I enjoy talking with people about Jesus. Hearing what they believe and why. I especially love seeing how the Holy Spirit works between people. I call these divine appointments and I've notice they happen more frequently than I used to think. These moments require spiritual discernment, like Ananias had in confirming what the Lord told to Saul (Paul) Acts 9:10-12,17-19. Later Paul wrote with inspiration from the Holy Spirit about the reality of spiritual discernment, confirming Jesus teaching and James would write how believers come to together in fellowship as part of God's plan for us. Prophets said we would be taught by God (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:10-11; 10:15-16) and this happened when Jesus Christ came into the world and after his ascension when he gave us the Holy Spirit to teach and to guide us (John 16:12-13; 1 Cor 2:10, 14; 1 John 2:20,27)
Acts 9:10-12,17-19;1 Cor 2:8,11-14;John 5:38,44;7:17;James 3:13-18;5:13-20
Why is intellectual belief not spiritual faith?
Does his word dwell in you?
Jesus said plainly, "...nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent...how can you believe if you don't seek glory that only comes from God...Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God (John 5:38,44;7:17)
Spiritual wisdom verses earthly wisdom
Getting right with God in fellowship with believers
God who sent Jesus to us, also draws us to Him. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. we see this in Paul's conversion in Acts 9.
Acts 9:10-12,17-19;1 Cor 2:8,11-14;John 5:38,44;7:17;James 3:13-18;5:13-20
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| MaryKateMcDevitt |
(The people that crucified Jesus didn't understand)...For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 2:8,11-14 NIV
Does his word dwell in you?
Jesus said plainly, "...nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent...how can you believe if you don't seek glory that only comes from God...Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God (John 5:38,44;7:17)
Spiritual wisdom verses earthly wisdom
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. - James 3:13-18 NIV
Getting right with God in fellowship with believers
God who sent Jesus to us, also draws us to Him. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. we see this in Paul's conversion in Acts 9.
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. - James 5:13-20 NIV