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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Vision for ministry

Serve God and his people, know God better. As you know Him better, you depend more on Him. As you depend more on God, your relationship with Him grows and your love for Him motivates your service for Him.

Leadership offers both privilege and challenge. Commit without reservation to remain faithful to God and His calling regardless of discouragement, fatigue, time constraints, or unexpected difficult circumstances. At these times God proves His faithfulness as you trust Him.

Group Members

Every member of your community is there by God’s design. God calls you to love, nurture, and serve those He calls you to shepherd. BSF exists to teach God’s Word to people! Remember the great privilege God has given you to disciple and interact with members. Set a godly example, morally and spiritually. Trust God to provide compassion for people, wisdom, and graciousness when challenges arise. Pray with and for those who seek encouragement and help. Love and serve the members in a God-honoring, self-sacrificing manner by setting the tone for a redemptive culture.

Honor, contribute, foster healthy relationships with the Church

All BSF leaders model a culture that supports the local church.

• Love the Church: The Church is the body of Jesus Christ—His family and bride, whom Jesus loves and offered His life to redeem. 
• Promote the Church: Encourage church membership and participation. 
• Build up the diverse body of Christ: BSF members represent a wide variety of churches and backgrounds with many varying viewpoints.
• Promote loyalty to churches and pastors: Never allow criticism of pastors, churches, or denominations. Intervene graciously and lead members to honor God’s servants. 
• Handle challenges wisely: Guard the precious relationship of BSF and the local church. 
• Train class members regarding their primary loyalty to their church: BSF must not replace the role of the local church. 

Enjoying Doctrine of the Church by William Lane Craig

Baptism as a Sacrament (means of Grace)

By Faith we receive all of these things (Baptism as an Ordinance (Evidence of Grace)

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Sensitivity of the Holy Spirit like a dove remaining on Jesus (Matthew 3:1-17, John 1, Eph 4:30, 1 Thes 5:19)

I've been enjoying 40 Days with the Holy Spirit A Journey to Experience His Presence in a Fresh New Way.

I caught wind of R.T. Kendall on Charles Spurgeon’s Warning: Are You Missing THIS?, his big idea is links a dove's sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit rested on Jesus (like a dove) and remained with him. Imagine abiding in Christ, being led by the Spirit with the illustration of being so calm and peaceful that a dove would come to you and rest on you. 

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22 ESV - And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; Matthew 3:16 ESV

Sensitivity of the Holy Spirit is described in Eph 4:30, "grieving" is the same as having "hurt feelings." While "grieving the Spirit" refers to actions that cause sorrow, "quenching the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19) refers to actively resisting or hindering the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Consider the impact of spending quality time with the Lord, reading his word, reflecting on his promises and praying for people around you according to their needs and God's desire. In this discipline we are anointed for the work God has for us to, we have mature fruit for people in abundance. 

Christian always grows by nutrition not by addition. (Troy Dobbs)

It's interesting to compare John's baptism of repentance, Jesus baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire and the churches baptism of confession that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. 

John's baptism of repentance

John's Baptism was for everyone in Judah so that everyone would see the glory of the Lord revealed on Jesus Christ, the salvation sent from God. I like the Amplified version of Matthew 3:1-17, Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”... At that time Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. 

This fulfilled Isaiah 40, “Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! / Clear a road for our God! / Fill in the valleys, / and level the mountains and hills. / And then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, / and all people will see the salvation sent from God. / The Lord has spoken!” Compare Matt 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6.

 ...So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]; and do not presume to say to yourselves [as a defense], ‘We have Abraham for our father [so our inheritance assures us of salvation]’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children (descendants) for Abraham. And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

 “As for me, I baptize you with water because of [your] repentance [that is, because you are willing to change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret your sin and live a changed life], but He (the Messiah) who is coming after me is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to remove [even as His slave]; He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire (judgment). His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom), but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan [River], to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him [vigorously protesting], saying, “It is I who need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus replied to him, “Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John permitted [it and baptized] Him. After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!”

The Baptism of Jesus is so important that it's in all 4 gospels, but especially described in detail in John 1

Jesus baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire

Jesus baptizing the truly repentant with the Holy Spirit is described by Jesus in the Gospel of John 13-17. He washed their feet and opened their minds to the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Church baptism

What does Baptism mean, why do it? Make disciples: baptized and then taught to obey

I'm remembering an early word from Pastor Troy Dobbs, from 8 years ago: How the Gospel Frees Us From Religion

Christian always grows by nutrition not by addition.

- feasting on God's word and his Son. Not doing more things to try and win God's favor.

Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I say.

- he says "Come to me (with heavy burden), put my yolk upon you...my burden is easy, light"

- he says "believe God, believe also in me, I Am The Way, The Truth and The Life, no one comes to the Father accept through me."

We have to persevere but we won't if we aren't rooted in him. He lives in you and have everything you need  (Eph 1, 2 Peter 1)

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