the shame and everlasting contempt.
The Sadducees, a religious sect, did not believe in the resurrection. Matthew 22:28, they confronted Jesus and attempted to discredit the resurrection. They asked a hypothetical question in which seven brothers had married the same woman at different times. They asked, “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven.” This was designed to discredit the resurrection. Jesus answered by quoting what God had said to Moses. Exodus 3:6 I am (not I was or past tense but present tense) the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. God was saying to Moses that they still existed even though they had died physically, and there would be a resurrection. Then he indicated the nature of life after the resurrection. Matthew 22:30 “People will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
Throughout His ministry, Christ had performed miracles of resurrection, revealing his power and authority to raise the dead. The disciples had witnessed these miracles. Luke 7, the widow’s son, John 11 Lazarus, and they later would be witness to the resurrection of Jesus.
He also promised the resurrection without judgment. John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you (or you can believe what I am about to say), he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 11:25. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”
John 5:28-29 ... teaches two resurrections. One for the believers and one for non-believers. John 5:28.... “Do not marvel at this, for the hour is coming in which all who in the graves will hear His voice, Vs 29 “and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”
1 Corinthians 15:20...”But now Christ has risen from the dead and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Vs 21.. for since by man came death, by Man (Jesus the Man Appendix L) also came the resurrection of the dead.
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Vs 22... For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. Vs 23... But each one in his order; Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.”
When Paul says “each in his order, he is referring to the fact that Jesus was resurrected first; because He was resurrected, we will be resurrected. 1 Thessalonians 4 begins the order of resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:13... “But I do not want you ignorant brethren (believers) concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. Vs 14...For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. Vs 15...For this, we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain by no means precede those who are asleep. Vs 16... For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first...Vs 17...Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
This is referred to as the rapture (Appendix H) or “snatching away” of believers, which begins the seven years of tribulation on the earth.
Revelation 20:6...”Blessed and holy is he who has a part in the first resurrection. Over such, the second has no power, but they shall be priests Of God and Christ and shall reign with Him a 1000 years.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO:
APPENDIX H: THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION
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6. THE DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL JUDGEMENT
This will be the final event of world history. It will be God’s final word concerning sin. It will take place at the end of the 1000 reign of Jesus.
This is the last judgment. Unbelievers, the ungodly, who have not received Jesus as Lord and rely on their works (Revelation 20:13), will be judged. They will reap the consequences of sin and the rejection of Jesus as Lord, which results in eternal death or separation from God in the lake of fire. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. The believer who has received Jesus as Lord will not face judgment. (John 5:24). His sins are blotted out. (Acts 3:19)
Satan, the false prophet, and the beast, along with satan’s demons, have already been cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10 Satan’s kingdom is destroyed.
The unbeliever will stand before God’s Great White Throne. (Revelation 20:11) The White Throne speaks of holiness and justice. Revelation 20:12 And I (The apostle John the writer of Revelations) saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works by things which were written in the books. The books represent man’s works, a record of all human deeds and words. God has a record of every individual’s life. Everything will be revealed, nothing hidden. Romans 2:16 on that day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Vs 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades (holding place of the unrighteous who have died) delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged each according to his works.
Vs 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Vs 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. A place of tribulation, and darkness, where there will weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 12:13) separated from God forever. There will no longer be any sin or death.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO: APPENDIX W: HEAVEN AND HELL
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APPENDIX A: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?
The Bible is God’s word to man that reveals absolute truth. Paul said in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Greek. God’s power to save is only for those who believe His word. When a person hears the word of salvation, then believes that word, and submits to what the word says, there is enough power in the word to bring about salvation.
In John 3, a Pharisee named Nicodemus comes to Jesus and is told that he must be born again to see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3 “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he can not see the kingdom of God.” Vs 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” As a Pharisee, Nicodemus already believes he was righteous and a child of the kingdom. Jesus answers him and tells him how to be born again.
Vs 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” The water represents the water baptism of John the Baptist, which was a sign of repentance. Repentance is the first step to being born again. Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out....
Vs 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit.” Jesus is stating that if all we have is a physical birth, we are merely flesh and limited to the natural realm and what our 5 physical senses can perceive. But the second birth by the Spirit makes it possible for us to perceive what the Spirit can perceive. I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.
WHO NEEDS SALVATION?
I John 5:12 He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Romans 3:10 As it is written: There is none righteous (has right standing with God), no, not one.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
WHY DO WE NEED SALVATION?
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death (separation from God)
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HOW DOES GOD PROVIDE SALVATION?
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that through Him might be saved. Romans 3:23 ...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
HOW DO WE RECEIVE SALVATION?
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart (spirit-soul) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge...People do not know all the benefits of salvation. What is in the total package?
Most people would say, “I am forgiven of my sins, and when I die, I am going to heaven. In the meantime, I am on my own, winning a few and losing a few. Get through life the best you can.
The word salvation is the Greek word Sozo. What does it mean to be Sozo?
Mark 5 is the account of when he met the synagogue's leader, Jairus. He fell at the feet of Jesus. Vs 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying. “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, that she may be HEALED and she will live.” The word healed is Solo and means healing. 1 Peter 2:24 Whom himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree (cross), that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes were healed (Sozo). WE CAN ADD PHYSICAL HEALING TO THE SALVATION PACKAGE.
Luke 8 is the account of when Jesus met a man that had been demon- possessed for a long time, and Jesus cast the demons out of the man. Vs 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had departed, “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Vs 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed (Sozo Delivered)
WE CAN ADD DELIVERANCE TO THE SALVATION PACKAGE.
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Later in Luke 8 is the account of when a woman who had an issue with blood for 12 years crawled out into a crowd to grab the hem of Jesus’s garment. When she did, Jesus asked, “Who touched me? I felt power going out of me.” The woman fell and declared why she had touched Him and that she was instantly healed. Vs 48 And He said to her, “Daughter be of good cheer; your faith has made you well, (Sozo) Go in peace.”
WE CAN ADD MADE WELL OR WHOLE, COMPLETELY HEALED TO THE SALVATION PACKAGE.
2 Timothy 4, the apostle Paul is speaking. Vs 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered (Sozo) out of the mouth of the lion. Vs 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve (safety Sozo) me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever.
WE CAN ADD DELIVER AND PRESERVE (SAFETY) TO THE SALVATION PACKAGE
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore, He is also able to save (Sozo) to the uttermost those who come to God through Him......
WE CAN ADD SAVE TO THE UTTERMOST TO THE PACKAGE
In the gospels, the word Sozo occurs 54 times. 14 times it relates to deliverance from disease or demon possession. 20 times it is used for rescue of physical life from peril or death. 20 times to indicate spiritual salvation.
In the Old Testament, Isaiah 53:4 gives a prophetic picture of the crucifixion of Jesus. Vs 4 Surely He has borne our griefs (sickness). And carried our sorrows: Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for transgressions (offenses). He was bruised for iniquities (evil deeds). The chastisement of our peace was upon Him. And by His stripes, we are healed (physically).
Ephesians 1:7 In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of His grace.
In Him we are Sozo. We have been bought back with a price. We did not have the resources to pay back the ransom price for our sins. He paid the price through His shed blood on the cross. Once paying the price, He forgave us of every sin we have ever committed, and we became righteous. We had right standing in Him because He forgives, “according to the riches of His grace.” This grace can never be exhausted. His grace is greater than any sin that we can commit.
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Don’t let the devil browbeat you and tell you that your sins are so bad. Jesus no longer loves you or will not forgive your sins. We need to remind satan of God's grace.
Remind him that you are a new creation in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (born again), he is a new creation; (free from sin in your spirit); old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. The born- again person has a new lifestyle. You have been translated from condemnation to freedom. We are now righteous. Vs 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us. That we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
PRAYER TO BE BORN AGAIN.
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I see in your word that if I confess Jesus as Lord and believe He died and rose again, I will be saved. To the best of my ability in faith, I confess Jesus as my Lord, and I believe He died for my sins and rose again. I submit to His authority as Lord. I am forgiven, and I am saved.
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APPENDIX B: GRACE
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of ourselves: it is a gift of God, Vs 9 not of works, lest anyone boast.
Vs. 10 For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2 - 4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, Vs 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, Vs 4 by which have given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Grace is God’s exceedingly great and precious promise that pertains to life and godliness, made available to man through Jesus Christ, even though man does not deserve it.
Grace is what God has already done. If you don’t know about what God has already done, then you won't know what is already yours by faith.
II Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved. Then we can respond to His grace in faith. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is....faith says I have God’s grace available now. Faith is positive action to the word of God that confirms I believe and connects to God’s grace. Grace is not received by observing rituals or keeping biblical laws but by faith submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and His word.
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Matthew 5:17 Jesus speaking, “do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”
The Law is found in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, which includes the 10 Commandments. It was God’s list of DO’s and Don’ts. The law was given to man so he would know what sin was and to show him that performance could not save him. Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
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If man could keep the law perfectly, the law could save him. James 2:10, whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. No one could keep the law and not stumble. Romans 3:23, for all, have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
When Jesus said, “I have come to fulfill the law,” He was saying, “I have
come and not stumbled once and have fulfilled the prophecies of the prophets; I am the savior of the prophets.” Jesus was God’s grace manifested. Romans 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, Vs 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation (mercy seat where sin is disposed of) by His blood through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God has passed over the sins that were previously committed. Vs 26 to demonstrate at present His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
So the law was not to save or justify man but to show the man he needed a savior. Salvation was not based on performance but faith in Jesus. The Pharisees thought that by keeping the law, they would be made righteous.
Romans 10:3, for being ignorant of God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. The Pharisees were trying to establish their salvation by keeping the law. Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. Today so, many religions are trying to establish salvation through rituals and traditions of men, which is legalism. Religion says “if I do this ritual, do good works, keep this tradition of man, I will be righteous or have right standing with God. RIGHTEOUSNESS OR RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD CAN NOT BE EARNED. There is no self-salvation; that is human faith. Human faith comes from the physical senses, life experiences, and reason. Human faith produces religious dead works, keeping believers under the law. I Peter 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, Vs 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and spot.
Romans 3:20 Therefore, by the deeds of the law, no flesh will be justified in His sight, for the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 2:12, for as many, have sinned (rejected Jesus) without (outside), the law (heathen) will perish without (outside) the law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law. The moral or religious man is just as guilty as the immoral or heathen man. Vs 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to the gospel. The moral or religious man will stand before The Great White Throne and be judged according to the gospel, not their good works or performance.
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The question is not sin, but have you, by faith, received God’s gift of grace? Romans 3:28 Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified (declared righteous) by faith apart from deeds (dead works) of the law.
And once you receive that gift of grace through faith, do you live in God’s grace or according to the flesh and dead works? You are saved by grace through faith, and you stay saved by grace through faith. Not keeping rituals, traditions of men, and works.
Hebrews 10:29 of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Vs 2 Indeed I, Paul say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. Vs 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. (his faith is in being able to keep the whole law) Vs 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by the law; YOU HAVE FALLEN FROM GRACE.
What does it mean to insult the Spirit of grace and to fall from grace?
In chapter 10 of Hebrews, a group of Jewish believers decided that the shed blood of Jesus and His resurrection was not enough to secure God’s grace. They declared that one must go back to keeping the whole law. Simply declaring by faith Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection was not enough. They were not denying Jesus or His Lordship but going back to works of the law to stay justified. In Galatians 5:4, Paul declared that going back to the law to be justified was falling from grace or turning from faith and back to works. In Vs 6, Paul said, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love”.
The word falling means a misstep, a blunder, something that separates someone from fellowship with God. Falling from grace is going back to works and the law to secure God’s grace. Falling away is not a departure or denial of Jesus’ Lordship; it is going back to dead works to please God. The shed blood of Jesus was not enough; you had to continue to earn your salvation by keeping the law and legalistic works.
Hebrews chapter 6 begins with the elementary doctrines of the church.
He is talking to the Hebrews, who were babes and not skillful in the word of God. The writer then continues in Vs 4, For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift and have become partakers
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of the Holy Spirit. Vs 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come Vs 6 if they fall away (miss-step, a blunder, separated from fellowship) to renew them again to repentance since they crucify again themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.
Here again, are Hebrews who want to go back to work to keep their salvation. The problem was they had to constantly renew themselves “again to repentance”. In modern churches today, believers are running to the altar, begging God to be born again over and over again. Trying to renew themselves “again to repentance.”
Galatians 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, no flesh shall be justified. They haven’t accepted that Jesus died once for all sin, and when they were born again, they were sealed to the day of redemption.
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Vs 14, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praises of His glory.
Acts 10:43 To Him, all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission (forgiveness, done away with) of sins. (Wiest) Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved time past, completely through faith, with the result that your salvation persists through the present time.
A person hears the message of the gospel, and after hearing, he believes. Then he acts on what he has heard and is born again by confessing that Jesus is Lord and that He is resurrected from the dead Romans 10:9. Next, God performs the act of sealing or marking with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You become God’s personal property. Which is God’s guarantee. This is a process that includes God the Father who planned,
the Son who provided, and the Holy Spirit who protects the ones who have accepted the gospel.
In verses 4, 5, and 6, Paul is saying that after salvation, it is impossible to renew a believer to repentance, and he should not continually ask to be
born again. Our sins have been remitted, done away with past, present, and future. Unconfessed sin does not separate the believer from God but gives Satan an inroad into our lives.
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1 John 1:9 (see Appendix D) will stop those inroads if done in faith. To continually beg God to be born again is denying He did not do enough on the cross the first time. Galatians 2:21 “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” If you are saved by grace through faith, then how are you going to stay saved? Grace through faith, not of yourself.
Vs 7 and 8 is a parable that explains verses 4 - 6.
Vs 7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God; Vs 8 but if it bears thorns and briers it is rejected and NEAR to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
Parable explained:
The earth is man; the rain is the Holy Spirit that produces works of faith that are blessed. Thorns and briers are works of man and are rejected, and NEAR to being cursed instead, they are burned. I Corinthians 3:13 each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is Vs 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures he will receive a reward. Vs 15 If one’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he will be saved, yet so as through fire. Our works that are not of faith will be burned, but man will receive eternal life.
James 2:17 thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead. Our works should not be dead works but works of faith. Instead of spending our time trying to get God to do something, spend it doing acts of faith that bring man to the saving grace of Jesus. The Lord will work with you and assist you. Mark 16:20 And they went out and preached (a work of faith) everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through accompanying signs. Signs will confirm works of faith.
So many born-again believers are doing dead works, trying to get God to do what he has already done. You can not pray enough, read your bible enough, confess you are healed enough, go to church enough or give enough to get God to move on your behalf. God is not moved by works of the law or dead works of the flesh but works of faith. Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but grace. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourself; it is the gift of God, Vs 9 not of works lest anyone should boast.
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The believer needs to turn his heart from dead works and human good that separates him from God and turn to faith in God. Mark 11:22 So Jesus answered and said to them then,” Have faith in God.” Faith in God connects the believer to God’s throne of grace. When we try to fix the fix in our ability, we end up in a worst fix than the fix we tried to fix with our dead works. Instead of trying to get out of the fix with dead works it should be a time to go boldly to God’s throne of grace. Hebrews 4:16 Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. I Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time. Vs 7 casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
The word humble means humble oneself from previous arrogance. It is arrogant to think that man's works will produce righteousness. To receive God’s grace, humble yourself by willfully submitting to God’s commandments and turning from your arrogant ways. I John 1:9 If we confess our sins ( our arrogance), He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (arrogance) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When a person goes to God’s throne of grace, in faith to admit their arrogance, they become recipients of grace. Confessing your arrogance is a faith action by admitting it and quitting it, believing that you are cleansed from all unrighteousness. This will keep you free from self- condemnation and running from God instead of to God.
FOR A FURTHER STUDY GO TO:
APPENDIX D: I JOHN 1:9 CONFESSING OF SIN
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APPENDIX: C FAITH
The Bible is 66 books, 39 Old Testament and 27 in New Testament. It was written over a period of 1700 years by approximately 40 men. The Bible is historically, archaeologically, geographically, and scientifically accurate. It is a supernatural book that is absolute truth.
Hebrew 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (See Appendix G: The Heart)
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness. It is God speaking to you.
Romans 16:26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith. The Bible gives man an understanding of how to receive what God has already done, which is grace, and what our part is to receive His grace through faith.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Romans 1:17 ... the just shall live by faith. Believers please God when they use faith. When you do not, He is not pleased. We must believe God has always existed. The next point is that He is a rewarder of those who believe He exists and also who diligently, earnestly seek after Him.
An example of diligently seeking God is found in 1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. Vs 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? When a person diligently seeks God by faith and receives Jesus as Lord, they become an overcomer, and that pleases God. Therefore the reward is eternal life.
If God demands that we have faith, then He must tell us what faith is, how to acquire faith, and what faith does. This knowledge is revealed in His written word.
Faith isn’t something you do to get God to respond to you. Faith is a positive response to what God has already accomplished by grace. It is how you
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appropriate and receive what God has already provided in His plan for man’s redemption.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith says it is mine now. Not going to have it, not believing for it. I have it now! And the proof is the word of God. The word is our confirmation, assurance of things expected, the proof, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith brings into existence what is not seen.
Faith has to have substance. Mark 11:22 Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” The proof of your faith is faith in Him and what He has promised. The word of God is absolute truth and not subject to change.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change...... The word, then, is our proof, our evidence that what God has promised He will perform.
The substance for human faith comes through the 5 physical senses that produce reason, intellect, feeling, and emotions. Human faith is limited to the natural realm and subject to change. Human faith said the earth was flat and the atom was the smallest particle of matter.
Believers are instructed to be led by the word of God and not the 5 physical senses. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith and not by sight. Gal 3:11 The just shall live by faith. Or those who comply with the word of God by walking by faith and not by sight, please Him. The word of God is the believer's substance, the evidence, the proof that God will do what he promised.
Romans 4 God promised Abraham that he would have a son. Vs 19 says that Abraham was not weak in faith because he did not consider the circumstance that said he and his wife Sarah were past the age to have a child. Vs 20 and being fully convinced that what He had promised, He was also able to perform. God had given him his word that he would have a son. Abraham did not look at the natural circumstances but believed what God had told him. Vs 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised, He was also able to perform. Vs 22 And therefore, “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Abraham heard the message from God that he would have a son. He did not consider the circumstance that he and Sarah were both beyond the ability to have a child. It was impossible. Matthew 19:26 Jesus said to His disciples, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
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Abraham was faced with a decision, believe the circumstance or believe God’s word. He was faced with a choice. Reject or accept the word of God. James 1:7 For let, not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; Vs 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. A double-minded man vacillates between belief and unbelief.
Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. This is a warning not to have an evil heart that refuses to believe or have faith in the promises of God.
Unbelief produces fear, a negative response to faith, showing you believe the circumstances. Fear is led by the five physical senses that produce a negative response to the word of God. Fear is being frightened or alarmed over losing something or not receiving from God.
Abraham first heard the message, then believed the message and was fully convinced. He did not waver or say no, he can’t, then yes, he can. He was not fearful or alarmed. He heard the word, he believed the word, and then put the corresponding action to what he believed. God’s word became his proof, his evidence that God would perform what He had promised Abraham and Sarah.
Faith is a corresponding action to the word of God that confirms that I believe and I am fully convinced God will do what He promised. It is mine now.
Romans 10:17 tells us how faith comes. Vs 17 So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. FAITH COMES BY HEARING THE MESSAGE AND CONTINUALLY HEARING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS WITH THE INTENT TO ACT ON THE MESSAGE BECAUSE YOU ARE FULLY CONVINCED THAT GOD LOOKS OVER HIS WORD TO PERFORM IT, Faith comes by hearing and not having heard. It is a continual action.
When a person acts with positive action to hearing the word, that positive action confirms I believe the word and not the circumstance. That is faith, and it pleases God.
James 1:22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Being a doer confirms you heard the message and received the message with the intent to act on what you heard. A hearer only has head knowledge and does not believe God will do what He promised. He is carnal- minded, disregarding any life changes he needs to make, and instead does what is right in his own eyes. To a carnal-minded person, human reason and intellect are a greater truth than the word of God, leading them to do everything in their power and ability with disregard for God’s commandments. It produces a response to the word that says, “yeah, but, but I know.” I know, and I am not going to do it.
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Hebrews 2:4 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them, but the word they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. The nation of Israel was in the wilderness after being delivered from Egyptian slavery. They heard the message of the promised land but saw the circumstances of giants in the land as a greater obstacle. They heard the message but did not act on the message and were in the wilderness for forty years. This shows that just hearing the message is not enough. To say I believe is not enough. You have to act on the message you have heard.
You have to protect the word you hear by continually being a hearer and doer of the word.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy....
Mark 4:15 Is the parable of the sower sows the word. Vs 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, satan comes IMMEDIATELY and takes the word that was sown in their hearts. Satan is a thief, and he comes immediately to keep them from acting on the word. And when he steals the word, then he can steal, kill, and destroy. Be a hearer and doer of the word, and Jesus will bring life more abundantly.
Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit the things of the spirit.
2 Corinthians 4:4 ... Satan is the god of this world system. I John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Vs 16 For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh (illicit cravings), the lust of the eyes (craving for whatever it sees), and the pride of life (pride of one’s possessions)— is not of the Father but is of the world. (or of the god of this world, satan)
This is a warning that we can not center our affections on the world system and its fleshly lusts. The world system seeks to establish something without God. The flesh or sin nature wants to focus our attention on the things of the flesh found in verse 16. We have a choice, be led by the flesh or live by faith. God does not mind you having things, but do things have you? If you can’t give it up or give it away, it has you and that puts you into the world’s system. Set your mind on the things of God, putting His word first place and submitting to His lordship.
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Matthew 12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Vs 35
A good man ( a hearer and doer of the word) out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things (words of faith), and an evil man (not a hearer or doer) out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. (words of doubt and unbelief) Do you speak words of faith or doubt and unbelief? Your words declare faith or unbelief and confirm what you believe. They locate what you believe.
When you speak what God says, you are speaking words of faith. When you speak what the circumstance says, you are speaking words of unbelief. The circumstance is subject to change; the word does not change. SPEAK WHAT YOU WANT, NOT WHAT YOU HAVE. Have faith in God by speaking His word in faith, not the circumstance you face.
Mark 11:22 - 23 Jesus is going to explain to the disciples a law of faith. If you have faith in God, your words of faith, those in agreement with God’s word, will connect you to God’s grace.
Vs 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.” Vs 23 “For assuredly, I say to you ( Jesus is speaking to you) whoever SAYS to this mountain, be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart ( soul and spirit, the natural and spiritual in agreement) but believes that those things he SAYS ( words of agreement with God’s word) will be done, he will have whatever he SAYS.
He has what he says. He speaks what the word says, not the circumstance because he has faith that God will perform what He has promised.
Romans 4:17 ..... God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. He does not SPEAK THE THINGS THAT EXIST (the circumstance, what is seen) BUT SPEAKS WHAT DOES NOT EXIST (what He wants or has not seen). At creation, God saw darkness but spoke what He wanted and said, “light be,” and the light was.
Romans 8:6 to be carnally minded is death, but spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Being carnally minded is when you have not renewed your mind or changed your thinking by being a hearer and doer of the word. You are led by your feelings, emotions, and reason. That produces doubt, unbelief, and yea, but I know. You will be controlled by fear opening the door to the thief to kill, steal and destroy.
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The word death means separated from. You are separating yourself from life more abundantly.
John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
John 14:15 Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
The word command means to order, to charge, to command. Jesus has given a command to show our love for Him by keeping His instructions. We keep His commandments in love by being doers of His word as a free will choice because He first loved us.
The gospel is the message of Jesus. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power to salvation. For everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Vs 17 For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. (from salvation to daily life) “The just shall live by faith.
The just are those who have made Jesus Lord and continue to comply with the word of God in faith. Keeping the commandments is an affirmation of our faith in love, without fear or oppression, showing submission to Jesus as Lord. We are then fulfilling the commandment to walk by faith and not by sight. John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in my word, you are My disciples indeed. Vs 32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
HEAR THE WORD CONTINUALLY, BELIEVE THE WORD, AND SUBMIT TO THE WORD AND THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS BY BEING A DOER OF THE WORD.
What do we do when we do not walk by faith?
FURTHER STUDY GO TO: APPENDIX D: I JOHN 1:9
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APPENDIX D: I JOHN 1:9
I John 1:8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Vs 9 IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OF OUR SINS AND TO CLEANSE US FROM
ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. VS 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
What is sin?
Romans 14:23 .....anything not of faith is sin. When we do not submit to the commandments of God in faith, taking a corresponding action that says I do not believe, that is sin. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.... Sin pays a wage, Death, or separation from God.
Sin is a lawless attitude that is in rebellion against God. Mankind, by nature, is evil. It is a nature that mankind inherited from Adam when he sinned. Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man, sin entered the world and death through sin. Thus death spread to all men because all have sinned. Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners.....
James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him, it is sin. He knows it is wrong but does it anyway; that is lawlessness which is sin. I John 3:4, whoever sins also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
The heart of sin lies in unbelief. It is a failure to not recognize and submit to the lordship of Jesus which produces rebellion. John 16:9 Jesus said, “of sin because they do not believe me.” Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” If you don’t, you won’t.
In 1 John 2:2, John is talking to born-again believers. Vs 2 And Himself is the propitiation (mercy seat where sin is disposed of) for our sin, and not ours only but for the whole world.
Romans 3:25, whom God set forth as a propitiation (mercy seat where sin is disposed of) by His blood through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness because in His forbearance God has passed over the sins that were previously committed.
Hebrews 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission (done away with)
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of His grace
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2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Romans 3:24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Vs 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness because in His forbearance God has PASSED OVER THE SINS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY COMMITTED.
Ephesians 2:8 (Weist translation) For by grace you have been saved in time past COMPLETELY through faith, with the results that your salvation persists through the present time.
When a person receives Jesus as Lord, according to Romans 10:9 (APPENDIX A), his sins are forgiven past, present, and future.
All men's sins are forgiven. Sin is no longer the question, the question is, have you made Jesus Lord?
If a believer's sins are forgiven, do we still need forgiveness? What is I John 1:9 referring to?
1 John 3:9 Whoever is born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him, and he cannot sin because he has been born of God.
1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible through the word of God which lives and abides forever.
I John 5:18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin, but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in who also, having believed, you were SEALED with the Holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were SEALED for the day of redemption.
Your spirit is sealed, marked by God as His. Your spirit cannot sin, but your flesh can. The meat is not redeemed and dies, and your spirit is eternal and will live forever.
Paul said in Romans 7:17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me (the flesh) Vs 18 For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) nothing good dwells...Vs 20 Now, if I do what I will not do, it is no longer I who does it, but sin that dwells in me?
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Romans 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. It is our responsibility to put the flesh under and live by faith and not by the flesh and its desires.
Once again, if a believer's sins are forgiven and he cannot sin, what is I John 1:9 referring to?
I Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Man is a spirit being with a soul (mind, will, emotions, Intellect) living in a body. Our spirit and soul are eternal, and our body is not. You are a spirit being, not a human being.
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart (soul and spirit in agreement) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. You are born again; your heart the, spirit soul are circumcised or cut away. The spirit and soul are spiritually separated so the spirit can be marked as His by the Holy Spirit, and the soul can be renewed by the word of God. Romans 2:28 - 29.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind.... You need to renew your mind, change your thinking, and be led by the Spirit and not the flesh. Your fleshly sin nature has to be put under by you. Romans 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin. (SEE APPENDIX B GRACE)
That sinful flesh-driven nature can separate us from God. Romans 6:23 the wages of sin are death or separation. Sin gives Satan and the world system inroads into your life. 1 John 1:9 tells you how to react to sin in your life
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The word confess means to admit or acknowledge. When we confess our sins, We are admitting to the Lord that we have done wrong. UNTIL YOU ADMIT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, YOU WILL NEVER ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. Forgiveness becomes a reality in our lives when we admit we have problems and are willing to repent or change course.
It keeps us from self-condemnation.
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Roman 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation (judgment) to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. When we confess our sins, it reminds us of what Jesus has done; we are free from the penalty of sin and are the righteousness of God in Him.
Galatians 5:16 I say then: WALK IN THE SPIRIT, AND YOU SHALL NOT FULFILL THE LUST OF THE FLESH. When we confess our sins, we are putting our flesh down and protecting our flesh from sinful inroads. We are making a faith statement that we do not love the things of the world, lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16).
Confessing our sins here is NOT FOR ETERNAL SALVATION, but to rid any satanic gains that may occur through our flesh because of sin. It makes us accountable for our actions so we can make corrections through repentance, change direction and turn away from sin. It is there to correct our flesh, to put it under and in line with the word of God, so we do not suffer the results of sin, which is death. I John 1:9 protects your flesh and opens the door to forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness. You are reminded of what God has done. You are forgiven.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation (judgment) to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. The flesh runs from God in self-condemnation and fear. The spirit runs to God in faith with no condemnation and receives forgiveness and restored fellowship and blessing.
WHEN YOU ARE IN SIN, RUN TO GOD, ADMIT IT, AND QUIT IT.
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APPENDIX E: ANOINTING
The word anointed means to rub, to bathe with a substance. In most cases, it refers to anointing oil. It depicts a person who is anointed or empowered by God. Isaiah 10:27 says the anointing oil will lift burdens and destroy yokes. A burden is something physical or emotional. A yoke is a sin, and Jesus has destroyed the power of sin. The anointing is God’s power and ability on you to do what your flesh cannot do. The anointing is the Holy Spirit manifesting Himself through you.
Acts 10:38 “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil.” The anointing lifted burdens and destroyed yokes. His name Jesus Christ translates to Jesus the anointed one and His anointing.
Jesus was anointed when he was baptized in the river Jordan by John the Baptist, and He was filled with the Holy Spirit. His ministry could now begin, but not until He was anointed or empowered. You can minister in your power and ability and have some success, or you can minister in God's power and ability and have supernatural success. It takes an anointed person to transmit the supernatural power of God.
The President of the United States is consecrated to the office when elected. When he takes the oath of office, he is empowered. When a person is born again, he is consecrated as a Christian or like Him. He is then empowered at the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Act 1:8 ... and you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you or makes you complete with the ability to transmit the supernatural power of God. Christians are empowered to lay hands on the sick, cast out demons, speak with new tongues, and be a witness.
Luke 4:18 Jesus declared He was anointed. Vs 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me. (It came upon Him in the river Jordan) Because He has anointed Me (or empowered Me to minister) To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who
are oppressed; Vs 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (The year of Jubilee was when all debt was canceled)
For three years, Jesus ministered in the fullness of the anointing.
He raised the dead, cast out demons, blind eyes were opened, and people were healed. The anointing power of God was transferred from Jesus to the people through the laying on of hands or when they reached out in faith. The anointing is transferable.
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II Kings 13:21 is the account of when some men were burying a man. Vs 21 So it was as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet. The anointing was still present in the bones of Elisha and was transferred to the dead man, and he was made alive.
Acts 19 is the account of when miracles were done through Paul. Vs. 11 Now, God worked unusual miracles at the hands of Paul. Vs 12, so even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his BODY (the anointing in him) to the sick, and the diseases left them, and evil spirits went out of them.
Mark 5 is the account of when a woman was healed of an issue of blood.
She crawled into a crowd of people and touched the hem of His garment. Vs. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. Vs 28 For she said, “If I only may touch His clothes, I will be made well.” Vs. 29 Immediately, the fountain of her blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. Vs. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out (the anointing) of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” The anointing God’s power was transferred when she reached out in faith and touched the hem of His garment.
The name of Jesus carries the anointing of God. The early church did not have the New Testament; it was still being written. All they had was the command to go and transfer the anointing through the laying on of hands and use the name of Jesus. That name carried authority and power when used by a born-again believer. Philippians 2:9 Therefore, God has highly exalted Him (above all) and given Him the name above every name, Vs 10 that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven and those on the earth and those under the earth. ( SEE APPENDIX F )
The word Christian means like Him or the little anointed one. When a person is born again, they are consecrated to the office of Christian. Then when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit, they are empowered. Empowered Christians have delegated power, something that comes from Jesus, to minister the anointing through the laying on of hands and speaking with new tongues. Then He gave the church the authority to use His name, and when we use that name in faith, all heaven will back it.
1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, you know all things. You are anointed (empowered), so you will know what is God’s truth. John 16:13 Jesus is speaking. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His authority, but whatever He
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hears, He will speak, and He will tell you of things to come. Vs 14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
The Holy Spirit has four functions. To be a guide, to disclose coming things, glorify Jesus, and to be our teacher who guides us through the word of God. He discloses to the believer his destiny. He manifests Himself with the nine manifestations or gifts of the Spirit to glorify Jesus. And then, He speaks through you in the manifestation of tongues. Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory. The anointed one and His anointing, in you, with the expectation it will manifest through you.
How do you know if something or somebody is anointed? Did their action lift a burden or destroy a yoke?
Every believer needs to know their anointing. Where they can best serve the body of Christ. Every believer is consecrated to an office and anointed to function in that office. Roman 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, but all members do not have the same function (office) Vs 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another, Vs 6 having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, LET US USE THEM...The local church needs everyone to serve in the office God has placed them. It may be as an usher, nursery worker, teacher, or greeter, Do not ever say, “I can’t” yes, you can if you are functioning in your anointing, in the office God has given you the grace to function in. The Pastor can help you find where you are called to serve in the local church according to your anointing.
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APPENDIX F: NAME OF JESUS
Philippians 2:9 -10 Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name named. Vs 10 that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven and those on the earth and those under the earth. Why is the name of Jesus so powerful, and what does it mean?
Adam, when he sinned, caused the sinful nature to be passed down to all men. That sinful nature is passed on by the father. Jesus’ father was the Holy Spirit, so He did not have a sinful nature in His flesh. He then laid down all His heavenly attributes and came to this earth as a man and God. He was born of a woman to enter this world legally. satan was not born of a woman and is an alien, here illegally.
Matthew 1:21, an angel announced to Joesph that Mary would conceive a son of the Holy Spirit and His name would be Jesus which means “the Lord is salvation. His name reveals His mission and identity as Savior.
Acts 2:21 That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.
I Corinthians 6:11 But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
I John 2:12 Because your sins are forgiven on account of His name.
Matthew 28:19 Believers are baptized in the name of Jesus. Vs 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this (the gospel), they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The name of Jesus represents His humanity and the fact that a man overcame the works of Satan and the grave,
Acts 3:16 Healing and miracles were performed in the name of Jesus. Vs 16 And His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know...
John 14:13 We are to pray in His name and authority. Vs 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified.
Philippians 2:9 Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.
Ephesians 1:21 God raised Jesus from the dead and set Him far above all principalities, powers and might, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
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Vs 22 and He put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church. Mark 16:17 signs accompany His name.
As believers, when we speak or act in the name of Jesus, we do so as His representative with His authority. Authority is then the channel through which power operates. His name carries authority backed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus the man overcame, and now because of His redemptive work, we overcome through faith in that name. I John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world our faith. Vs 5 who is he that overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
The name of Jesus declares the redemptive work of Jesus that overcame the works of satan, death, and the grave. As Christians, we have the authority to declare the redemptive works with the expectation that signs will follow to confirm the word of God.
Jesus has all authority; in His name, we exercise that authority.
Colossians 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Matthew 28:18 All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Mark 16:17 “And these signs will follow those who believe (my redemptive authority) in my name (express that authority by using His name) they will speak with new tongues; vs 18. “they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them (the believer has protection), they will lay hands on the sick, and they will (not maybe) recover.” This is all done in the NAME OF JESUS.
To be confident in your authority, you must have trust in the power of God and His word, which backs up your authority. When in faith, you say “in the name of Jesus,” you are becoming a channel for signs and wonders. Faith is an action with expectation. The action is using the name of Jesus with the expectation of manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:18... All authority has been given Me in heaven and on earth, Vs 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Their names refer to each one's authority. The Father gave Jesus His authority, Holy Spirit backed that authority with power, and then Jesus delegated His authority back to the believer.
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HIS NAME IDENTIFIES YOU WITH JESUS AS A BELIEVER. THE BELIEVER THEN ACTS ON JESUS’S BEHALF, OPERATING IN DELEGATED AUTHORITY. THE HOLY SPIRIT THEN CONFIRMS THE DELEGATED AUTHORITY WITH MANIFESTED POWER.
FURTHER STUDY GO TO:
APPENDIX H: POWER OF THE RESURRECTION APPENDIX I: UNION OR MAN AND GOD APPENDIX J: HOW TO PRAY
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APPENDIX G: THE HEART
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Man is a spirit being, who possesses a soul (mind, will, emotions, intellect, and reason), and lives in a physical body, which is referred to as flesh. The spirit and soul will live forever with whomever you choose, God or satan. The body is corruptible and will die. It will be replaced with an eternal body of flesh and bone.
1 Peter 3:4 calls your spirit the hidden man of the heart. The heart is the spirit and soul, the real you. You are not a human being, you are a spirit being in the image of God.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust the Lord with your whole heart, spirit, and soul. Adam did not trust God with his whole heart. He allowed his soul, feelings, emotions, intellect, and reason to agree with his fleshly desires. This caused him to follow his fleshly desires, and it led to sin. I Peter 2:11 Beloved (Christians) I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, (you are here only for a season) abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.
Galatians 5:17, for the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, these are contrary to one another, so that you (the hidden man of the heart) do not do the things that you wish (follow the Spirit).
There is a war going on for control of your soul. Which every way your soul goes, you will go. When two agree, it will be. If your soul agrees with your flesh, you will follow the fleshly desires. If your soul follows your spirit, you will follow the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
How do you not follow the lust of the flesh?
When a person confesses Jesus as Lord and is born again, he becomes a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The new creation is his spirit. It was recreated by the power of the Holy Spirit and then sealed (Ephesians 1:13) or marked as God’s. The soul and flesh are not recreated. The soul has to be reprogrammed by renewing it with the word of God. Ephesians 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind (change your thinking).
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The flesh carries the sinful nature, and it is the believer's responsibility to put under its fleshly desires by renewing your mind to the word of God. Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
The battleground is the mind. Set your mind on the things of the flesh, and you will follow after fleshly sinful desires. Set your mind on being a doer of the word of God, and you will follow after the Spirit.
Mark 11:23 says not to doubt in his heart ... The word doubt means to differ. The spirit is saying to be a doer of the word. The soul is saying no, follow the flesh. You become double-minded. James 1:6. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. Vs 7 for let, not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. Vs 8, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Hebrew 11:6 It is impossible to please God without faith... A double-minded man has the spirit pulling one way and the soul pulling another way. He is unstable in his way. He can’t make up his mind. He is a carnal-minded man following his fleshly desires and not his spirit.
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death.... Vs 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity (hostile) against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor can it be. He will never be able to walk by faith, only by sight and the leading of the flesh. He will never please God.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes by hearing, and continually hearing the word of God. You drive doubt out by hearing and continually hearing the word of God, and then by being a doer of what you hear; you will live by faith and please God.
Romans 8:6...but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
A carnal-minded person does not have a renewed mind and follows after fleshly desires. A spiritual-minded person has renewed his mind by hearing and continually hearing the word of God. (Romans 10:17).
The spirit is renewed instantly. The soul is an ongoing process. The body is redeemed in the future when you will get an immortal body at the rapture.
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APPENDIX H: THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION
The gospels in Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-53, and John 20:1- 21:5 all give testimony to the resurrection of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:4 and that He was buried, and after that He rose again on the third day according to the scriptures, Vs 5 and that He was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. Vs 6 After that, He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. In Acts, the apostles declare the resurrection and that He reigns in heaven.
I Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Vs 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Jesus was the first to be resurrected. His body was made perfect, no longer subject to sickness, aging, or death and the grave, but eternally. 1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and a spiritual body. I Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly man.
Acts 13:30 But God raised Him from the dead. How did God raise Jesus from the dead?
There are five Greek words for power:
1; Dunamis - explosive, mighty power
2. Endrgia - outward power or working power 3. Kratos - ruling power
4. Inches - inherited power as in a king
5. Exousta - authority, delegated power
The resurrection of Jesus took more power than the creation of the heavens and earth. You have a finger, hand, and arm. The hand is stronger than the finger, and the arm is the strongest.
Hebrews 1:10 You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are a work of Your hands (fingers and hand).
Psalms 8:3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers.
Isaiah 53 is a prophetic picture of the death and resurrection of Jesus
Vs 1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? God used His arm in the resurrection of Jesus. It took more power to raise Jesus from the dead than creation. In creation, He did not have any opposition. In the resurrection of Jesus, He had satan's opposition.
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Ephesians 1:19 What is the exceeding greatness of His power (Dunamis- explosive power) toward us who believe according to the working (Energia- outward or working power) of His mighty (Kratos- absolute authority) power. Vs 20, which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead. God used all His power, and it produced the resurrection, which produced our complete salvation.
Philippians 2:9 Therefore, God has highly exalted Him.... Or has approved of Christ’s sacrifice of the shedding of His blood for our redemption. Romans 1:4 declared to be the Son of God with POWER according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead.
I Corinthians 6:14 And God both raised the Lord and will raise us by His power. The same power that raised Jesus will raise the believer.
Romans 8:11 But the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells in you. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is in you. That same power will resurrect our mortal bodies. It is in you NOW.
The resurrection was a demonstration of God’s supreme power and authority. No resurrection, no gospel, no power. The resurrection gave evidence of the truth of the gospel. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER OF GOD TO SALVATION for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Greek. (all people)
WHAT IS THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION FOR?
Philippians 3:10 That I may know Him and the power of the resurrection
and the fellowship of His sufferings being conformed to His death. His death was the power of the Holy Spirit to bring salvation to man. To know the power of His resurrection is to experience the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
That power is in us (Romans 8:11, 2 Corinthians 4:11) to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel of salvation. It is the power to be a witness. Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses.... Mark 16:20 And they went out and preached (the message of salvation) everywhere, the Lord working with them, (Jesus and man together) and confirming (establishing) the word through accompanying signs.
The resurrection was a supernatural event that established the truth of the gospel. That same power is in you to be a witness.
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Colossians 1:27...which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Jesus is in you with the expectation that He will manifest through you. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The power of the resurrection is in you. The power to witness and proclaim the gospel is in you.
Resurrection power is the power of God to save. There is a demonstration of power that produces signs that confirms the message.
1 Corinthians 1:17 for Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach and proclaim the gospel, not with wisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should be of no effect. Vs 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:1 And brethren when I came to you, I did not come with excellence of speech or of the wisdom of declaring to you the testimonies of God. Vs 2 For I determined not to do anything among you except Jesus Christ, Him crucified. Vs 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom but in a demonstration of the Spirit and power.
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APPENDIX I: UNION OF MAN AND GOD
In the gospels, Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man, not the Son of God. It was a man who had authority on the earth. That authority was given to Adam by God. If He had come as the Son of God, He would not have legal authority on the earth. Man sinned. Man needed a redeemer who was a mortal man. But He was also God. When there is a union of man and God, it is called a hypostatic union.
You cannot see or handle God the father; He is a spirit. Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen the Father. He is the exact image of the Father in perfect union with Him.
When Jesus came as a man, He took on substance in the form of a man but was still God. Men could see Him, feel Him, hear Him, and communicate with Him. He was now visible to man. Today He is at the right hand of the Father in His resurrected body, the firstborn of many making intercession for the believer. He is in the second stage of His ministry. He came to earth as a prophet and savior. Now He is our high priest and soon coming KING OF KINGS.
In the New Testament, Jesus has different names. And in the New Testament, you read Jesus, Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man. Each name refers to His humanity, His deity, or His humanity and deity.
Human Names. Jesus
Son of Man,
Deity Names Christ
Son of God.
Hypostatic Names Christ Jesus Jesus Christ
Human names, Jesus and Son of Man, show and emphasize His humanity. Deity names, Christ and Son of God, show and emphasize that He is God. Hypostatic names, Christ Jesus and Jesus Christ, show and emphasize His humanity and deity. He was all man and God together.
The name of Jesus represents His humanity and the fact that a man overcame the works of satan, death, and the grave.
We are called the body of Christ not the body of Jesus because that is the human side. We are a spiritual body, so we are the Body of Christ.
When you read the names Jesus Christ it is pointing first to His humanity, then His deity. Christ Jesus, His deity, and then humanity. God toward man or man toward God, showing the direction of scripture. Hebrews 6:1 says doctrines of Christ showing they are not of man but deity.
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APPENDIX J: HOW TO PRAY
Today everyone needs prayer. Our nation, its leaders, the church, and individuals need prayer to insure our peace, happiness, and welfare.
A believer's life should be built on a life of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 praying without ceasing. What does the Bible say about prayer? How do we pray according to the word and get results?
1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Vs 7 casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
You can try to fix the fix and end up in the worst fix than the fix you tried to fix. Or you can turn to God in prayer and cast the care upon Him. Why? He cares for you. Humbling yourself and admitting you need help puts you in a position to receive the favor of God and save you from pride.
Proverbs 16:18 ... pride goes before destruction. Pride makes a self- sufficient and says, “I don’t need help or God.” When you cast your care on God, it is a recognition of one’s dependence on God, showing humility and submission. It is an act of faith in God, knowing He cares for you.
To be confident and have results when we pray first, the believer must pray the word of God. Prayer means a request made. Your request should be in agreement with the word. God’s will is His word, and He will not violate His word. Joshua 1:8 This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then, you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Mark 11:22 ... Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. Have faith that God looks over His word to perform it. Abraham had faith in God. Romans 4:21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to perform. His word states what He has promised, and He will perform.
You ask the Father in faith, in the name of Jesus. John 16:23 “And in that day you will ASK Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ASK the FATHER IN MY NAME, He will give you. John 14:14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. JESUS is seated at the right hand of the Father, a place of honor. He is our mediator who died and took satan’s authority as a man. It was not Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus but the man JESUS. You pray to the Father in the name of Jesus.
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Hebrews 4:16 Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in the time of need.
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brethren (Christian) having the boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.
You pray to the Father in name of Jesus by His blood. Then you are standing at the throne of grace and mercy. You now have a legal right to present your petition with confidence that the Father will receive that petition because of the name of Jesus and the blood. The name is the authority, and the blood is the proof, the evidence of that authority.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you (or you can believe what I am about to say) whatever things you ask (the word) when you pray (make a request), believe you receive, and you will have them.
Hebrew 11:1 Now faith is (it is now, not going to be) the substance of what you expect, the evidence of things not seen. You now have substance to your request. You prayed the word, to the Father, in Jesus’ name, validated by the blood. You now have substance to your request, and you can have the confidence to believe I have it now. I have faith God will perform what He promised.
1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, nothing is to be refused if it is RECEIVED WITH THANKSGIVING; Vs 5 for it is SANCTIFIED (set aside) BY THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER. Mark 16:18 Jesus said, “if you drink anything deadly, it will not hurt you.” You have protection in what you eat IF it is set aside by prayer. Exodus 23:25 So you shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and water, and I will take sickness away from your midst.
The prayer for your food: Father, in the name of Jesus and by His blood, I come boldly to your throne of grace and mercy. I thank you according to Your word that our food is sanctified by the washing of the word of God. Our bread and water are blessed, and You take sickness from our midst. In Jesus’ name. Amen (so be it)
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APPENDIX K: AUTHORITY
Authority is divinely given. It is given by God the creator and source of all power and authority. The resurrection of Jesus proved this. God exercises power and authority as He wills. I Corinthians 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all things, distributing to each one individually “as He wills.”
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke for them saying, “ALL AUTHORITY has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ALL means ALL. Jesus was exalted by the Father and given a name above all names. His authority is given by the Father and backed by His ultimate and unlimited authority. The resurrection of Jesus validated that power and authority. Ephesians 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power Vs 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heavenly places, Vs 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name not only in this age but also in that which is to come. When He seated Him at His right hand it was signifying to all creation Jesus’ authority.
During His earthly ministry of three years, Jesus had delegated authority of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, as stated in Luke 4.
Luke 4:18 “The spirit of the Lord is upon me; Because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives. And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Jesus had the authority to preach the gospel, heal, cast out demons, and proclaim the jubilee year of the Lord when all debt was canceled.
He gave the disciples delegated authority in Mark 3:15 to heal and cast out demons. Mark 6:7 gave them power over unclean spirits.
Matthew 17:14 is the account of when a father came to Jesus and said, “my son who is epileptic could not be cured by your disciples.” Vs 17 Then Jesus said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” The disciples had become complacent about their authority. They took their authority for granted instead of protecting and honoring the anointing. Authority has to be protected and honored. Revelation 1:18 When Jesus was resurrected, he took the keys (authority) over Hades and death. He now has total freedom to act. Colossians 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and power.
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Our authority is delegated authority similar to what was given to the disciples. The believer's authority is found in Matthew 28 and Mark 16.
Matthew 28:18 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on the earth.” Vs 19. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Vs 20 “teaching to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Vs 16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe with be condemned. Vs 17 “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name, they cast out demons: they will speak with new tongues; Vs 18 “they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them, (they would have protection) they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
A believer's delegated authority is to preach the gospel, be a witness, cast out demons, have supernatural protection, speak with new tongues, lay hands on the sick and use the name of Jesus. (Appendix G and K)
Protect the anointing by what they hear, what they say, what they think, and what they see.
Believers are not to seek power but submit to Jesus’ authority and follow His command to go and be a witness; then signs will follow to confirm the message of the gospel.
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APPENDIX L: HEALING
Hebrews 2:14 In as much then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He likewise shares in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil. The death and resurrection of Jesus was the mystery of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, Vs 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew, for they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. Jesus’ death and resurrection was a mystery to satan. Isaiah 53 is a prophetic picture of the mystery and provisions that were made for our physical healing, deliverance from guilt, and penalty of sin.
Isaiah 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs (sickness) and carried our sorrows. Yet we esteemed Him stricken. Smitten by God and afflicted. Vs 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions (offenses), He was bruised for our iniquities (evil deeds); The chastisement for our peace was upon Him (He was suffering for our sins). And by His stripes (blows that cut), we are healed (Physical healing). Matthew 8:17 that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sickness.” 1 Peter 2:24 “whom Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree (cross) that we have died to sins, might live for righteousness, by whose stripes (blows that cut) you WERE healed”. Not going to be but WERE.
Divine healing is a mainstay doctrine of the gospels.
Matthew 10:7,8 Jesus gave delegated authority to the disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons.
Luke 4:18 Jesus said He was anointed to heal the broken hearted, set free the captives, recover sight to the blind, and set at liberty those who are oppressed,
Luke 10:9 Jesus sent out the 70 disciples two by two to heal the sick.
Mark 16:18 Jesus said signs would follow those who believe. They would lay hands on the sick and cast out demons.
Jesus’ ministry and the devil's works are found in John 10:10. The thief does not come except to kill, steal and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.
If it kills, steals, or destroys, it is not of God. Jesus came to give life abundantly or far above what you can ask or think. Sickness is not of God. God does not use sickness to correct, teach, or release His wrath.
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He uses His word. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
Sickness and death are the results of the original sin of Adam. Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin and thus death spread to all men because all sinned. It was a curse permitted by God to fall upon man because of his sin. A curse is a consequence, and the consequence of sin is death. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death or separation from God. Sickness and disease are a consequence of sin in the world.
The originator of sin is satan or the devil. I John 3:8. He who sins is of the devil for the devil has sinned from the beginning, for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, THAT HE MIGHT DEFEAT THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL. What are the works of the devil? IF IT STEALS, KILLS, OR DESTROYS, it is the work of the devil.
To defeat the works of the devil in His earthly ministry, Jesus was anointed or empowered by God. Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing ALL who were oppressed (treated harshly) by the devil, for God was with Him. The word healing in Vs 38 means over a period of time or progressively healed. This means that all healing is not instantaneous but progressively healed and made whole. They become better and better until they are completely cured. God’s power was imparted and was received by faith. Now you need to protect the anointing by continuing to believe “I am healed.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith and not by sight. Mark 11:22 “Have faith in God.” Have faith that God will do what he promised. Mark 16:18 they will lay hands on the sick, and they will RECOVER. You may not see it or feel different, but the healing power has begun to work to reverse the sick person’s condition.
All these benefits can only be appropriated by faith. The believer must be prepared to receive. James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence) in the name of the Lord. (In Jesus’ name). Vs 15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. It takes faith for those ministering, and it takes faith to receive. Matthew 10 Blind Bartimaeus was asked by Jesus what he wanted Him to do. He answered and said, “that I may receive my sight.” Vs 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way“ your faith has made you well.
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How do you prepare to receive the prayer of faith for healing or the laying on of hands? The communion meal is a picture of what Jesus did by His death. The bread represents the stripes He took for our healing and how His body was broken for us. The wine represents His shed blood and the forgiveness of sins. They both remind the believer of what Jesus did and that we are forgiven and healed. That He is coming again in power and glory.
1 Corinthians 11:27 Therefore, whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. Vs 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. Vs 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. Vs 30 for this reason, many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. (have died) Vs 31, for if we judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
Many were weak and sick because they would not judge themselves. Was there a correction that needed to be made? One of those corrections is holding a grudge and not forgiving others. Sin will stop the healing power of God from manifesting. To prepare to receive, a person needs to judge themselves and admit it and quit it. 1 John 1:9 is for the believer to go to God and judge themselves. He will cleanse you of all unrighteousness and prepare you to receive with a clear conscience. You are now reminded my sins are forgiven; I am righteous. Satan can’t say, “God will not heal a sinner like you; look what you have done.” Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. The flesh will cause you to run from God in self-condemnation of not being worthy. When you walk according to the Spirit, you run to God for forgiveness in preparation to receive, knowing you are worthy because of Jesus.
Then you take a step of faith and allow a believer who is also prepared to anoint you with oil, a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and lay hands on you in the name of Jesus.
The natural with the super (spiritual) produces the supernatural. You do what you have to in the natural, then apply the super. The natural might be going to a doctor and taking medication. The super (spiritual) would be to pray over the medication and sanctify it by the word of God. You would say, “this medication is sanctified by the word of God and will do exactly what it is supposed to do with no ill effects. You are taking the medication (the natural) and applying the super (prayer).
Genesis 8:22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest. The word of God is a seed; when hands are laid on you in the name of Jesus, the seed of the word of God is planted. Over a period of time, the seed will produce if it is protected by what you hear, what you see, and what you say.
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Proverbs 4:20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Vs 21 do not let them DEPART from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; Vs 22 For they are life to those who find them and HEALTH to all their flesh.
God put in your body a natural healing process. If you cut your finger, put a band-aid on it, and over a period of time, it will heal because of your natural healing process in the body. You now have substance, to have faith in God and His word, to believe that your natural healing process is going to supernaturally speed up. The word of God has been planted, and if protected, it will produce over a period of time.
We do not dismiss doctors and their natural ability to minister to people as trained physicians, We do believe in natural healing and preventive medicine, But we also believe in supernatural or divine healing; there are things we need to do in the natural and then apply our faith that can speed up the healing process.
Jesus first committed His healing ministry to the twelve disciples, then to the seventy, then in Mark 16 to the believer. He has given a command to lay hands on the sick, and they WILL recover.
CHRIST HEALED 2000 YEARS AGO, AND HE IS STILL HEALING TODAY THROUGH THE BELIEVER. HE IS CHRIST THE HEALER.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, GO TO: APPENDIX D: 1 JOHN 1:9 APPENDIX E: ANOINTING
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APPENDIX M: HEALING SCRIPTURES
Is it God’s will to heal us? What proof do we have? We have His word, which is His will. Jeremiah 1:12...for I am ready to perform my word.
John 6:63 The words I speak are spirit and life. John 17:17 Jesus said, “Your word is truth.”
Romans 4:21 Abram was fully convinced that what He had promised, He was also able to perform. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is (the word of God) is the substance of what we expect, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, Acts 9:34 HE IS STILL JESUS THE HEALER.
HEALING SCRIPTURES:
1. Exodus 15:26 I am the Lord who heals you.
2. Exodus 23:25 So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
3. Job 5:26 You shall come to the grave at full age. As a sheaf of grain ripens in his season.
4. Deuteronomy 7:15 And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on those who hate you.
5. Deuteronomy 11:9 and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord swore to give fathers, to them and their descendants.
6. Psalms 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Vs 3 Who forgives all your iniquities (evil deeds) who heals all your diseases.
7. Proverbs 4:22 My words are life to those who find them, and health to their flesh.
8. Isaiah 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs (sickness) and carried our sorrows. 9. Isaiah 53:5 And by His stripes we are healed (physical healing)
10. Isaiah 57:19 ...and I will heal him.
11. Isaiah 58:8 Then your light will break forth like the morning. Your healing shall spring forth speedily. And your righteousness shall go before you.
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12. Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord.
13. Jeremiah 33:6 I will bring health and healing. I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
14. Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick...
15. Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of diseases among the people.
16. Matthew 8:17. That I might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”
17. Matthew 9:29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith, let it be to you.”
18. Matthew 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them ALL.
19. Matthew 14:36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many touched, it were made perfectly whole.
20. Mark 7:37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
21. Mark 9:23 Jesus said to Him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
22. Marks 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe. In my name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them (they have protection), and they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
23. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
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24. Luke 9:11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed all those who had need of healing.
25. Luke 9:36 “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”
26. Luke 13:16 “So ought not this woman being a daughter of Abraham whom satan has bound -think of it- for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath.”
27. John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
28. John 10:10 The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.
29. John 11:25. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” Vs 26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
30. John 14:14 “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
31. Act 3:16 “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
32. Acts 9:34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas Jesus Christ heals you, Arise and make your bed, Then he arose immediately.
33. Acts 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.
34. Acts 19:12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and diseases left them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
35. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
36. Ephesians 6:1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this right,
Vs 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a PROMISE. Vs 3 that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.
37. Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
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38. Hebrews 12:12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and feeble knees, Vs 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed.
39. 1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness, by whose stripes you were healed.
40. 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers,
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APPENDIX N: OFFICES OF THE BELIEVER
Every believer has a function or office in the body of Christ. Christ is the head, and we are the body. The natural body needs hands, feet, and arms to function. The body of Christ needs different offices to do the work of the ministry.
Jesus gave, not man, some to be leaders of the body. Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself (Jesus) gave SOME (not all) to be apostles, prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. Their purpose is:
Vs 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, edifying (building up) the body of Christ: Vs 13 till we come to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Vs 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.
The five-fold leadership is to equip individual members to do their part in the body of Christ. They are to bring them into the unity of the faith by teaching sound doctrine so the believer can have a working knowledge of the Son of God. The believer is then equipped to go out and do as Jesus commanded, lay hands on the sick, cast out demons, and be a strong witness for Jesus.
Vs 16, from whom the whole body is joined together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does ITS SHARE, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Everyone has a part.
Romans 12:3 ... God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Every believer is given by God faith to carry out their function in the body of Christ. Do not ever say, “I can’t because you can.”
Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function (office) Vs 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Vs 6 Having then gifts (offices) differing according to the grace given to us, LET US USE THEM:
Verses 6 - 8 Paul lists the offices:

1. Prophecy - have the insight to edify the church. Simply prophecy
   does not foretell but exhorts, edifies, and comfort.
2. Serving - love to meet practical needs
3. Teaching - clarify spiritual truths
4. Exhortation - encourages people to grow
5. Giving - meet financial needs
6. Government - organize and lead. They do not rule.

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7. Mercy - remove hurts of others.
EXAMPLE OF HOW THEY CAN FUNCTION IN A PERSON:
It is Sunday morning, and the pastor is preaching and reaches for a glass of water. He drops the glass and spills the water, breaking the glass.

1. Prophecy - sees everything black and white, with very little compassion. Why did you bring the glass on stage? You could have waited till after the service to take a drink of water. It isn’t right to drink water on stage in front of others without water. Want water? Get it before service. Just lays into the person.
2. Serving - while all this is going on, quietly cleans up the mess without telling anyone. Just wants to serve in any way they can without applause. They see a need and jump right in.
3. Teaching - they will try to instruct. Pastor, I noticed you are right- handed, and you picked the glass up left-handed. Next time put the glass on the right side of the podium so you can pick it up with the right hand and have better control.
4. Exhortation - stimulate people to grow, especially with object lessons. Pastor, I know there is some great spiritual truth you were trying to show with the glass of water. What was the meaning of the broken glass and spilled water? What spiritual truth did you learn from this?
5. Giving - Pastor, don’t worry about the glass and the carpet. I will buy new carpet and a new set of glasses. He loves to give anywhere
   he can.
6. Government - Now, let's get organized. Next time have three glasses of water ready and a mop and bucket.
7. Mercy - Pastor, it's all right, do not think a thing about it. We love you , and accidents happen. They will sympathize with the person. They want to remove the hurts of others.

You can work in all these but will have one primary office you stand in. A teacher may teach, but he may also exhort. From these seven offices
Jesus will call the five-fold leaders according to love, faithfulness, and desire.
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APPENDIX O: THE TITHE
Genesis 4 is the account of Cain and Able bringing an offering to God. Able’s offering was accepted, and Cain’s was not. Able brought the firstborn of his flock and their fat. Giving the firstborn indicated he put God first. “Their fat” in Hebrew is a way of saying to give your very finest. Able brought his finest offering as an affirmation of faith that God was his provider. Cain came with an offering that was not his best, and he came grudgingly and out of necessity.
Hebrews 11:6 but without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Cain did not believe God would reward him for bringing the offering. He was in fear of losing instead of being rewarded. Able came in faith, honoring God as his provider.
The tithe needs to be brought in faith, showing you believe God is your provider and He will reward you for being diligent. It is not to be brought out of necessity because you have to. The Jew was under the law, and the tithe was a taxation system. The tithe went to the Levites, who then gave it to the priests, widows, and the poor. It was given out of necessity as a tax.
Genesis chapter 14 is the account of when Abram brought a tithe to Melchizedek who was the king of Salem (later Jerusalem). He was a priest of God and a type and shadow of Jesus. Abraham had just defeated five kings who had attacked Sodom and taken the people along with his nephew Lot captive. He is returning with the people and all the goods that had been stolen. He is met by two men. The king of Sodom is a type and shadow of the world’s system. Melchizedek is a type and
shadow of Jesus.
Melchizedek comes with wine and bread, a symbol of the covenant, reminding Abram that it was God who allowed him to win the battle. He then begins to pronounce a blessing.
Blessed be Abram of God Most High. Possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.
Vs 21 Now, the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and take the goods yourself.” The world system is all about “gimmie.” Get what you can any way you can.
Abram has a choice, go with the world’s system or acknowledge God as his source. He gives Melchizedek the tithe. It is an affirmation of faith that God is
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his source, not the world’s system. He then declares his faith in God by giving the tithe to the king of Sodom.
Vs 22. But Abram said to the king of Sodom “I have raised my hand to the Lord God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, Vs 23 that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich.
Abram chose God and turned his back on the world’s system by tithing and connecting to the blessing. Genesis 28:22 Jacob made a promise to God to give a tenth of all that God gave him.
Today we are not under the law but grace. Are we to tithe today? Abraham was not under the law when he tithed to Melchizedek. Neither was Jacob when he tithed. (Genesis 28:22)
Hebrews 7:5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham. Vs 6, but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
The Levites had a commandment to take the tithe. Abraham GAVE tithes to Melchizedek. The Levites were under the law, and Melchizedek was not under the law. The difference was taking and receiving. Melchizedek did not take but received from Abraham after blessing him and reminding him of the goodness of God. Abraham gave the tithe to someone who was not a Levite under the law.
Hebrews 7:8. Here mortal men receive tithes, but “there” he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. “There” refers to heaven, and he is a reference to Jesus as the high priest who receives tithes and forever lives. Psalm 110:4 you are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. When a believer by faith tithes today, it is received by Jesus as a spiritual gift in heaven.
If tithing is not for today, then why is Jesus still receiving them as a spiritual gift? Yes, tithing is for today, not because you have to, grudgingly or out of necessity, like it is debt or something you owe, but freely give with a grateful heart for the goodness of God and as an affirmation of faith that God is our provider, not the world’s system.
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APPENDIX P: Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Genesis 1:1 in the beginning, God (Hebrew Elohim) created the heavens and earth. Elohim is translated as the plurality of God. The plurality refers to the Trinity, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A doctrine the church does not fully understand.
Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Corinthians 8:4. and 1 Timothy 2:5 says there is One God.
I John 5:6 For there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, and these are one. Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let Us make man in our image according to our likeness.
Three distinct persons that are ONE in perfect agreement of plans, purposes, and pursuits, co-equal and eternal. John 15:26 ... He will testify of me. The Holy Spirit always speaks of Jesus and defers to Him. Jesus always defers to the Father. John 5:30 Jesus said, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge: and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent me.” Jesus reveals the Father, and the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus.
A family with three people has a father, mother, and son. These three people are one family but are still three distinct persons.
WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. Acts 5:32 He is given by God to the believer. Vs 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God gave to those who obey Him. John 14:17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him: but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
2. The Holy Spirit is not a power, a force, or energy: He is a person. He has feelings: Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit.... As a person who has feelings. He grieves or has sorrow over sin. He is not an IT but a person, with a personality, with all knowledge, and a will.
3. Acts 13:2 He speaks. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The Holy Spirit spoke through a message given in prophecy.
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One way He speaks is through one of the manifestations that are given in 1 Corinthians 12 and discussed in the nine gifts (manifestation) of the Holy Spirit.
4. John 16:13 The Holy Spirit is called the “the Spirit of Truth.”
Vs 13 However, when He, “the Spirit of Truth,” has come. He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak: and He will tell you things to come.
He will always speak the truth. He does not lie, exaggerate, or stretch the truth. His words will always point to Jesus or His word. He will show us truths from the word of God that we need to know and apply in our daily lives. He will never guide us contrary to the word.
5. The Holy Spirit is called the “Helper" (comforter, spokesman for Jesus). John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of me. The Holy Spirit is a spokesman for Jesus, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the believer's advisor and the teacher sent by the Father, confirming He is deity.
6. John 16:8. He convicts the world: Vs 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and righteousness, and of judgment. The Holy Spirit's role is to convince man that his only hope of salvation is Jesus. Through one man, sin entered the world; through works and religion, man attempts to be righteous, and without faith in Jesus, judgment before God waits.
7. John 3:3,6,7 He regenerates and sanctifies. (set apart, makes holy) Vs 3 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Vs 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit.” Vs 7 “Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again.” Salvation only comes by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing that he was raised from the dead; it is the Holy Spirit who brings the new birth that enables man to enter the kingdom of God.
8. 1 Corinthians 12:13 He baptizes the believer into the body of Christ. Vs 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or free—and have been made to drink into one Spirit. The Holy Spirit immerses the believer into the body of Christ by sanctifying and justifying that our sins are forgiven. Our spirit is immersed in Him. Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing, regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
9. Ephesians 1:13, He seals or marks us as God’s. In Him, you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
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When you hear the gospel of salvation and believe, you are then sealed. In the ancient world, letters were sealed with a wax seal that was embossed with the king’s royal crest. The seal showed the letter was the king’s property and could only be opened by the authorized recipient. The Holy Spirit seals your spirit or marks you as God’s property. Your spirit is sealed until the return of Jesus at the rapture of the church.
10. Romans 8:9 He indwells. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now, if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. If the Spirit of God is in us, we were sanctified (made holy), and the power of the flesh (sin nature ) can be conquered. We have been enabled to live a life that is pleasing to God. Instead of being led by fleshly desires, we are now led by the Spirit of God and grow in sanctification. If the Holy Spirit does not indwell a person, he is not a Christian and does not belong to Jesus.
11. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The believer becomes a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away: behold, all things have become new. When a person, according to Romans 10:9, confesses Jesus as Lord and believes He was resurrected is born again. The Holy Spirit indwells his spirit, sanctifies him, making him holy. Then he is sealed, marked as God’s property, justified, declared righteous, and has right standing with God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us (Jesus became our substitute and bore our guilt) that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. When the believer is born again, He is in Christ and is therefore righteous in God’s sight; the believer's sins are remitted, done away with past, present, and future. Acts 10:43 “To Him all prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him, will receive remission of sins.” Justification is by faith in Jesus and not of works.
12. John 16:14 He glorifies and declares Jesus. Vs 14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is mine and declare it to you.”
The Holy Spirit displays the truths of Jesus and manifests Himself through nine manifestations to glorify Jesus. The Holy Spirit always speaks of Jesus and never draws attention to Himself. As believers, we glorify Jesus by being obedient to His word and being a witness to the power of the resurrection in our lives.
13. Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit. Stop being drunk and yielding to the flesh and yield to the Holy Spirit and be filled or made complete. It is not an option but a command. It is an ongoing process to yield to the Holy Spirit and His guidance.
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14. Galatians 5:22,23 He produces the fruit of the Spirit in the believer. Vs 22 But the fruit of the Spirits is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Vs 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.
15. Roman 8:14 He leads us. Vs 14 For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. You cannot be led by the Spirit by your carnal desires, emotions, and reason. You can only be led by the Spirit when you walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 You have to be in fellowship with God by continually submitting to His word. His word is His will. Sons realize that God’s will, not their will, is the best possible way to a life more abundant.
16. Romans 8:16 He bears witness we are sons of God. Vs 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God. The Holy Spirit comes into our lives by indwelling us and bears witness in our spirit that we are adopted as sons and granted the privileges of sonship. We can, with assurance, pray to our heavenly Father. The only way to sonship is by yielding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and receiving Jesus as Lord.
17. Romans 8:26 He teaches us to pray. Vs 26 Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Groanings are supernatural utterances of the Holy Spirit that cannot be understood by the natural man. The Holy Spirit knows the mind of God and what His will is. There are times we don’t know what to pray, but God does. That is when we pray in tongues, and the Holy Spirit gives forth the answer. The groaning coming forth from our spirit produces an utterance given by the Holy Spirit manifested by your tongue in faith. The gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues is discussed later in the Gifts of the Spirit.
18. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to be a witness. Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be WITNESSES to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. The power we receive from the Holy Spirit is to preach and demonstrate the gospel message, in not only word but power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 for the kingdom of God is not in word, but power.
1 Corinthians 2 Paul stated he did not come with excellent speech or of wisdom declaring God, Vs 4 And my speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in a demonstration of the Spirit and power Vs 5 that your faith should not be the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
The demonstration of power that Paul was speaking of is the same power that God wants the believer to demonstrate today. That same power is available to every born-again believer through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians
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14:1 tells us that we are to desire spiritual gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The main purpose is to give us the power to demonstrate Jesus and His gospel to people. That power is demonstrated in the nine manifestations of the Holy Spirit when the Gospel is preached. We are to desire spiritual gifts (manifestations) to operate in our lives in love. They are to edify and grow the body of Christ and to be used to demonstrate the love of God.
A person who is open to being empowered becomes a candidate for the baptism of the Holy Spirit after they are born again. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is submitting to the will of the Father and allowing the Holy Spirit to manifest through the believer as He wills.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit always worked together. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35); empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16); and led by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:1). He healed people by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38); cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:28); was resurrected from the dead by the Holy Spirit (Roman 8:11); and was seated at the right hand of God through the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19, 20). He needed an ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit to accomplish His divine ministry in the earth. It is the same relationship we need as well.
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APPENDIX Q: THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Man is a tri-being. You are a spirit being, with a soul (mind, will, and
emotions) and you live in a body. God gives man his eternal spirit, and
our parents give us earthly bodies. Your body has a sinful nature that
came as a result of the fall of Adam. That sinful nature is passed down from our earthly fathers. Paul wrote in Romans 7:17, But now, it is no longer I who do it (sin), but the sin that dwells in me. Vs 18 For I know that in me (that is In my flesh) nothing good dwells...Vs 20 Now, if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but the sin that dwells in me. Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. Vs 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die, but if by Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live.
Age of accountability; when you know the difference between right and wrong. Roman 7:9 Paul said, “and I was alive apart from the law once: but when the commandment came (I knew right and wrong and became accountable for my actions) sin revived, and I died (spiritually).
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death. The word death means separation. Sin separates you from God. The new birth brings you back to God.
2 Corinthians 5:17; you become a new creation in Him. You are born again; your spirit is a new creation, made spiritually alive. Romans 12:2 says that the way we think needs to be transformed by the renewing of our minds by the word of God. Your body still carries the sinful nature, and as Paul said, “put to death the deeds of the body” do not be led by the desires of the flesh, but be led by the spirit.
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT JESUS FROM BIRTH TILL THE AGE OF 30?
Luke 1:35 His father was the Holy Spirit. He was born WITHOUT A SINFUL NATURE BECAUSE HE WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN HIM. He was called the Son of God because God was His father spiritually and as a man.
We have the account of when Jesus was in the temple with the scribes and Pharisees at the age of 12. No other account until he is 30
years of age. Under Jewish law, a son was bound to his parents until the age of 30. At the age of 30, Jesus leaves his earthly parents’ work and begins His heavenly father’s work.
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MINISTRY BEGINS
Luke 3:21 He goes to the river Jordan and is water baptized by John. He made a public profession that I am righteous and submitted to my father, God.
He was conceived by Holy Spirit, and He dwells in Him. The Holy Spirit had already come upon Him. Now in Vs 22, the Holy Spirit descended. And when He descended, Luke 4:1 Then being filled (made complete) with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He is empowered, and His ministry now begins.
QUESTION? IF HOLY SPIRIT WAS HIS FATHER AND PRESENT IN HIM, WHY DID HE NEED TO BE FILLED, EMPOWERED, AND MADE COMPLETE?
TWO EXPERIENCES: CONCEIVED BY HOLY SPIRIT IN HIM AT BIRTH AND THEN AT THE RIVER JORDAN, HE WAS FILLED AND EMPOWERED, MADE COMPLETE TO MINSTER.
WHEN WERE THE DISCIPLES BORN AGAIN?
No one could be born again until after Jesus was crucified and resurrected.
John 20:22 Jesus has been crucified and raised from the dead. The disciples are in the upper room, hiding out. Jesus suddenly appears, and Vs 22. He says, “RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.” This is where they were born again. The Holy Spirit came upon them, and they were born again.
For the next 40 days, they were told to tarry and wait to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. They do no miracles in that time frame. ACTS 1:8, BUT YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON (OR MADE COMPLETE) YOU, AND YOU SHALL BE WITNESSES.
50 days after John 20:22, on the day of Pentecost, 120 born-again believers are in the upper room. ACTS 2:4 AND THEY WERE ALL (NOT SOME BUT ALL) FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCES. THEY ARE EMPOWERED TO PREACH WITH SIGNS FOLLOWING. The proof they were filled as they spoke with tongues.
In the Old Testament, there were 7 manifestations in operation. Two were not, tongues and interpretation of tongues. They begin to manifest on the Day of Pentecost as a sign of the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
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TWO EXPERIENCES: SALVATION AND BEING FILLED. ACTS 8: PHILLIP IS IN SAMARIA PREACHING:
Phillip is in Samaria preaching Jesus, and people are born again. And in obedience, they were being water baptized.
ACTS 8:14, the disciples heard that Samaria had received the word of God, and they sent Peter and John that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
According to verse 16, they had been born again but not filled and empowered.
VS 17, THEN THEY LAID HANDS ON THEM, AND THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT. (THEY WERE FILLED, MADE COMPLETE) VS 18, AND WHEN SIMON SAW THAT THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF THE APOSTLES’ HANDS, THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS GIVEN, HE OFFERED THEM MONEY. HOW DID HE KNOW THEY HAD RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT? HE HEARD THEM SPEAKING IN TONGUES.
TWO EXPERIENCES: SALVATION AND BEING FILLED. WHERE WAS SAUL OF TARSUS SAVED?
Acts 9 is the account of when Paul traveled the road to Damascus and has an encounter with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 12:3 No man can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:5 Jesus appears to Saul, and he acknowledges Him as Lord, resulting in Saul being born again. Jesus instructs him to go to Damascus, and where he will be told what to do. Jesus sends Ananias, a disciple, with instructions to minister to Saul, who later will become the Apostle Paul.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house, and laying hands on him said, “Brother Saul the Lord Jesus appeared to you on the road as you came, HE HAS SENT ME THAT YOU MAY RECEIVE YOUR SIGHT AND BE FILLED (MADE COMPLETE) WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. Paul was saved on the road to Damascus and then filled when Ananias laid hands on him. Paul said in I Corinthians 14:18, “that he spoke in tongues.”
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TWO EXPERIENCES: SALVATION AND BEING FILLED.
ACTS 10: PETER MINISTERS TO CORNELIUS AND HIS HOUSEHOLD
This is 10 years after the disciples were filled in Acts 2. This is the first account of when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles. Cornelius, a devout believer and witness, was given instructions by an angel sent by God to send for Peter to show the gospel was for not just the Jew but all men. Vs 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, “in truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality.” Then Peter begins to preach.
ACTS 10:44 WHILE PETER WAS STILL SPEAKING THESE WORDS, THE HOLY SPIRIT FELL UPON ALL WHO HEARD THE WORD, VS 45 AND THOSE OF THE CIRCUMCISION (JEWS) WHO BELIEVED WERE ASTONISHED, AS MANY CAME WITH PETER BECAUSE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD BEEN POURED OUT ON THE GENTILES. HOW DID THEY KNOW? VS 46, FOR THEY HEARD THEM SPEAK WITH TONGUES AND MAGNIFY GOD. Vs 47 Peter now changes his sermon to include water baptism as an outward sign of submission to Jesus as Lord.
TWO EXPERIENCES: SALVATION AND BEING FILLED
ACTS 19: PAUL MEETS DISCIPLES OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AT EPHESUS
This is 20 years after the Pentecost experience. Acts 19 Paul is at Ephesus and finds 12 of John the Baptist's disciples. For the past 20 years, they had been in the wilderness, fearful of being killed for being disciples of John.
Paul asks, have you received the Holy Spirit? They answer, “We have not heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” Paul begins to preach the gospel to them. Vs 5 WHEN THEY HEARD THIS, THEY WERE BAPTIZED (SAVED) IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Vs 6 AND WHEN PAUL HAD LAID HANDS ON THEM, THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME UPON THEM, AND THEY SPOKE IN TONGUES AND PROPHESIED.
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TWO EXPERIENCES: SALVATION AND BEING FILLED
THE PURPOSE
1. Jesus is the baptizer in the Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, John 1:33 2. The purpose is to give the power to go into the world to preach the gospel, lay hands on the sick, cast out demons, and speak with new tongues. Mark 16:15-20 and THE POWER TO BE A WITNESS. Act 1:8, Luke 24:47-49.
3. To speak the word of God with boldness and do signs and wonders: Acts 4:27-31 You can speak with boldness by being filled, knowing it is backed up with power.
4. To edify the person: I Corinthians 14:4. Jude 1:20
5. Is it for today? Hebrews 13:8. Jesus the same yesterday, today, and forever more..... Malachi 3:6 for I am the Lord, I do not change;...
6. The promise is to all men: Acts 2:38-39
7. It is a command to be filled: Ephesians 5:18 ....be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be continually filled. It is an ongoing process. John 14:15 Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
TONGUES:
1. Acts 2:38, the ability to speak in a language known by man. They heard Peter speak in their language. The Holy Spirit translated Peter’s words into their language.
2. I Corinthians 14:2 the ability to speak in a language not known by man but to God only. You are speaking to God in faith from your spirit.
3. I Corinthians 14:22 Therefore, tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers...Tongues are witnessing tools.
4. I Corinthians 14:27 is a tongue that can be interpreted by 2 or three for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
5. I Corinthians 14:13 when a person prays in a tongue, it is his spirit
praying in perfect faith, not from his soulish realm, intellect, reasons,
and emotions but from his spirit.
6. I Corinthians 14:15, you can sing in the spirit to continue to be filled with the Spirit.
7. I Corinthians 14:39 DO NOT FORBID TO SPEAK IN TONGUES.
HOW TO RECEIVE:
Luke 11:13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.”
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Jesus is the baptizer; you ask Him to baptize you in the Holy Spirit in faith, believing you will receive.
PRAY: Lord Jesus, I ask you to baptize me with your Holy Spirit. I have faith in you, and I trust you as my Lord. Therefore, I trust you with my tongue, and I ask you, according to your word, to fill me with the Holy Spirit. I want to be complete in you. By faith, I now open my mouth and
release my tongue and expect my new heavenly language to come forth no matter how it sounds because I know it is of God.
Do not walk away; stay with the person till they have the evidence of receiving by speaking in tongues. Faith does not give up; it always moves forward.
HOW TO STAY FILLED:
1 Thessalonians 5:16 rejoice always, Vs 17 pray without ceasing Vs 18 in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Vs 19 Do not quench the Spirit.
Quench means to throw water on or to cool off, lose zeal, confidence, courage, and excitement.
2 Timothy 1:6 The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to stir up (flame the fire) the gift of God in you. Do not quench the gift, the anointing in you.
Ephesians 5:18 Do not be drunk with wine, which is dissipation (foolishness) but filled with the Holy Spirit.
The word FILLED IS A DIRECT COMMAND AND IS AN ON-GOING PROCESS that must be CONTINUED. Not just a one-time thing. Verse 19 then tells us how to stay filled and keep our zeal, confidence, and courage. Vs 19 speaking to one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Psalms and hymns are praise and worship songs. Spiritual singing is singing in the Holy Spirit in tongues. I Corinthians 14:15 ... I will sing with the spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Now these things we also speak, NOT in words which man’s wisdom teaches (your natural human language)
but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things (spiritual thoughts and truths) and with spiritual. (supernatural utterances or language, which is tongues).
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Prayer, praise, worship, and singing in the Holy Spirit (spiritual songs) keep spirit-filled Christians from quenching the Holy Spirit and losing their zeal, confidence, excitement, and courage.
Why go to church? To increase your zeal, courage, confidence, and desire by being continually filled. To build your faith by continually hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17) and be equipped to witness.
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APPENDIX R: GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
The gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit are given as the Spirit wills. To have a manifestation of the Spirit takes faith, boldness, and being open to the Holy Spirit as He wills. There must be an expectation on the believer's part along with a sensitivity to what the Holy Spirit wants to minister. The Holy Spirit manifests himself through the believer in nine ways. They are useful for evangelism and ministry to others and will always point toward Jesus. They empower the believer to operate in the office they have been called to and bring unity to the body of Christ. They are an important God-ordained means that has long been negated by the church to reach the world with the gospel.
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts (manifestations), I do not want you to be ignorant. Paul wants the church to be knowledgeable and understand the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
Vs 2,3 You know that you were Gentiles carried away to these dumb idols; however, you were led. Vs 3 Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. The people in Corinth had been idol worshippers carried away with worship to dead and heathen idols that left them saying and doing things in worship that were wrong. They would get so carried away that in some services, they would stand up and call Jesus accursed, thinking this was from God. This would deny the lordship of Jesus, which the Holy Spirit never does. He never calls attention to Himself but always asserts the lordship of Jesus.
Beginning in Vs 4, Paul begins to take up the gifts and their operation.
Vs 4 There are diversities (various kinds) of gifts (manifestations) but the same Spirit. The Holy Spirit operates or manifests Himself through the nine gifts.
Vs 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. Jesus administrates how the gifts are used in an individual. Their purpose is
to edify Jesus and profit the local body of believers. Vs 7, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.
Vs 6 And there are diversities of activities, but the same God who works all in all. It is God the Father who delegates how and when the gifts manifest. When the gifts manifest, it confirms the presence of the Holy Spirit. It shows that the source of these gifts is God, so the skills are not worshipped but God.
In verse 8, Paul beings to list the nine manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
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They can be divided into 3 categories or 3 each
The Relations Gifts: The word of wisdom The word of Knowledge The discerning of spirits
The Power Gifts:
The gift of faith
The working of miracles The gifts of healings
The utterance gifts: Prophecy
Different kinds of tongues Interpretation of tongues.
Often these gifts will work together, such as tongues and interpretation of tongues or prophecy, a word of wisdom, and finally, faith and healings.
No one has these gifts, we are to desire them, but they are always as the Spirit wills.
THE WORD OF WISDOM
1 Corinthians 12:8, for to one is given the word of wisdom. Notice it is “A” word of wisdom, not “OF” wisdom. God has all wisdom and knowledge and reveals to man only what is needed at a particular time.
A word of wisdom is a supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit concerning the divine purpose and plan in the mind and will of God. It always speaks of the future.
Genesis 6:13 God spoke to Noah and said, “the end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold I will destroy them with the earth Vs 14 make yourself an ark.” God gave Noah a word of wisdom telling Him the future and gave him a directive to build an ark.
Jonah 1:1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittal, saying Vs 2, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out (preach) against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.” God gave him a directive by a word of wisdom to go to Nineveh, and his purpose was to preach.
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In the New Testament, in Acts 9:10-12, Ananias is given a word of wisdom by God concerning Saul, later the apostle Paul. Vs 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street call Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one call Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.” Vs 12 And In a vision, he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him so that he might receive his sight.” Vs 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Vs 16 “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for MY name’s sake.” He has given him a directive with a purpose that fulfills God's plan.
THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
1 Corinthians 12:8.... to another the word of Knowledge. Notice it is the WORD, not the Gift of knowledge. God is all knowledge, and He imparts to the believer at His will a word or small part of a sentence. He gives us what He wants us to know at that time. It is a supernatural manifestation of God's knowledge and is not human knowledge.
The word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit concerning facts in the mind of God about people, places, or things in the past or present.
The word of knowledge was used in the Old Testament in 2 Kings 6 when every time Syria would set an ambush, Elisha would tell Israel of his plans. The king of Syria thought there was a traitor in his servants. Vs 12 one of his servants said, “None, my lord, King: but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom. God revealed the plans revealed by a word of knowledge.
1 Kings 19, Elijah had been told that Queen Jezebel was going to kill him. He ran and hid under a Juniper tree and begged God to let him die because he thought all of Israel had bowed down to Baal but him. He thought he was the only one left that served God. Vs 18 God said, “Yet I have reserved 7000 in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” God gave him this word of knowledge to encourage him.
John 4 Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well and began to minister to her about the living water. Vs 16 Jesus said to her, “Go call your
husband, and come here.” Vs 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, I have no husband,” Vs 18 “for you have five husbands, and the one whom you have now is not your husband, in that you spoke truly.” Jesus knew that by the revelation of the word of knowledge.
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Acts 5 is the account of when Ananias and Sapphire lied to the church and the Holy Spirit. They sold a possession and said they were going to give the entire amount to the church but kept part of the proceeds. It would have been all right to keep part of the proceeds if they had not lied about it. Ananias brought the part of the proceeds and laid it at the feet of the apostles. Vs 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land yourself?” Peter had a word of knowledge about what Ananias had done.
The word of wisdom and the word of knowledge often operate together. We can see this in the Old and New Testaments when prophets operated in these gifts along with the gift of prophecy. They prophesied about the present, which is the word of knowledge, and things in the future which is a word of wisdom.
GIFT OF FAITH
1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same spirit. The gift of faith is a gift to the believer so that he may have protection, divine provision, and miracles as the Holy Spirit wills. The gift of miracles is given to the believer so they can work miracles. All the gifts work by faith, yielding to the Holy Spirit. Ever- increasing faith comes by hearing the word (Romans 10:17). The gift of faith is separate and distinct in that it is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit as He wills. The believer only has to receive. Daniel, in the lion's den, received supernatural protection. Daniel 6:23 ..... So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no injury was found on him because he believed in God. Daniel did not do anything. He just laid down and went to sleep.
Jesus was on the Sea of Galilee, asleep in the back of a fishing boat when a storm arose. Mark 4:37 And a great wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat so that it was already filling. Vs 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we're perishing?” Vs 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace be still” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Jesus was not bothered by the storm; he was calm and had a supernatural assurance. The gift of faith brought deliverance. Jesus received a miracle. Daniel had the same supernatural assurance and receive his miracle. The gift of faith enables one to believe that God will act supernaturally with complete assurance that they will receive God’s provision, protection, or miracles.
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GIFTS OF HEALINGS
1 Corinthians 12:9 to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit. The gifts of healings is manifested for the supernatural healing of sickness, diseases, and infirmities without natural sources or means. This does not mean you dismiss doctors and their natural ability to minister to people as trained physicians. We believe in natural healing and preventive medicine. But we also believe in supernatural or divine healing.
The word healings is plural because there are many kinds of sicknesses and diseases. In the ministry of Jesus, every manner of sickness and every manner of disease was healed, Matthew 9:35. He ministered in the anointing of God. Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power who went about doing good and healing ALL who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me... Jesus ministered in the anointing of God, the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and the preaching of the word of God. The word healing means over a period of time. With the manifestations of miracles or gifts of healings, it would be instant as the Spirit wills.
John 3:34 Jesus had the Spirit without measure. He also ministered in all 5 offices as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, teacher, and pastor. Therefore He would see the full manifestation of spiritual gifts in His ministry. Today we may see the gifts of healings, or receiving healing by faith through the word of God, or by anointing with oil and laying hands on the sick. 1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all have gifts of healings? Not all have the gifts of healings in operation. Just like all are not pastors, teachers, apostles, prophets, and evangelists. No man has the full measure of the Spirit, but the body of Christ together does. That is why it is important to go to church to have a collective fullness of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit; Each person brings a part. Just like the body, we have hands, feet, arms, and eyes. Together they make a full body. There are some in the body of Christ who are endued with particular gifts of healings. Some may have an anointing to minister to those with tumors, others with blindness at various times. This will be in operation when the person ministering has the GIFT OF FAITH OR received a WORD OF WISDOM about particular healing for someone, then the gifts of healings will be in operation. Again this does not negate that believers can be healed on their own faith in God’s word.
Our calling is to anoint with oil, lay hands on the sick in the name of Jesus, believing you are anointed and let the Holy Spirit minister.
When a believer lays hands on the sick in the name of Jesus, anoints with oil, or has faith through the word of God for healing, according to Mark 4:14, they are sowing the word as seed. That seed is God’s healing power, and that seed sown must be watered and protected. Mark 4 says, “that satan comes immediately to take away that seed with tribulation, persecution, cares of the
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world, the desire of other things, and the deceitfulness of riches to choke the word.” You continually water the seed with the word of God about healing, protect what you hear, and speak what you want. It takes a period of time for the seed to produce a crop. By protecting the seed of healing and watering it with the word of God, it will produce a harvest over a period.
WORKING OF MIRACLES
1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles. The working of miracles is a supernatural manifestation of the power of God that alters, suspends, or in some way controls the law of nature.
2 Kings 2:14 Is the account of when Elisha parted the Jordon. Then he (Elisha) took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water and said, “Where is the old God of Elijah?” And when he also struck the water, it was divided this way and that: and Elisha passed over.
John 2 is the account of the wedding feast at Cana when Jesus turned the water into wine. John 6 Jesus feeds the 5000 with 5 barley loaves of bread and two small fish. After all, were fed, there were 12 baskets full of leftover bread and fish. It was the working of miracles. God always supplies an abundance.
The working of miracles can deliver people from danger. In Mark 4, Jesus and the disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee, and a storm came up that threatened to sink the ship. Vs 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. That was the working of miracles that controlled the law of nature.
The working of miracles can be the manifested power of God flowing through a man.
Acts 19:11 Now God worked unusual or special miracles at the hands of Paul.
The Greek word for miracles is dunnamis which refers to explosive, dynamic power. The Greek word for usual or special means something unique that overtakes someone or power that falls on someone as if to
take him or her by surprise. Paul suddenly, without warning, found himself operating at a power he had never before experienced. The gift working of miracles was so supernatural that it caused a multitude of Ephesians to turn to the Lord. Vs 18 And many who believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Vs 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them up in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. Vs 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
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Acts 5:12 And through the hands of the apostle's many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all in one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Vs 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. Again through the hands of man, the working of miracles brought people to the Lord. God used men and women.
Remember, the gift of faith receives the miracle; the gift of working miracles does the miracle. The working of miracles is a gift that glorifies God and brings people to the saving knowledge of Jesus. The explosive demonstration of power is a sign to the unbeliever.
As believers, we should desire spiritual gifts and put in effort and time in prayer and study of the word, believing they will manifest in our midst.
PROPHECY
1 Corinthians 12:10 to another prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks edification, exhortation, and comfort to men. Vs 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
Prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue that edifies, exhorts, and comforts men. It is translated to speak forth for another. It does not have revelation or foretelling. In the Old Testament, the prophets were essentially foretelling. Men did not have the Holy Spirit to guide them. In the New Testament, we have the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth.
Just because a man prophecies does not mean he or she is a prophet. The office of the prophet and the gift of prophecy are different. To operate in the office of a prophet, a person needs to be called to the five-fold ministries And have two of the revelation gifts, a word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, or discerning of spirits plus prophecy in his ministry.
1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love and DESIRE spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Vs 5 I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the whole church may receive edification. 1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore brethren, desire to earnestly prophesy, and DO NOT forbid to speak tongues.
We can all have the gift of prophecy because God says to desire the gift.
It brings edification, exhortation, and comfort to the body of Christ. It must be judged by the word of God, and did the prophecy edify, exhort, or comfort? It is for the church.
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The misuse is when it is used to foretell, especially in personal prophecy. Romans 8:14 For as many are led by the Spirit of God; these are the sons of God. Simple prophecy, again, does not foretell. Prophecy does not make someone uncomfortable or make them fearful, tear them down or regulate how they live. It edifies, exhorts, and brings comfort and encouragement to the body of Christ.
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
1 Corinthians 12:10 discerning of spirits, to another. The discerning of spirits is limited to a single class of objects — spirits. The discerning of spirits gives supernatural insight into the realm of spirits. It is sharing and seeing into the spirit world or the world of the unseen. It will reveal the kind of spirit that is in operation behind a supernatural manifestation.
It is not THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT. The Bible does not mention the gift of discernment or the power to discern the faults of others or uncover human failures. It is forbidden in Scripture. Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you will not be judged.
Elisha was in Dothan surrounded by the Strain army that had been sent to capture him because he had been revealing to Israel’s king the secret
plans of the Syrian king. 2 Kings 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horse and chariots, And his servant said him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” Vs 17 And Elisha prayed and said, Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see. Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man
And he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire (angels of God) all around Elisha. The Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he was able to see the unseen through the discerning of spirits, and he was not afraid anymore.
We have to be careful not to become more demon conscious than God- conscious. Many things happen that people are calling the devil, and it is not the devil but works of the flesh. But if you deal with the flesh by putting to death the works of flesh found in Galatians 5:19 - 21, the devil will have nothing to work with. This keeps the believer out of presumption and fault finding of others. Some are indeed bound by the enemy, either directly or indirectly. But that doesn’t mean there is a presence of an evil spirit. If there is an evil spirit, the Holy Spirit may manifest through the discerning of spirits, or the evil spirit may manifest. Then the believer can begin to minister; if not, leave it alone otherwise, it is presumption and suspicion.
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An example is found in Acts 16. Paul was followed by a slave girl with the spirit of divination (fortune telling) who followed Paul around for days saying, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Vs 18, And she did this for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour.
Paul waited until the Holy Spirit manifested the discerning of spirits, and the evil spirit had manifested before he acted. He then had substance for the faith to make a direct command to the demon.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF TONGUES
1 Corinthians 12:10 another different kinds of tongues. The gift of tongues is the most prominent of the gifts, the most discussed, and the most understood. It is a supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue. (Language)
1. Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost 120 were in one accord in the upper room. Vs 4 And they were All filled with the Holy Spirit and
began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 10, ten years after the upper room, Peter was preaching to the household of Cornelius a Gentile. Vs 44 While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the word. Vs 45 And those of the circumcision (Jews) who believed were astonished as many came with Peter because the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the Gentiles also. Vs 46, for they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
2. Speaking in tongues in public assembly is the most common manifested gift. Speaking in tongues can be done publicly or privately. In private, it can be used as a prayer to God in perfect faith, for it is the Holy Spirit through your spirit praying to God. It allows our spirit to connect with the Father of Spirits. 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongues does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit ( the human spirit) he speaks mysteries. It is a private communication between the human spirit by the Holy Spirit to God in perfect faith in divine mysteries. Vs 14 For I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. There are times we do not know what to pray, but Holy Spirit knows. Romans 8:26 Likewise, the Spirit helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning ( supernatural utterances- tongues) which cannot be uttered. ( in a natural human language)
3. In a person’s prayer life, there may be times God wants you to know
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What is being prayed for? Vs 13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
4. Tongues are for personal edification or building one up in the spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.
Jude
20 But you beloved building yourself up on your most holy faith, Praying in the Holy Spirit. (tongues).
5. You magnify God by speaking in tongues. When the family of
Cornelius began to speak in tongues. They magnified God. Vs 46 For
they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God.
6. It is a devotional gift used in one’s prayer life for praising an worshipping God. Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in your heart to the Lord.
This is speaking of singing in the tongues in praise and worship.
1 Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding. I will also SING with the understanding. It is a way to be continually filled with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that are given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
7. Tongues are a way to evangelize. Vs 22 Therefore, tongues are for a sign not to those who believe but to unbelievers. A tongue given in a service could be for a particular person or persons and lead them to receive Jesus as Lord.
In the Old Testament, seven of the manifestation were in operation. Tongues and interruption of tongues were not. They manifested on the day of Pentecost as a SIGN of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and men being filled. Three kinds of tongues manifested on or after the day of Pentecost.
The ability to speak in a language not known by man. 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongues does not speak to men but to God for no one understands him; however, in the spirit, he speaks mysteries. This is called a private prayer language.

1. A tongue that can be spoken in a known language and understood by someone who does speak that language. Peter on the day of Pentecost.
2. A tongue that can be interrupted by two or three at the most. It is for the edification of the body of Christ and is the last of the manifested gifts of the Spirit.

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INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the interpretation of tongues. The purpose of the interpretation of tongues is to render the gift of tongues understandable to the hearers so the whole church can know what is being said. It is not a translation but a supernatural interpretation of the meaning of what is being said.
1 Corinthians 14:5 ...for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues unless indeed he interprets that the church may receive edification.
The Corinthians had no order in their services. People were jumping up and speaking in tongues, interrupting each other, and new people coming to the church thought they were “out of their mind.” There was confusion and no edification. So Paul gave them instructions on how to keep order in the service. Vs 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for EDIFICATION. Vs 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn (can be only one, but not more than three all in their turn, and let one interpret. Vs 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God. (the one with the tongue, you do not just give a tongue without interpretation, if you give a language, you should be able to interpret yourself) Vs 29 Let two or three prophets speak; let others judge. All tongues and prophecies should be judged. Did it edify, exhort, and comfort? Did it line up with the word of God?
Vs 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. If there is confusion and not peace, it is not of God. Vs 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. We can be out of order by simply not letting the Holy Spirit manifest and doing our thing and not as He wills.
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APPENDIX S: CREATION, TRINTY, SATAN
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (Hebrew Elohim) created (Hebrew word bara’) the heavens and earth.
Elohim is translated as the plurality of God. It is called the Trinity, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. A doctrine we do not fully understand.
Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Corinthians 8:4, I Timothy 2:5 For there is one God.
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven; the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “LET US make man in our image according to our likeness.
Three distinct persons that are ONE in the perfect agreement of plans, purpose, and pursuits, coequal and eternal. The Holy Spirit always defers to Jesus, and Jesus always defers to the Father.
In creation, God the Father was the architect, Jesus the creator (Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on the earth), and the Holy Spirit the creative power (Genesis 1:2 The Spirit of God was hovering (molding) over the face of the water)
The Hebrew word bara’ means something created out of nothing.
Vs 1 In the beginning, Elohim created (bara’) something out of nothing in PERFECT ORDER, the heavens, and earth. When God creates something, it is perfect and in order.
The Hebrew word Toe-Hoe means void, without form, confusion, and desolate.
Vs 2 The earth was without form and void (toe-hoe) desolate, and there was confusion.
Jeremiah 4, Jeremiah is looking back to the creation. Vs 23 I beheld the earth; indeed it was without form (toe-hoe) and void, and the heavens had no light.
Isaiah 45:18 For thus says the Lord, Who created (bara’ created something out of nothing) the heavens, Who is God, Who formed (Hebrew asah) the earth and made it. (Made or restored something out of something) Who established it? Who did not create it in vain? Who formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord, and there is no other.
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It could read: Thus says the Lord who created the heavens, He created something out of nothing. Who is God who formed the earth and made it, He molded or shaped the earth and RESTORED it by making something out of something? Who established or stabilized it, and who formed and shaped it to be inhabited?
Something happened between Vs 1 and Vs 2. The earth went from created perfect to void and desolate, and there was confusion. It is called the “gap theory,” a period between Genesis Vs 1 and Vs 2.
At some point in time, a rebellion took place in heaven. Lucifer, the anointed cherub, rebelled against God. Iniquity was found in him, causing rebellion and confusion.
Ezekiel 28:11 “You (Lucifer, satan) were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Vs 13 You were in Eden the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering; The sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. Vs 14 You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth amid fiery stones. Vs 15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created. Till iniquity was found in you. Vs 16 By the ABUNDANCE OF YOUR TRADING (love of money 1 Timothy 6:10, Ezekiel 28:16), you became filled with violence within, and you sinned. Therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God, and I destroy you, O covering cherub, from the midst of fiery stones.
Ezekiel was given revelation about Lucifer, who became satan, the deceiver. He was a CREATED BEING, an angel, anointed or empowered by God, who is not omnipresent. He was in charge of worship, perfect in beauty and wisdom. He was in the Garden of Eden and the mountain of God. Lucifer was perfect in his actions till iniquity was found in him. He had the love of money (abundance of trading). 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Then he sinned. What was the sin?
Isaiah 14:13 For you have said in your heart. I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, on the farthest side of the north. Vs 14 I will ascend
above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.
The sin was that he tried to overthrow God, exalt himself above God, and replace Him. He was cast out of heaven and the Garden of Eden. Then Jesus was crucified and descended into the pit of Hell, and at the end of three days,
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God said enough, and the power of God overcame death and the grave. Jesus stripped satan of his authority.
Revelations 1:18 I am He who lives and was dead and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen. I have the keys (authority over) Hades and Death.
2 Corinthians 4:4, whose minds the god of this world has blinded, who do not believe... Satan is still the god of this world’s system, which is under a curse. God told Adam because of sin, he would have to earn a living by the sweat of his brow or in his power and ability. The world’s system is after stuff and wealth; anyway, it can get stuff and wealth. Satan had the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10), which is the root of all kinds of evil. The world’s system is still under a curse, and satan still blinds the minds of men with lies. John 8:44 says satan is a murderer and liar, and there is no truth in him. The only authority he has is the authority you give him by believing his lies. Here is the truth. He will be cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity with those who believed his lies.
Isaiah 14:16 Those who see you will gaze at you. And consider you, saying, “Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms? Vs 17 Who made the world a wilderness and destroyed its cities, who did not open the house of his prisoners? Believers are going to finally find out who satan is and be shocked.
Genesis 1:3 begins the RESTORATION of the heavens and earth by God “saying” (speaking what He wanted, not what He saw). “LET THERE BE LIGHT,” and there was light.
Hebrew 11:3 By faith, we understand that the worlds were framed (restored, adjusted, put in order) by the word of God so that things which are seen (heaven and earth) were not made of things which are visible. (words) The heavens and earth were restored by God, speaking what He wanted.
Day one - day and night
Day two - clouds and mist.
There was a mist, no rain. There was a greenhouse effect with high oxygen levels giving long life.
Day three - land and vegetation
Day four -sun and moon
Day five - fish and fowl
Day six - animals and after everything was prepared, man was created.
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APPENDIX T: BLOOD COVENANT AND COMMUNION
God deals with people through covenant. The Bible or Old Covenant and New Covenant is man’s contract with God. It gives the terms of our contract with God. Both are sealed by His word and signed in blood.
When you purchase a house, the buyer and seller agree to the terms and have a contract or covenant written. In the contract are the conditions of the sale. When the two parties agree to the conditions, they sign the contract, making it binding for both parties. In Covenant, there is always an exchange. What is mine becomes yours, and what is yours becomes mine. My house becomes yours, and your money becomes mine.
Abraham was promised a son even though he and Sarah were both old and past the ability to have children. Romans 4:21 Abraham was fully convinced that God would do what He had promised. God’s promise to Abraham had to have something that made Abraham so confident.
Genesis 17:1 When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and blameless Vs 2 “And I will make MY COVENANT between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly. God was going to establish a covenant between Him and Abram.
How do you establish or cut a covenant?

1. Set forth the terms.
2. Shedding of blood. Leviticus 17:11 the life of the flesh is in the blood.
   Blood represents life.
3. Exchange coats. Represents my station in life for yours.
4. Exchange Belts. Belts carry weapons. My strength for your strength.
   Your strength might be as a warrior, another is a farmer who needs
   protection. One supplies food for protection.
5. Exchange of names. Represents the union of two people in covenant,
6. Blessing and curses. Blessings if you keep the contract but curses if
   you break the contract.
7. Covenant meal. Wine and bread.
8. Plant a tree. A sign that a covenant has been made.

In Genesis 17, the terms of the covenant are given:
Vs 2 The covenant is between God and Abram.
Vs 4 Be the father of many nations. Spiritual heirs, men, and women of faith.
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Vs 8 given the land of Canaan. Vs 19 be given a son Issac.
Vs 5 Name change from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. God’s name in Hebrew YHWH. Gave him the letter H. Abraham means “father of many nations.”
Vs 11 Blood is shed, and Abraham is to be circumcised. Circumcision is a sign of the covenant among the Jews. God gives His word as a guarantee and says later, blood will flow on my account. It flows at Calvary.
2 Chronicles 20:7 Abraham is called the friend of God. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends. Vs 14. You are my friends if you do whatever I command. The word FRIEND means COVENANT PARTNER.
Abraham has substance to God’s promise, THE COVENANT. Today we are heirs to the Abrahamic covenant.

1. We are given God’s armor, Ephesians 6:10.
2. We are given the new name Christian or like Him. The little anointed
   ones.
3. The planting of a tree. In the Garden of Eden, man ate from the
   forbidden tree that resulted in sin and was separated from the Tree of Life. 4000 years later, at Calvary, Jesus hung on a tree, and blood flowed to complete the covenant. Hebrews 9:22 ... without the shedding of blood, there is no remission (doing away with). The man was returned to complete forgiveness and fellowship with God. We now are in a covenant, confirmed by the shedding of Jesus's blood.

Under the Old Covenant, men shed the blood of animals to atone for sins. It reminded the man of how serious sin was. That the wages of sin was death (Romans 6:23). The word ATONEMENT means temporary. Hebrews 9:12 not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His blood He entered the Most Holy Place ONCE AND FOR ALL having obtained eternal redemption. We now have redemption of sin, done away with. Jesus was the final sacrifice for sin.
THE COVENANT MEAL:
The communion meal of bread and wine represents covenant. Melchizedek met Abraham when he returned from rescuing his nephew Lot with bread and wine. It was to remind Abraham of His covenant with God.
That it was God who gave him the victory, which to man looked impossible, but with God, all things are possible if you are in covenant.
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Matthew 26 is the account of when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples. The Passover is a celebration of the exodus when Moses led his people free from the bondage of Egypt. The Jews were instructed to put the blood of a lamb on their doorpost. The death angel would “Passover” all the homes of the land. In the homes without the blood on the doorpost, all the firstborn animals and children would be stricken, and all the gods of Egypt.
Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat, this is my body.
The bread was unleavened. Leaven is a symbol of sin. The bread is pierced and striped in the preparation. Jesus’ body was sinless; he was beaten and pierced with a spear. Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 2:24 “by His stripes we were healed.
Vs 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, Vs 28 “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission (not atonement) of sins.” (done away with). During the Passover meal, there are four cups of wine. The third one is the cup of redemption. That is the one Jesus used.
When we celebrate “The Lord's Supper,” it is a reminder of what Jesus did through His death and resurrection. The bread reminds us that we are healed by His body that was striped, pierced, and broken.
The cup of redemption reminds us that His blood was shed and is the final sacrifice for sin. Our sins are forgiven, done away with past, present and future.
1 Corinthians 11:29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
We are warned not to receive communion in an unworthy manner, disrespecting what Jesus did. They deny “by His stripes you are healed and the remission of sins.” They are not discerning the death, burial, and crucifixion of Jesus. Vs 30 For this reason, many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (die). Healing was available, but they rejected it.
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APPENDIX U: WHAT IS THE KINGDOM
Basileia is the Greek word for the kingdom. It means royal power, dignity, and authority. The Kingdom of God is not POLITICAL or TERRITORIAL, it is where God is supreme, and He exerts His authority.
Mark 1:14 Now, after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. Vs 15 And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.
John the Baptist is announcing the coming ministry of Jesus. He is declaring that the Kingdom is at hand in the person of Jesus. King Jesus is present, so the kingdom of God is present. Jesus manifested the kingdom through His life and works of healing and casting out demons.
In Luke 12, he is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons. He says a kingdom divided cannot stand. It is not God and the devil working in His ministry. Vs 20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. He is declaring that my works show the kingdom of God has come. I have exerted My power and authority through my works.
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the KINGDOM, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
Luke 4:18 He preached who the kingdom of God was for and what works would be done in the kingdom.
Vs 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.
Because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted. To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. To set at liberty those who are oppressed. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
Luke 17:19, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. Vs 20, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.
John 3 Jesus tells Nicodemus how to enter the kingdom of God.
Vs. 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
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Once again, Jesus said in Mark 1:15, “Repent and believe in the gospel.
When you are born-again by confessing Jesus as Lord and believe in the resurrection, you enter the kingdom of God.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel (the good news or Luke 4:18) of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a WITNESS to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (by being born again), and all these things will be added to you.
Luke 12:23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
Stop seeking the stuff, working by the sweat of your brow, or in your power and ability, but in the Spirit of God and the ability, He gave you.
Our command as believers concerning the kingdom is to preach the gospel. Lay hands on the sick, cast our demons, and be a witness.
The church today needs to stop waiting on God to do something when in you is the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The question is, “Is God supreme in you, and are you submitted to His authority and commands?”
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APPENDIX V: END TIME EVENTS
The nation of Israel is a key to understanding end-time events. In Matthew 24, Jesus is teaching about the signs of the times and the end of the age. Matthew 24:32 is the parable of the fig tree. The fig tree represents Israel. Vs 32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree. When its branch has already come become tender and puts forth leaves, you know summer is near. Vs 33 “So you also, when seeing all these things know that it is near (end-times) at the door. Vs 34 Assuredly, I say to you (or you can believe what I am about to say) that this generation will by no means pass away till these events take place.
Israel is the only nation that has been destroyed, and its people are scattered to return as a nation again. In 70 AD, Roman general Titus destroyed the temple, cut all the trees down, making the land desolate, and dispersed the people throughout the world. Hebrew became a dead language.
Isaiah 11:11 and Ezekiel 37:11-14 it was prophesied that Israel would once again be a nation occupying their land.
Isaiah 35:1- 7, the land will once again flower as never before. On returning to the land in 1948, the land is once again filled with trees, and the land became fertile.
Zephaniah 3:9 Hebrew will once again become the language of the Jew. Ezra Ben-Yehuda resurrected the language in 1895.
Mark 4:22 Jesus said, “For nothing is hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.” One way God has revealed to man His plans, purposes, and pursuits is through the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.
First, the Jewish race was raised up to teach the world that there was one God. Second, It was raised up to be the writers of the Word of God and preserve it. Third, it was raised up to bring the world a Savior.
Fourth, it was raised up to reveal God’s plan, purpose, and pursuits in the end times.
Fifth, The Jew is evidence that the Bible is true.
When Israel became a nation in 1948, God’s end-time clock began.
Matthew 24:34 Jesus said, “the generation that sees the fig tree (Israel) mature would see the age of the Gentile (The Church Age) end. Could it be that those who were alive in 1948 are that generation?
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The Beginning:

1. God calls Abram out of the city of Ur and gives him promises found
   in Genesis 12:1-7.
2. The Royal Grant, land to be given by God to Israel, is given in Genesis
   15:18
3. Abram is given promises by God. God changes his name to
   Abraham, father of many nations, and Sarai to Sarah. Genesis 17:5 and 17

Abraham Promised An Heir:
1. Genesis 16 Abram has a son by Sarai’s maid Hagar. He is given
the name of Ishmael. Later in Genesis 18, Abram is promised a son
who will be his rightful heir, and his name will be Isaac. Genesis 21 2. Ishmael becomes the father of the Arab nations. Isaac becomes
Abraham’s rightful heir. Both Jews and Arabs claim Abraham as
their father.
3. Genesis 16:11-12 God tells Hagar her son will be a wild man and his
hand will be against every man.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the Nation:

1. Abraham and Sarah have Isaac. Isaac has Jacob, who has 12 sons.
   Those 12 sons become the 12 tribes that form the nation of Israel.
2. Before the nation inhabits the promised land, it is in bondage to Egypt
   for 427 years. God sends Moses, who delivers them, and they start
   the journey to the promised land.
3. They wander in the wilderness for 40 years because of unbelief that
   they can take the land. During the 40 years, they receive the Law. At the end of 40 years after Moses’ death, Joshua leads them into the promised land.
4. For 450 years, they are a confederacy. Whenever the nation is invaded, God would raise a judge or deliverer to overcome the invaders. Some of the judges were Samson, Debra, and Gideon.
5. Later they ask God for a king. It is not in God’s plan, but He gives them a king. For 120 years, they are under 3 kings. Each one rules for 40 years. They are Saul, David, and Solomon. The nation reaches its pinnacle under Solomon. During his reign, Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem.
6. After the death of Solomon, the nation is divided. The 10 tribes to the north become the Northern Kingdom, and that stands for 200 years.
7. The 2 tribes to the south become the southern kingdom. It stands for about 300 years and is overthrown in 587 BC by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He destroys Solomon’s temple and takes the nation captive.
8. In 516 BC, the temple is restored, and the Jew is allowed to return to the land.

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9. 160 BC, under the Maccabees, the Jews gained control of the land. 63 BC, the Roman Empire takes control of the land.
10. 20 BC, the Temple is reconstructed under Herod The Great and is finished in 64 AD.
11. In 70 AD, during a revolt against the Romans, the temple is destroyed by the Roman General Titus. Jesus said this would happen in Matthew 24:2. The Jew was dispersed throughout the world and not allowed to return under the penalty of death.

The Persecution Period:

1. 312 AD, Constantine becomes a Christian, and persecution of the Jews
   begins.
   1. 1020 AD, the Jew is exiled from England.
   2. 1306 AD, the Jew is exiled from France.
   3. 1492 AD, the Jew is exiled from Spain.
   4. 1348 AD, the Jew is blamed for the black plague that killed 1/3 of Europe.
2. In 1517 AD, the Ottoman Empire takes control of Israel.

The Land Is Taken Back:
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
1897 Theodora Herzel begins the Zionist movement to take back the Land.
1917 the Balfour agreement: George the V promised the Jew he can return to Israel in exchange for inventions to help finance
WW1. But most of the Jews are comfortable in their new lands and do not want to go back to Israel, now called Palestine.
1933, the rise of Hitler, and the persecution of the Jews.
In 1945, after the European Jew has lost everything, he is ready to return to the land. But England and other would not let them return because of pressure from the Arab states.
On May 14, 1948, Israel declares its independence as a nation. They are attacked by an Arab coalition. Israel defeats the coalition.
1967, there is another war with the Arab coalition. The Jews again defeat the Arabs and take back the Temple Mount and unify Jerusalem.
Keep a watchful spiritual eye on the happenings in Israel.
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Next on God's calendar is the Rapture of the Church and then the 2nd Coming of Jesus and His 1000-year reign from Jerusalem. Over the years, there have been many movements trying to discredit the rapture of the believers. In most cases, it is because they have to do away with the rapture to make their doctrine biblical. There have been arguments that it is a new doctrine that is only 100 years old. John Darby, in his translation in 1890, first used it and that the word rapture is not in the Bible, which it is not, but neither is the word Trinity. Both are implied. The word rapture means to “snatch away.” The early church was well aware of the doctrine of the rapture. The apostle Paul taught about end- time events in 2 Thessalonians chapters 2 and 4 and I Corinthians 15. Many first-century believers moved to the rooftops of their homes in anticipation of the rapture. Writings of the early 1st and 2nd-century church leaders Polycarp, Irenaeus, and Cyprian Bishop of Carthage wrote on the rapture.
In the Bible, there are 7 raptures: 1. Enoch - Genesis 5:21-24
2. Elijah - 2 Kings 2:1-11
3. Jesus - Acts 1:9-10
4. The Great Multitude Revelation 7:9-14. Saints are taken out during the tribulation period who have been born again.
5. 144,000 Jewish witnesses Revelations 14. 12,000 from each tribe of Israel who are witnesses during the tribulation period.
6. The two witnesses; Revelation 11:3- 12. They preach for 3 1/2 years and then are killed, and their bodies lay in the street of Jerusalem for 3 days and then are raised from the dead and raptured in front of the whole world.
7. Rapture of the Church - a sign of the coming of the tribulation period and the 2nd advent:
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 -18 2. I Corinthians 15:50-53 3. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-7
The Bible tells the believers to be watchful, so they may escape the Great Tribulation Period.
Luke 24:36 “Watch, therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
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Revelation 3:10 Because you have kept My command to preserve, “I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
After the rapture of the church comes the seven years of tribulation. This is found in Revelations chapters 6 - 16. From chapters 6 - 16, the church is not mentioned. It is gone, RAPTURED, OR SNATCHED AWAY.
ORDER OF EVENTS:

1. First 3 1/2 years, the Anti-Christ will establish himself. It will be a period of relative calm. The second 3 1/2 years will be filled with war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, and death.
2. Revival of a 10-Nation Confederacy. Daniel 7:7 Revelations 13:1 17:3, Chapters 12-13
3. Revelations 13: 1 rise of the antichrist. He will make a covenant with Israel to protect the country. He is going to be seen as a charismatic leader who will bring peace and prosperity to the world.
4. Revelations 13, the false prophet who will be a Jew, will control the world economy. He will force everyone to the mark of the beast on their forehead or hand. If you do not have the mark, you cannot buy or sell anything. He will be able to do miracles and seduce people with signs and wonders. There will be a move toward a one-world religion.
5. The Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem will be built and sacrifices will be started again.
6. The two witnesses now appear sent by God. Revelation 11
7. The antichrist will go to Jerusalem and declare he is God and demand to be worshipped. The Jews will know this is a sign to flee to Petra in Jordon. Matthew 24:15-16, Revelation 12:6,14.
8. Ezekiel 38 and 39 During this time, the antichrist will raise a ten- nation confederacy to attack Israel. God will destroy the confederacy and it will take 7 months to bury the dead
9. Revelation 14 begins the battle of Armageddon. The army of the
   Antichrist against China. There is a short interlude, then the final
   Battle of Armageddon. For 200 miles blood flows as high as a horse’s bridle.

The only thing that saves the human race is the return of Jesus with the saints.
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10. Revelation 19:20 Antichrist and the False Prophet are thrown into the Lake of Fire.
11. Revelation 20:1-3 satan is bound in the Pit for 1000 years.

13. Revelation 20:4-6 the 1000-year reign of Jesus begins in Jerusalem.
14. Revelation 20:7-10 satan is turned loose from the Pit, and he organizes a rebellion from the nations against Jesus. It is crushed and Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire.
15. Revelation 20:11-15 The Great White Throne of Judgement. Those not In Christ are judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire.
16. Revelation 21 a new heaven and new earth and eternity with Jesus.

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APPENDIX W: HEAVEN AND HELL
When a person dies they will be separated from their body, leaving a soul (mind, will, emotions) and spirit, and their final destination will be determined by their decision. Did they receive Jesus and His eternal life or choose the world’s system and satan and his eternal damnation? That decision determines heaven or hell.
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2 said, “such a one was caught up to the third heaven.” There are three heavens mentioned in the Bible. The atmosphere around the earth, the stars and planets, and God’s holy dwelling place where His throne is. Psalm 11:4, 103:19, Isaiah 66:1.
WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?
John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions (dwelling place): if it were not so, I would have told you.” I am going to prepare a place for you. My Father’s house is where God resides, and Jesus is assuring us that heaven does exist. In heaven, there is a dwelling place for every born-again person where God resides. When the believer dies, he will be taken there by angels Luke 16:22.
Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away (all evils that have beset mankind will have been eliminated.)
Revelation 7:9, there is a great multitude clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hand. Vs 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.” We will be singing and giving praises to God and Jesus.
Revelation chapters 4 and 5 describe the throne room of God.
Genesis 2:15 Adam was to tend or work the garden of Eden. John 5:17 “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” John 14:2 Jesus went to prepare a place for the believers. Revelation 22:3 ... and His servants shall serve Him. Believers will have work to do. It will not be in your power and ability but His ability, and you will enjoy it.
1 John 2:9 But it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for
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those who love Him.” We really cannot conceive of what heaven is going to be like. It is going to be so much more than we can ask or think.
Acts 7:55 Stephen, when he was being stoned to death, looked into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand, the place of honor. We will see the glory of God and Jesus at His right hand.
1 Thessalonians 4:15 the dead in Christ will meet Jesus in the air. This is at the rapture. That is when those who have died will receive a body like Jesus of flesh and bone, no blood, and be joined to their soul and spirit. We will recognize others.
Matthew 6:19 “Do not lay for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; Vs 20, “but lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, where thieves do not break in and steal.
In heaven, there will be no thieves, stealing, or anything that destroys. There will be no love of possessions because everything we need will be provided. The Jew thought material wealth was a sign of God’s favor. Wealth became the highest priority. They became enslaved to wealth. The real wealth is when you hear “well done, good and faithful servant.” because you laid up wealth in heaven by doing the commands of Jesus and by being a witness.
A NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH
Revelations 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven (stars and planets) and a new earth, for the first earth had passed away. There was no more sea.
2 Peter 3:10...the heavens will pass away with a great noise and the elements will melt with fervent heat, and the earth and the works in it will be burned up. Vs 12............ because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. Then earth and heavens will be purged by fire to do away with any sin. Vs 13 Nevertheless, we, according to the promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
There will be a new earth with no sea after the final judgment, and a new city of God will descend from heaven above the earth. It is described in Revelations 21:9-21. It will have 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. 12 foundations with the names of the 12 disciples. The city is 1500 miles high and 1500 miles wide. The walls are 216 feet high and are constructed of jasper (diamonds). The city will be of pure gold, like glass. The foundations will be adorned with precious stones, and the twelve
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gates will have one pearl for each gate. The streets will be pure gold, only transparent glass.
HELL:
Luke 16 is the account of when a beggar named Lazarus died and was carried by angels to Abraham's Bosom, the holding place of the righteous, till after the resurrection of Jesus. After His resurrection, they were led to heaven. (Ephesians 4:8, 1 Peter 3:19) There was also a rich man who died and was in Hades - Hell- Gehenna (holding place of the wicked and a place of torment). Vs 23 And being in torment in Hades, he lifted his eyes and saw Abraham and Lazarus in his bosom. Vs 24 Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am TORMENTED.
The rich man, by calling on “Father Abraham,” had a presumption that because he was a Jew, he would inherit eternal life. Today many people believe because they go to church or live a moral life they will inherit eternal life.
Vs 26 And besides all this, between us and you, there is a great gulf, fixed so that those who want to pass from here to you, cannot, nor can those from there pass to us. Your life before death is where a decision has to be made. Once you decide to reject Jesus, there is no going back.
Vs 27 Then he said, “I beg you, therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house.” Vs 28 “for I have five brothers that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment. Vs 29 Abraham said to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear.” Vs 30 And he said, “No father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.”
Mark 4:23 Jesus said, “if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. For the Jew first and also the Greek. (everyone). The gospel, the word of God that brings salvation, is ANOINTED OR EMPOWERED BY GOD. In Matthew 28:19,20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-49, John 20:21-23, and Acts 1:8, Jesus made it clear that it is the responsibility of His followers to take the word of salvation to the world. Romans 10:14 How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (one who brings the anointed word of salvation message of salvation).
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The rich man’s brothers had the word, and it was their responsibility to believe it or reject it. Signs and wonders confirm the word as true; they do not bring people to salvation. Verse 31 is saying, “if a dead man was raised from the dead, you would not believe it.” It takes hearing the anointed word of the gospel.
Those who do not hear and believe they are separated from God at death. Luke 25:46 And these (those who rejected) will go away into everlasting punishment... What is the punishment? Separation from God, first in Hades (Hell). Eternal torment where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth Matt 13:50, Luke 13:28. They will be cast into outer darkness where there is no light Matthew 8:12, 22:13. There is a fire that can never be quenched. Mark 9:43, 48.
At the end of the 1000-year reign on the earth of Jesus. All those who have rejected Jesus will stand before the Great White Throne of God for the final judgment.
Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. Vs 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works by the things that were written in the books. Vs 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades (Hell is the holding place of the wicked) who were in them. And they were judged, each according to his works. Vs 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire for the second death. Vs 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the fire.
This second judgment removes all wickedness, sin, and satan. The only place in which death will exist is in the lake of fire. It will be a place of eternal punishment of fire and separation from God. The final destiny of the lost is beyond human comprehension. This is the greatest reason to go and carry the good news of the gospel.
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APPENDIX X: CREMATION
One question that is often asked is cremation in the Bible, and should a Christian be cremated?
2 Samuel 31 is the account of when King Saul was in a battle against the Philistines. The battle became fierce, and Saul's three sons were killed. Saul was also critically wounded. In fear of being humiliated by the Philistines, he took his sword and fell on it. When their army of Saul saw that he and his three sons were dead, they fled the battle. The next day the Philistines came and took the body of Saul and fastened it to a wall. Vs 11 Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead (city 15miles southwest of the Sea of Galilee) heard what the Philistines and done to Saul, Vs 12 all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth San and they came to Jabesh and burned them. Vs 13, they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted for seven days.
2 Samuel 2 is the account of when David, after the death of Saul, was anointed King. He was told that the men of Jabesh Gilead were who buried Saul. Vs 5 So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead and said to them, “You are blessed of the Lord for you have shown this kindness to your lord, to Saul, and have buried him. David did not disapprove of what they had done. He blessed them for their kindness and for burying his remains under a tree which was the sign that Saul was in covenant with God.
The Bible is relatively silent on cremation. Scripture does not forbid or condone cremation. Neither does Paul. Then it is a personal choice, but one should always pray and get the mind of God for your particular situation.
Scripture is taken from the New King James Version of the Bible. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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