Christ Our City Of Refuge

 
 
 
 

Hebrews 6:17-20 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. God has provided us with “strong consolation (NAS, encouragement)” (v. 18). “We who have fled for refuge” is a New Testament allusion to an incredible Old Testament example for us today. These were cities God had provided for people living in Israel in the Old Testament times, who sought protection from avengers for an accidental killing (cf. Num. 35; Deut. 19; Josh. 20).
How do we run to Him? He tells us we come by “laying hold of the hope set before us” (v. 18). What is that hope? It is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The only way to have a strong confidence and a steadfast hope, is to seek refuge in God and embrace Jesus Christ, who is our only hope of salvation[1].
The Greek word in Hebrews that is translated “refuge” (in KJV, NKJV, and NASB) is the same one used in the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament) in the passages describing the cities of refuge. The writer of Hebrews is telling us that the only way to experience the power of God that saves us is when we run to Him in desperation–for refuge.
And to understand one of the clearest explanations of entering into the refuge of Christ, turn with me to Joshua 20. When Israel entered the Promised Land, God gave them a constant reminder of His salvation. This reminder was ordered by God to be set up in the Land as a visible symbol of Him as God their Savior 24/7/365 across the entire land.
What was that reminder? A strategically placed group of six cities called the Cities of Refuge. There is actually a whole chapter of the Bible (Joshua 20) devoted to these cities. There are many pictures of salvation in God’s Word—Jesus used the serpent lifted up, the manna, Paul used the rock, and both used the Passover lamb. But one of the most beautiful, the most powerful, the most amazing pictures of Jesus Christ is tucked away in one of those back corners of the Scriptures. That picture is one that shows Jesus is always waiting, His arms are always open, the door is never locked—the clearest picture of Christ as Savior is seen in the cities of refuge.
“And they [assigned] Kedesh in Galilee in Mount Naphtali, and Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. And on the other side [of the] Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. These were the cities assigned for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger who sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person without intent might flee the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.” (Joshua 20:7-9)

Amazingly to me, that archaic system of justice from the Old Testament shows up, of all places, in the New Testament.
Cities of Refuge
The Cities of Refuge (Numbers 35, Joshua 20, Deuteronomy 4, 19), remind us of Christ Jesus our hiding place. God commanded that when His people came into possession of the land six Cities of Refuge should be appointed, to which he who slew a man, through ignorance or unintentionally, might flee from the avenger of blood who, according to Eastern custom, would pursue and kill the man-slayer. Three on each side of the Jordan River-which were provided for a man-slayer guilty of second-degree murder.
Those cities of refuge portray how Christ shelters the sinner from death. It was a very marvelous provision for a man who accidentally killed someone. Maybe the one whom he killed had a hotheaded brother who wanted vengeance. So the fugitive could escape to a city of refuge where he would be protected and his case tried. The elders of the city would investigate the case. If he was acquitted of intentional killing he must remain within the city until the death of the high priest. [2]
We have fled to Jesus Christ, and He is our eternal refuge. As our High Priest, He will never die (Heb. 7:23-25); and we have eternal salvation. No avenger can touch us, because He has already died and arisen from the dead[3].
These six cities of refuge are beautiful types of Christ, to whom we “have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (Heb. 6:18). Step back with me into the ancient world of the Bible, and listen to this wonderful picture of Christ that God built into their daily lives. To do so look with me at these truths about the Old Testament description of the cities of refuge.
1. God Himself appointed these cities of refuge. This was an act of grace, for all men are sinners and deserve to die. Moses did not choose the cities, to remind us that the Law cannot save anyone. It was not an earthly priest who appointed them, to remind us that religion in any form can’t save anyone. These cities and the Christ they picture both came from the loving heart of God. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).
2. God’s Word announced these cities of refuge. The six cities are named in Joshua 20:7–8, and they could never be changed. On the authority of the Word of God, a slayer could enter a city and no one could forbid him! So with our salvation: it is promised to us in the Word, and this can never change. There were cities in Israel that were larger and more prominent, but none of them could shelter the sinner. There are many “religions” today, but there is only one way of salvation as announced in God”s Word—faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).
3. Anyone could access these cities of refuge. Now we come to the most wonderful part of the truths of these cities of refuge. They are the clearest pictures of grace in all of the Bible!
First, they were in central places on both sides of the Jordan, so they were easy to reach from any place in the country. God expressly commanded that roads were to be made to these cities (Deut. 19:3). If you look at a map of the Holy Land, you find that the six cities were arranged so that no tribe was too far from the place of safety. On the west side of Jordan were Kedesh in the north, Shechem in the central area, and Hebron in the south. Right across the river on the east side (where Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh chose to settle) were Golan in the north, Ramoth in the

central section, and Bezer in the south. These cities were accessible. Some of them were located on mounts so as to be even more prominent.
From Jewish literature we can add some further detail about the highways. They were carefully repaired every spring, after the rains and bad weather of winter. Further, bridges were built where needed so that people did not have to run down into a ravine but could go straight across, taking the shortest possible route to the city. At every crossroad were special signs which said, “Refuge!” and pointed in the direction of the city. These signposts had to be large enough so that a man running hard could easily read them. Runners, learned in the law of God, were stationed to guide the fugitives to the place of safety.[4] We can picture a man coming up the road. Another man is pursuing him, sword out. The first man, having no time to use a magnifying glass, approaches the sign and sees the big words, “Refuge” magnified! He runs to the city and is safe.
Second, the cities of refuge were open to all — to the Israelite, the stranger, and sojourner. Joshua 20:9 says, “that whosoever killed a person …” (KJV). What verse sounds like this—that whosoever…” Right! John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Third, from nonbiblical sources we hear that the great doors of these cities were always left open and never locked. We can see why. Otherwise a man might die while beating on the door.
Fourth, these sources also tell us that each city of refuge was stocked with food. It was a completely sufficient refuge, then, not only providing legal protection, but also meeting a man’s needs once he was inside. The cities of refuge were completely adequate for the needs of the endangered ones. So long as the slayer remained in the city, he was safe, and he would be freed when the high priest died.
Fifth, we know from the Bible itself, of course, that if a killer did not flee to a city of refuge there was no other hope. Note that the slayer is told to flee to the city. Such a person could not afford to delay!
Christ is Portrayed by the Cities of Refuge
The similarities between the cities of refuge and Christ, our refuge, are striking. We can compare them point for point.
First, Christ is easy to reach. We may cast ourselves upon Christ at any time, in any place. The Church is to be the teller of this good news. The Church is to cry, “Refuge! Refuge!” to the lost world. This emphasis is made at the very end of the Bible in the book of Revelation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). So has the Saviour placed Himself within the reach of all, even of such as are in the utmost peril of vengeance. Jewish tradition declares that there were posts at the cross roads with “Refuge! Refuge!” upon them, pointing out the way.
Second, Christ is open to all — the Jew and the Gentile, the Greek and the barbarian, to all people. Listen to the echoes of Christ’s open arms throughout the Scriptures: Genesis 3:9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”; Isaiah 45:22 “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other; Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; Revelation 22:17 And the

Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Third, Christ never locks His gates. There is no need to wake Him. He is infinite; He is God; He is never asleep. We do not have to beat upon the door and die because He does not open it. Many have stood by a deathbed and seen men believe in the last moments of life. It is good that there is no gate to unlock and that men can enter quickly. What a picture of Christ! Certainly the “way to the city” is clear! No one need ever wonder how to come to Him, for we come to Him by faith. He will never turn any sinner away (John 6:37). High roads led to each city, and their gates were always open.
Fourth, Christ is a completely sufficient refuge. Christ’s death in space-time history is completely adequate to meet our need for refuge from the true moral guilt which we have. It is final because of who He is. He is the infinite second person of the Trinity; therefore, His death has infinite value.
Furthermore, the cities of refuge were not only a legal protection, but also had a supply of food. So Christ not only makes a Christian legally safe through His propitiatory death, but He supplies the believer with great riches. God the Father becomes our father; the Holy Spirit moves in and is the agent by which the whole Trinity produces Christ’s fruit through us.
Even the suburbs or borders of the city were a sufficient security to the offender, v. 26, 27. So there is virtue even in the hem of Christ’s garment for the healing and saving of poor sinners. If we cannot reach to a full assurance, we may comfort ourselves in a good hope through grace[5].
Fifth, if we do not flee to the refuge which God has given to us at such a great price, there is no help for us. Hebrews relates this negative emphasis to the Old Testament: “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses; of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:28, 29). There isn’t one of us who does not stand in that situation. We have heard the gospel, and if in the Old Testament ignoring God’s law brought death, what about us if we despise the work of Christ and the grace which He showers upon us? Nor can lost sinners today afford to delay in fleeing to the only refuge, Jesus Christ.[6]
So Christ is easy to reach, His arms are open to all, His entrance is never locked, He is a completely sufficient refuge, and He is the only hope. How wonderful. But there is so much more as we examine the differences between the cities of refuge and Christ our refuge. Christ is portrayed by the cities of refuge but He is so much better!
Christ is Better Than Any Cities of Refuge
Christ is better because He is nearer than any city of refuge. A runner could fall and not be able to get to a fugitive in time to shelter him within the walls of safety, but a man who looks to Christ can never fail. The Bible makes a specific promise: “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). In fact, Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20). He Himself seeks us.[7]
Christ is better because He offers only Permanent Refuge. Hebrews also speaks of Christ as “the forerunner [who] is for us entered” (Heb. 6:20). That means that He has entered into God’s presence and that we can enter, too. When do we enter this refuge? I would suggest we enter at three different times.

First, we enter in once for all at the moment we cast ourselves upon Christ and accept Him as our Savior. We are declared justified by God the judge on the basis of Christ’s finished work. In Romans 5:11 Paul uses the aorist tense, indicating our justification is a past thing, completed forever. If we are saved, we are saved. Romans 5:11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Remember what we saw two weeks ago—justification means that God has no record that we even sinned. Our sins are paid for, put on Christ’s account and gone forever!
Second, we enter into this refuge as Christians in every daily moment when we claim the blood of Christ to cover a specific sin. 1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Third, at that great moment when we die or when the Lord returns, we will enter in perfectly and completely. Hebrews 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Christ is better because He died only for the guilty. The biggest difference is that the cities protected only the innocent. They were only for the man who killed by mistake. Christ died for the guilty, for the deliberate sinner. Who is that deliberate sinner? Every one of us can say, “It is I!” How is it possible that the holy God would accept those that are guilty? It is not by giving up His holiness. He does not devalue that, or we would have no moral absolute in the universe. Rather, the reason Christ is able to be our Redeemer is that He is a high priest and the sacrifice He gave was His own death.
A man stayed in a city of refuge until the death of the high priest, and then left. Christ is our high priest. He has died once for all, and He lives forever. So though we are legally guilty before the God who is there, when we cast ourselves upon Him we are free forever. This does not suggest that we may “leave Christ” and lose our salvation, for we do not build doctrines on types; rather we interpret types on the basis of doctrines. The true Christian can never perish, but by failing to “abide in Christ” he or she opens the door to spiritual and physical dangers. Our High Priest will never die, and because He lives, we live also.
Hebrews 7:23-27 says this strongly: And they, truly, were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death; but this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore, he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s; for this he did once, when he offered up himself (Heb. 7:23-27)
We are not like a man who runs to a city of refuge and is acquitted after a trial because he is innocent. We are guilty. If you are still a non-Christian, run to Christ, for God’s own promises say, “Refuge! Refuge!”
If you are a Christian, take Christ as your sufficient refuge; bring your specific sins under the work of Christ and in all the vicissitudes of life, moment and moment by moment, through the whole of your life.
There is one point of contrast between the cities and Christ: when the slayer came to the city, he was admitted but he was also tried. With us, there is no trial, for we are already condemned! The elders of the city only protected someone who was innocent of murder, but Christ receives guilty

sinners. What grace! John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
“What a picture this is for us today! This reveals that Christ is our refuge. Listen to what this means— I have already been carried into court, and at the trial I was found guilty. I was a sinner. The penalty which was leveled against me was death—and it has already been executed. Christ bore the penalty for me, you see. Because He died in my place, I am free. I have been delivered from the penalty of sin; never do I have to answer for it again. I am free now to go out and serve Him. I now have a High Priest, a resurrected Savior, to whom I can go.
What a wonderful picture of my Savior this gives! The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Cor. 10:11). “Ensamples” are types. Millions of things could have been recorded, but God chose to record only these things because they enable us to grow in our understanding of Him and our relationship to Him[8].”
Now, can I show you something of the depths and heights of Christ’s richness toward us? Look again with me at that ancient list of city names in Joshua 20.
Do you remember from the Old Testament that often Hebrew names are also words that have a distinct meaning? And do you remember that God often points out that a name also means something in addition to being a name—to make a point?
Take for instance David’s encounter with Abigail’s husband Nabal. His name means in Hebrew ‘fool’, and God shows that is just what he was. God points out Jacob’s name means deceiver as he was, and so on many times through the Old Testament this dual usage of a word is seen.
Now can I read Joshua 20 again and give you the meaning of each city that God names? Here we go: “And they [assigned] Kedesh in Galilee in Mount Naphtali, and Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. And on the other side [of the] Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. These were the cities assigned for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger who sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person without intent might flee the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.” (Joshua 20:7-9)
KEDESH is not only a city name it also means a “holy place” or “righteousness”. SHECHEM is not only a city name it also means “shoulder”.
HEBRON is not only a city name it also means “fellowship”.
BEZER is not only a city name it also means a “stronghold” or “fortress” RAMOTH is not only a city name it also means “exalted” or “heights”
GOLAN is not only a city name it also means “separated.”
Now listen to how each of those city names portray Christ’s refuge offered for us to lay hold of every day, every hour, and every moment of our lives.
Christ is also Portrayed as Our Lifelong Refuge
In looking over the meaning of the names of these cities of refuge, we are struck with the distinctive characteristic of each. They are individually showing forth some particular feature of

the character of Christ; and when taken as a whole, they illustrate the sufficiency of Christ as a Refuge to meet all of our need, and the need of all. To see the adequacy of Jesus Christ to meet our every need, consider the names of the cities. These six cities of refuge all point to Him, and enable us to sing with a restful, joyful heart, “God is our refuge and our strength.”[9]
KEDESH means a “holy place” or “righteousness,” and this is our first need. When we come to Christ, He gives us His righteousness and forgives all our sins (2 Cor 5:21, Col. 2:13). Here was the refuge for the unclean. The holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only hope of the sinful. Only that which is clean can cleanse. The unrighteous can only find refuge in the righteousness of God. The finished work on the accursed tree affords a holy hiding-place, for only there are the unclean made holy. To that blest fountain of Thy blood, Incarnate God, I fly. There let me wash my spotted soul, From crimes of deepest dye. In wonder lost, with trembling joy We take the pardon of our God; Pardon for crimes of deepest dye, A pardon bought with Jesus’ blood: Who is a pardoning God like thee? Or who has grace so rich and free?
SHECHEM means “shoulder,” and suggests that we find in Christ a resting place, a friend on whom we can lay our burdens. “Can I hold out?” is always the question a new believer asks. The answer is, “He will hold you!” Here was the refuge for the weary. (Matt. 11:28; Luke 15:5) The Lord Jesus is the strong Savior. Most believers have found that they can find no rest in ruling themselves. But when faith comes, we lean not only on His merit, but also on His almightiness. A tired child finds refuge on the shoulder of its loving father. And the Lord Jesus has borne our burden upon His shoulder, even as the lost sheep found both safety and rest upon the shepherd’s shoulders.
HEBRON means “fellowship,” suggesting our fellowship with God in Christ, and also our fellowship with other believers. So the Lord Jesus is the refuge for the homeless. Like Noah’s dove, man is spiritually a homeless wanderer. There was no rest, no safety, and no fellowship outside of that ark. The repentant homeless prodigal found a refuge in his father’s house and in his father’s fellowship. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only real Hebron for the soul. There is no fellowship with the Father except through Him, …truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:3)
BEZER means “stronghold” or “fortress,” suggesting the protection and victory we have in Christ. The safest place in the world is in the will of God. Jesus Christ is the refuge for the helpless. We are not only sinners, but we are also helplessly sinful. In the case of the one guilty of second-degree murder, there was to be no such thing as self-protection. And so it is with us sinners. We are “without strength.” “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Prov. 18: 10) When we flee from the justice of God into the mercy of God, we will find a stronghold that can never give way. No matter how helpless, here you are eternally safe. The Lord Jesus is the only Bezer. Other hiding-places win fail and fall like the walls of Jericho.
RAMOTH means “exalted” or “heights” and reminds us that believers are seated “together in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 2:4–10). Sin always leads a person down, but Christ lifts us up; and one day we shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air! And so our Lord is the refuge for the hopeless. By nature we are not only without strength, but also without hope in the world.(Eph. 2:12) Those who hope in this world system of politics and religion have no hope. The Lord Jesus is our hope, exalted at the Father’s right hand, with a name which is above every name, high and lifted up. He is our Ramoth. When you are downcast, and feeling yourself hopeless in this world, look up. During Noah’s flood, there was no mountain that could

save. Only those who were lifted up by the ark were saved. Jesus Christ is the Ark of our hope and eternal security.
GOLAN means “separated.” God has appointed His Son to be the refuge for those who are tempted. We are usually tempted much by the world when we tamper much with the world. We have not fled to the Lord Jesus as our city of separation. He separated Himself for our sakes-for He was separate from sinners-that He might succor those who are tempted. Golan is the last of the six cities which are mentioned. Most of us would have to confess that separation from worldly ambition, worldly pleasures, and worldly fame is just about the last refuge which we seek. “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.” (Hebrews 13:13)
Is Christ your city of Refuge? Is He easy to reach to you? Are His arms open to you? Do you see His entrance as never locked, and that He is a completely sufficient refuge? Do you see that there is no other hope but Him? Then He is YOUR city of refuge.
Do you see–Christ is better because He is nearer than any city of refuge. Christ is better because He offers only Permanent Refuge. And, Christ is better because He died only for the guilty.
Have you fled for life long refuge to the One who is the refuge for the unclean, the refuge for the weary; the refuge for the homeless; the refuge for the helpless, the refuge for the hopeless, and the refuge for those who are tempted.
Finding Refuge through JESUS CHRIST!
 
 
God Bless
Pastor Russ Duley
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Extraordinary faith

 
 
 
Let’s start with the book of Hebrews, the 11th chapter and read the chapter of faith, what does
faith mean?
What Is Faith?
11 Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if
we do not see it. 2 Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in the past.
3 It is by faith we understand that the whole world was made by God’s command so what we see
was made by something that cannot be seen.
4 It was by faith that Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. God said he was pleased
with the gifts Abel offered and called Abel a good man because of his faith. Abel died, but
through his faith he is still speaking.
5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken to heaven so he would not die. He could not be found,
because God had taken him away. Before he was taken, the Scripture says that he was a man
who truly pleased God. 6 Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must
believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.
7 It was by faith that Noah heard God’s warnings about things he could not yet see. He obeyed
God and built a large boat to save his family. By his faith, Noah showed that the world was
wrong, and he became one of those who are made right with God through faith.
8 It was by faith Abraham obeyed God’s call to go to another place God promised to give him.
He left his own country, not knowing where he was to go. 9 It was by faith that he lived like a
foreigner in the country God promised to give him. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who
had received that same promise from God. 10 Abraham was waiting for the city[a] that has real
foundations—the city planned and built by God.
11 He was too old to have children, and Sarah could not have children. It was by faith that
Abraham was made able to become a father, because he trusted God to do what he had
promised.[b] 12 This man was so old he was almost dead, but from him came as many
descendants as there are stars in the sky. Like the sand on the seashore, they could not be
counted.
13 All these great people died in faith. They did not get the things that God promised his people,
but they saw them coming far in the future and were glad. They said they were like visitors and
strangers on earth. 14 When people say such things, they show they are looking for a country
that will be their own. 15 If they had been thinking about the country they had left, they could
have gone back. 16 But they were waiting for a better country—a heavenly country. So God is
not ashamed to be called their God, because he has prepared a city for them.
17 It was by faith that Abraham, when God tested him, offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. God
made the promises to Abraham, but Abraham was ready to offer his own son as a sacrifice. 18
God had said, “The descendants I promised you will be from Isaac.”[c] 19 Abraham believed that
God could raise the dead, and really, it was as if Abraham got Isaac back from death.
20 It was by faith that Isaac blessed the future of Jacob and Esau. 21 It was by faith that Jacob,
as he was dying, blessed each one of Joseph’s sons. Then he worshiped as he leaned on the top
of his walking stick.
 
22 It was by faith that Joseph, while he was dying, spoke about the Israelites leaving Egypt and
gave instructions about what to do with his body.
23 It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born. They saw that
Moses was a beautiful baby, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s order.
24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of the king of
Egypt’s daughter. 25 He chose to suffer with God’s people instead of enjoying sin for a short
time. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the Christ than to have all the treasures of Egypt,
because he was looking for God’s reward. 27 It was by faith that Moses left Egypt and was not
afraid of the king’s anger. Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can
see. 28 It was by faith that Moses prepared the Passover and spread the blood on the doors so
the one who brings death would not kill the firstborn sons of Israel.
29 It was by faith that the people crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land. But when the
Egyptians tried it, they were drowned.
30 It was by faith that the walls of Jericho fell after the people had marched around them for
seven days.
31 It was by faith that Rahab, the prostitute, welcomed the spies and was not killed with those
who refused to obey God.
32 Do I need to give more examples? I do not have time to tell you about Gideon, Barak,
Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33 Through their faith they defeated
kingdoms. They did what was right, received God’s promises, and shut the mouths of lions. 34
They stopped great fires and were saved from being killed with swords. They were weak, and yet
were made strong. They were powerful in battle and defeated other armies. 35 Women received
their dead relatives raised back to life. Others were tortured and refused to accept their freedom
so they could be raised from the dead to a better life. 36 Some were laughed at and beaten.
Others were put in chains and thrown into prison. 37 They were stoned to death, they were cut in
half,[d] and they were killed with swords. Some wore the skins of sheep and goats. They were
poor, abused, and treated badly. 38 The world was not good enough for them! They wandered in
deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the earth.
39 All these people are known for their faith, but none of them received what God had promised.
40 God planned to give us something better so that they would be made perfect, but only
together with us.
I like the Amplified Bible definition of faith
1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being
the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact
what is not revealed to the senses
Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
see.” Perhaps no other component of the Christian life is more important than faith. We cannot
purchase it, sell it or give it to our friends. So what is faith and what role does faith play in the
Christian life? The dictionary defines faith as “belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or
something, especially without logical proof.” It also defines faith as “belief in and devotion to
God.” The Bible has much more to say about faith and how important it is. In fact, it is so
important that, without faith, we have no place with God, and it is impossible to please Him
(Hebrews 11:6). According to the Bible, faith is belief in the one, true God without actually seeing
Him.
Where does faith come from? Faith is not something we conjure up on our own, nor is it
something we are born with, nor is faith a result of diligence in study or pursuit of the spiritual.
Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that faith is a gift from God, not because we deserve it, have
earned it, or are worthy to have it. It is not from ourselves; it is from God. It is not obtained by our
power or our free will. Faith is simply given to us by God, along with His grace and mercy,
according to His holy plan and purpose, and because of that, He gets all the glory.
Why have faith? God designed a way to distinguish between those who belong to Him and those
who don’t, and it is called faith. Very simply, we need faith to please God. God tells us that it
pleases Him that we believe in Him even though we cannot see Him. A key part of Hebrews 11:6
tells us that “he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” This is not to say that we have faith in
God just to get something from Him. However, God loves to bless those who are obedient and
faithful. We see a perfect example of this in Luke 7:50. Jesus is engaged in dialog with a sinful
woman when He gives us a glimpse of why faith is so rewarding. “Your faith has saved you; go in
peace.” The woman believed in Jesus Christ by faith, and He rewarded her for it. Finally, faith is
what sustains us to the end, knowing that by faith we will be in heaven with God for all eternity.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you
believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal
of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).
Examples of faith. Hebrews chapter 11 is known as the “faith chapter” because in it great deeds
of faith are described. By faith Abel offered a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord (v. 4); by faith Noah
prepared the ark in a time when rain was unknown (v. 7); by faith Abraham left his home and
obeyed God’s command to go he knew not where, then willingly offered up his only son (vv. 8-10,
17); by faith Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt (vv. 23-29); by faith Rahab received the
spies of Israel and saved her life (v. 31). Many more heroes of the faith are mentioned “who
through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who
shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword;
whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign
armies” (vv. 33-34). Clearly, the existence of faith is demonstrated by action.
According to the Bible, faith is essential to Christianity. Without demonstrating faith and trust in
God, we have no place with Him. We believe in God’s existence by faith. Most people have a
vague, disjointed notion of who God is but lack the reverence necessary for His exalted position
in their lives. These people lack the true faith needed to have an eternal relationship with the God
who loves them. Our faith can falter at times, but because it is the gift of God, given to His
children, He provides times of trial and testing in order to prove that our faith is real and to
sharpen and strengthen it. This is why James tells us to consider it “pure joy” when we fall into
trials, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance and matures us, providing the
evidence that our faith is real (James 1:2-4).
 
Faith works in Tangible ways, that can be measured
11 Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when
she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise
to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word. [Gen. 17:19; Gen. 18:11-14; Gen. 21:2]
Sarah herself receive physical power to conceive a child when she has long passed age how can
you explain a woman of this age, being renewed in such a way that her physical body was
changed literally.
Faith works in us, through us, around us, in our lives, our businesses, our relationships and our
personal limitations. Look at the disciples of Jesus ordinary men, Who became extraordinary for
God.
Remember as a believer God shares his life with us.
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me
from the law of sin and of death.
The law of Spirit of life What is this law of life? It is resurrection power, Of Jesus Christ living in
us. Dunamis Power, to heal to save, power, to deliver, Cancel your past, deliver you from this
present evil age and bring you into a new future, that’s what the Bible says is salvation.
Paul knew that Christ power was working in him.
Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life
which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for
me.
Romans 8:11
11 And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who
raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable)
bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.
Let’s take a look at this word salvation such an amazing word, it has many meanings Eternal life
, redemption deliverance, salvage, restoration, preservation, reinstatement, replace,
rehabilitation, reestablish, reconstruction, reproduction, renovation, renewal, revival,

refreshments, resuscitation , reanimation, re-verification, re-organization,Use, resurrection,  

resurgence, rebirth, regeneration, recovery, convalescence, recuperation, sure, repair, reparation,
readdress, revival, relief, healing, restitution, return, redemption, reinvestment, I told use,
resurrection, researchers, rebirth, regeneration, recovery, convalescence, recuperation, sure,
repair, reparation, readdress, revival, relief, healing, restitution, return, redemption, reinvestment,
atonement.
Glory to God all these things or yours in salvation they belong to you but you have to understand
something about faith It has to have a place in your heart.
Let’s take a look at why sometimes faith doesn’t work, dead faith or living faith. Paul says test
your faith to see if it’s working in you.
2 Corinthians 13:5
5 Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. Don’t you realize
that Christ Jesus is in you? Of course, if you fail the test, he is not in you. 6 But I hope you will
see that we have not failed the test. 7 We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Our
concern here is not for people to see that we have passed the test in our work with you. Our
main concern is that you do what is right, even if it looks as if we have failed the test. 8 We
cannot do anything that is against the truth but only what promotes the truth. 9 We are happy to
be weak if you are strong. And this is what we pray—that your lives will be made completely right
again.
Hebrews 4:2,3
2 For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they
[the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but
the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with the
leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom,
and goodness) by those who heard it; neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and
Caleb] who heard (did believe)
3 For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest, in
accordance with His declaration that those [who did not believe] should not enter when He said,
As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest; and this He said although [His] works had
been completed and prepared [and waiting for all who would believe] from the foundation of the
world. [Ps. 95:11]
Let’s take a look at this word rest

Hebrews 4:1  

1 And we still have the promise that God gave those people. That promise is that we can enter
his place of rest. So we should be very careful that none of you fails to get that promise. 2 Yes,
the good news about it was told to us just as it was to them. But the message they heard did not
help them. They heard it but did not accept it with faith. 3 Only we who believe it are able to enter
God’s place of rest. As God said,
“I was angry and made a promise:
‘They will never enter my place of rest.
κατάπαυσις
* katapausis * kat-ap’-ow-sis reposing down, that is, (by Hebraism) abode: – rest.
Abode or Abiding
John 15:7
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what[+] ye will, and it shall be done
unto you.
7 If ye abide
μένω
* men
ō
* men’-o * A primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): –
abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry thine own.
in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
According to this thought, the word has to abide in you live you, in your mind and spirit by faith
which is active, alive, expecting faith, Believing faith, receiving faith, enduring faith, confessing
faith, declaring faith , just like David, and Abraham, receiving faith.
According to John this kind of faith is not a thing or an object ,But a person the beloved son of
God.
1 John 1
1 From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in–we heard it with our own ears, saw it with
our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. 2 The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes;
we saw it happen! And now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was,
incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.
3 We saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this
experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 Our motive for writing is
simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!
5 This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light,
pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.
6 If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the
dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth–we’re not living what we claim. 7 But if we walk in
the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the
sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.

The word became real active, alive ,powerful, personal, intimate.  

The power of God’s faith, is released to do creative miracles, when you abide in the word, and
the word abides in you.
transformations occurs in us, so we can experience an extraordinary life.
The days of ordinary would be over, no longer would they live the same way, from now on. their
lives would be shaped by, Jesus Christ. And not only those early disciples, but all who would
welcome him into their hearts and make him Lord. Seeing and experiencing the mighty power of
God working in real people with broken lives, how exciting. Just like Peter an ordinary Man that
could be changed into extraordinary man walking on the water, raising the dead, so that his
shadow could heal, people from sickness and disease. The sick and the cripple at the gate
beautiful stood up and was set free , praising God. Let’s stand up and become extraordinary
Men and woman of God that could be changed into extraordinary. Walking on the water raising
the dead, his very shadow, touching people and healing them from sickness and diseases as well
from infirmities like the cripple at the gate beautiful who stood up and was set free. Begin
praising God for what was done.You to can stand up, and live extraordinary for God. It begins
the moment that, you mix faith with a personal relationship with Jesus.


What Can Jesus do for Your Home

 
 
 
 
 
2-Tim 1:5.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your Grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now I am sure dwells in you.
Timothy’s home in Lystra shed forth the glow of living faith, the faith that admitted Jesus. What He did in and for that home, He has done for countless others homes, and He will do it for your home and any home that gives him a welcome to dwell with him.
 
Lets see what he did for homes when he was here on Earth.
1-He solved problems in the home, as in Cana of Galilee when the refreshments were used up – see  John 2:1-11. He was sufficent and is sufficient for all problems.
2- He healed Mothers, including Peter’s mother in law- Matt 8:14-17.
3- He redeemed Fathers from covetousness -Matt 9:9 ) and Zaccheus
4- He gave sight to the blind sons, John 9.
5- He raised children form the death, Mark 5:35-42-Luke 7:11-15.
6- He cast out demons from Sons and Daughters Luke 9:37-43
7 What Jesus did for others while here on Earth He still does for those who seek him. It’s not a question of his ability to do so. Its a question of our accessibility. Is your home open to him? What can He Do? He can give eternal life unto Salvation. He will give Union with himself. Think of the branch and the Vine. John 15.
 
Transformation begins through the word of God, seeing a promise claiming it by faith. Also young people who live in your home are products of your home, where Jesus lives. Your home will be saving a saving home, a transforming home, where the Lord will be made known to the community and beyond. Remember Christ invitation and promise. Behold I stand at the door and Knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me. Rev 3:20>
 
 


Don’t Listen To The Enemy

                      
Dear Church Family and friends,
I am convinced that the enemy both whispers directly into the ears of people and uses people ( who willingly team up with him in their unbelief, to bring complaining , discouragement and depression into the lives of Gods people. The children of Israel were discouraged and tired of being in the wilderness for 40 years. They weren’t getting what they wanted. They were tired of the trials, tired of the problems and tired of the food! They were so close to t he promise! Don’t let anyone’s old attitudes of unbelief limit God and keep you back. What we don’t realize is that many of them were from that generation who spoke doubt, discouragement and fear, 40 years earlier. They were still among them!  Don’t let old habits and hang ups keep you back from what God has for you. Read the story in Numbers 21:4-9….4-5. They set out from Mount Hor along the Red Sea Road, a detour around the land of Edom. The people became irritable and cross as they traveled. they spoke out against God and Moses: Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this God forsaken country? No decent food, no water – we can’t stomach this stuff any longer. 6-7 so God sent poisonous snakes among the people, they bit them and many in Israel died. The people came to Moses and said, We sinned when we spoke out against God and you. Pray to God. ask him to take these snakes form us!  Moses prayed for the people- 8 God said to Moses, Make a snake and put it on the flagpole: whoever is bitten and looks at it will live. 9 So Moses made a snake of fiery copper and put it on top of a flagpole. Anyone bitten by a snake who then looked at the copper snake lived. Numbers 21:4-9. 
 
If  you are going to survive the trails you have to learn to walk by faith. Look at Gods grace, mercy,faithfulness and provision. The test for them and for us is trusting the faithfulness of God in times of adversity. Practice,
worshiping God
Claiming his promises
Claiming his healing
Walking in the victory Jesus procured for you and pray, pray always. Don’t die in the wilderness! Tap into the resource of God. There is victory through Faith.  Be quick to repent from complaining and blaming others for the lack of your spiritual success. Praise God when you feel discouraged and tired. Bitterness and un-forgiveness are areas of our life that the enemy can use to enter in. Close those doors. Look to Jesus who hung on the cross for your victory over the Devil. Learn to praise God continually , speak faith, speak healing, speak victory and speak out the promises of God and Victory will be yours.
 
God bless.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Part 2 The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

 
 

LESSON 2: THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Part 2

 

Key Verse: Ephesians 5:18

Key Truth: We need to understand and know the Person of the Holy Spirit — His Nature, His Character, His personality, how He operates, and how we can co-operate with Him.

 

  1. Knowing the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a Comforter, Who feels. He is a Teacher to listen to.

He is a Faithful Guide to follow.

God has nor left any of Nis children helpless, but has provided a Guide who knows the way ahead and the right path for us to take.

John 14:26 Luke 12:12

Romans 8:14; John 16:13

The Holy Spirit possesses a soul a c., mind, will and emotions) I Corinthians 12:11; Romans 8:27; Ephesians 4:30

The Holy Spirit speaks to local churches Revelation 2:29; Revelation 3:13

The Holy Spirit makes us bold. Acts 1:8; Acts 4:7-13; Acts 4:31

The Holy Spirit counsels, communes, and fellowships with God’s people. 2 Corinthians 13:14

The Holy Spirit is the giver of spiritual gifts to the Church I Corinthians 12:7-11

The Holy Spirit is the General Overseer of the Church Acts 20:28

The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s Comforter, Companion and Helper.  John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15

The Holy Spirit is the power of the Godhead in the earth. Acts 10:38

The Holy Spirit is the great Teacher of the Church John 14:26; I John 2:27

The Holy Spirit is the author, inspirer, and producer of the Bible. Godly

men anointed and directed by the Holy Spirit wrote the scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21

The Holy Spirit confirms the Gospel of Christ with miraculous signs following. Mark 16:20

The Holy Spirit is Omnipotent. (All Powerful) Luke 1:35

The Holy Spirit is Omniscient. (All Knowing) I Corinthians 2:10-13

The Holy Spirit is Omnipresent_ (present everywhere at the same time). Psalm 1/39:7-10

The Holy Spirit is the great protector of God’s people, and He lifts up a

standard against the devil and demonic attacks aimed at us. Isaiah 59:19

The Holy Spirit convicts men and women of sin, enabling them to see that they nerd a SAVIOR. It is the convicting power of the Spirit that touches and turns the hearts of people towards Jesus. John 16:8-9 The Holy Spirit attracts people to Jesus and illuminates the reality of the

Gospel to their hearts. John 15:26; Acts 26:18

The Holy Spirit produces spiritual growth in our lives, Galatians 5:22-25

The Holy Spirit will help you to know God, (0 know Jesus, to know the Word of

God, and to know the things of God. You cannot understand the Word of God apart

from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 2:9-14

The Holy Spirit is here to aid the work of God and propagate the Gospel of Christ

in the earth. Acts 4:33; 11:21; 14:3

The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force or an impersonal influence. He is called the Paraklete (Parakletos), which is translated Counselor, Comforter, Helper

and Instructor.John 14:16

The Holy Spirit is the personal friend of God’s people. Acts 15:28

The Holy Spirit draws no attention to Himself. His special ministry is to exalt and glorify Jesus. He forever points us toward Jesus, John 15:26; 16:14_15.
  1. The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s Helper

–      The Holy Spirit will help you KNOW . He will manifest revelation knowledge to you.  1 cor 2:9-13

        The Holy spirit will help you to ASK He will supernaturally assist your prayer life.

         The Holy Spirit will empower and help you TO DO he will help you Demonstrate the works of Jesus.  John14:12

 

  1. The Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus.-  

Jesus was born by the Spirit.                                                                                                                      

He was filled with the fullness of the Spirit.                                                                                                 

He was led by the Spirit.                                                                                                                           

He was empowered by the Spirit.                                                                                                               

He was anointed by the Spirit.                                                                                                   

He preached and taught God’s Word by the Spirit,                                                                                      

He healed the sick by the Spirit.                                                                                                                    

He cast out demons by the power of the Spirit.                                                                                         

He went to the Cross and was offered up on Calvary through the Spirit.                                                     

He was resurrected by the Spirit.                                                                                                                 

He gave commandments to His disciples by the Spirit.                                                                                 

He baptized and endued the Church with power by the Spirit.                                                                      

He continues His ministry and mission on earth today by the Spirit.                                                            J

He governs and directs the affairs of the Church by the Spirit.                                                                      

 

  1. The work of the Holy Spirit in the Church.

The Holy Spirit gave birth to the Church on the day of Pentecost and began building

the Church that Jesus said He would build.                                                         

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and through the Holy Spirit He

directs, governs, and guides the affairs of His Church.                                                                               

The Holy Spirit calls, equips, and energizes the various ministries in the Church and every member of the

body of Christ, according to their particular place and function.                                       
The Holy Spirit brings anointing and power, and He imparts spiritual gifts to the members of the Church.

 

  1. The New Testament COMMANDS us to…

WALK in the Spirit.

BE FILLED with the Spirit. LIVE in the Spirit.

BE LED and guided by the Spirit PRAY in the Spirit

Minister under the ANOINTING of the Spirit Operate in the GIFTS of the Spirit.

WORSHIP in the Spirit.

Manifest the FRUIT of the Spirit.

Experience the COMMUNION of the Spirit. SING in the Spirit.

Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:4-11
If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit, HOW MUCH MORE do we need the Holy Spirit in our lives today?
We need to allow Him to take charge of our lives, and we need to become acquainted with him.
We need to study and meditate on the relevance and importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives

 

  1. The COMMUNION of the Holy Spirit.

What does this mean? Seven meanings of this word “COMMUNION”:

It means PRESENCE – we are to experience and carry the presence of God upon us. It means FELLOWSHIP – this means spending time together.

It means SHARING TOGETHER – talking things over. It means PARTNERSHIP

participation with the Holy Spirit. He works with you. He is your partner.                         Mark 16:20

It means INTIMACY – getting close. to God.                                                                       James 4:8

It means FRIENDSHIP – He is your loyal friend, sticking closer than a brother.                                                                                                                                          Proverbs 18:24;

John 15:13,                                                                                                                                           15

It means COMRADESHIP – (governor, commander, captain, ruler) in the sense that he rules, directs and governs your life.

He instruct you, he guides you, he counsels you and he gives you wisdom in all the affairs of Life.
  1. The Sevenfold Ministry of the Holy Spirit to the Believer.

The Holy Spirit EQUIPS us with power and boldness to be dynamic soul winners.              Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit EDIFIES our inward man with spiritual strength as we pray in tongues. Jude 20

The Holy Spirit ENLIGHTENS our spirit with wisdom, guidance, and revelation knowledge. Romans 8: lz
                                                                                                                                                                                                 IJohn 2:27

The Holy Spirit ENERGIZES our physical bodies with resurrection Life to keep us in

Divine health.                                                                                                                                             Romans 8:11

The Holy Spirit ENABLES us to pray supernatural prayers according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

 

The Holy Spirit EMPOWERS us with Divine ability to flow in spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit ENDORSES the teaching and preaching of God’s Word with miraculous signs following.



The Person And Work of the Holy Spirit – Part 1

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:16
Key Truth: Every Christian needs to know, Understand, appreciate, the person and work of the Holy Spirit in his life.
 
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract influence or just a powerful force. He is a divine Person and we need to reverence, respect, honor, and treat him as one.
 
The Holy Spirit is a Real Person.
He is not a white cloud.
He is not a mystical force.
He is not tongues.
He is not a white dove flying in the sky.
He is the Third Person of the GodHead.
Th bible opens and closes with the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:2, Revelations 22:17
 
The Personality Of the Holy Spirit:
John 14:16  When Jesus said “He will send another comforter”, Making reference to the person of the Holy spirit, that meant that Jesus Himself was a comforter,  helper,  paraklete. Jesus was saying, I will send someone to you, another comforter, someone just like ME!
 
1. The Holy Spirit was given the special responsibility of:
Taking the place of Jesus on Earth.
Revealing and showing Jesus to the World
Demonstrating and dong the works that Jesus did, (A continuation of His Ministry). Remember the Holy spirit could not have taken the place of the person of Jesus and relate personally to the disciples unless he was a living Person.
 
2. The Holy spirit had the qualities of a Person:
He has a mind – Romans 8:27
He has a will – 1 Cor 12:11
He has a emotions – Romans 15:30
He speaks-  Acts 13:2
He bears witness and testifies – John 15:26, Romans 8:16
He Instructs – Nehemiah 9:20
 
3. The Holy Spirit has feelings of a person:
He can be grieved – Ephesians 4:30
He can be insulted  -Hebrews 10:29
He can be lied to – Acts 5:3
He can be blasphemed – Matt 12:31<32
He Can be resisted  – Acts 7:51
He can be Vexed Isaiah 63:10
He can be quenched 1 Thessalonians 5:19
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The Sacrifice of Praise

 
 
Giving to God a sacrifice of praise in our daily lives, learning from Israel how the positive and
negative attitudes of our life affect our praise and worship to God.
The inability to enter into God’s presence and worship, him indicates there is a basic problem
between us and God.
As believers, we need to seek him for the answer and begin to deal with it. because if we don’t it
will hinder us from moving ahead and getting our prayers answered and even healed or blessed.
Some of the things that hinder our praise you sin.
If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not here me.
Psalms 66:18
But your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden his face from
you, so that he will not hear
Isaiah 59:2
Psalm 50:7-23
7 “Are you listening, dear people? I’m getting ready to speak; Israel, I’m about ready to bring you
to trial. This is God, your God, speaking to you. 8 I don’t find fault with your acts of worship, the
frequent burnt sacrifices you offer. 9 But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull, or more and
more goats from your herds? 10 Every creature in the forest is mine, the wild animals on all the
mountains. 11 I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends. 12
If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine. 13 Do you think I
feast on venison? or drink draughts of goats’ blood? 14 Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve
High God a feast of kept promises, 15 And call for help when you’re in trouble– I’ll help you, and
you’ll honor me.”
16 Next, God calls up the wicked: “What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good
friends? 17 You never answer the door when I call; you treat my words like garbage. 18 If you
find a thief, you make him your buddy; adulterers are your friends of choice. 19 Your mouth
drools filth; lying is a serious art form with you. 20 You stab your own brother in the back, rip off
your little sister. 21 I kept a quiet patience while you did these things; you thought I went along
with your game. I’m calling you on the carpet, now, laying your wickedness out in plain sight.
22 “Time’s up for playing fast and loose with me. I’m ready to pass sentence, and there’s no help
in sight! 23 It’s the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show
you my salvation.” A David psalm, after he was confronted by Nathan about the affair with
Bathsheba.
Isaiah 43:16- 23
16 This is what GOD says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path
through pounding waves, 17 The God who summons horses and chariots and armies– they lie
down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles: 18 “Forget about what’s
happened; don’t keep going over old history. 19 Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something
brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands. 20 Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ –the coyotes and the buzzards–
Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the
people I chose, 21 the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.
22 “But you didn’t pay a bit of attention to me, Jacob. You so quickly tired of me, Israel. 23 You
wouldn’t even bring sheep for offerings in worship. You couldn’t be bothered with sacrifices. It
wasn’t that I asked that much from you. I didn’t expect expensive presents. 24 But you didn’t
even do the minimum– so stingy with me, so closefisted. Yet you haven’t been stingy with your
sins. You’ve been plenty generous with them–and I’m fed up.
25 “But I, yes I, am the one who takes care of your sins–that’s what I do. I don’t keep a list of
your sins.
Condemnation
The devil is an accuser of the brethren compensation is a tool of the devil, to vex your spirit,to
make you feel less than whole to cause you to doubt God’s goodness.
We feel a sense of worthlessness and hang our heads in the Presence of God.
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all I
unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us of all our unrighteousness.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk
according To the flesh but not according to the spirit.
Worldliness
Is having our minds and thoughts shattered on the world and pleasing man rather than pleasing
God.
1 peter 5:7
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what ever 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 any praiseworthy meditate on these things.
Indifference or Luke warm
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have this against you that you have lost your first love.
Set your heart to return to God in repentance ,and obedience to his word, and begin to praise
him.
Rebellion
Rebellion towards God, parents or people in authority.
1 Samuel 15:22
22 Then Samuel said, Do you think all GOD wants are sacrifices– empty rituals just for show? He
wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. 23
Not doing what GOD tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting selfimportant
around GOD is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you
said No to GOD’s command, he says No to your kingship.
24 Saul gave in and confessed, “I’ve sinned. I’ve trampled roughshod over GOD’s Word and your
instructions. I cared more about pleasing the people. I let them tell me what to do. 25 Oh,
absolve me of my sin! Take my hand and lead me to the altar so I can worship GOD!”
26 But Samuel refused: “No, I can’t come alongside you in this. You rejected GOD’s command.
Now GOD has rejected you as king over Israel.”
Submitting to authority and reporting from rebellion
Hebrew 13:17
17 Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition
of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their
leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?
Discouragement
Many times we let our troubles get the best of us instead of worshiping God we are burdened.
We give into those feelings and negative emotions and her attitude feels hopeless.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair,
persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8
Search your heart after God, begin to praise him, commit your way to the Lord, cast your burden
on the Lord and he will sustain you.
Isaiah 51:11
11 In the same way GOD’s ransomed will come back, come back to Zion cheering, shouting, Joy
eternal wreathing their heads, exuberant ecstasies transporting them– and not a sign of moans
or groans.
Anger
It is impossible to come to God with his anger in your hearts because God‘s great forgiveness we
must forgive all those who offend us because he for gave us.
James 1 :19
19 Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue,
and let anger straggle along in the rear. 20 God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger.
21 So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our
gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
Ephesians 4:26-31
26 Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry–but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge.
And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. 27 Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your
life.
28 Did you used to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you
can help others who can’t work.
29 Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what
helps, each word a gift.
30 Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the
most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
31 Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. 32 Be gentle with one another,
sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
Worry
Worry is expression of doubt and fear it’s also unbelief it is the opposite of faith and it’s
impossible to enter into praise and worship when your mind is filled with worry.
John 14:27
27 I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way
you’re used to being left–feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
Focus on Jesus and all his promises his goodness and his mercy and his love
Philippians 4:6,7
6 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into
prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7 Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness,
everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what
happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
 
 


Three Ways To Think Right

Phil 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We all want to experience joy and peace in difficult times—to have a sense of security and the confidence that the heavenly Father loves us. Yet we are oftentimes held back by worries and other pressures.

There are three ways we can govern our thoughts:

1. Screen them. Imagine there’s a grid protecting your mind, and whatever you think about must first pass through it. If you have built your filter upon the Word of God, any unscriptural ideas that try to get through will set off a warning alarm. You can check each thought by asking yourself a series of questions: 

What’s the source? Where will it lead me? Is this scripturally sound? Is this going to build me up or tear me down? Can I share this with someone else? Does it make me feel guilty? Does it fit who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ?

2. Select them. God has given you the right and the power to decide whether or not you will accept a thought. Every time an opinion or teaching hits your screen, you can choose to either let it through or discard it. Since the idea itself may not be wrong or right, those same screening questions can help you know what to do next.

3. Cultivate them. Accepting godly thoughts (and rejecting evil ones) is not enough. You need to dwell on the ideas that align with God’s Word and then start practicing them.

Allow God to pour Himself into your life and to reign in your mind. In doing so, you will see awesome changes take place.
 
God Bless.
 


Overcoming Anger in our life

 
Ephesians 4:30-32
 
 
A righteous life has no room for lingering anger, whether in the form of rage or resentment. Fury that hardens in our hearts becomes a stronghold for Satan.

The fleshly method for “curing” wrath is to either let it out or suppress it. Neither is effective for solving problems or relieving the anger. However, God’s way of dealing with this dangerous emotion dissolves it and sets the believer free. As today’s passage reminds us, we are to “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from [us], along with all malice” (v. 31).

Whether we are annoyed at ourselves, another person, or God, we have to own that feeling. Pretending that the emotion doesn’t exist or that we’ve somehow risen above anger is useless. If you’re angry, admit it and then identify the source. Knowing who or what ignited the initial fury can prevent people from misdirecting irritation onto the innocent.

Here are some questions to help in identifying a source of anger:

• Why am I angry? At whom am I angry?
• What caused me to feel/act this way? 
• Where or when did this feeling start? 
• Have I been angry a long time?

Once we know the source of our anger, it’s time to forgive. Fury and unforgiveness often go together, and both will drag us down. God calls us to set them aside and take up love and kindness instead. Forsaking anger means walking in His will with a light step. Allow God to work through us refusing to let anger take a hold on our christian walk. 



Standing The Test!

         Question: “Why does God test us?”


Answer: 
When we ask why God tests us or allows us to be tested, we are admitting that testing does indeed come from Him. When God tests His children, He does a valuable thing. David sought God’s testing, asking Him to examine his heart and mind and see that they were true to Him Psalm 26:2139:23. When Abram was tested by God in the matter of sacrificing Isaac, Abram obeyed Hebrews 11:17–19 and showed to all the world that he is the father of faith Romans 4:16.

In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated “test” mean “to prove by trial.” Therefore, when God tests His children, His purpose is to prove that our faith is real. Not that God needs to prove it to Himself since He knows all things, but He is proving to us that our faith is real, that we are truly His children, and that no trial will overcome our faith.

In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus identifies the ones who fall away as those who receive the seed of God’s Word with joy, but, as soon as a time of testing comes along, they fall away. James says that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which leads to maturity in our walk with God James 1:3–4. James goes on to say that testing is a blessing, because, when the testing is over and we have “stood the test,” we will “receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” James 1:12. Testing comes from our heavenly Father who works all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called to be the children of God Romans 8:28.

The testing or trials we undergo come in various ways. Becoming a Christian will often require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. This is why James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” James 1:2. The testing of faith can come in small ways and daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions Isaiah 48:10 and attacks from Satan Job 2:7. Whatever the source of the testing, it is to our benefit to undergo the trials that God allows.

The account of Job is a perfect example of God’s allowing one of His saints to be tested by the devil. Job bore all his trials patiently and “did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” Job 1:22. However, the account of Job’s testing is proof that Satan’s ability to try us is limited by God’s sovereign control. No demon can test or afflict us with beyond what God has ordained. All our trials work toward God’s perfect purpose and our benefit.

There are many examples of the positive results of being tested. The psalmist likens our testing to being refined like silver Psalm 66:10. Peter speaks of our faith as “of greater worth than gold,” and that’s why we “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” 1 Peter 1:6–7. In testing our faith, God causes us to grow into strong disciples who truly live by faith and not by what we see 2 Corinthians 5:7.

When we experience the storms of life, we should be like the tree that digs its roots ever more deeply for a greater grip in the earth. We must “dig our roots” more deeply into God’s Word and cling to His promises so we can weather whatever storms come against us.

Most comforting of all, we know that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to handle by His power. His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9. “That is why,” Paul said, “for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
 
 
        God Bless.