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Archives for December 2018

December 27, 2018 by for_his_glory

Holy Spirit

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.

Genesis 37:5 (LEB)

And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers. And they hated him even more.“they added still to hate him”5And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers. And they hated him even more.“they added still to hate him”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Genesis+37%3A5…

Genesis 12:1 (LEB)

The Call of AbramAnd Adonai said to Abram, “Go out from your land and from your relatives, and from the house of your father, to the land that I will show you.The Call of AbramAnd Adonai said to Abram, “Go out from your land and from your relatives, and from the house of your father, to the land that I will show you.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Genesis+12%3A1…

Genesis 12:2 (LEB)

And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great. And you will be a blessing.2And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great. And you will be a blessing.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Genesis+12%3A2…

Genesis 12:3 (LEB)

And I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you I will curse. And all families of the earth will be blessed in you.”3And I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you I will curse. And all families of the earth will be blessed in you.”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Genesis+12%3A3…

Exodus 3:4 (LEB)

And Adonai saw that he turned aside to see, and God called to him from the midst of the bush, and he said, “Moses, Moses.” And he said, “Here I am.”4And Adonai saw that he turned aside to see, and God called to him from the midst of the bush, and he said, “Moses, Moses.” And he said, “Here I am.”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Exodus+3%3A4…

Numbers 22:28 (LEB)

Adonai opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What did I do to you that you struck me these three times?”28Adonai opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What did I do to you that you struck me these three times?”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Numbers+22%3A28…

Numbers 12:5 (LEB)

And Adonai went down in a column of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tent, and he called Aaron and Miriam, and the two of them went,5And Adonai went down in a column of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tent, and he called Aaron and Miriam, and the two of them went,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Numbers+12%3A5…

Deuteronomy 4:29 (LEB)

But from there you shall seek Adonai your God and will find him, if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.Or “inner self”29But from there you shall seek Adonai your God and will find him, if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.Or “inner self”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Deuteronomy+4%3A29…

Deuteronomy 4:30 (LEB)

In your distress“In the distress for you” whenHebrew “and” all these things have found you in the latter days,“in the last of the days” thenHebrew “and” you will return to Adonai your God, and you will listen to his voice.30In your distress“In the distress for you” whenHebrew “and” all these things have found you in the latter days,“in the last of the days” thenHebrew “and” you will return to Adonai your God, and you will listen to his voice.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Deuteronomy+4%3A30…

Isaiah 64:6 (LEB)

And we all have become like the unclean, and all our deeds of justice like a menstrual cloth, And we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities take us away like the wind.6And we all have become like the unclean, and all our deeds of justice like a menstrual cloth, And we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities take us away like the wind.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Isaiah+64%3A6…

Matthew 28:18 (LEB)

And Jesus approached andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“approached”) has been translated as a finite verb spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.18And Jesus approached andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“approached”) has been translated as a finite verb spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Matthew+28%3A18…

Matthew 28:19 (LEB)

Therefore, goAs a participle of attendant circumstance this participle carries imperatival force picked up from the main verb (“make disciples”) andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,19Therefore, goAs a participle of attendant circumstance this participle carries imperatival force picked up from the main verb (“make disciples”) andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Matthew+28%3A19…

Matthew 28:20 (LEB)

teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.”20teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Matthew+28%3A20…

Matthew 3:11 (LEB)

I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.11I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Matthew+3%3A11…

Matthew 7:15 (LEB)

The Sermon on the Mount: Recognizing False Prophets“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside are ravenous wolves.15The Sermon on the Mount: Recognizing False Prophets“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside are ravenous wolves.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Matthew+7%3A15…

John 11:45 (LEB)

The Jewish Leaders Plot to Kill JesusThen many of the Jews who had come with Mary and saw the things which he did believed in him.45The Jewish Leaders Plot to Kill JesusThen many of the Jews who had come with Mary and saw the things which he did believed in him.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+11%3A45…

John 11:46 (LEB)

But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done.46But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+11%3A46…

John 14:15 (LEB)

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.15Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+14%3A15…

John 14:16 (LEB)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, in order that he may be with you forever“for the age” —16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, in order that he may be with you forever“for the age” —
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+14%3A16…

John 14:26 (LEB)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+14%3A26…

John 1:1 (LEB)

The Prologue to John’s GospelIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.The Prologue to John’s GospelIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+1%3A1…

John 1:2 (LEB)

This one was in the beginning with God.2This one was in the beginning with God.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+1%3A2…

John 1:3 (LEB)

All things came into being through him, and apart from him not one thing came into being thatOr “came into being. What …,” beginning a new sentence connected with the following verse. A major punctuation problem is involved, since the earliest manuscripts have no punctuation, but some important later ones place the punctuation before this phrase, effectively connecting it to v. 4: “What has come into being was life in him” has come into being.3All things came into being through him, and apart from him not one thing came into being thatOr “came into being. What …,” beginning a new sentence connected with the following verse. A major punctuation problem is involved, since the earliest manuscripts have no punctuation, but some important later ones place the punctuation before this phrase, effectively connecting it to v. 4: “What has come into being was life in him” has come into being.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+1%3A3…

John 1:4 (LEB)

In him was life, and the life was the light of humanity.Or “humankind”4In him was life, and the life was the light of humanity.Or “humankind”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+1%3A4…

John 1:5 (LEB)

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcomeOr “comprehend” (if primarily referring to people in the world) it.5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcomeOr “comprehend” (if primarily referring to people in the world) it.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+1%3A5…

John 4:1 (LEB)

The Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s WellNow when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than JohnThe Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s WellNow when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+4%3A1…

John 4:2 (LEB)

(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples),2(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples),
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+4%3A2…

John 4:3 (LEB)

he left Judea and departed again for Galilee.3he left Judea and departed again for Galilee.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+4%3A3…

John 4:4 (LEB)

And it was necessary for him to go through Samaria.4And it was necessary for him to go through Samaria.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+4%3A4…

John 4:5 (LEB)

Now he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the piece of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.5Now he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the piece of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+4%3A5…

John 4:6 (LEB)

And Jacob’s well was there, so Jesus, because he had become tired from the journey, simply sat down at the well. It was about the sixth hour.6And Jacob’s well was there, so Jesus, because he had become tired from the journey, simply sat down at the well. It was about the sixth hour.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=John+4%3A6…

Acts 2:38 (LEB)

And Peter saidSome manuscripts explicitly add “said” to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.38And Peter saidSome manuscripts explicitly add “said” to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+2%3A38…

Acts 2:39 (LEB)

For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.”39For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+2%3A39…

Acts 1:1 (LEB)

The PrefaceI produced the former account, O Theophilus, about all that“of what” Jesus began to do and to teach,The PrefaceI produced the former account, O Theophilus, about all that“of what” Jesus began to do and to teach,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A1…

Acts 1:2 (LEB)

until the day he was taken up, after heHere “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had given orders”) which is understood as temporal had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen,2until the day he was taken up, after heHere “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had given orders”) which is understood as temporal had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A2…

Acts 1:3 (LEB)

to whom he also presented himself alive after he suffered, with many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking the things about the kingdom of God.3to whom he also presented himself alive after he suffered, with many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking the things about the kingdom of God.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A3…

Acts 1:4 (LEB)

And while heHere “while” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was with”) which is understood as temporal was withOr “was assembling with,” or “was sharing a meal with” them,*supplied from English context he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what was promised by the Father, which you heard about from me.4And while heHere “while” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was with”) which is understood as temporal was withOr “was assembling with,” or “was sharing a meal with” them,*supplied from English context he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what was promised by the Father, which you heard about from me.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A4…

Acts 1:5 (LEB)

For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”“not many days after these”5For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”“not many days after these”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A5…

Acts 1:6 (LEB)

The AscensionSo whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had come together”) which is understood as temporal they had come together, they began askingImperfect tense as ingressive (“began asking”) him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”6The AscensionSo whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had come together”) which is understood as temporal they had come together, they began askingImperfect tense as ingressive (“began asking”) him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A6…

Acts 1:7 (LEB)

But he said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority.7But he said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A7…

Acts 2:1 (LEB)

Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy SpiritAnd when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same place.Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy SpiritAnd when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same place.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+2%3A1…

Acts 2:2 (LEB)

And suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.2And suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+2%3A2…

Acts 2:3 (LEB)

And dividedOr perhaps “distributed” tongues like fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.3And dividedOr perhaps “distributed” tongues like fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+2%3A3…

Acts 2:4 (LEB)

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languagesOr “tongues” as the Spirit gave them ability to speak out.4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languagesOr “tongues” as the Spirit gave them ability to speak out.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+2%3A4…

Acts 1:8 (LEB)

But you will receive power whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“has come”) the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest part of the earth.”8But you will receive power whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“has come”) the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest part of the earth.”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Acts+1%3A8…

Romans 8:6 (LEB)

For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,6For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Romans+8%3A6…

Romans 8:7 (LEB)

because the mindset of the flesh is enmity toward God, for it is not subjected to the law of God, for it is not able to do so,7because the mindset of the flesh is enmity toward God, for it is not subjected to the law of God, for it is not able to do so,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Romans+8%3A7…

Galatians 4:7 (LEB)

so that you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, also an heir through God.7so that you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, also an heir through God.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Galatians+4%3A7…

Galatians 3:1 (LEB)

Justified by the Law, or Justified by Faith?O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as having been crucified?Justified by the Law, or Justified by Faith?O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as having been crucified?
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Galatians+3%3A1…

Galatians 3:2 (LEB)

I want only to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?2I want only to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Galatians+3%3A2…

Galatians 3:3 (LEB)

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now trying to be made complete by the flesh?3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now trying to be made complete by the flesh?
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Galatians+3%3A3…

Philippians 2:5 (LEB)

Christ’s Humiliation and ExaltationThink this inOr “among” yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,5Christ’s Humiliation and ExaltationThink this inOr “among” yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Philippians+2%3A5…

Philippians 2:6 (LEB)

who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God something to be grasped,6who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God something to be grasped,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Philippians+2%3A6…

Philippians 2:7 (LEB)

but emptied himself byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“taking”) which is understood as means taking the form of a slave, byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means becoming in the likeness of people. And being found in appearance like a man,7but emptied himself byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“taking”) which is understood as means taking the form of a slave, byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means becoming in the likeness of people. And being found in appearance like a man,
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Philippians+2%3A7…

Philippians 2:8 (LEB)

he humbled himself byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means becoming obedient to the point of death, that is, death on a cross.8he humbled himself byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means becoming obedient to the point of death, that is, death on a cross.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Philippians+2%3A8…

Filed Under: Bible Studies

December 16, 2018 by Steve McEvoy

Before Spitting, Be Prepared

My father was born in 1891, 12 years before the Wright Brothers flew. He lived his entire life in New York City from the horse-and-buggy era to the age of jet-airliners and tall skyscrapers – a very transformational period. I was born in 1946, and was the only child from my parents’ late-in-life union. Mom was 43 at the time, and they told me many times that I was a “surprise baby.”

Dad was a respected supervisory mechanical engineer. He worked until 1954 when he was ruled disabled because of quickly deteriorating eyesight. As a young lad, he took me for outings on many of the city’s far-reaching elevated and subway lines. By the time I was 11, my father was no longer able to navigate the city and transit system on his own. But he still took me out exploring to both show and teach me. My father held his cane in one hand and my arm in the other, telling me how to get where we were going, and it was my job to get us there safely. It was a sight to behold – a youngster leading a blind tour guide on sightseeing trips! On the many forays around the city, I saw bridges, buildings, trains, railroad facilities, museums, ships, and a lot more. My blind father gave me a passion for railways and engineering, which led me into a very successful and enjoyable career.

Photo – Stephen Sr. and Catherine McEvoy with “Surprise Baby” Stephen aka Me

I was told little about Dad’s earlier life before my birth. But my father did share that he was put in an orphanage when he was just 4 years old, where he lived 10 years. There was never any mention of my paternal Grandparents James and Emily (Foster) McEvoy. And, in spite of asking many times, I never learned why my father wound up in an orphanage at such a young age. It wasn’t until many years after his death that I realized how great of a man and father he truly was, and I recently learned that I only knew half the story.

My family gave me a DNA kit as a Christmas gift. It included a box, vial, instructions, and seemed high-tech and complicated. It sat on my desk for six months before I finally read the material, which turned out to be quite simple. I spit some saliva into the vial, completed a short form, put it into the provided box, and mailed it back for DNA analysis. Nothing complex at all. I had no idea what the DNA results would be. The only significant question I had about my heritage was why my father found himself in an orphanage at 4 years of age.

A few weeks later, I received the results – Great Britain 45%, Ireland 34%, Iberian Peninsula 9%, Scandinavia 8%, and a smattering of other geographical regions. I also received a list of 159 possible 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th cousins, but I never reached out to any of them. However, two of these relatives contacted me – David, the grandson of my Uncle Henry, and Patricia, the great granddaughter of my Uncle William. They both confirmed that my father was one of seven siblings. Interesting but nothing earth shattering.

Then I raised the long-unanswered question whether they knew why my father wound up in an orphanage at a young age. They were surprised that I did not know about the family tragedy. Rather than tell me the gory details, they briefed me about the basics and explained how I could research the sad events for myself.

I quite easily found the tragic story in many newspapers. I was shocked to learn that on July 6, 1895, my Grandfather James McEvoy, during a drunken rage, shot my Grandmother Emily in the head and torso. The shooting occurred in front of two of their children. The other five children immediately ran into the room after the gunfire. As reported in the New York Herald, “The seven children were screaming and yelling. The flat was in the wildest disorder.”

James penned two suicide notes before the deed, but he yielded to the children’s pleading that he not turn the gun on himself. Police officers soon arrived and took James into custody. “Only the clubs of six policemen kept James McEvoy from being lynched by his frantic neighbors…” Emily was taken to a hospital where she died two days later. My grandfather was a premeditated murderer.

The day after Emily’s death, James was being transported to court for legal proceedings via Manhattan’s Third Avenue Elevated Line. While handcuffed and waiting on the 59th Street Station platform, James pulled away and threw himself onto the track in front of the approaching train. He was mortally wounded and died in a hospital an hour later. Within three short days, my father and his six siblings (ranging from 2 to 19 years of age) violently lost both parents.

James’ family helped the seven children transition through the aftermath of the terrible tragedy. The three eldest needed minimal assistance, while my father, the second youngest, wound up in an orphanage.

I spent my entire career in railway operations and engineering, and it was bizarre for me to learn that my grandfather died in Manhattan after being run over by an elevated train, hauled much less by a steam locomotive. And I walked through the intersection of 59th Street and Third Avenue many times over the years totally unaware that such a horrific family tragedy occurred there just one long generation ago.

Photo – New York’s Third Avenue Elevated Circa 1878-1895 before Electrification

There are many events in life that we cannot foresee or prepare for, and learning this sad family history was certainly one of them. And yet, as terrible as the tragedy was, I felt prepared for the bad news to a significant degree.

I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior 54 years ago on simple blind faith, without thinking it all through. Almost immediately, I struggled with many “whys” – why God allows pain, suffering, disease, death, and dozens more. After 10 years or so of wrestling with God, I still could not understand or rationalize the human condition, and I gave up trying. I simply decided to yield and accept the Biblical explanations – we live in a fallen world where free will prevails, sin permeates, and stuff happens – both good and bad. While I still do not like or understand why things are the way they are, I stopped trying to make sense of it all. I reaffirmed my faith in Jesus and His Sacrifice on my behalf, and I also firmly embraced God’s Written Word, regardless of my feelings and unanswered questions.

So, learning about my family’s tragedy did not jar or rattle me to any significant degree, but the sad story did slowly cut to my heart in a number of other ways. I have been unable to feel any sympathy for James McEvoy. He had a history of drunkenness and violence, and was arrested several months before the murder for attacking his wife Emily while intoxicated. I do have an immense empathy for Emily, who gave James seven children only to be slaughtered by him.

The story generated much emotion in me about my father overcoming such a turbulent and tragic childhood, and excelling in life in spite of it. Dad never complained and never seemed sad, even after he went blind. Dad’s oldest brother William stirs even greater emotion in me, because he unexpectedly became the family patriarch at the age of 19. He stepped up to the plate, providing love and assistance to his youngest siblings. My father recounted that William visited him many times during the 10 years spent in the orphanage, after which William took my father home to live with him and his family during my dad’s teenage years.

However, the greatest emotion and discomfort I have felt about the tragedy is not about James, Emily, William or my father, but about me. The story has reminded me about my sinful nature, failures and shortcomings. As strange as it sounds, I feel blessed, enriched and even healed by these sad introspective feelings. While I cannot change history, I can still change myself and also allow God greater control over my life.

A touching side story to the tragedy was that the Plasterers’ Union of which James was a member contributed $150 towards the funeral cost. When adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $4,167 today – not a trivial amount. Considering that James was a drunken murderer, such a sizable donation was a remarkable showing of fraternal love, and also an important reminder that the Second Great Commandment to love our neighbor applies even when we hate what the neighbor did!

The moral of the story may seem to be that before spitting for a DNA test, be prepared for the possibility of bad news. However, that is just a “catchy” title; the lesson is much deeper than that. There are many other far more likely possible tragedies that could befall us tomorrow, which would more greatly test and challenge our faith, and rack our emotions. The promises in Revelation 21:4 make clear that we currently live in a fallen world where bad stuff happens even to the best of Christians:

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4 ESV)

The sheltered “bubbles” we live in might burst tomorrow. We could prematurely lose a loved one, have a heart attack, be diagnosed with cancer, or become paralyzed! I have seen these and other tragic life-changing events happen to the finest of Christians. Although rarely preached or dwelt upon, such sad possibilities are well-established Biblical truths. As much as I do not like or understand it, living the Christian Life still subjects us to significant risks and uncertainties every day, because we live in a fallen world.

Every person deals with some measure of obstacles, problems and even tragedies in life. However, Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection provide promise, hope, grace and power to rise above and overcome the worst of events. The larger moral of my family story is Before Going to Bed Tonight, Be Prepared. I am reminded of Ephesians 6:13:

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13 ESV)

And what is “being prepared?” Nothing more than trust and faith in Jesus Christ, not only for salvation, but also for all our tomorrows; and, obedience to the Word of God, and actively living out God’s desires and plans for our lives. Not only will this prepare us, these “actions of faith” (regardless of feelings) will also allow us to live victoriously.

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Ephesians 6:13 (LEB)

Because of this, take up the full armor of God, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.13Because of this, take up the full armor of God, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Ephesians+6%3A13…

Revelation 21:4 (LEB)

And he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any longer, and“or” mourning or wailing or pain will not exist any longer. The former thingsSome manuscripts have “any longer, because the former things” have passed away.”4And he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any longer, and“or” mourning or wailing or pain will not exist any longer. The former thingsSome manuscripts have “any longer, because the former things” have passed away.”
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Revelation+21%3A4…

Filed Under: Member Writings

December 8, 2018 by Greg Gordon

Having No Mercy For Others, Only For Ourselves

Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. – James 2:13

We all have been shown great mercy in our lives. God has shown great compassion and forgiveness towards us in not counting our sins against us. We were in a place were God was ready to punish us and cause us great harm in sending us to hell for eternity for our great sins. Yet he showed great mercy and love towards us, forgiving our sins in his Son. When we therefore show no mercy to others, especially believers, we sin greatly. Warren Weirsbe says, “The most miserable prison in the world is the prison we make for ourselves when we refuse to show mercy.” Such a prison many believers are in not being able to show mercy to others but being a great benefiter of mercy from God. God came down from above as the compassionate one to forgive your sins, yet we cannot show compassion to the sins of another believer. Judgmentalism is one of the great sins in the Church, as we are always faulty in the way we see others, never knowing someones motives and heart (Jeremiah 17:9). When we learn to be full of mercy for others, we start to share the heart of Jesus Christ who did not judge but showed compassion to failing humanity. Look into the eyes of Jesus Christ now and see his wounds where he was pierced for you, can you say to him that you cannot forgive another? Have mercy to another?

The Desert Fathers were those who sought the Lord in a life of prayer in solitude, they sought God for God Himself. These were some of the godliest followers of the Lord in that era of Church history. A story of a Desert Father on not judging says, “A brother in Scetis committed a fault. A council was called to which abba Moses was invited, but he refused to go to it. Then the priest sent someone to him, saying, ‘Come, for everyone is waiting for you’. So he got up and went. He took a leaking jug and filled it with water and carried it with him. The others came out to meet him and said, ‘what is this, father?’ The old man said to them, ‘My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and today I am coming to judge the errors of another.’ When they heard that, they said no more to the brother but forgave him.” If we see our sins as this old godly brother did, we will not judge but show mercy to a fellow believer on this journey with the Lord. If we judged our own selves we would see our failings as great and have great mercy to others. We should find ourselves as the publican calling out to God for mercy constantly (Luke 18:13). Just like the pharisee in the temple praying we can judge our fellow brothers, looking down on the errors of others, but not seeing our own.

Steps to be more merciful

1 – Our Own Salvation – Remember your own salvation and what great sin was forgiven you at the cross.

2 – Personal Prison – Say to yourself that to not show mercy puts you in a spiritual prison of sadness and stress. Constantly judging others is wearing to the spirit.

3 – Doing Jesus Work – When we show mercy we are being the hands and face of Jesus to people. What a privilege to enter into that co-labouring work.

4 – Your own sin – When you are tempted to judge another because of a failing or sin, see yourself in that same sin, do you commit anything similar? Forget the other and then ask God mercy for yourself.

Lord have mercy on me and help me to be merciful to others. Amen.


Greg Gordon

Greg Gordon is the founder of SermonIndex.net, which was established in 2002. Greg is also the author of “The Following of Christ” a book on martyrdom and suffering. He was also involved in the Principles Volume which encouraged house churches to start in North America. This volume was distributed over 100,000 times in ebook form via Amazon Kindle and other formats. Many house churches have started through this effort. He has also written Uncompromising Faith and other books.

Jeremiah 17:9 (LEB)

The heart is deceitful more than anything else, and it is disastrous. Who can understand it?9The heart is deceitful more than anything else, and it is disastrous. Who can understand it?
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Jeremiah+17%3A9…

Luke 18:13 (LEB)

But the tax collector, standing far away, did not want even to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’13But the tax collector, standing far away, did not want even to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=Luke+18%3A13…

James 2:13 (LEB)

For judgment is merciless to the one who has not practiced mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.13For judgment is merciless to the one who has not practiced mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Read more: www.biblegateway.com/?search=James+2%3A13…

Filed Under: Member Writings Tagged With: cross, having mercy, mercy, showing mercy

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