How Do You Recognize God's Voice?

His Word - Our Relationship

 I've been asked twice over the past week - how do you know it's God speaking to you?  Well, let's think about that from a practical experience to which everyone can relate.  Think about the people you know.  When you call them, do you recognize their voice?  When you were a child, did you recognize the voice of a parent or guardian?  Of course you did!  Why?  Because you knew them.  You had a relationship with them.

It's the same with Jesus.  When we spend time with him (reading his Word #1, prayer and worship), we, too, will recognize his voice.  The more we obey that voice, the more he will trust us and we him.

Folks, it's a relationship!

John 10:27-30
New King James Version (NKJV)
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

Know the Word, Know God, Control your Thought Life

2 Cor 10:3-5 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

"At this point of maturity, those practiced at knowing God's voice need not pretend or merely hope. They can speak with authority, conviction, and results (Rom. 12:2). They need not be double-minded or resort to psychological gymnastics (James 1:5-8). They can pray in real faith (James 5:15). For "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17)." ~ Acts 17:11 Bible Study:  Hearing God

He will guide you and direct you, Trust in Him

Isa 30:20-21 (NIV) Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

John 10:2-5 (NIV) "The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."

The Works of the Lord are not necessarily earth-shaking

1 Kings 19:11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

Spend time with Him and eventually you will know his voice for yourself!

Born With Strengths

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Were you born with weaknesses?

Once there was a man who was not very handy around the house. He couldn't build things, paint rooms or walls, or make any home repairs. 

For years, this was a major issue for him.  He said it made him feel stupid.  "As a man, I felt I needed to know how to do things like this.  I mean, shouldn't I?  I should be able to take care of my family doing simple things like fixing up my home!"  

For years, these kinds of thoughts plagued his conscience either from negative self-speak or from the enemy reminding him of this area of 'weakness.' Thoughts like these were crippling, both emotionally and spiritually.  It was a 'thorn' of frustration that was oftentimes vented in anger.  He was far from being any kind of handyman - it was his weakness.  But over time, he learned to accept his weakness until it bothered him less and less.  

As he began to grow in spiritual strength and maturity, the Lord gave him a ministry.  Using the extraordinary gift of teaching he'd been given, the Lord called him to marriage counseling which he accomplished by becoming a life coach.  What fulfillment he found from serving in this ministry!  But he was always careful to remain humble and give God the glory.  He tells everyone: 

"I cannot do this without the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.  It is through the Holy Spirit that I receive direction and insight on people's problems.  When I reveal what the Lord has to say, they are profoundly moved and transformed by the instruction as they apply the teaching in their everyday lives. I cannot do it without Him!"  

Then a few weeks ago, a water pipe burst during a cold snap which caused a major leak in the bathroom of his home.  Water was gushing behind the wall!  Quickly, he tried to turn off the water but couldn't open the access door to shut off the water main.  Then he tried to thread the pipes back together to contain the leak, but it caused the water to spray everywhere.  So, without getting frustrated, he sent for his neighbor across the street as he thought: "Surely, he can fix this!"  

This neighbor was very talented with manual labor tasks.  He could do just about anything, from auto repair to landscaping.  The summer before, the man had hired the neighbor to restore the exterior of his home.  It was in desperate need of work - the paint was peeling badly and there was significant water damage.  After three weeks, the task was complete and the home looked as good as new!  He was talented at handiwork. 

At the same time, the neighbor became aware of this man's ministry and began to confide in him to get advice for his own family.  

Sure enough, on the day the water pipe burst, the neighbor responded right away to assist the man and together they repaired the pipe.  The man reflected on how fortunate he was to have such a neighbor!  He thanked God for having a resource like this so close by!  And he thought to himself "Perhaps it is no coincidence..."

It was then that the Lord gave him the following revelation:  I did not make you with any weaknesses.  I made you with strengths.  But look, what you think is your weakness, I have given as a strength to your neighbor.  And where he needs strengthening, you serve him with your ministry.

He began to look at himself in a whole new light! (John 1:1-14, 8:12, 12:46; Mt 5:14-16)  We are not given weaknesses, we were given strengths!

At this, the man worshiped the Lord for his goodness and shared this revelation with others.  No more need he dwell on weaknesses!  The revelation gave him great joy!  Joy gives him the strength to overcome negative thinking thanks to these loving words of the Father.  

You were made with Strengths

That's right, you were made with strengths!  That is to say that you were made with good qualities, not deficient ones.  And for everything else, the Lord has made provision.  [This does not contradict the doctrine that we were born in sin, however, and stand in need of salvation.  Many need to overcome the temptation of falling into self-loathing when they are taught or they realize the truth about our sinful nature.  This is self-pity, a well-hidden form of pride.]

1.  You are His Workmanship

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14 NLT).

Ephesians 2:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's handcrafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece.  ~ Rick Warren, author of  The Purpose-Driven Life

2.  Belong to Him

Psalms 34:8 

"...taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

 He will do all things according to his will.  He does all this for his children.  So, I ask you, are you his child?  Do you belong to Him?  The first step is to trust (have faith) and believe.  If you have faith to believe, then I invite you to know what you must do next by reading here in Acts 2 which describes the birth of the church, the age in which we live today.

If you do not know Jesus and therefore don't know whether or not you can trust him in anything, much less for your salvation, then I suggest you read the book of John from the New Testament.

3.  Jesus is God Revealed

Jesus' teachings 'astonish' the people because he spoke with authority.  By contrast, the Pharisees and scribes did not speak in this manner.    He tells them about the narrow way, and that he is God in the flesh.

John 14:5-7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The Father Revealed

⁷ “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

 Dear reader, if you have need of anything today, Jesus is your answer.  It may seem trite or you may feel you've come to a dead-end in this conclusion, but when we see and understand that he is the manifestation of God the Father, the Creator God, author and finisher of our faith, the I AM, the Alpha and Omega.... we can be assured that in Him is all-sufficiency and power to meet that need.

4.  Ask in Jesus' Name

        Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 

Colossians 3:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

5.  Great Faith has Great Authority

If, then, the church is lacking in something - we may boldly come before the Lord and ask it in Jesus' name!   Look at this lesson from Matthew 21:

The Fig Tree Withered

¹⁸ Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. ¹⁹ And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

The Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree

²⁰ And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”
²¹ So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. ²² And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

 Or this from Matthew 7:

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

6.  Turn to your Church when you have Need

The Church is where elders, pastors, and teachers 'feed the sheep' (John 21:17)  The Word is preached for the maturing of the saints (Eph 4:11-13).  It is by the Word that our faith comes to life (Ro. 10:17).  And it is the place where God's people come together to worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24).  The ultimate character trait of a mature Christian is measured in the love they have for both God and one another (Mt 5:1-12).  Look how the early church demonstrated their faith and their charity (aka love) for one another:

Acts 2:44-46

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

The idea is that we need one another and Jesus in his wisdom has given us the Church, His bride.  It is the place where we come together in true fellowship (which is sharing, teaching and worshiping the Lord together) to minister to one another (John 13:1-17).   For the Christian, we have access to an abundant life!  (John 10:10)  

Summary

In summation, you were made for a purpose.  If you are a believer, become His according to His Word.  Jesus is God in the flesh which means in His name is authority and with our faith, we can achieve great things!  It is important to become part of an active church family (Heb 10:25).  It is one's church family which provides the framework and resources for growing and developing one's maturity.  It is also the place where one may develop a ministry under the guidance and covering of its elders, teachers, and Pastor.  There have been times in this author's life when I faced immense struggles and hardships.  It was thanks to the backing of my church family, that I received encouragement, guidance in the Word, and intercessory prayer which strengthened me so I could better face these situations with peace and grace.  In short, I was blessed by their love and support!

Finally, while it is proper to have a sober self-assessment that keeps one humble, dwelling in negativity is definitely self-destructive.  Instead

Philippians 4:8(NKJV)

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

When we focus the light on our strengths and the strengths of others, all else fades in the shadows.  

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If this has blessed you in anyway, please leave a comment or share with others. 

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, The Beginning of the Last Days

A Lesson the Era of Last Days

Rarely do I blog about a sermon from another ministry or church, but one by Adrian Rogers (link provided at the bottom) caught my attention because it begins by identifying that we live in an era know as the church era, the era of Grace and often called 'The Last Days."

Sermons on the importance of love as a character trait, and indeed a sign of one's Christian heritage and rebirth, are not a new or unique themes.  My own church does a great many lessons on this topic so surely I had enough content to share!  But isn't it interesting that many denominations recognize the beginning of the church age with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, yet deny the need for the believer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

In fact, you too may be having that reaction right now.  And others have had this reaction - yet here this preacher clearly states that we are still in that same era as when the first pouring out of the Holy Spirit occurred, baptizing the believers who were waiting on that promise from the Lord.  Some say today there is no such need.  That baptism in any form is not necessary for rebirth for you have already confessed Jesus as Lord and so you have received that rebirth through the awakening of your conscience.  And yet, the early church saw fit to baptize believers in their day - this same age which has NOT ended:  the Last Days. 

The Bible says in Joel 2:28-29 that he will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh. 

The promise is fulfilled as we read in Acts 2 and the Apostle Peter addresses the crowd, telling them about the event they've just witnessed.  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit had come upon those believers and with such a force that they prophesied in languages they had never studied so that they could be a witness to all the travelers in the city at that time!

 Acts 2:36-40

³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

This promise will continue to endure, filling believers, baptizing them in the 'Baptism of Fire' of which John the Baptist spoke! 

Matthew 3:11

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Of course the Apostles also warn us about the use of spiritual gifts.  First and foremost we are to love, and this sermon spends a great deal of time on how we are to love and the purpose of that love.  Below are many references as well to review for yourself.

So, why should you seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit?  Please refer to this study which I've put together that provides a full understanding of what the Bible says regarding salvation.

In short, because it is part of the plan of salvation which was first preached by the Apostle Peter in Acts chapter 2, verses 37-39.  Note that witnesses had heard the believers speaking in tongues when Peter got up to explain to them what had just happened and that their Lord and Messiah had been crucified.

Acts 2:37-39

New International Version (NIV)

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

You may read this and say "I have never heard that!"  I am saved by Grace alone because I confess the Lord as my savior - he did the work for me on the cross!

Friend, Grace is an unopened gift if that sacrifice is not applied to you!  The preponderance of evidence in Scriptures is that the Apostles told people to repent (sinner's prayer is wholly appropriate) and be baptized (full immersion under water to mimic Christ's death, burial and resurrection) for the remission of your sins (not a mere public sign of your testimony, but the name of Jesus is at that time applied to your life - you are now adopted into the kingdom as in a legal means - you name now is: 'put your name here' Jesus Christ.  His sacrifice is now all the Lord our Judge will see instead of your sins).  The Scripture continues "...you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (which is the Comforter, the Mighty Counselor who will come to reside in you, which is his power that you need to endure the race of life)...

You have a new perspective (repentance), new name (your name Jesus Christ) and have been legally adopted into the kingdom and a new spirit - the Holy Spirit.  [Note:  you do not have a new mind (soul) or body.  These two will be at war with the new spirit which is why we are taught how to mature and endure!]

Now before any naysayers cry out 'works do not save you!'  Let me reassure you that had Christ not made the Way for me, by His Grace, none of this would be possible!  It is by my faith that I receive God's Grace.  And friend, let us not forget that faith without works is dead.  

James 2:19-21

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Once again, the preponderance of evidence in the Scriptures demonstrates that believers were made disciples in this manner.  Up to early in the 4th century, all believers were 'birthed' into the church this very way.  It's historical fact!

How do I receive this baptism?

First of all, read the passages of Scripture for yourself.  You may need or want to commit yourself to its careful study before you are convinced that what I'm sharing is true, real and relevant for you.  If you are not convinced, you are spiritually full and not ready to receive.

But if you have cast aside all fear and doubt then as you worship, friend, yield to His presence as you magnify His Holy Name!  Repeat "Halleleujah" (I surrender - and is this not the cry of repentance? Not my way, O God, but yours!) as you rejoice for Christ's sacrifice and his Grace (unmerited favor). 

What will happen?  How will I know?

As you repeat - and it's important to be using your tongue so that the Holy Spirit can then take control of it - You will feel a tingling like power (electricity) and as you verbally and vocally praise.  Your tongue will become tangled and you will trip up your words - allowing this to happen, you will speak in an unknown (angelic) language which may or may not have at that time a translation.  This baptism is for the unbeliever, according to the Bible, so that you may know that you indeed have been filled with the Holy Ghost as it was promised! 

You can read for yourself the stories of revivals (Welsh revival, ones which occurred here in the 19th century, many happening in Africa and overseas) and the great repentance (this is how it always starts), great worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit which marked these events.  It was visibly and physically obvious to every observer that God's presence was there!

Someone close to me said they felt as if they were taken up to the heavens!  As for myself, it was a very subtle experience and I didn't fall out or do anything which wasn't in my nature to do.  As time progressed, I began to speak in what sounded more like a language and less like 'baby' language.  Another person might produce sounds and 'stammering' lips.  Your experience will be unique to you and unmistakeable!  Do not let the enemy tell you otherwise!  And do not let anyone tell you that you don't need it!  Any believer who believes they are filled already with the Holy Spirit can yield (surrender - remember, Halleleujah?) to the presence of the Lord and speak in an unknown language just as I could talk with you right now in English.

Why should I speak in tongues? 
At times, life can so overwhelm you that you do not know what to say, think or pray.  Praying in tongues may be exercised at such as time as this (intercession - Jesus is the intercessor for man and he uses us in this way by His Spirit to continue that work through us).  Praying for others in the assembly may be done through the Holy Spirit in you because only the Holy Spirit can know exactly that person's heart and their needs.

But we must remember to be respectful!  The best time is to pray in tongues is before your day begins - to prepare you for what events or people you may encounter.  Pray before the service or any fellowship that all things may go well for you and you may be used mightily to minister and in the gifts you've been given!  Tongues exercised in this manner will help you be sensitive to the needs of others.  It will build your faith so that you can minister through help, encouragement or praying over them for healing and deliverance.

Mark 16:16-18

King James Version (KJV)

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.

No, do not abuse tongues, but be assured that tongues, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, is indeed for you unto this day and until our Lord's return! 

Hopefully you have or will soon have this same experience (which some may deny, but no one can ever take from you) very soon.  But the most important thing is that this gift is meant to give you the power to do all that Christ did and more.  The work of the Holy Spirit in your life is to counsel you, grow you in spiritual maturity and manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit (9 are often quoted, but upon more careful observation and search, our church has found more than 20).

What then should we do?  First and foremost, love one another.  As we end chapter 2 of Acts, we find a description of what fellowship in our churches should look like even unto today! 

 The Fellowship of the Believers⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The last half or more of this sermon discusses the mark of Christianity:  love for one another.

John13:35 & 1 John 3:14  it is proof of our rebirth
2 Corinthians 5:14   - we are compelled because Christ lives in us
Proverbs 10:12 - covers sin

Love seeks to cover sin, while not condoning it.  It endures all things.   Read more about the character and qualities of love from one of the most famous passages regarding true love:   1 Corinthians 13

We learn all good things from God, our Lord and Savior!   

To hear the entirety of this message, please go here:  http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love-worth-finding/player/a-lifestyle-for-the-last-days-355962.html

Biblical Homemaking: what to do when you feel the heavy lies of Satan :...

Biblical Homemaking: what to do when you feel the heavy lies of Satan :...: I never really thought about the importance of that verse before a few weeks ago. I think I understood it, yet somehow in my mind, it had...

The Way: A Highway of Salvation enhanced study

Introduction:

It is my desire in this compilation of Scriptures to provide a clear road map to salvation devoid of church tradition which is full of the false teachings of men. 

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 

Hebrews 11:6
New King James Version (NKJV)

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. 

Our Condition

Romans 5:8⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 3:23²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:10¹⁰ As it is written:“There is no one righteous, not even one;

 

Consequences of Being Lost:

 

Revelation 20:11-15 

The Judgment of the Dead 

¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Romans 6:23²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

Christ’s Compassion for the Lost

 

Luke 24:44-49⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Romans 5:8⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 10:11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

1 John 3:15-17¹⁵ Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.¹⁶ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

2 Corinthians 5:21²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin^[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1. Or be a sin offering

The Word (Bible) = God = Jesus

John 1:1-14 

The Word Became Flesh 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning.³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Be Born Again

John 3:3-8 

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus 

3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]” no one can have spiritual vision (insight) without a revelation from God.
⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”^[d]

Sound in v. 8 also means language (Fulfillment at the day of Pentecost)

I used red and blue colors for water and spirit because traditional doctrine indicates that this section is a comparison - water to natural birth, spirit in contrast to birth from above or by the spirit (as in regeneration).  We will get to that in a moment.  

Barnes' Notes on the Bible:

Be born of water - By "water," here, is evidently signified "baptism." Thus the word is used in Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5. Baptism was practiced by the Jews in receiving a Gentile as a proselyte. It was practiced by John among the Jews; and Jesus here says that it is an ordinance of his religion, and the sign and seal of the renewing influences of his Spirit. So he said Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." It is clear from these places, and from the example of the apostles Act 2:38, Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13, Acts 8:36, Acts 8:38; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33; Acts 18:8; Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27, that they considered this ordinance as binding on all who professed to love the Lord Jesus. And though it cannot be said that none who are not baptized can be saved, yet Jesus meant, undoubtedly, to be understood as affirming that this was to be the regular and uniform way of entering into his church; that it was the appropriate mode of making a profession of religion; and that a man who neglected this, when the duty was made known to him, neglected a plain command of God. It is clear, also, that any other command of God might as well be neglected or violated as this, and that it is the duty of everyone not only to love the Saviour, but to make an acknowledgment of that love by being baptized, and by devoting himself thus to his service.

But, lest Nicodemus should suppose that this was all that was meant, he added that it was necessary that he should "be born of the Spirit" also. This was predicted of the Saviour, that he should "baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire," Matthew 3:11. By this is clearly intended that the heart must be changed by the agency of the Holy Spirit; that the love of sin must be abandoned; that man must repent of crime and turn to God; that he must renounce all his evil propensities, and give himself to a life of prayer and holiness, of meekness, purity, and benevolence. This great change is in the Scripture ascribed uniformly to the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Romans 5:5; 1 Peter 1:22.

Cannot enter into - This is the way, the appropriate way, of entering into the kingdom of the Messiah here and hereafter. He cannot enter into the true church here, or into heaven in the world to come, except in connection with a change of heart, and by the proper expression of that change in the ordinances appointed by the Saviour.

source:  http://bible.cc/john/3-5.htm

 ... of the Spirit

Acts 2 

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost 

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

…and of water

 

Mark 16:15-17 

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

To believe in the Greek implies action.  It is not a passive agreement with the information given, but produces an action on the part of the believer.  Faith and deeds go hand-in-hand!

Faith without works is Dead

James 2:18-20 

¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.²⁰ You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless^[a]? ²¹ Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? ²² You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”^[e] and he was called God’s friend. ²⁴ You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.²⁵ In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? ²⁶ As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

You are a New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! (regenerated)

Peter is given the keys to the kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 16:17-19Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter,^[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades^[b] will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be^[c] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be^[d] loosed in heaven.”

The promise of the Holy Spirit is given just prior to Jesus’ ascension

Acts 1:3-5
³ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with^[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit.”

You will receive power

Acts 1:8⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”¹⁴ Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. ¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! ¹⁶ No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:¹⁷ “‘In the last days, God says,    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy,    your young men will see visions,    your old men will dream dreams.

Peter preaches the gospel and the keys he’s been given are now
shared with everyone starting in Jerusalem:

Acts 2:37-39
³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Which is the fulfillment of Jesus’ command, the Great Commission, given to (all) disciples:

Matthew 28:19¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

In examining the grammatical structure of this sentence, it is worth noting that 1) name is singular and 2) ‘of the’ is a prepositional phrase each pointing back to this one name.  That name is given above in Peter’s command to the crowd.  3,000 believers (who are shown faithful by their works) were baptized that day.

Acts 4:8-12

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected, 
    which has become the cornerstone.’[a]12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”  

Next, we may read about the Apostles’ administration of the plan of salvation in the early church:  until the church age ends, this plan is still in effect, in other words, relevant for you today no matter what you may have learned up until now.  It was called ‘the Way.’  From this we know that there is truly only one way to eternal life, not multiple ways leading to the same glorious end as the world would have you understand!

Acts 8:12-17 

¹² But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³ Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.¹⁴ When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.¹⁵ When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48 

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues^[a] and praising God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” ⁴⁸ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 19:1-7 

Paul in Ephesus19 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples ² and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when^[a] you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  

³ So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”“John’s baptism,” they replied. 

⁴ Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues^[b] and prophesied. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all.

Titus 3:3-7

 ³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

We see in that passage that we are heirs of grace and mercy.  Remember the Lord's compassion on the lost?

Romans 6:3-4

³Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Yes, you can have a new life!

Romans 8:1-5

Life Through the Spirit8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,^[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.^[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The hope of eternal life!

Romans 8:9-11 

 ⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life^[a] because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[b]his Spirit who lives in you.

Know that God loves you and nothing can separate you from his love!

Romans 8:35-39

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:“For your sake we face death all day long;    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”^[a]37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Is it important to attend church if I proclaim to be a believer?  Yes.  Now you also know the difference between a church of ‘the Way’ and one that is not.  A church led by the Spirit will also help you mature as you ought.  Read all of Ephesians for more information.

Ephesians 4:1-13

1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.⁷ But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why it^[a] says:“When he ascended on high,    he took many captives    and gave gifts to his people.”^[b]9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[c]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) ¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Colossians 2:8-9 

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ.⁹ For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,

(Jesus was crucified for his claims of deity – he was God robed in human flesh)

For those who know the Lord, there is no mystery! 

1 Timothy 3:16

¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,^[a]was seen by angels, was preached among the nations,was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

Jesus is patient and he loves you!

Revelation 3:20

 ²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

If you believe and are ready to demonstrate your faith (that you believe), this invitation is for you:

Acts 22:14-16

¹⁴ “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. ¹⁵ You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’