Prayer as Spiritual Command and Control

We've been exploring prayercourse.org with Teen Challenge that goes over the Lord's Prayer.  The Lord's Prayer (or "Our Father") is a central Christian prayer taught by Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew (6:9-13) and Luke (11:2-4), emphasizing praise, dependence on God for daily needs, and forgiveness. It focuses on hallowing God's name, the kingdom coming, and deliverance from evil. I was amazed to discover Pete Craig doesn't handle forgiveness, so we created our own set of videos  that expands the important topic of forgiveness.  

Hallowing God’s name means treating God's name as holy, sacred, and set apart, acknowledging Him with supreme reverence and honor. Jesus gives new power to walk differently - Mark 2:11 when we come to him in worship. Jesus told us the father is seeking people (not worship) who worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). Jesus explains our disposition is to be an The angry, stay at home brother of the prodigal (Luke 15)

Persistent, Spirit-led prayer is fueled by joy in the Lord. Joy in the Lord is fueled by seeing the future joy set before us. Christ endured the cross because of the joy beyond it. Paul endures imprisonment because of the joy ahead. Believers endure daily pressures through prayer because the Lord is near, the resurrection is certain, and the kingdom is coming.

Ephesians 6:10–20 establishes the battlefield. Verse 18 is not an add-on. It is the command-and-control system that activates every piece of armor. Paul shifts from equipment to communication. Armor without communication leaves the soldier isolated.

Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” The context begins in verse 10. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Verses 11–17 describe defensive and offensive readiness. Verse 18 commands the continual connection that keeps the soldier aligned with the Commander.

Persistent, Spirit-led Prayer
Spirit-led prayer is relational dependence rather than ritual repetition. Romans 8:26–27 teaches that the Spirit intercedes “according to the will of God” when our weakness limits our understanding. Jude 20 calls believers to “pray in the Holy Spirit” as the means of building themselves up. Colossians 4:2 adds, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Persistent prayer is the discipline that keeps the soldier awake and aligned.

Persistent, Spirit-led prayer is a central theme in Philippians. Paul teaches it not as a technique but as a posture formed by rejoicing in the Lord, remembering Christ’s endurance, and living with eschatological confidence. Philippians 1–4 frames prayer as a continual, joyful dependence on God in the middle of suffering, uncertainty, and conflict.

Persistent, Spirit-led Prayer in Philippians
Philippians opens with prayer. Paul says in Philippians 1:3–4, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.” The persistence is visible in “always” and “every.” The Spirit’s work is visible in verse 6. The One who began the good work is the One sustaining prayer, faith, and perseverance.

In Philippians 1:19, Paul links prayer and the Spirit explicitly: “I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.” His circumstances (chains, trial, and an uncertain verdict) become a laboratory for Spirit-enabled endurance. The Spirit uses the prayers of the church to sustain him.

Philippians 2:12–13 ties perseverance to divine empowerment. Believers “work out” their salvation because God is “at work” in them to will and act for His pleasure. Persistent prayer is the channel through which this cooperation takes place. The Spirit works while we pray.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

Philippians 3 centers the believer on Christ Himself. Paul rejects self-confidence and presses toward knowing Christ, gaining Christ, and becoming like Christ in His death and resurrection (Philippians 3:7–11). Persistent prayer grows out of this ambition. It is the forward lean of a life that wants Christ above comfort.

As Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44-46

Rejoice in the Lord
“Rejoice in the Lord” is not sentiment. It is spiritual orientation. Paul says it three times:

• Philippians 3:1: “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.”
• Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
• Philippians 4:10: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly.”

The location matters. Joy is “in the Lord,” not in circumstance. Paul is in prison, uncertain of life or death. Yet he sees the advance of the gospel (1:12–18), the partnership of believers (1:5), the hope of resurrection (3:20–21), and the presence of the Lord who is “near” (4:5). This vision produces joy that does not depend on outcomes.

Rejoicing anchors prayer. Philippians 4:6–7 commands, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Thanksgiving is joy expressed. Joy and prayer work together to replace anxiety with peace that “guards” the heart and mind. Persistent, Spirit-led prayer becomes the ongoing practice of rejoicing in the Lord instead of rehearsing fear.

Practicing the presence of God (Philippians 4:6-8)

Rejoice in the Lord and Hebrews 12

• Hebrews 12:1–2 describes Jesus “for the joy set before him” enduring the cross, scorning its shame, and sitting at the right hand of God. Paul echoes this pattern throughout Philippians.
• Philippians 2:5–11 presents Christ’s humility and obedience unto death, followed by His exaltation. This is the same movement Hebrews 12 describes. Christ endured suffering because He saw the joy ahead. (as does everyone is Hebrews 11, "By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." Heb 11:3)
• Philippians 3:10–14 shows Paul living the same pattern. He wants to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings. He presses on “for the prize” set before him. His persistence mirrors Christ’s endurance.
• Philippians 4:13 reinforces this dependence. Paul can endure all circumstances “through him who strengthens me.” The same Spirit who empowered Christ’s endurance empowers the believer’s persistence.

Prayer as Frontline Communication
Prayer is not retreat. It is battlefield communication with the Commander who directs movements, supplies strength, and gives timely intelligence. Psalm 18:6 says, “In my distress I called upon the Lord… my cry reached His ears,” which reflects direct, immediate access. Hebrews 4:16 commands bold approach to the throne of grace for “help in time of need.” First Thessalonians 5:17’s “pray without ceasing” mirrors a radio kept open in active combat. This prevents spiritual isolation and enables real-time response under fire.

“Someone is Home” Theology of Prayer
Prayer rests on the truth that God is attentive, present, and responsive. Psalm 34:15 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry.” Isaiah 65:24 reinforces, “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.” Jesus models this confidence in John 11:41–42: “Father, I thank You that You have heard me. I knew that You always hear me.” First Peter 5:7 adds the invitation, “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Prayer assumes Someone is listening and ready to act.

Biblical Prayer Warriors and Results

Epaphras: The Prayer Warrior (Colossians 4:12) and Results (Colossians 1:3-8)

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Joy in the promise keeper (Romans 15:13) comes from a guarded heart (Proverbs 4:23, Phil 4:7)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Enjoying this teaching by Bill Johnson, Warfare Through Lordship: How Trust in God Defeats the Enemy Bill Johnson teaches that joy rooted in trust and the Lordship of Jesus is not denial of hardship but a strategic act of faith. When believers count it all joy, they choose defiant perseverance that refuses anxiety and fear, which disarms spiritual opposition. Joy flows from confidence in God’s promises, especially that He works all things for good. This posture establishes victory before circumstances change. The Lordship of Jesus is tested most clearly in finances, relationships, and the inner world. Surrender in these areas produces freedom, unity, and clarity of mind. Joy becomes both shield and weapon, aligning believers with God’s perspective and securing spiritual authority.

Reminds me of my "life verse": Proverbs 4:23, Phil 4:7

Guard your heart with all vigilance, above all else, for it determines the course of your life, for everything you do flows from it, like a Spring of Life (living water John 7:38). - Prov 4:23

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phil 4:4-7

Choose Joy as Obedience

• Joy is a deliberate act of trust, not a reaction to outcomes. Scripture: James 1:2–4; Nehemiah 8:10

Practice Defiant Perseverance

• Endurance is steadfast resistance under pressure, not passive waiting. Scripture: James 1:12; Ephesians 6:13

Anchor Hope in God’s Promises

• Hope is present joy based on future certainty. Scripture: Romans 8:28; Romans 15:13

Submit Finances to Christ’s Lordship

• Generosity reflects trust in God as provider and sustainer. Scripture: Matthew 6:21; Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7–8

Pursue Reconciliation Over Being Right

• Unity is a higher calling than winning arguments. Scripture: James 1:19–20; Matthew 5:23–24

Guard the Inner World

• Thoughts must align with God’s truth, not self-accusation. Scripture: Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8

Live Under the Lordship of Jesus

• Full surrender creates spiritual safety and authority. Scripture: Colossians 2:6–15; Luke 6:46

Use Joy as Spiritual Warfare

• Joy breaks fear’s grip and silences the enemy’s accusations. Scripture: Psalm 16:11; Isaiah 61:3

Reflective Questions

• Where is joy most challenged in my life right now, and what would defiant perseverance look like in that area?
• Which area most resists Christ’s Lordship for me today: finances, relationships, or my inner thought life?
• If I fully trusted that God is working all things for good, what would change immediately in my attitude and actions? 

Isaiah 55:1

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

Come and Listen David Crowder

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Reconciliation is a wonderful new relationship with God (Romans 5:1-11)

Romans 5 is a wonderful chapter explaining the work and impact of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. I enjoy the NLT version of the Bible but was struck by how it reads Romans 5:11, I first learned this verse via NIV:

Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. NIV

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. NLT

Reconciliation: A key event and theological concept in this verse, reconciliation refers to the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity through Jesus.

Teaching Points from biblehub.com

Joy in Reconciliation

Believers are called to rejoice in the reconciliation they have received through Jesus Christ. This joy is not based on circumstances but on the eternal truth of restored relationship with God.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Jesus is the mediator of our reconciliation. Understanding His role deepens our appreciation for His sacrifice and the peace it brings.

Living Reconciled Lives

As recipients of reconciliation, believers are encouraged to live in a way that reflects this restored relationship, promoting peace and unity with others.

The Assurance of Salvation

This verse assures believers of their salvation and reconciliation with God, providing a foundation for confidence in their faith journey.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Believers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation, sharing the message of peace and restoration with others.

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Regeneration Recovery, 12 steps with Biblical References

Enjoying regeneration recovery looking forward to getting this started at Portland house this January.

Step 1 (Admit): For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. - Romans 7:18 (ESV)

Step 2 (Believe): Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is

renewed like the eagle’s. - Psalm 103:2-5 (ESV)

Step 3 (Trust): But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved - Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)

Step 4 (Inventory): Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. - Psalm 51:6 (ESV)

Step 5 (Confess): But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:7-9 (ESV)

Step 6 (Repent): So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)

Step 7 (Follow): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV)

Step 8 (Forgive): Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. - Ephesians 4:32-5:1 (ESV)

Step 9 (Amends): Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. - Romans 12:17-18 (ESV)

Step 10 (Continue): Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! - Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

Step 11 (Intimacy): And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom you have sent. - John 17:3 (ESV)

Step 12 (Regenerate): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  - 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV)

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Grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people (Titus 2:11)

 I was brought to Titus 3:2 by a friend and this drew me to Titus establishes leaders and promotes a Christian lifestyle of doing good. 

As I was reading and being blessed I came upon a remarkable truth. Titus 2:11 says, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."

Doctrine of Election is God's irrevocable call for everyone (Genesis 25:23)

Application: What if God employed you, provided a great education, and all the resources to accomplish the task, and you didn't show up? What if he gave you another chance? What if he continued to bless you and provide payment and cover for your mistakes every day for 47 years? What if after all that, he made the requirements perfectly clear and simple and gave you a fresh start. Forgiven and reconciled. What would be your next move? 

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Jesus explains the law's purpose is righteous love (Matt 5:17-48)

This second week of the greatest moral teaching the world has ever known is foundational of the goodness we see in the world today. This is my 3rd time studying it in BSF and I've learned been learning new lessons each time. Last week I saw how Jesus teaches about honesty, intimacy with God and Kingdom living. The big idea was kingdom character produces influence stemming from our identity in Christ. Walking in light involves progressive humility and honesty (1 John 1:5-2:6) Jesus explained what true blessing looks like and now he explains the purpose of the law is righteousness. Jesus leads us to say "Yes" to love and to live as children of God. 

 Matthew 5:17-48 Big idea: The purpose of the law is righteous love as God's children

A) Jesus came to accomplish the purpose of the law, making us righteous for the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:17-20)

B) Jesus clarifies how the law is broken in our heart and mind first, guilty as hell (Matt 5:21-32)

C) Jesus teaches how the decision to love is fulfilled (Matt 5:33-48)

Content:

A) Jesus came to accomplish the purpose of the law, making us righteous for the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:17-20)

17-19) Jesus to accomplish the purpose of law, it's durable, positive, obeyed

 - Jesus fulfilled the moral law - Hebrews 4:15

 - Ceremonial law of Old Testament sacrifices 1 Peter 1:18-21

 - Old Testament prophecies Luke 24:26-27

20) yet righteousness of religion must be surpassed to enter the kingdom of heaven

 - Cross makes it possible, the resurrection makes it real, we partake/experience in the Holy Spirit

 - Jesus finished the work on earth (John 17:4) but has "unfinished work" in heaven (Heb 4:15-16, 7:23-28)

B) Jesus clarifies how the law is broken in our heart and mind first, guilty as hell (Matt 5:21-32)

21-22) Murderous words: Ancestors told, don't murder - subject to judgment, I say anger, curse words danger of hell

 - 1 John 2:7-11; 3:10-15

 - 23-24) Reconcile before offering: Offering? Remember sibling has something against you, first be reconciled then offer gift

 - 25-26) Settle matters quickly, adversary gets worse after court, prison, paying hard time

27-28) You heard, don't commit adultery, I say, look lustfully adultery in heart

 - 29-30) Eye causes stumble? Gouge it out. Right-hand causes sin? Cut off. Better than the whole body going to hell. 

Principle: Repair broken relationships and cut out anything that causes sin in your life

Be proactive: 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippians 4:8

31-32) Divorce certificate, I say except sexual immorality, makes her victim of adultery

Doing the right thing is a matter of Love, not Law

C) Jesus teaches how the decision to love is fulfilled (Matt 5:33-48)

33-37) Don't break vows to Lord, I say 'yes' or 'no' anything more from the evil one

38-42) Eye for Eye, don't resist evil person, slap/insult? Give more than asked or required (from an adversary, under duress, or someone without means)

43-44) Love neighbor hate enemy? Love your enemy and pray for persecutors 

 - 45-47) God's common grace (sun and rain) for all, only nice to friends? 

 - 48) Be perfect children of heavenly Father

Principle: Don’t repay evil with evil, give more than asked or required

 Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:22-24; and Philippians 2:12-13.

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Jacob reveals truths, and Joseph honors God before they die (Gen 49-50)

A) Jacob tells his sons what he knows of them, blessing them before he dies

49:1-2) Jacob assembles sons to share a prophecy (Num 24:14, Deut 31:29, Jer 23:20, Daniel 2:28,45)

3-4) Reuben strong, honor, yet turbulent won't excel defile father's bed

5-7) Simeon, Levi violent - cursed be their anger, scattered in Israel

8-12) Judah, praised, lion, scepter-ruler obedience of nations, garments washed in blood wine

 - Ezekiel 21:26-27 - remove the crown. It will not be as it was: The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low....The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it. (Psalm 2:6, Jer 23:5-6, Ez 37:24, Haggai 2:21-22)

13-15) Zebulun, seashore ships, Issachar strong submitting burden/forced labor

16-21) Dan justice people look for deliverance from Lord, Gad attached, Asher good food, Naphtali free

22-26) Joseph fruitful vine near spring, protected, strength of God Almighty, blessings of heaven, earth and family

27-27) Benjamin ravenous wolf, morning go-getter, evening giver 

 - In early morning, spots his prey, what he doesn't need he gives away

- fathers hand (Gen 35:18) yet rape, murder (Jusdges 20:4-5), injustice (Judges 20:12-14), and arrogance (Judges 20:15-16) nearly wiped them out on the third day of battle (Judges 20:28,29,46-48)

 - Three Days, recurring theme in the Bible for changing your heart

28) twelve tribes of Israel, blessed appropriate for each

B) Joseph honors Jacob with a royal, national funeral service

29-33) Jacob instructs Bury with family in cave Abraham bought in Canaan, then dies

50:1-3) Joseph wept, his father embalmed 40 days, Egyptians mourned 70 days

4-9) Joseph gets permission from Pharaoh to bury his father with a huge funereal procession

10-14) Atad, near Jordan lamented, 70 more days of mourning, sons bury Jacob, return to Egypt

C) Joseph gives glory to God through forgiveness, compassion and blessing before he dies

15-21) Joseph receives messaged to forgive his brothers (Matthew 6:14), wept and said kindly;

“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me,but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” - Gen 50:19-21

22-26) Joseph dies 110, saw third generation of sons, blessed brothers "God will surely come to your aid", take you to the promised land, carry my bones from here.

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Reconciliation by God's initiative, restores relationships

•  The brothers’ acknowledgment of guilt in their treatment of Joseph and their concern for Jacob and Benjamin set the stage for reconciliation.
• God took the initiative to bring reconciliation to a relational gap beyond human repair. 
• As applied to salvation, reconciliation first recognizes our sins have separated us from God and have placed us under His just wrath.
• God took the initiative and sent His own Son to reconcile us with Himself. 
• God empowers His people to take the first step in seeking reconciliation
• Reconciliation is an opportunity to lovingly restore people and relationships as we own our part and help others own their part in conflict. (Psalm 23)
• In the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can use every conflict as an opportunity to model His reconciling love and encourage others to believe in Him. (Matthew 5-7)
• Believers live out the ministry of reconciliation as we pursue peace and unity. (2 Cor 4-5)
• Unexpected and undeserved love further the work of reconciliation. (Titus 3)
• When I do not believe, my default is to hold a grudge; and I attempt to justify rather than own my part in a conflict. 
• When I believe, I ask God to give me the courage to make heartfelt amends when I sense a strain in a relationship and the integrity to ask for forgiveness for my part in any conflict.
• As the most forgiven people in the world, Christians should be the most forgiving people in the world.
• Who or what in your life are you finding it difficult to forgive?
• How can the gospel of Jesus Christ motivate and empower you to forgive others?

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Cornelius proves all people hear God, Peter proves our ministry of reconciliation (Acts 10)

Key verses

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” – Acts 8:4

"Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." - Acts 10:34-3

AIM: In Jesus, every sin is forgiven, in relationships, we find reconciliation to God.

Acts 10
A) Cornelius a godly man eager and ready to receive the Lord Jesus
1-6) Cornelius devout, God-fearing man, generous to poor, prayed regularly to God and saw an angel in a vision.
received instructions to get Simon
He was missing the message of Good News Acts 10:36-43, that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ
44-46) He was missing the Holy Spirit

B) Peter receives a triple visual reminder to feed the lambs with love
Meanwhile, God gives Peter a vision three times, he thinks it's related to food because of his fasting. However like when Jesus said "feed my sheep" three times. It's meant more than food. God commanded Peter not to call something unclean if God has made it clean. Acts 10:15, Acts 10:19-20 Go with the men sent by God, Acts 10:28-29 tell them what the vision means "I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean" Acts 10:28
How do I interpret what I see in God's word? What actions will I take in faith?

C) Peter's call is confirmed by Cornelius testimony
In Cornelius' testimony (Acts 10:30-33)
three times? Peter must have thought of the other three times. sheet with many things not just Cornielous, it's not what
goes into a man that makes him unclean. Repetitive for a reason.

What barriers in my world could the gospel remove? Work, family, church, community, racial, religious, political, tradition.

In this lesson, I had a vision of creating thanksgiving cards for my guys in Alpha at mntc, and use the same ones for my co-workers.
"Blessings brighten when we count them" on the cover.

Inside share the gospel. "In Jesus Christ, all is forgiven, in relationships, we find reconciliation to God. I count you as a blessing in my life and appreciate our relationship."

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All sin is first against God, only God can make it right and change us

From Bsfinternational.org notes (https://resc.mybsf.org/PPL1_AdNotes_14_062018.pdf)

All sin is first against God. Saul confessed his wrong toward David but never acknowledged his rebellion against God.42 Saul’s life kept moving away from God. As believers struggle with sin, their lives ultimately move Christward.43 When the struggle is hard, remember: God has committed Himself to making each of His children like Jesus.44 If God is your Father,45 He will bring you safe to heaven.46 Ask Him for courage to allow His Word and Spirit to examine47 and change you.48
41: Confession: Psalm 51:1-10, 17
42: Saul’s rebellion: 1 Samuel 15:22-30
43: Believers’ struggle: Psalms 32; 41:4; 51; Romans 7:1-8:17; 1 John 1:5-9
44: Like Jesus: Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:1-3
45: God’s children: Matthew 6; John 1:12-13; 1 John 2:15-16,23-24
46: Eternal security: John10:27-30; Philippians 1:6;1 Thessalonians 5:24
47: Sin exposed: Psalms 19:7-11;139:23-24; John 16:8
48: Transformed: Romans 12:1-2;Philippians 2:12-13

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Suffering in Christ, with Holy Spirit brings unfathomable hope (Romans 8:17-30)

Romans 8:17-30

AIM: The Gospel promise is available to everyone who believes

One of the most treasured scriptures is Romans 8:28 "God works all things for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." This is consistently seen throughout the Bible. God sees our affliction (2 Samuel 16:12,22), belief is a sign of being called (Acts 13:48, Eph 2:8-10), God calls us through his love demonstrated in Christ (John 3:16, Romans 1:7) yet not all accept the gift of God and suffer condemnation instead of justification (John 3:17-21, Romans 8:30). Notice the tension between "those who love him" and "have been called".

God's call is good for everyone (John 3:16) and irrevocable (Romans 11:29) the only sin left that is unforgivable (eternal) is to not accept the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:32, Mark 3:29). Accepting the Holy Spirit is to trust God with your life, receiving His work in you. Accepting God's call to receive Jesus (John 1:12) is not about saying the right thing (Matthew 7:21) it's about being transformed by the Spirit inside out (John 3:3, Romans 12:1-3).

Being transformed by the Holy Spirit will be evident to you (Romans 8:16, Galatians 5:22-23) and others because of your persevering faith and hope (1 Cor 13:13), peace (Matthew 5:9, 1 Peter 4:7-11) and love like Christ (John 13:34-35) from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22), that you demonstrate to children (Mark 9:36-37) and people in need in our everyday life (Matthew 25:39-40).

People are called by God through us (Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16) through Christ, through the Father (John 13:20). Even so, in this world, we still suffer but our hope is in the resurrection, eternal life, the promise of God through Jesus Christ and that's the essence of Romans 8:17-30, let's have a deeper look.

A) Family of God and the world suffer together with hope of restoration by God
17) children, heirs of God with Christ, share Christ sufferings then also in glory
Application: God precedes all who follow his way
18) present suffering not comparable to future glory
Application: seek first the kingdom of heaven
19) creation waits for God's children to be revealed
20) creation subjected to frustration by God, Adam's consequence (Gen 3:17-19, Gen 5:29) in hope
21) creation would be liberated from the bondage of decay, into freedom and glory of children of God

B) We groan, eagerly waiting for redemption of our bodies
22) whole creation groaning pains of childbirth
23) we (with Spirit) groan inwardly, eagerly wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies
24) For this hope, saved hope that is seen is no hope at all
25) but hope for what we don't have, wait patiently
Application: Hope is the architect, has the blueprint. Faith is the worker, Love is the executive (joyful toons 1 Cor 13:13)

C) The Holy Spirit helps us in ways we can't understand (unfathomable hope)
26) Same way, Spirit helps in our weakness, we don't know what to pray, He intercedes wordless groans
 - Application: His yoke is easy and his burden is light - see, feel, trust
27) He who searches our hearts knows mind of Spirit who intercedes accordance with God's will
 - Psalm 139:23-24, search me God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Application: When we give ourselves fully to God, he guides us in the way of everlasting.
28) WE KNOW that in all things Gods works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
29) God foreknew, predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son
30) predestined, called, justified and glorified
Application: The Gospel promise

Prayer: Lord help me to live today according to your will to love others as you have first loved me.

Geysers, planters and pruners: How people are born into and matured in the Faith

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Reconciliation to God by Christ, is peace and hope (Romans 5:1-11)

I used to worry a lot about the big questions, who am I? Will people like me? What should I do with my life? I was anxious and would pass it off by being funny. Not in a nice way but with sharp, cutting wit. Essentially at other peoples expense. In short, I was a jerk. Have you ever known someone like that? Someone you could tell right away was really insecure, probably hurting inside. Maybe you are anxious about something big, something overarching and impacting everything in your life. As I've grown in the faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I've found the truth of this life-giving passage in Romans 5:1-11. Reconciliation to God by Christ is peace and hope. This is a huge pivot point in Romans that will continue through the end of Romans 8, it all starts with "Therefore."

Therefore, since we have been justified(A) through faith,(B) we[a] have peace(C) with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,(D) Romans 5:1

 - Justified: Romans 4:25 says, "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."
 - through faith: Romans 3:28 - "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."
 - we or "let us" - have peace: Christmas time peace, "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
 - Isa 9:6; Jesus is our "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 - Isa 52:7; Beautiful feet bring the good news, proclaim peace, bring good news, proclaim salvation  - Isa 53:5; Jesus took my sin to the Cross, "the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds, we are healed."
 - Mic 5:5; Lk 1:79; Jesus is the one who, "shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." - Peace with God, Reconciliation, by/through Christ! Jn 14:27; Eph 2:14, 17

Do you have this peace? If you were to know that you had 2 hours left in your life, how would you feel? I was raised in a Missionary christian family, when I had left the faith and gone my own way - this question in my mind was "NOOOO!!" death was terrifying. This is a good question to ask ourselves today. Do you have this peace, have you been reconciled to God, through Jesus Christ?

Romans 5:1-11

Aim: God's love is proven in Christ reconciliation of us to him

A) justified by Christ Grace, through faith, means and peace with God 

(1) justified through faith, peace with God, through Christ 

 - peace with God, soul satisfying peace, then we have peace of God 1 Peter 4:7-11

What do we need to

B) hope of glory in all situations
(2) through Christ gained access by faith grace, hope of glory of God
(3-5) glory also in sufferings ->perseverance->character->hope (not shame) God's love poured out into our hearts through Holy Spirit given to us
 - What is the basis of your hope? Will it last during sufferings? Will it persevere against all hope, like Abraham from Romans 4:18? The hope that Daniels friends had to stand for the Lord instead of bowing to an idol or fighting for their lives. Hope that believes and stands firm in the statement: "our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." - Daniel 3:17-19

C) saved by Christ, perfect timing
(6-8) right time, powerless, Christ died for ungodly, God demonstrated love, while we still sinners Christ died for us.
 - Looking back through world history we can see that 2017 years was the right time. This time goes back to the birth of Jesus, Lord at his birth. Jesus lived for us, to show us the father and talk with us face to face. John 14:8-10; Col 1:15, http://biblehub.com/john/14-9.htm

(9) justified by blood, saved from God's wrath
(10) God's enemies, reconciled to him, through death of his Son, saved his life
 - Hebrews 7:25, saved completely
 - Reconciliation is huge; we reconciled so we have a ministry of reconciliation: 2 Cor 5:18,19, Col 1:20,22
(11) boast in God, through Jesus, received reconciliation

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Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation (Proverbs 14:9)

The Bible talks a lot about the human condition of guilt, shame, and embarrassment for sin (Adam and Eve hid from God). Guilt acknowledges that there are real consequences for sin. Sin can be blatant disobedience, "accidental" negligence, refusing corrective action or denying the truth. Cain gives us a good picture of what refusing corrective action and denying the truth looks like (Gen 4), it also shows us God's restraining grace in reconciliation and what "seeking reconciliation" means. Gen 4:26 says, "At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord." Today, the world has the Holy Spirit pouring out guilt to each person (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17). Jesus said this would happen once he went to his Father after his death and resurrection and why this would happen (John 16:7-9). I love the gospel of John, in my study of John I summarized the purpose of guilt as "Jesus teaches about the Father's love and Holy Spirit's guidance (John 16:5-33)"

A Bible study says that a godly person can be characterized as having "the ability to discern God's right way from the wrong, and to voluntarily surrender one's own will to do what is right in God's sight and, with the promised supernatural help, to resist the wrong even under pressure and temptation." Contrast the godly person with the fool, the fool says in their heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1-3). Other words for a fool in the Bible is hard-hearted, stiff-necked, arrogant, and boastful. 

Fools make fun of guilt

• And there is no creature hidden from His sight (Hebrews 4:13), there is no hiding from God
• Our bodies return to the ground but our spirit returns to God who gave it (Gen 3:19, Ecc 3:20, 12:7, there is no mocking God

but the godly 

• God promises to help me obtain the promises

acknowledge it 

• The gospel call, relationships and power (Romans 1:1-17)
• Diagnostics of a depraved psychology and consequences (Romans 1:18-32)

and seek reconciliation

• Reconciliation, not just forgiveness (Jesus forgave on the cross, he reconciles with the Holy Spirit, our repentance brought on by the goodness of God). He has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Love Covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I'm a sinner I've fallen short of your standard, I've made a mess of the time you've given me, I continue to go my way when you've shown me your way. Help me to not be like Cain where my sacrifice is not pleasing to you. "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee." A shepherd who feeds others, a cloud that brings steady rain - who brings gifts to others, steady in my spirit by your grace and power to make right my wrongs and bring me back through your corrective, loving discipline. 

Help me Lord to focus on Jesus who had the same struggles and temptations as I do but didn't sin. He shows the way of perfect unity with you in the power of the Holy Spirit. I know you have great plans for me, I've seen your miraculous love breaking through these days. Give me the grace to walk in step with your Spirit. "I love you Lord and I lift my voice to worship you, oh my soul rejoice. Take joy my King in what you hear may it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear." Thank you for accepting me, help me to accept others and bring reconciliation for your glory to shine brightly for future generations to sing of your love. Thank you for another day of breath and a good heart. Your great love will see me through, you are the peace in my troubled sea.

"You are a force, as strong as gravity but you never weigh me down. Solid as Rock and heavy on my heart but you never weigh me down. No, you never weigh me down. Faithful One, how I'm counting on your loving-kindness, heaven's Son, how you shine and sweep away my shadows. You've always carried me. Faithful One."

Abide in Christ, Love God, Love People (1 John 4:13-21)

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/m/tmlalib.htm

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Love and forgiveness of Christ in the Old Testament

Reading Reflections on the Psalms C.S. Lewis (The Cursings), with a heavy heart for my friend struggling in family conflict. There is a real danger in unresolved conflict. Hurt feelings from childhood can have a destroying effect on adulthood. How can we teach our children and ourselves to live in the light of forgiveness? What does forgiveness result in? What is the fruit of forgiveness? Talking with my mom this morning she brought up http://peacemaker.net/project/the-four-gs/ .

C.S. Lewis said, "But this is one of the rewards of reading the Old Testament regularly. You keep on discovering more and more what a tissue of quotations from it the New TEstament is; how constantly Our Lord repeated, reinforced, continued, refined, and sublimated the Judaic ethics, how very seldom He introduced a novelty."

Forgiveness - not hatred (Leviticus 19:17,18)

• Correction from Moses, when the second sons advocated for escalating vengeance (Gen 4:15,24). Jesus emphasized forgiveness over vengeance (Matthew 18:21,22, Luke 17:4).
• God seemed to be clarifying the mark of Cain given in Gen 4:15 through scriptures (seven times) notably; Jacob bowing seven times to Esau (Gen 33:3,4), Sprinkling of blood before the Lord (Lev 4:6,17; 8:11).
• Psalm 12:6; "And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times."

Helping another, even your enemy (Exodus 23:4,5)

• "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matt 5:44-45)"

Don't celebrate in your heart when enemy falls (Prov 24:17)
If your enemy is hungry give him bread (Prov 25:21)

He goes on, "The Light which has lightened every man from the beginning may shine more clearly but cannot change.The Origin cannot suddenly start being, in the popular sense of the word, 'original'."

"(General rule in the Moral Universe) 'the higher, the more in danger'"... "It is great men, potential saints, not little men, who become merciless fanatics. Those who are readiest to die for a cause may easily become those who are readiest to kill for it....For the Supernatural, entering a human soul, opens to it new possibilities both of good and evil. From that point the road branches: one way to sanctity, love, humility, the other to spiritual pride, self-righteousness, persecuting zeal. And no way back to the mere humdrum virtues and vices of the unawakened soul. If the Divine call does not make us better, it will make us very much worse. Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst. Of all created beings the wickedest is one who originally stood in the immediate presence of God... It gives new application to Our Lord's words about 'counting the cost'."

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The Brevity of LIfe

Apr. 16, 2017

"Easter" - - Troy Dobbs

Watch • Listen •  Study Guide

1. Life goes by fast
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
James 4:14 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jas.4.14.NLT

Not about meaning but, brevity of it

James 4:13-15, don't get ahead of yourself because you don't know what God's timing is. Don't make plans without God.

2. You are wired to think about eternal life.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Yet God has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
http://bible.com/116/ecc.3.11.NLT

Hard wired dissatisfaction  (15-year-old yearning to grow up or older persin wanting youth)

Jesus is the only answer

3. We are all going to die and then face judgment (deaths appointment).
Heb 9:27
Judgment based on what?
 - our morals, thought life, church attendance?
 - what we did with Jesus.

To forgive our sins, 1 John 5:11-12
John 3:18
Rom 8:1

Everyone dies, not everyone truly lives

John 11:25-26
Resurrection and the life, do you believe?

Romans 10:9
Confess with your mouth

Storing seed,  preparing ground, sowing seed and results
 - a seed that is dead from improper storage
 - hard ground  (removal, addition

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Key Christian Doctrines about God and our relationship to Him

Doctrine means teaching. Doctrine is a way of summarising truth that is woven through the scriptures. A friend once said the whole Bible can be summarised in one word, "Love." Others have said it's the answer book for all of the common questions everyone has, "Why are we here, where did we come from, where are we going, why is there pain and suffering in the world, why do I feel the way I do..." Having spent a good deal of time studying the Bible, I prefer the summary, "God's redemptive plan for humanity." Here are some key doctrines from the Bible about our Christian Faith that I've learned over 10 years of study in Bsf. It's the gospel (good news) truth about God, humanity's sin, reconciliation through Christ and final judgement.

God is Holy, Creator and Lord
No one fully understands the Trinity, which is not surprising because this doctrine deals with the innermost nature of God’s very being. The best we can do is try to understand what the Bible tells us of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This is what the church tried to do in the first four centuries of its existence. It concluded that there is but one God, which the Bible clearly teaches, but that He exists in three entities, which the church called “persons.” Although they are distinct persons, both the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are every bit as much God as God the Father is. All work together with one mind in all things. In terms of emphasis, we usually say God the Father was principally active in the creation of the world and in planning the great drama of salvation; the Lord Jesus Christ was principally active in achieving this salvation by His death and in reigning over the Church, His body, as the Church’s Lord; and the Holy Spirit is principally active in calling men and women to faith in Christ, in empowering them for witness and ministry, and in making them increasingly like Christ through the work of sanctification. (See Ephesians 1:3-10; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 1:1-4; Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 63:8-10; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 1:35; John 14:7-10; 2 Corinthians 13:14.) biblegateway

The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity. Wherever the Lord Jesus Christ is being lifted up and glorified and people are coming to Him in true faith, there the Holy Spirit is present and at work (John 15:26; 16:14). Every believer receives the Holy Spirit when he or she believes in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 12:13). In fact, it is the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that makes belief possible (John 16:7-15). This is the true “baptism with the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). By definition, it occurs only once. The New Testament, especially the book of Acts, also speaks of a “filling” of the Holy Spirit, which may occur repeatedly (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:4 with 4:8 and 4:31). But what marks this “filling” is increased spiritual power in ministry and in faithful, verbal witness to Jesus as the Savior. Testimony follows every reference in Acts to a filling of an individual or group by the Holy Spirit. biblegateway

Humanity: Fall and Judgment
The story of mankind’s fall is told in Genesis 3, which also shows the nature of the temptations that led to the fall – doubting God’s goodness, questioning His word, desiring to be “like God.” After the fall, Adam and Eve (the literal, original human pair) show some of the effects of sin by hiding from God and by blaming others for their own transgressions. God judged Adam and Eve in specific and distinct ways, but the chief judgment was the penalty of death, which God had said would befall them if they ate of the forbidden tree. Spiritually they died and no longer had intimacy with God. They also became subject to death and ageing so that eventually they died physically as well (Genesis 3:19). Adam’s sin caused all to inherit a sinful nature. The effects of sin (spiritual and physical death in all humanity) are only overcome by the work of Christ (Romans 3:9-20; 5:12-14; 6:23). In Him we are “born again” (John 3:3, 7; 1 Peter 1:3) and made alive to God (Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17). In Christ, we will also eventually receive a renewed body patterned on the resurrection body of our ascended Lord. (See 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 49-57; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:1-3.) biblegateway

Sin is any lack of conformity to the will of God. It is an outrage against God and a source of untold harm to ourselves and others. It subjects us to the wrath of God (John 3:36; Romans 1:18-20; 2:5). It has eternal consequences (Romans 6:23).
 The Bible teaches that all are sinners and sin has so pervaded human nature that “there is no one righteous, not even one: there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:10-11). That is, it has affected our moral, intellectual and volitional capabilities, so that all fall short of God’s standards, fail to understand the gospel even when it is explained and flee from God rather than trying to seek Him out, as we should. When we understand the character and universality of sin, then we can understand the necessity for and appreciate grace. (See Romans 5:12-21; James 1:13-18; 2:10; 1John 1:8-10.)  biblegateway

Redemption
Redemption is a word borrowed from the commercial world of the ancient near east (where slaves were bought and sold) and pressed into biblical service to describe how Jesus has purchased us in the marketplace of sin to set us free from sin’s dreadful bondage. The story of Hosea’s purchase of Gomer in the Old Testament book by his name is a wonderful example of this transaction (Hosea 3:1-2). Peter has the same concept in mind when he writes, “It was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). His point is we have been set free from slavery to sinful ways of life and should, therefore, live as being Christ’s possession. (See Romans 6:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:7.) biblegateway

Reconciliation
Reconciliation describes a work by which parties who are at odds are made one with each other once again. As applied to salvation, reconciliation first recognises our alienation – our sins have separated us from God and have placed us under His just wrath so that apart from Christ we face nothing but condemnation. However, God sent His own Son to bear the penalty of our sins, removing the cause of estrangement, and thus winning us back to personal fellowship with Himself (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:19-20). In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul argues that because we have been reconciled to God through the work of Christ, we should now be agents of reconciliation for others, that is, we should be ambassadors of this, the greatest good news of all time. (See also Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 2:11-13.) biblegateway

Prayer is talking with God. We speak to Him in prayer; He speaks to us through the Bible. Prayer involves each person of the Trinity. We pray to God the Father (Ephesians 1:17; 3:14), through the Lord Jesus Christ – it is on the basis of His atonement that we come (Romans 1:8; 5:1-2; Colossians 3:17), and of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20). We can also pray to Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest who sympathises with our weaknesses (Hebrews 2:17; 4:15; Acts 7:59; 1 Corinthians 16:22; Revelation 22:20). Prayer is often thought of mostly as a petition to God, but it often includes adoration, confession and thanksgiving. (See Matthew 6:5-15; 7:7; John 14:13-14; Philippians 4:6; 1 John 5:14-15.) biblegateway

Sanctification refers to the believer’s progressive growth in holiness or conformity to the image of Christ (Romans 6:1-23; 8:1-17). It means being set apart for God and His work (Romans 12:1-2) and becoming more fully obedient to God in daily life. It is God’s will for the believer (1 Thessalonians 4:3). It is the work of the Holy Spirit and is, therefore, a divine work. But it is also accomplished in us by a faithful use of prayer, Bible study, fellowship, worship, and the service of God and His people in the world together with trust in the Holy Spirit to change our character. For that reason, we are also sometimes said to sanctify ourselves and are made responsible for it. (See 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:27-5:31; Colossians 3:1-17.) biblegateway

The Second Coming of Christ
One of the most frequent doctrines of the New Testament is that Jesus will return to earth. According to Scripture, the second coming of Christ will be physical, sudden, visible and unexpected. It will include the bodily resurrection of the dead and the final judgement.  (See John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Mark 13:26; Luke 12:40; I Cor. 15:23; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 20:1-15) biblegateway

Judgment of Believers and Unbelievers
The Bible speaks of many kinds of judgment. The book of Revelation is full of them. The chief kinds of judgment are: 1) punitive judgment upon the unregenerate for their many sins (Romans 1:18, 28; 2:1-16; Hebrews 9:27; Acts 17:31); and 2) evaluative judgment upon believers as to how well they have served Christ as His disciples in this life (Romans 8:1; 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8). The evaluative judgments are sometimes spoken of as rewards and should encourage believers to faithful obedience and good works throughout their lives (1 Corinthians 3:14; 15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The punitive judgments are described as being dreadful and are set forth in Scripture as a warning to sinners to flee to Jesus Christ. Punitive judgments will be endured in a conscious condition and forever (Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:15). This doctrine is offensive to many people, but it helps to remember that judgment establishes true value or worth. Judgment proves that who we are and what we do matters. When  God created humans (Gen 1:26-27) he blessed them with every physical blessing (Gen 1:28-30) and his judgement was "it was very good" (Gen 1:31). biblegateway

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