Hello!   I am so blessed to be spending the next 6 weeks with you studying the Word of God.

We will meet from Tuesdays July the 2nd from 9:30am to 11:30am (doors open at 9am for people to come and get settled and listen to some music, or chat and visit) untl August the 6th

or on Thursdays from July 4th 7pm to 9pm (doors open at 6:30pm for people to come and get settled and listen to some music, or chat and visit) until until August the 8th.

The format worked well the last time.  We will continue to explore the Word of God and what God can and will accomplish in our lives through His Word.

We will be starting on Page 6 subtopic 8.     We typically cover anywhere from 7 to 12 verses a week.   I will do my best to keep the website updated with weekly comments so that if you miss a week, you can stay up to date and keep following from home.

As always, treat our times together as the springboard.  God has so much more to share with you personally as you spend time being “Berean” and spending time with Him and His Word.

Blessings,

Lisa

 

Hello!  So we have wrapped up the first session and will start the second session on July 2nd and 4th.   Same times and places.   We will be meeting for 6 weeks and then taking a break for the last 3 weeks in August an starging again in September.

Blessings,

Lisa

An exercise in doing a word study in scripture.   I used 3 primary tools to compile this list:

Biblehub (cross reference verses)

Blue Letter Bible (I looked up the word in a verse and then got all the verses that used the same Greek word in the original manuscripts, this is also where i found the word defintion from the STrongs Concordance)

http://www.blbclassic.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G907&t=KJV

βαπτίζω baptízō, bap-tid’-zo; from a derivative of G911; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism:—Baptist, baptize, wash.

Here’s what came up.   I have bolded a few passages and made a small handful of comments.  But mostly I invite you to pray that simple prayer.  “Dear Heavenly Father, I ask for eyes to see what you want me to see, and ears to hear what you long for me to hear and the ability to understand Your Precious Words, so that I may live by them and glorify you to the uttermost, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Circle, underline and write down what stands out to you.

I truly believe this is something every believer should work through and understand.  Scripture tells us that no one can enter the kingdom unless they are born of the water and the Spirit.    So it is surely worth the time and effort to consider all of God’s counsel on this matter attentively.   Blessings my dear Brothers and Sisters.

Baptism is a theological hot topic.    It lends itself to a lot of debate and has resulted in many schisms and denominations being created   I tend to try to stay out of debates of this nature.  I would simply encourage you seek the Word, spend some time learning about how your church handles baptism and the scriptures behind why they do what they do, and if you haven’t yet been baptized…. JUMP IN.     I will post a bunch of different verses on baptism from scripture.  Do study them and pray and ask God if there is anything He is asking you to do that you have not yet done.

John 3:5-7 English Standard Version (ESV)  “5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[a] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[b] must be born again.’”

Matthew 3 King James Version (KJV) (another account in Mark 1 and Luke 3 and John 1) ” In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,  2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.  4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.  5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,  6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.  7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.  14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.  16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:  17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This one is precious to me.  If there is an option to see how Jesus did something while He was in the flesh, I pay close attention.    So when I came to faith, I very much wanted to be baptized the same way that Jesus was.  It was November when I got baptized so it didn’t look exactly like this (jumping in a lake in late fall not a great option in London Ontario).  I had 46 people come to my baptism and a party afterwards as I could hardly wait.        Someone asked a question about baptism this week, and my short answer was “it depends on who you ask”.   Of course I have personal convictions on this matter as each one of us should do.    Pastor Greg would be an excellent resource if you have questions about what happens at Byron United. 

There are many different theologies around baptism.   Regardless of where we end up on these topics, we must guard the unity of the body of Christ and honour one anothers beliefs and convictions  and take special care to be a blessing and encouragement to those who pour out their lives to lead and encourage us in the faith.   Even in our little group, I know there are several different beliefs on this topic.    Guard your hearts against divisions and contentions.    Wherever you land, do oh do proceed based on knowledge and understanding.

Matthew 28:18-20 King James Version (KJV)  ¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  ¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 20:21-23 King James Version (KJV)
21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.  23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Mark 16:15-20 King James Version (KJV)
“15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;   18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.  20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

 

Luke 7:29-35 New International Version (NIV)
29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:  “‘We played the pipe for you,  and you did not dance;  we sang a dirge,  and you did not cry.’  33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

Luke 12:49-52 King James Version (KJV)
49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?  50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!  51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

 

John 3:22-30 New International Version (NIV)
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”  27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[a]

 

John 4:1-3 King James Version (KJV)
4 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,  2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)  3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

John 3:5-7 English Standard Version (ESV)  “5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[a] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[b] must be born again.’”

Acts 1:4-6 King James Version (KJV)
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 

Acts 2:37-39 King James Version (KJV)  “37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Being baptized is a command in the New Testament.  Depending on who is reading, some would argue one needs to be baptized to be saved).   I can see clearly in scripture that the verses say that we have to be born of the water and the spirit to enter the Kingdom.   But I do not equate entering the Kingdom with salvation.   I think my own understanding on this point has not come to clarity yet.

 

Acts 8:12-13 King James Version (KJV)
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:15-17 King James Version (KJV)
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)  17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:44-48 King James Version (KJV)
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

Even though they had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, they still proceeded with water baptism.  So while many receive both at the same time, some receive water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism at separate times.  There is also reference to the baptism of fire, this is often a separate event too, I do not know much about this one though.  I is often linked with greater power and miracles following it.

Acts 16:14-15 King James Version (KJV)
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.  15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Acts 16:32-34 King James Version (KJV)  32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.  34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Acts 18:7-8 King James Version (KJV)
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Acts 19 King James Version (KJV)19 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,  ² He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.³ And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.  ⁴ Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.⁵ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.⁷ And all the men were about twelve.

Acts 22:10-20 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV) ¹⁰ “ ‘What should I do, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said. ‘Go into Damascus. There you will be told everything you have been given to do.’ ¹¹ The brightness of the light had blinded me. So my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.¹² “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a godly Jew who obeyed the law. All the Jews living there respected him very much. ¹³ He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ At that very moment I was able to see him.¹⁴ “Then he said, ‘The God of our people has chosen you. He wanted to tell you his plans for you. You have seen the Blameless One. You have heard words from his mouth. ¹⁵ Now you will tell everyone about what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ So what are you waiting for? Get up and call on his name. Be baptized. Have your sins washed away.’¹⁷ “I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple. Then it seemed to me that I was dreaming. ¹⁸ I saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem at once. The people here will not accept what you tell them about me.’  ¹⁹ “ ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know what I used to do. I went from one synagogue to another and put believers in prison. I also beat them. ²⁰ Stephen was a man who told other people about you. I stood there when he was killed. I had agreed that he should die. I even guarded the coats of those who were killing him.’

Romans 6:1-4 King James Version (KJV)
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

1 Corinthians 1:13-20 King James Version (KJV)^“13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?¹⁴ I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;  ¹⁵ Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.  ¹⁶ And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.  ¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ¹⁸ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  ¹⁹ For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  ²⁰ Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 New International Version (NIV) “10 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.² They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. ³ They all ate the same spiritual food ⁴ and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ”

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 King James Version (KJV)
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.  13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many.

 

Galatians 3:26-28 King James Version (KJV)
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:10-15 King James Version (KJV)
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

We die to ourselves and are raised up as new creations when we are baptized.   This is an excellent reason to be baptized.   

Hebrews 6:1-6 King James Version (KJV)
6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.  4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”

Something to wrestle out.   Here it says the doctrine of baptisms.. Below in Ephesians 4,  it says there is one baptism.  This is a point of theological debate.   Let each one consider the full counsel of God regarding baptism(s) and see for themselves what scripture means and how these two statements are absolutely true and work together:)

1 Peter 3:18-22 English Standard Version (ESV)
18 For Christ also suffered[a] once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which[b] he went and proclaimed[c] to the spirits in prison, 20 because[d] they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Interesting that Noah’s Ark is also a type and shadow of baptism

Ephesians 4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
4 So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], 2 with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another [a]in [unselfish] love. 3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. 4 There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.  7 Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high,He led captivity captive,  And He bestowed gifts on men.” 9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had previously descended [from the heights of heaven] into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the very same as He who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things [that is, the whole universe]).

1 Corinthians 2 (TPT)
6 However, there is a wisdom that we continually speak of when we are among the spiritually mature.[f] It’s wisdom that didn’t originate in this present age, nor did it come from the rulers of this age who are in the process of being dethroned.[g] 7 Instead, we[h] continually speak of this wonderful wisdom that comes from God, hidden before now in a mystery.[i] It is his secret plan, destined[j]before the ages, to bring us into glory.[k]8 None of the rulers of this present world order understood it,[l] for if they had, they never would have crucified the Lord of shining glory.[m] 9 This is why the Scriptures say:
Things never discovered or heard of before,  things beyond our ability to imagine[n]—
these are the many things God has in store  for all his lovers.[o]  10 But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit.[p] Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things. 11 After all, who can really see into a person’s heart and know his hidden impulses except for that person’s spirit? So it is with God. His thoughts and secrets are only fully understood by his Spirit, the Spirit of God.12 For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. 13 And we[q] articulate these realities with the words imparted to us by the Spirit and not with the words taught by human wisdom. We join together Spirit-revealed truths with Spirit-revealed words.[r] 14 Someone living on an entirely human level[s]rejects[t] the revelations of God’s Spirit, for they make no sense to him. He can’t understand the revelations of the Spirit because they are only discovered by the illumination of the Spirit. 15 Those who live in the Spirit are able to carefully evaluate all things, and they are subject to the scrutiny of no one but God. 16 For who has ever intimately known the mind of the Lord Yahweh[u] well enough to become his counselor?[v]  Christ has, and we possess Christ’s perceptions.[w]

Ezekiel 36:25
I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.

In creating this post, I realized I needed to create another post which you can see here:  https://healinganddiscipleship.com/the-lens-i-choose-to-read-scripture-through/     We all see the Word through a specific lens, I have shared what mine is.  Clearly our lenses colour all that we see.

I recognize that some might feel I was hedging on this topic.   And in some ways, yes.   My knowledge is limited as I have not truly explored this from all angles.   I have stuck mostly to the scriptures shared here in forming my own personal view and while I have heard a lot of theology on baptismal positions of different churches, I have not read books nor have a heard those well versed in other positions explain via scriptures.  So my own lens on this topic is based on scripture but potentially biased.   I will always carefully consider other views that are presented and supported with scripture though and have been known upon seeing new verses to adapt my theology accordingly.  

Therefore I ask you to any other verses pertaining to baptism in the comments for all to consider.  Blessings.

 

 

 

This heart cry question popped up this week, several times and in several ways.   I will try to share the scriptures and verses I quoted.

For those of us who pray for the sick, we often have heart wounds.  The losses can feel almost so devastating that we are tempted to quit or can feel racked with guilt and sorrow.

This is what I understand at the moment.  Please be Berean and see what you can see for your self.  For those who heard me share this this week, please let me know if this comes across clearly in writing.

First question:  If your loved one had been taken to Jesus during His earthly ministry, would they have been healed?

YES!!!  Scripture tells us that we wil o the same works He did, what we are filled with the Holy Spirit who is greater than He who is in the World, that all believers can lay hands on the sick and they will recover.

James 1:17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)” 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or [a]shifting shadow.”

Hebrews 13:8 King James Version (KJV) “8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

John 16:7-8 New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE) “. 7 But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 [a]And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:”

John 14:12 King James Version (KJV) “² Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

1 John 4:3-6 King James Version (KJV) “3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.  6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

 

There is no scripture to quote that gives even one example in scripture of Jesus refusing to heal anyone who was brought or who came to Him. (see the 2 posts about Paul’s thorn if you believe this was the one exception).    The only criteria is that somehow or other they showed up, either seeking healing for themselves, or for someone else or even just because they wanted to hear Him speak.   We are not told the individual motives, sin issues, medical issues, faith levels etc of the crowd/mulititude/many that He healed.      We are told only once that He could do no mighty works due to their unbelief.. but even then He healed a few sick ones by the laying on of hands.  See if you can spot the trend in the next few verses from the KJV.

Acts 3:6 “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

1 John 4:18-19 ¹⁸There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. ¹⁹We love him, because he first loved us.

Acts 1:4-8 ⁴And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. ⁵For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. ⁶When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, LORD, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? ⁷And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. ⁸But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

In each verse, they had to first receive and then give what they received.

2 Corinthians 8(NLT) ” ‘10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”

Luke 12 Berean Study Bible “7That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded. 49I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”

Generally, we can only give in proportion to what we have received.  Peter says plainly, “such as I have give I thee”.  He knew he had it and therefore was totally confident about giving it to another.  I must stress that it is not Jesus who has failed to give, but us who are still in the process of fully receiving what He has done for us.

John 6:29 New Living Translation (NLT)  “29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

This same Peter was among those who fled when Jesus was arrested and who denied Christ.  He was likely there when they failed to heal the boy with seizures.    Something changed, something shifted,

2nd question:  If we prayed better, would they have been healed?  No.

I love my daughter.   She is a wonderful toddler.   She does things in perfect toddler fashion.  She acts her age.   She is precious and lovely and exactly doing what she is suppose to be doing, often with gusto.     I do not expect her to behave like my 10 year old.   I do not expect her to write words or to climb trees etc.  Because is 2 and not 10.   I do require this of my ten year old and will not let him act like my 2 year old when it comes to his responsibilities.  I expect to act and do according to his ability.

Those who are praying for the sick are often highly dedicated in their prayers, in their seeking of God, in their reading of the Word, in their serving of the community.    I have prayed for many, some have been healed, some have not and a few have passed away in spite of our best efforts.  I believe that when we give are all and apply all that we know and are capable of, that we hear those blessed words of the Lord.   “My Good and faithful servant”.

The parable of the talents is one that comes to mind often when I think about my own experiences.   The owner came back and commended those who used the talents he gave them.  He gave the same commendation to both who had put what they gave him to use.   The only one he rebuked was the one that buried it in fear. (see Matthew 5:14-30)

A personal story to illustrate this.   We had been praying earnestly for a young child who was suffering from seizures and later diagnosed with a benign brain tumor.    We rejoice when all seizures stopped for a window of months..  and were profoundly challenged when they resumed and surgery and months of recovery and years of follow up with doctors followed.   Praise God, she is well today and thriving and a very blessed child.   At the time though, I felt like the worst kind of failure and like a total hypocrit.   I could see what I could see in scripture and hope for her healing, but I struggled inwardly with fear, doubt and unbelief.    The couple brought their precious child to a meeting where a more experienced and knowledgeable healing teacher was speaking.   I invited them to come and and silently prayed and begged God that this would be the night the child was healed.   I prayed earnestly that the speaker would bless this devoted mama with words of encouragement and power and that this family’s struggle would end that night in victory.    As I prayed, the speaker did speak to this dear sister…   And I wept quietly rejoicing to hear words I longed to speak and share with her that I had know window or ability to utter.    I was feeling utterly low and crushed personally but still rejoicing in the Goodness of our God.   I was utterly shocked and beyond blessed when the speaker than spoke to me…..  Words that blessed me beyond anything I can share here.    He told me that the Father wanted me to know that I was a good and faithful servant.  I was stunned, shocked, and humbled and blessed and healed and renewed and in awe of the Father’s goodness to me in that hour.      From that day on, it has slowly sunk in, that these words are for every child of God who faithfully day by day lives out to the best of their present knowledge and ability, regardless of the outcome that we are hoping for as we go about the Father’s business.

Satan likes to accuse us and tell us how terribly we have failed and bombard us with thoughts of “if only I…”    But the reaility is, if we have prayed with our whole heart, sought Him earnestly and done all that we know to do with passion….   Then we have not failed.  We have done all and given all that we have.    The Lord is well pleased with those who are faithful in this way.    Going back to the parable of the talents.    The Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him and He will multiply and supernaturally advance those who faithfully use and invest in what He has given them.      We will continue to grow in our talents and abilities as we faithfully use and yes, we will grow in increase in our kingdom capacities.   This is a reason for great hope and rejoicing..

The reality is that sometimes, what we have presently been able to believe and receive of God’s truth, is not sufficient for the emergency or issue at hand in some cases.  But we have glorified God in giving all.   God is not angry with us for failing to be like Elijah.  He is not comparing us to anyone but ourselves and to Christ. He is calling us to grow up, to crucify our flesh and to spend time with Him and be in His Word    If we are growing and learning, doing what His Word says completely and seeking Him and maturing, we are doing all that He asks of us.

Scripture tells us, Paul and many others leaders of religious law had made it their life’s work to study the scriptures and even lead their communities accordingly.    But somehow even though their lives were dedicated, somehow they were missing some key elements in their knowledge.

I can truly accept the “My good and faithful servant” from the Lord AND rest in knowing that all the while He is equipping me for even greater works as I rest in Him.

But I do remain on guard against error and complacency…   Going back to that same parable, do you see either one of these in the servant the master rebuked?     With even the great men falling prey to these two things, I believe it is wise to be mindful of these things.

The Bible records that they were suffering due to a sort of spiritual blindness and deafness.  This is why we must be Berean in all that we hear.   All of us have gaps in our understanding and errors in our theology.   Some of these are keeping us from experiencing the fullness of what the Word of God has promised us.

Thankfully, we can ask Him for eyes to see and ears to hear and the ability to understand. We can ask Him to expose any error in our thinking etc and He is so faithful in answering these prayers.

Scripture also reveals that hearing from and being filled with the Holy Spirit are essential to truly understanding God’s Word.  1 Corinthians 2 especially in the The Passion Translation, speaks to this very powerfully.   So we can also ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit and help us to hear His voice in ever increasing measure.

Mark 7:11-13 New American Standard Bible (NASB) ¹¹ but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, [a]given to God),’ ¹² you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; ¹³ thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

Isaiah 6:9-10 English Standard Version (ESV)9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people:  “‘Keep on hearing,[a] but do not understand;  keep on seeing,[b] but do not perceive.’  10 Make the heart of this people dull,[c]  and their ears heavy,  and blind their eyes;  lest they see with their eyes,  and hear with their ears,  and understand with their hearts,  and turn and be healed.”

Matthew 15:12-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 12 Then the disciples came up and told Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard this statement?”  13 He replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone! They are blind guides.[a] And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Today is the perfect day to start.  Just pray a simple prayer like, “Lord, please forgive me.  I have been passive, I have been complacent in my walk.  I have not been seeking you with zeal and have gotten comfortable feeding on spiritual milk.   I want to grow up starting now.  Help me to seek you passionately and do what I see in your word so that I can do greater and greater things for your Kingdom and glory.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”

We can do nothing in our human effort.   But we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us.

John 6:63 New Living Translation (NLT)
63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Galatians 3:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?

Isaiah 53 tells us Jesus bore our condemnation.    Proverbs 24:16 tells us the righteousman falls 7 times but gets back up.     Dear ones, let us continue to boldly get back up and let Him strengthen us and equip us for war.

Psalm 144:1 Berean Study Bible “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. 2He is my loving devotion and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.…”

Ephesians 4:11-13 King James Version (KJV)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Ephesians 4:14-16 King James Version (KJV)
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Dear Ones, we are where we are today in Christ.   We are limited by several biblical factors.   A healthy flesh that has not been crucified will keep us from fully entering and acting as a Kingdom Ambassador.   I only started to begin to really understand this in the last year.   Acting on this truth has radically changed my ability to hear and obey God with boldness.   Fear and doubt will shackle us.  These are things that the love of God and Word of God will drive out of us.   Truly we can only  act on what we know and what we presently have received and believed.

But we have an Advocate, a Counselor, a Comforter and Teacher who is committed to helping us grow up in Christ and learn to do the things He did in greater and greater measure.  We should no sooner condemn ourselves for being limited by our age and understanding, than we should rebuke a toddler for being limited to the abilities of a toddler.    We can in fact learn to rejoice and rest in knowing that we have done all that we know to do and commit the rest to our faithful and VERY GOOD Father. Truly as we behold His glory, His truth, we are being transformed into his image by the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 New King James Version (NKJV)  “17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as [a]by the Spirit of the Lord.”

As we seek Him first,  read His Word, pray and fast,  as we meet together and are equipped by the various people in the body of Christ, as we learn to worship God in Spirit and in Truth, we will grow and bear abundant fruit for His Kingdom.

We have two paths before us.  The road of the passive and the complacent, to rely on others to feed us milk and carry us, OR we can choose  to deny ourselves, pick our cross and follow Jesus, letting Him grow us up into the fullness of His purpose and calling on our lives.

Let us rejoice knowing that He who has promised is faithful and will finish the work He began in our lives.

Isn’t our Heavenly Father Good?  All through scripture, we see that He used one or a few Spirit lead ones, submitted ones  and faithful ones to act as elders and intercessors for the whole Body of Christ.  We see this in Moses, in Joshua, of course in Jesus and the apostle.

If David hadn’t showed up on the scene with His faith in God firmly established, Goliath would have one the day by intimidation.   James 5 tells us that this was God’s intention for our churches today.    So let’s also keep praying that God would raise up the biblical elders to oversee, heal and stand guard over our flocks, all the while equipping them and preparing them for the work of the ministry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello!

What we will be covering this week (we typically get through 9 to 12 verses each week):

Tuesday Subtitle 6, verse Isaiah 55:10-11, likely through subtitle 8 possibly starting on 9

Thursdayt Page ???  subtitle #3 Verse from  Psalm 119:93

Discussion time:  Website post, Tuesday morning thinking about our thoughts.    Thursday:  What manner of man are we really:  exploring our identity in Christ.

Reminders:  You are all doing such a great job.  Let’s keep respecting one another and keeping our commentary to the verses.

Summer plans:   We plan to wrap up this session the week of June the 11th and 13th and take a two week break before starting the next 6 to 8ish week session.   I am available to facilitate this study through the summer if there is interest, so think about your summer plans and if Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 or Thursdays from 7 to 9 (we could start earlier from 6:30 to 8:30 if that is better too).    This is our second last week of this session.   As always, more are welcome to join us at any time.  I will do a one time intro session for 2 hours with new people joining us.

Possible summer session:  starting July 2nd and 4th to the middle of August, 2-3 week break at the end of August.   We would continue on with this Topic:  The Word of God God

Summary of practical suggestions

This is part of “our part” of working out our salvation with fear and trembling daily.(See Philippians 2:12)   Be so encouraged, as you are faithful in the small things, He will mutliply all things for you.  Blessings.

1.  Commit to setting apart a daily time to “feed on” Gods Word and aim to meditate on one or two things that God has revealed to you.    Think of the reading part as the actual eating and the meditating part as the digesting part.    To get the full benefit we need to do both.  It is so encouraging to know that even if we don’t feel like we are getting it, the Word itself is working in us and is washing us and equipping us.
2. Keep a praise and thanksgiving journal so that if you hit a low or challenging time you can look back and be reminded and encouraged by God’s faithfulness in the past.
3. Think about what you are thinking about.   Start to mindfully guard your heart by setting and enforcing boundaries on what you think about.
4. Crucifying the flesh:   Deny yourself, pick up your cross and walk as Jesus walked.   Truly to be His disciple, the flesh must lose it’s power over us.  I believe this is the major source of the “wet blankets” of fear, doubt and unbelief that cover and smothers our faith.