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God’s word can be literal and Spiritual as in the case of the wedding in Cana. The wedding represents the Spiritual being the union between Jesus and his bride whom are the children of God through repentance. Jesus brings his disciples to the wedding to show them the wonders of God through the renewal of his Spirit. I want you to see the relationship we have between the old self in the flesh and the new Spiritual rebirth in Christ. We are called the bride of Christ and I could not find any better example of this as in the story of the first wedding Jesus attended with his disciples, (Ref: John 2:1-11).

The word marriage represents our relationship with Jesus. We are called the bride of Christ which means when we become Spiritually born again or renewed in our spirit we become one in the Spirit that is in Christ and have communion with his life, death and resurrection. We are united with Jesus as one body that has been renewed through the Spirit that is God. We become as a bride to the bridegroom as we are joined together as one.

(Matthew 9:15; Revelation 21:9)

The word call means that we do not just happen to fall into a relationship with Jesus as we are called of God or predestined before the world began for Gods purpose and grace. Jesus brought his disciples to the wedding to witness God’s power and authority through the miracle of changing water into wine, which was Jesus first miracle. The water and the wine represent the word of God and his Spirit as a renewal of our body and soul through the salvation of Jesus.

(Jeremiah 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:9; John 3:5)

Wanting wine meant the disciples wanted understanding of those things Jesus was teaching them as they could not understand with their carnal minds, but did know that Jesus was a prophet sent by God. When Jesus said to his mother my time has not come yet he was speaking of his death and resurrection. Spiritual understanding could not come until Jesus ascended unto the Father and the Holy Spirit that is the Spirit of God be brought down from heaven to open our Spiritual eyes and ears to understand those teachings of Jesus while he walked the earth with his disciples.

(Romans 8:5-8; John 14:26)

The water pots in themselves are a Jewish tradition of placing these pots outside the wedding feast so everyone could wash their hands and feet before entering into the feast. The significance of there being six water pots of stone is that the number six represents the number of the beast or sinful nations that are being controlled by Satan using others to deceive man like he used a serpent to deceive Adam and Eve as Satan is a spirit that has no form and has to use whatever or whomever he can to work through to deceive man.

When Jesus asked the servants to fill the water pots with water and then he changed the water into wine is a Spiritual representation of the water being the word of God and the wine being the Holy Spirit as it is only by the word of God and his Holy Spirit that we can see the kingdom of God through a renewed Spiritual rebirth through repentance.

The governor asked Jesus why was the good wine served last after everyone was already drunk as he could not understand such a thing. In the beginning man was pure and knew no sin until they allowed themselves to be deceived by Satan who used the serpent to deceive them thus the knowledge of sin was revealed to them and extended to all generations. The good wine (Gods Spirit come to flesh in Jesus) was sacrificed for the atonement of sin as through repentance we now have the Holy Spirit (Spirit of God – new wine) that renews our inner man through the word of God that we can now have life eternal with the father.

(Revelation 13:18; John 1:14; Colossians 3:6; 12-14; Genesis 3:6, 7)

Before the dispensation of grace (Jesus) men were bound by the laws and traditions enforced by the Priest and the Scribes. The laws that were established by God were changed daily by the Pharisees so they could justify their own deeds of unrighteousness, By changing the laws this put men under bondage and they ended up dying in their sins for if you broke even one you were guilty of breaking them all because the law had no saving provisions in it and became a curse to men because they could not e justified by the laws.

(Galatians 3:10-12)

Jesus gave a parable about the old garment and old bottle which represents our old sin nature. When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior through repentance this created a new Spiritual inner man and old things are passed away (sin) and remembered no more by God and all things become new once again.

You have two masters you can choose to serve as one is God and the other is self. If we have truly died to self (old garment, old bottle) and serve God then he clothes us in his robe of righteousness and we drink from the new bottle from the fountain of living water. There is no fence riding when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. You either trust him in all things or you deny him in all things. You can not put a new piece of garment on an old piece as it ruins the new garment if you cut into it. (Note: wine bottles were made from the hide of animals and if used to much the hide would wear out and split.)

(Luke 5:36-39; Matthew 6:24)

When the Pharisees saw Jesus sitting with such undeliverable type of people in their opinion they question his disciples why he would waste his time on those they deemed unworthy and Jesus overhearing their conversation told them that he came to call the sinner not the righteous back to the grace of God through repentance as the righteous already hold that which is of God in their hearts. The Pharisees could not understand what Jesus meant as they felt that anyone who did not support their interpretations of the laws of Moses would become an outcast forever.

Their interpretations of the laws, as they changed them daily, became more authoritative than the original ones God gave to Moses. The laws had become bondage and caused many to die in their sin for they could not keep all the laws as there were over 613 of them as I said before the Pharisees added to them daily to try and justify their own deeds. Jesus was sent of God to make an end to the curse of the law as he was made the final blood sacrifice to redeem us all from sin through repentance to bring us back to the grace of God.

(Matthew 9:10-13; Galatians 3:10-14)

Once again the Pharisees came against Jesus and his teachings for what he was teaching came against their own interpretations and traditions of the laws and as he was also teaching to the gentiles who were thought to be heathens as they worshipped other gods this angered those who held high office in the Priesthood in the Jewish nation. The Jewish people were bound by the laws as they were taught by the Priest and Rabbi in the Synagogue they also questioned Jesus about why his disciples did not fast as fasting was part of the law of purification and Jesus told them why would one fast for something they already had. He also told them that he would not always be with the people and they would fast again, but it would be another type of fast that the disciples of Jesus (us) would loose the bands of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke of bondage. The fast Jesus was talking about was to feed the hungry, help the poor and clothe the naked.

Fasting was not afflicting the soul as what would that bring about, but only ones own emotions of pain. Fasting is to take the word of God out to those who need to hear of Gods salvation and showing the actions of the word of God by helping those in need. The old bottle or the old wineskin (man under the law) was bound by the law or the interpretation of it, which only brought Spiritual death and literal death, but the new bottle or new wine skin (man under grace) has been set free from the curse of the law as the Holy Spirit has been given to us that renews Gods Spirit in us and teaches us the true knowledge of Gods spoken word.

(Matthew 9:14-17; Isaiah 58:5-8)

We have to be careful for what we are being taught by others so we will not fall into the bondage of traditional interpretations and preach a deceptive gospel that will cause others to stumble and separate themselves from grace, but rather we need to be teaching the acceptable word of God in all truths no matter what tries to come against us. You might think that anything taught from the pulpit is truth because after all these people are our teachers and they should know what they are speaking, but we are warned many times in the word of God to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing because Satan as a roaring lion is seeking to whom he can use to devour us. Learn to discern what is being taught to you so you can rightly divide the word of God to know what is truth or what is error as we will stand before God individually to give an account for what we have learned and taught others and there will be no excuses before the father as he has given us truth by his Spirit, but it was up to us to accept it or reject it.

Never take anyone’s word for what they teach unless they can back themselves up with scripture and you study it for yourself by asking the Holy Spirit to confirm if what you have been taught is truth or error and if you find error in those teachings it is up to you to go to them in love and compassion to show them where they have erred as when you do this you gain a brother, but if they refuse to hear you then shake the dust from your feet and move on. Never argue or debate Gods word for this will only bring foolishness on you and is not pleasing to the Father, but in all things let us bring glory and honor to the Lord by living in his will of love and show forth the good fruits of his grace.

(Acts 13:38, 39; 1 Peter 5:8; 1Timothy 1:4-7)

                                                                 

HEBREWS 11:1-40

Vs. 1 now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Vs. 2 for by it the elders obtained a good report

Let us explore the meaning of Hebrews Chapter Eleven starting with prayers of faith in things we hope for.

We all have different things that we pray for in our lives. Our prayers are usually for the salvation of someone, finances, health or whatever the need may be. When it all seems impossible to our fleshly eyes and understanding then we have to rely on the faith of Gods promises to turn every situation around for the witness of Gods word. We are a generation that wants it and wants it now, but by faith if we wait on Gods timing which is always perfect then the blessings will be much greater and the witness of the blessing will bring others unto salvation of Jesus Christ. When we rely on faith, it brings with it Gods approval or Gods favor. God will grant unto his children the desires of their hearts through his grace, but also you must have forgiveness in your heart for others that do you wrong.

These two verses below explains why our prayers can go unanswered at times.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Vs. 3 through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

We believe through faith that God commanded the universe to be just by speaking it all into existence, even though we did not hear Him speak it or see it happen. We believe because we have seen signs and wonders of the glory of the Lord through his marvelous works that we know in our hearts can only come from God.

Vs. 4 by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

God accepted Abel’s sacrifice because Abel gave his best from a pure heart of faith knowing that what he had, God had given to him. Cain gave from a corrupt heart of greed wanting to keep the best for himself, but knowing he had to give back something of his gain and God rejected his offering and then for his disappointment towards Cain’s sacrifice and killing his brother Abel God cursed him. God wants to bless us and give us his best gifts, but only if we have faith to believe and trust him for everything we need in this life and for us to give him our very best in all things. When we trust and believe then will the abundance of our hearts desires be manifested in our lives as written in Luke 6:45.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Vs. 5 by faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Enoch was the son of Cain, the father of Methuselah and walked in the ways of the Lord by faith knowing that even though sin was running rampant through the people of disobedience he did not fall into the temptations of evil, but stood strong on the spoken words of God. Enoch was taken up from the earth by God in a whirlwind (like a tornado that picks up objects and places them in other areas) and did not taste death because of his great faith in God, but no one knows where God placed him except to know he was taken out from those of disobedience. He also prophesied of the return of the Lord, with his saints, to judge the people of earth. Genesis, 2 Kings and Jude gives us some information about Enoch and Elijah.

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

2Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (heaven here means the atmosphere above earth)

Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Vs. 6 but without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

How can we please God if he doesn’t even know who we are. Our good intentions and or good works towards helping others are only temporal for the moment and fade away like a drop of rain when the sun shines on it and it disappears. We can only please God by accepting his son Jesus through faith to believe in who God said he was in his word and to those who seek and find him are rewarded with eternal life with the father.

Our faith is in Jesus whom the Father has sent to us to reconcile us back to the grace of God. Jesus sits at the right hand of the father making intercession for all those who believe  and come to him through a repentant heart that wants to know the Lord. Faith takes us through every trial and tribulation and brings us out victoriously if we only believe in the one whom God has sent.

Vs. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah having favor of God because of his belief or faith in God listened and obeyed the instructions God had given him even though he had no understanding of why God wanted him to build an ark, (ref: Genesis 6). Noah had no idea of what an ark was and never heard of rain before it came as it never rained from the sky before as God watered the earth from the dew that he rose up through the ground. Faith helps us to trust God in all things he commands of us without us asking why as we know when God speaks it is for the betterment of his children through instruction.

From verse eight through nineteen we will read the faith of Abraham in whom God made His covenant to in Genesis 12:1-3.

Vs. 8 by faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Vs. 9 by faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Vs. 10 for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Vs. 11 through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Vs. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

Vs. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Vs. 14 for they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

Vs. 15 and truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

Vs. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Vs. 17 by faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Vs. 18 of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

Vs. 19 accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

By faith Abraham listen to Gods calling for him to leave the land he knew to go into another not knowing what would be ahead of him or why God would direct him to another place. Some died on that journey, but died knowing God even though they did not come into the land God promised them, but by faith went with Abraham to find that land of promise who God would be the foundation of the people through faith. When God asked him to take Isaac up and sacrifice him, he did not question God, but only exercised his faith that God would raise Isaac up from the dead because he was the promised seed and heir of the covenant God made with Abraham, (ref: Genesis 12.)

Now comes the generational promise God made with Abraham seen through his son Isaac, Isaac’s son Jacob and Jacob’s son Joseph.

Vs. 20 by faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

Vs. 21 by faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

By faith Isaac gave the blessing and instructions to Jacob concerning the promise of the covenant God made with Abraham and all his seed to come. Esau lost his right to the promise because of his lack of faith, (ref: Genesis chapter 25,26,27,28). Through faith and what God had showed Jacob he gave the blessing onto Ephraim as the seed of the covenant, (ref: Genesis 48). God is not slack in concerning his promises. Even though Esau and Manasseh where the first-born and should have had the blessings handed down to them it was by faith in trusting in Gods instructions that Isaac and Jacob where shown who the true seed should be. 

Vs. 22 by faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Through an evil act of Josephs brothers Joseph still kept his faith in God to know God would bring good to that which was bad as Joseph and his brothers were still part of the promise God made with Abraham for them to be brought to a land of promise where God would be their foundation. God placed Joseph in a place of authority that he could care for his brothers until the day of his death and that they all would travel together to that promised land and his bones would be at rest to fulfill the promised covenant. It was by faith that Joseph forgave his brothers and cared for them and their families as God continues even today to place us in a Spiritual promised land by faith to be with him for eternity in paradise (ref: Genesis 50:15-26).

Let us look at the faith of Moses. God called Moses even before he was born to be a leader of Gods people to help set them free. When the time came for Moses to reveal his birthright as a Hebrew he had faith in God to know what he had to do, (ref: Exodus 2:23-25, chapter 2-14). Moses faced many adversities and many temptations, but knew the pleasures he could have had were only temporal and that he would ever have to bow down to Pharaoh, but by faith in the true God his blessings would be far greater then anything Pharaoh could offer as Moses was predestined to set his people free and through faith accepted that calling from God.

Vs. 23 by faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

Vs. 24 by faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

Vs. 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Vs. 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

Vs. 27 by faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Vs. 28 through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Vs. 29 by faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do were drowned.

Another great man of faith was Joshua. By faith Joshua knew that God would always deliver the enemy into his hands because of the covenant promise made to Abraham and all his generation that kept their faith grounded in Gods words. Rahab hid the two spies, (ref: Joshua 2:1-24), sent to check out the city from the king; by faith she knew they were men of God and God spared her and gave her great faith. These covenant promises are the same today as they were with Abraham as we are of that same seed covenant through the promises of God as when we accept Jesus this makes us joint-heirs as being one body in Christ.

Vs. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

Vs. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

The rest of these verses are about other heroes of great faith that we read about in scripture that have gone through trials of faith beginning with Deborah, Gideon, Barak, Samson, David and Samuel. 

Vs. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (Ref: Judges 4:6; 6:11; 11:1; 12:7)

Vs. 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Vs. 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Vs. 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

Vs. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: (Ref: 1 Kings 17:22)

Vs. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Ref: Acts 7:58; 2 Kings 1:8; Zechariah 13:4)

Vs. 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Vs. 39 and these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

Vs. 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Ref: Hebrews 5:9)

In Conclusion I saved Job for last as a lesson of faith for all of us.

Romans 10:17 so then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

We need the faith of Jesus everyday in our lives to stand strong in times of trials and tribulations. When our world seems to be crashing in on us is when we only have to look up to the heavens and know that the promises of God will manifest in our life if we only trust and obey his word. We have an adversary called Satan who wants nothing more than to try and steal our faith and have us denounce Jesus in our life as he wants to devour the children of God and he will use any measure he can to accomplish this.

God allowed Satan to come against Job to prove that his faith was stronger then all he owned. Job lost everything including his family. His health was deteriorating from what

Satan caused to come on him, but Satan could not take his faith in God away from him even though Job was anguished and sorrowful for what he went through. Job gave God first place above all he owned, his family and even his own life and for what Satan put him through God blessed him even more and increased all that he lost because he was faithful in all things. This is where we need to be also that we are careful to be faithful in all things as Satan will always try and come against those who are in Christ. Never worry about what might come against you as when you put God above everything in your life and have trust and faith in his promises he will always deliver you from the snare of the fowler.

I will leave you the reader with some scriptures of encouragement that are some of my favorite ones to stand on. God bless all of you that reads this blog on faith.

Psalms 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds 😉

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:6 and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

God called Moses even before he was born to be a leader of Gods people to help set them free. When the time came for Moses to reveal his birthright as a Hebrew he had faith in God to know what he had to do, (ref: Exodus 2:23-25, chapter 2-14). Moses faced many adversities and many temptations, but knew the pleasures he could have had were only temporal and that he would ever have to bow down to Pharaoh, but by faith in the true God his blessings would be far greater then anything Pharaoh could offer as Moses was predestined to set his people free and through faith accepted that calling from God.

By faith Joshua knew that God would always deliver the enemy into his hands because of the covenant promise made to Abraham and all his generation that kept their faith grounded in Gods words. Rahab hid the two spies, (ref: Joshua 2:1-24), sent to check out the city from the king; by faith she knew they were men of God and God spared her and gave her great faith. These covenant promises are the same today as they were with Abraham as we are of that same seed covenant through the promises of God as when we accept Jesus this makes us joint-heirs as being one body in Christ.

Vs. 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

Vs. 19 accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

The Holy Spirit is simply the Spirit of God and is referred to being part of the trinity that is Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost. God is a Spirit and wants us to worship or another word for worship is to humble ourselves before him in spirit and truth. God is not flesh and blood that we can see and touch with our physical senses for he has no form but the Spirit that is God can take on many forms for us to hear him speak to us. Gods’ spirit spoke to many prophets throughout the Bible through pillars of clouds a burning bush, a donkey or spoke with visions through dreams to reveal his will for encouragement and instruction. Gods’ spirit was and still is alive and moves through the hearts of his who are called by his name and have answered his call to salvation through Jesus.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, here am I.

Numbers 12:5 and the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

Numbers 22:28 and the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

Genesis 37:5 and Joseph dreamed a dream and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

The Spirit of God was made flesh (Jesus) to walk among us teaching us and showing signs and wonders for the people to repent of their evil ways and come back to God. Many came back to God and were made servants worthy to praise him and continue in his works but there were many (Pharisees and Priest) that despised what they were hearing for it came against their laws and traditions and they felt they needed to silence this man, not knowing that it was actually the Spirit of God they were trying to silence.

John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:2 the same was in the beginning with God.

John 1:3 all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:4 in him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 1:5 and the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

John 11:46 but some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

The Pharisees and Scribes thought they did away with this man named Jesus, but did not realize that one of the promises God made with Abraham was that he would never leave or forsake his own. Jesus also told his disciples about how he had to go and be with the Father and if they would keep his commandments the Father would give them another comforter that would be with them forever and teach them all things and bring those things back to their remembrance.

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee:

Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Deuteronomy 4:29 but if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them.

John 14:15 if ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:16 and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever;

Acts 2:1 and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:2 and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The disciples could not understand with their carnal minds what Jesus was teaching them, but they knew he was a prophet sent from God and accepted the authority and power which he taught with through miracles, signs and wonders. It would not be until the Spirit of God (Jesus) was taken up out of the tomb and revealed to the hearts of those who believed on him that the same Spirit (Holy Spirit) would be sent back down to dwell in the hearts of those who believed.

Romans 8:6 for to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:7 because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Acts 1:1 the former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Acts 1:2 until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Acts 1:3 to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Acts 1:4 and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 1:7 and he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Acts 1:8 but ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:1 and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:2 and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

When we repent of our sins and ask Jesus into our hearts we are also receiving the promise of God that his Spirit will come and dwell in our hearts and teach us of all things we need to learn. The baptism that Peter was talking about was a Spiritual rebirth through the word of God. Some people think it is being dunked or sprinkled with water the way John the Baptist did as he was the forerunner of Jesus and there is nothing wrong with that for it is an outward appearance to man that you have received Jesus and the Holy Spirit into your life, but Jesus himself never baptized with water for the baptism of Jesus was for receiving the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) that helps us to know the will of the Father.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:39 for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The Holy Spirit will teach you things the carnal mind cannot perceive. Jesus explains the purpose of the Holy Spirit and the relationship of the believers to Christ and what relationship the believers have to the world in John chapters 14 and 15. Please read both chapters before you read on as the importance of these two chapters will help you understand the rest of this chapter on the Holy Spirit.

We receive power and authority through the Holy Spirit to carry on the works of the Lord until His glorious return. In order to stay in Gods will you must posses the mind of Christ to know the works we do are not of ourselves, but that of the Father who started a good work in you. Jesus has started a good work within you and we can only carry out these works through the Holy Spirits guidance as we help meet the needs of others who need a touch from God.

Acts 1:8 but ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Matthew 28:18 and Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus to us as he did to the disciples on the day of Pentecost for us to gain truth through Spiritual eyes and ears. The disciples could not understand the works of the Lord with their carnal minds until they received power from God and after that the Holy Spirit came on them to teach them how to do the will of the Father. God gives us his power and authority through the Holy Spirit to be over comers and to take his word out into the world with love and compassion as we allow the Holy Spirit speak through us.

That same power that is in us only comes through the Holy Spirit and all we need to do is ask and receive that power through faith and it will manifest immediately within our spirit. That power gives us Spiritual authority against anything that tries to come against us. We have the same promises that God gave to Abraham because even though we are Gentiles we are under that same covenant that God established with Abraham because we are joint heirs with Jesus which makes us a child of God.

Galatians 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee:

Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Romans 3:29 is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

We can do nothing through the flesh because our flesh is as a filthy rag to God and produces vanity which is not of God, but of self. Jesus has begun the good works through you and the Holy Spirit will guide you the whole way if you only believe and allow Him to. God uses the eyes and voice of men to teach us this word through the Holy Spirit, but always be aware of what you are being taught for the Bible warns us that there are many false prophets and false teachers out there and we can only tell by what fruits that are coming out of their mouths whether they be of God or of flesh. When you are being taught by others take the scriptures home and studying them for yourself by allowing the Holy Spirit teach you and give you understanding so when you are being taught by others you will know how to discern truth and know for a surety that what is being taught is of God and not mans interpretations of the word of God. 

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Galatians 3:2 this only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Galatians 3:3 are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 7:16 ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1John 4:2 hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1John 4:3 and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

1John 4:6 we are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.