Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would knowb my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15“If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will bec in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
22Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. (how does the world give) Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
God is The God of union.
God is in Christ is in the Holy Spirit is in us.
There are four main unions in place. They are;
1) The God-God union, The Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit are one. One can not function without the other and are inseparable. The devil has tried to separate them in many different religions, claiming that 1 or the other doesn’t exist or is of lesser consequence than the other, therefore nullifying the power of God to the people that believe in that religion.
2) The God-man union, God created us to be His companions, His friends, sharing in His creation with Him for all eternity. The devil throughout history has made a point of trying to separate this union through sin and unbelief. The relationship between God and mankind, over time, has gone from “walking together in the cool of the day” to “will the true god please stand up and what has God ever done for me anyway”.
3) The man-man union or the church-church union. The early church were all in one accord and had all things in common. The gospel was preached, the poor were fed and the widows were cared for and the
Holy Spirits power was present. They had a structure of apostles, elders, deacons and laborers all of which had a roll to play in the day to day life of the church (the bride of Christ) as a whole. The devil has continued to try and separate the church by introducing contentious issues about the law, the opinions of men, the introduction of pagan rituals and idolatry
4) The man-woman union. The mirror image of the union of God and the church. God designed marriage to be a replica or to be similar to the design of the God-man relationship. A perfect permanent union that brings fourth fruit, “more companions” and should never be separated by man. The devil separates this union with adultery, fornication, promiscuity and counts marriage as an outdated religious non event that is to be frowned upon.
The Christian marriage is the union that we see as the most abused in these days and is the outward sign of the condition of mankind as a whole.
The desicration of the marriage is the direct result of the decline of the other 3 unions and a form of completion of satans desire to undermine Gods perfect plan for us. Ie; the God-man union.
Gods way is perfect union through Christ and obedience.
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him John 14;23
The devils way is total separation from God. The end result is eternity in the lake of fire.
Which way will you choose.
Read Luke 6;20-49
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Faith in God
Get the basics: Faith in God
Hebrews 6
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
This scripture shows us some of the basic or fundamental principles of Christianity.
1) Repentance and forgiveness. 2) Faith in God 3) Baptisms 4) The laying on of hands 5) The resurrection of the dead 6) Eternal judgement 7) Moving on….
1) Faith in God.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
World English Bible
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
John 20:29 Jesus said “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Even though we can’t see God, we can see the evidence of Him
Romans 1:20 New Living Translation
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Just by observing nature, Gods existence is proved over and over again.
We also have the scriptures, Gods word, written by the hand of man that not only bares witness to His existence but to His love and nurturing of mankind throughout history.
Read Hebrews 11
We have Jesus, Gods word clothed in flesh, who is a witness to God through miracles and mighty works. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. Heb 12:2 . In other words He started it and He will see it through to completion.
The Holy Spirit bares witness through power, His gifts and the testimony of the word in our own body.
Luke 24:49 (NLV) Heb 2:4 Heb 10:15-16
We people also bare witness to Gods existence and love for us by the word of our testimony, overcoming the evil one and enduring to the end while being conformed to the image of Christ.
Rev 12:11
There are many different kinds of faith but they all have common principals.
Common faith, saving faith, forgiveness faith, healing faith, authority faith, miracles faith, signs and wonders faith, Gift of faith.
Common faith, we all have it, I flick the switch and the light comes on. I know it is going to work and expect it to happen. I can’t see the power that makes this happen and I can’t fully understand how and why it works or where it comes from. But I know it works.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
When I first learnt to drive a car, my father told me “put your foot on the brake and the car will stop.
What did I do, I put my foot on the brake and guess what….the car stopped.
I didn’t ask him to explain the process or question why we should stop the car.
I didn’t cry, dad! Help me put my foot on the brake, help me put my foot on the brake, Please Dad! make me do it.
No ….I just did it…..and the car stopped.
I believed the word of my father, then did the word of my father, then received the promise of my father.
In other words, hear and believe the word, do the word, receive the promise with evidence.
All faith works on these principals. Here are some examples.
Saving faith:
1) Hear and believe the word….Romans 10;9-10, 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
2) Do the word…..Say this out loud, “I believe that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead”.
3) Receive the promise; the promise is verse 10, you are now justified and saved.
God also gives us evidence (proof) of this occurrence by sending the Holy Spirit.
John 20:22 Acts 1:8 Acts 2:38
Forgiveness faith:
1) Hear and believe…..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.
2) Do the word….. Say this out loud, “I confess such and such, it was the wrong thing to do, please forgive me.
3) Receive…..you are now forgiven of sin and cleansed of all unrighteousness.
The evidence; The desire to continue in and chase after sin is gone.
The desire to do good and to lead other people the same way has come instead.
Healing faith; Mark 16:18, James 5:14-16,
Authority faith; Luke 10:19, Mathew 16:19 Mathew 10:1
Miracles faith: Acts 6:8 Galations 3:5
Signs and wonders faith, read exodus chapters 7-11 and 13 for some "wow factor".
Gift of faith.
Hebrews 11:6….And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Let me put this another way….when you come to Him, it indicates that you believe that He exists…(the first act of faith)…this is pleasing to God and He rewards you.
We must take the step. Just like Peter. We must come to Him.
Romans 12:3….as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
How do I get faith in God
Romans 10:17 …Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
How do I get more faith in God
faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Mans way…."I won’t believe it unless I see it."
Gods way…. "Believe it and you will see it."
If you are not a follower of Christ you can start here.
The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
Steps:
1 Believe
2 Confess (tell somebody)
3 Repent (turn away from your way and turn to Gods way)
4 Be baptized (you will need other believers to help you with this)
5 Receive the Holy Spirit (He will guide you in all things)
6 Get a bible and read it (the Holy Spirit will teach you)
Hebrews 6
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
This scripture shows us some of the basic or fundamental principles of Christianity.
1) Repentance and forgiveness. 2) Faith in God 3) Baptisms 4) The laying on of hands 5) The resurrection of the dead 6) Eternal judgement 7) Moving on….
1) Faith in God.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
World English Bible
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
John 20:29 Jesus said “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Even though we can’t see God, we can see the evidence of Him
Romans 1:20 New Living Translation
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Just by observing nature, Gods existence is proved over and over again.
We also have the scriptures, Gods word, written by the hand of man that not only bares witness to His existence but to His love and nurturing of mankind throughout history.
Read Hebrews 11
We have Jesus, Gods word clothed in flesh, who is a witness to God through miracles and mighty works. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. Heb 12:2 . In other words He started it and He will see it through to completion.
The Holy Spirit bares witness through power, His gifts and the testimony of the word in our own body.
Luke 24:49 (NLV) Heb 2:4 Heb 10:15-16
We people also bare witness to Gods existence and love for us by the word of our testimony, overcoming the evil one and enduring to the end while being conformed to the image of Christ.
Rev 12:11
There are many different kinds of faith but they all have common principals.
Common faith, saving faith, forgiveness faith, healing faith, authority faith, miracles faith, signs and wonders faith, Gift of faith.
Common faith, we all have it, I flick the switch and the light comes on. I know it is going to work and expect it to happen. I can’t see the power that makes this happen and I can’t fully understand how and why it works or where it comes from. But I know it works.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
When I first learnt to drive a car, my father told me “put your foot on the brake and the car will stop.
What did I do, I put my foot on the brake and guess what….the car stopped.
I didn’t ask him to explain the process or question why we should stop the car.
I didn’t cry, dad! Help me put my foot on the brake, help me put my foot on the brake, Please Dad! make me do it.
No ….I just did it…..and the car stopped.
I believed the word of my father, then did the word of my father, then received the promise of my father.
In other words, hear and believe the word, do the word, receive the promise with evidence.
All faith works on these principals. Here are some examples.
Saving faith:
1) Hear and believe the word….Romans 10;9-10, 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
2) Do the word…..Say this out loud, “I believe that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead”.
3) Receive the promise; the promise is verse 10, you are now justified and saved.
God also gives us evidence (proof) of this occurrence by sending the Holy Spirit.
John 20:22 Acts 1:8 Acts 2:38
Forgiveness faith:
1) Hear and believe…..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.
2) Do the word….. Say this out loud, “I confess such and such, it was the wrong thing to do, please forgive me.
3) Receive…..you are now forgiven of sin and cleansed of all unrighteousness.
The evidence; The desire to continue in and chase after sin is gone.
The desire to do good and to lead other people the same way has come instead.
Healing faith; Mark 16:18, James 5:14-16,
Authority faith; Luke 10:19, Mathew 16:19 Mathew 10:1
Miracles faith: Acts 6:8 Galations 3:5
Signs and wonders faith, read exodus chapters 7-11 and 13 for some "wow factor".
Gift of faith.
Hebrews 11:6….And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Let me put this another way….when you come to Him, it indicates that you believe that He exists…(the first act of faith)…this is pleasing to God and He rewards you.
We must take the step. Just like Peter. We must come to Him.
Romans 12:3….as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
How do I get faith in God
Romans 10:17 …Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
How do I get more faith in God
faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Mans way…."I won’t believe it unless I see it."
Gods way…. "Believe it and you will see it."
If you are not a follower of Christ you can start here.
The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
Steps:
1 Believe
2 Confess (tell somebody)
3 Repent (turn away from your way and turn to Gods way)
4 Be baptized (you will need other believers to help you with this)
5 Receive the Holy Spirit (He will guide you in all things)
6 Get a bible and read it (the Holy Spirit will teach you)
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