Getting a new perspective Genesis 1-3 compared with Revelation 20-22

On Thursday we had a wonderful service at Wooddale for Teen Challenge Spiritual emphasis week. I was worshiping behind the pastor who was holding his hand up, one holding the Bible. "Who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Corinthians 2:16) came to mind as the crowd of new believers, make believers and unbelievers were loud and acting like people at a soccer game instead of a church service. His message was about the presence of God through Jesus ("Immanuel," meaning "God with us," is Matthew 1:23), changes everything.  “I (Jesus) will send you the Helper (Holy Spirit) from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me (Jesus)." John 14:26. Indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit. I was grateful to see Danny and KC. 

The garden where God dwells with man, is now a city. The Temple of God's presence (1 Kings 8:1-21) was revealed in Jesus resurrection (John 2:19-22, Matthew 28:18-20), and now we our the Temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 6:19). The light of God which preceded his followers (Exodus 13:21) as a light on a path (Psalm 119:105), permeates from Jesus (John 8:12) and us (Matt 5:16). 

• When life seems hopeless, shift your focus - raise your level of understanding
• Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14)

My friend Aneej sent me Bible The Unique Book The Genesis Revelation Comparison and it correlates to our BSF study this week. 

• Gen 1:1, God creates Heaven and Earth, Rev 21:1, new heaven, new earth (without the curse)
• Gen 1:5 Darkness called night, Rev 21:25, no more night
• Gen 1:16, God made sun and moon, Rev 21:23, no need for sun or moon
• Gen 2:17, in the day you eat you will surely die, Rev 21:40, no more death or sorrow
• Gen 3:1, Satan appears as te deceiver of humanity, Rev 20:10, Satan disappears forever
• Gen 3:6-7, a garden where defilement enters, Rev 21:27, a city without defilement. 
• Gen 3:8-10, Walk of God with man is interrupted, Rev 21:3, Walk of God with man resumed. 
• Gen 3:13, initial triumph of the serpent, Rev 20:10,22:3, Ultimate triumph of the Lamb.
• Gen 3:16, greatly multiple your pain, Re 21:4, No more pain
• Gen 3:17, Cursed is the ground for your sake, Rev 22:3, There is no more curse
• Gen 3:19, man's dominion is broken in Adam, Rev 22:5, Man's dominion restored in the rule of the new man Christ - Adam's act was an act of disobedience, in eating the forbidden fruit (Rom. 5:19; and see Genesis 2:17; 3:6). Christ's act was an act of obedience, in dying on the cross (Romans 5:19 and see Phil. 2:8).
• Gen 3:23, first paradise closed, Rev 21:24-26, new paradise opened
• Gen 3:24 access to the tree of life is disinherited in Adam, Rev 22:14, Access to the Tree of Life reinstated in Christ
• Gen 3:24, they were driven from God's presence,  Rev 22:4, they shall see His face

John describes the crystal-clear river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne and through the middle of the city. This river will water lavish, fruitful trees, including the Tree of Life, which brought healing to the nations. Other passages with a similar emphasis may include the record in Genesis of a river flowing from Eden and the Tree of Life in the middle of the garden (Genesis 2:9-10); Jesus’s conversation with the Samaritan woman about the water of eternal life that would satisfy the thirst of her soul (John 4:4-14); and Jesus’s promise of streams of living water, in the form of the Holy Spirit, that would flow out of believers (John 7:38).

Continuing to pray and praying continually. "Pray without ceasing," found in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, means to cultivate a constant, ongoing relationship with God, not just through formal prayer, but through a mindset of prayerfulness and seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life. As we prayed last night I was remined of Heb 12:22-25, "...you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. " I'm reminded of staying on the phone while I wait for help to arrive like a 911 call.

Christians have an ongoing struggle against sin that is frustrating

True worship is submitting yourself to God wholeheartedly (Jer 17:11-18:17)

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Jesus is the foundation and has authorized apostles to make disciples of nations (Rev 21:14, Matt 28:18-20)

I love BibleHub, their treasure from the scripture section is awesome to dig deeper into a topic. In Rev 21:14 we learn "The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." An apostle is from apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. "one who is sent" - Jesus authorized this in Matthew 28:18-20

In Christianity, an apostle is someone "sent out" on a mission, specifically those entrusted by Jesus to preach the gospel and build the early church, including the original twelve disciples and later figures like Paul. The term is used for Jesus' twelve original disciples, who were chosen to follow him and spread his message. It also applies to other figures, like Paul, who were later recognized as apostles and played a crucial role in the early church. 

• John 20:21: Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”
• Luke 24:47: and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
• Romans 1:5: Through Him and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all those among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
• Galatians 3:27: For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Role of an Apostle: Apostles were entrusted with a special mission to preach the gospel and build the church. They were considered witnesses of Jesus Christ and his teachings. Their teachings and writings are considered foundational to Christian faith. 

The term "apostle" can also be used more broadly to refer to someone who is sent on a mission or is a strong supporter of a cause. 

• Ephesians 2:20: built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
• Matthew 16:18: And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
• 1 Corinthians 3:11: For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
• Acts 2:42: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
• Hebrews 11:10: For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
• 1 Peter 2:4-6: As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, / you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. / For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
• Matthew 19:28: Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
• John 14:2-3: In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.
• 1 Corinthians 12:28: And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
• Luke 22:30: so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Isaiah 28:16: So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
• Ezekiel 48:30-35: “These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, / the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. On the north side there will be three gates: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi. / On the east side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. ...
• Zechariah 4:9: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you.
• Psalm 118:22: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
• Isaiah 54:11-12: “O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. / I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

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God answers questions with the same measure you respond to him.

 Personal Responsibility 

Yesterday we started a new month for SALT "Loyal Love" from Bible Project.  We watch a 4 minute video and have a conversation over lunch. 

the fourth attribute God assigns himself in Exodus 34:6-7: loyal love. This phrase is a translation of the Hebrew word khesed. Khesed is a challenging word to translate because it combines the ideas of love, generosity, and enduring commitment. Khesed has been translated into English a number of ways, including “mercy,” “lovingkindness,” “unfailing love,” and “steadfast love.” Ultimately, khesed describes an act of promise-keeping loyalty that is motivated by deep personal care, which is why the team most often refers to the translation “loyal love.” Khesed is the kind of love demonstrated by someone determined to keep a promise and motivated to endure and maintain a covenant through self-giving generosity. It’s concrete, action-taking love. It’s the difference between saying the words “I love you” and acting in honor of your commitment to another person by serving them. Seventy-five percent of the occurrences of khesed in the Hebrew Bible refer to God’s loyal and generous commitment to his often undeserving people.

Galatians 6:1-10: How am I responding to God's loving kindness to me? 

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love]. For if anyone thinks he is something [special] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself. But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. For every person will have to bear [with patience] his own burden [of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible].

The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support]. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).

In Romans 12:1-2 Paul states, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” For Christians, the ancient Nazirite vow symbolizes the need to be separate from this world, a holy people consecrated to God.

2 Timothy 1:9: for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],

1 Peter 1:15: But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; 

What it means to be born again (1 Peter 1:1-2:3)

Peter shows how born again faith grows up into quality faith (2 Peter 1:1-11)

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Indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit

Some asked me what my understanding of the indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit was. 

The Holy Spirit indwells us when we are saved and this Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation and motivation for living a holy life. Holiness/Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit who reminds of everything Jesus taught and convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit guides us, is our advocate and helper, he comes alongside us when we need help. He intercedes on our behalf. We are filled with the Holy Spirit for good works planned before creation for us (Eph 2:8-10). The Holy Spirit filled believer is like a geyser of living water, bringing refreshment to everyone around. They shine as lights by clear and unmistakable good works that bring glory to our Father in Heaven. Being filled with the Holy Spirit happens over and over, season after season bearing good fruit to share with everyone. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is enjoying the promises of God and enables us to see miracles and hear God's will for our individual lives. 

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Being "in the Spirit" an audience of one

This week in BSF we're studying Revelation 21:9-22:5, where John describes himself as being "in the Spirit" We see this is when a person receives a clear message from God. "The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my tongue." 2 Samuel 23:2

Revelation 1:10-20, 4:1-11, 17:1-6, 21:9-14 

• Lord's Day (resurrection Sunday), worshiping "in the Spirit". Suddenly, heard a voice from behind like a trumpet blast with instructions to write his vision for seven specific churches. He sees Jesus and these churches, what is happening now and will happen in the future. (Rev 1:10-20)
• Door standing open in heaven, Jesus says come up here and instantly "in the Spirit" seeing all heaven rejoicing in perfect harmony "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty-the One who always was, who is, and who is still to come" Lord our God...Created all things" (three most prominent attributes Holy, Creator, Lord) (Rev 4:1-11)
• One of seven angels who poured bowls of wrath, took him "in the Spirit" to see the great prostitute of Babylon riding the beast with seven heads, ten horns, blasphemies against God written over it, she held obscenities and impurities of her immorality in her hand, drunk with blood of God's holy people, witnesses for Jesus. (Rev 17:1-6)
• One of the seven angels who held seven bowls containing seven last plagues, took him "in the Spirit" to se the bride, the wife of the Lamb. Holy city Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Twelve foundation stones for the wall written names of apostles of the Lamb. (Rev 21:9-14)

The term "in the Spirit" is also found in 26 other New Testament passages and 1 in the Old Testament, Ezekiel 37:1 which talks about the vision of the valley of dry bones, "The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones." Before this Ezekiel received the word of the Lord (Ezekiel 36:16) for his name's sake (v22) 

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you. I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations. Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations. It is not for your sake that I will act, declares the Lord God; let that be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel. (the gift of repentance)

 “Thus says the Lord God: On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be rebuilt. And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the Lord; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it." Ezekiel 36:25-36

Jesus describes David as being "in the Spirit" when he wrote the psalm about the Christ, the son of David (Matthew 22:42-44, Acts 2:34, 35; Heb. 1:13; Cited from Ps. 110:1; [1 Cor. 15:25; Heb. 10:13]

Zechariah was informed about his son before he was born, that John the Baptist would be "in the spirit and power of Elijah - to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord' Luke 1:16-18, Mal 4:5,6, Mt 3:3, Ge 15:8, Ge 17:17

Simeon, righteous, devout had the Holy Spirit on him, that before he died he'd see the Lord's Christ. "in the Spirit" he held Jesus and said, "my eyes have seen your salvation, prepared in presence of all peoples, light for revelation to Gentiles, glory to your people Israel." Luke 3:22-35, 9:20, 23:35, 1 Samuel 24:6

Jesus said the time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father "in the Spirit" and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship "in the Spirit" and in truth. John 4:23-24

Paul had resolved "in the Spirit" his travel plans (Acts 19:21), not with people in person but "in the Spirit" (1 Cor 5:3), Paul prayed in the Spirit and sand in the Spirit (1 Cor 14:15), We say Jesus is Lord when speaking "in the Spirit" (1 Cor 12:3), when speaking in tongues to God one utters mysteries "in the Spirit" (1 Cor 14:2) we praise God in the Spirit (1 Cor 14:16)

We start our new lives in the Spirit but battle the flesh (Galatians 3:3). But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. Romans 7:6, We live in the Spirit of God, not by our flesh but as God's adopted children.   Romans 8:1-17, "For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:16-17 So we make every effort to keep ourselves united "in the Spirit" binding together with peace (Eph 4:3), we are renewed in the spirit of our minds (Eph 4:23), praying "in the Spirit" on all occasions for all kinds of prayer and requests (Eph 6:18).

Imitating Christ humility in the Spirit by encouraging one another in love, tender hearted compassion. (Philippians 2) love in the Spirit (Colossians 1:8), alive in the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18,4:6

)

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