Bible Study - Questions - What About People Who've Never Heard about JESUS? - Romans 1:16-25 - February 2, 2014

Bible Study – Questions – What About People Who’ve Never Heard about JESUS? – February 2, 2014

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Questions People Ask.”

Our scripture is Romans 1:16-25.

What about those who have never heard of JESUS? What happens to them after they die? These are great questions. The Apostle Paul gives us some insight into the answers.

We need to keep in mind that GOD’S desire is for no one to perish eternally. Matthew 18:14:

14 In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish. (JESUS was speaking about children.)

2 Peter 3:9:

9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

The will of the Father is that none perish. Ephesians 1:4 reveals that all have been chosen by GOD but humans have a choice whether or not to accept CHRIST as his or her Savior. The choice is theirs to make. All are chosen but the chosen have a decision to make: To either accept CHRIST by faith as their Savior or reject HIM.

Ephesians 1:4:

4 For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love.

James 1:17:

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

There are certain parameters GOD maintains and certain things HE allows for Himself. The absolute is that HE is consistent. HE means what HE says and says what HE means.

All people have a choice between being judged by CHRIST/GOD after they die and not being judged by accepting CHRIST by faith as their Savior during their time upon earth.  Thos who accept CHRIST as their Savior have been redeemed from eternal death by the shed blood of CHRIST. They will not being judged because those in CHRIST, in essence, died when CHRIST died, were buried with HIM, were resurrected with HIM, ascended with HIM, returned to earth to obediently serve GOD through the direction of the Holy Spirit. I know that is hard to comprehend. A Christian’s citizenship is in heaven because they are Sons or Daughters of GOD through the miracle of rebirth the instant they receive CHRIST as his or her Savior. The destination of Christians is sure, secure and confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. But what happens to those who die without CHRIST or never heard about CHRIST?

Let’s explore.

Let’s read Romans 1:18-25:

The Guilt of the Gentile World

All people are without excuse before GOD.

18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. 21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. 24 Therefore God delivered them over in the cravings of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. • Amen.

The Apostle Paul used the words “God’s wrath is revealed” to begin verse 19. We think of wrath as some irrational outburst of anger but in this case it means GOD’S holy and just opposition toward those who see the truth but choose to reject it in favor of following the dictates of the flesh. So in this case there are those who see their need of salvation but refuse to accept it. Unless they accept CHRIST as their Savior their fate is sealed.

People cannot claim ignorance of GOD because HE reveals Himself to all through HIS creation. HIS divine nature is revealed through all creation.

GOD reveals Himself to all people through HIS creations and that is how all people know that HE exists. How is it evident that the heathen or pagan knows that GOD, the creator of all things, exists? It is because they make all sorts of objects representing GOD’S handiwork – birds, reptiles, sun, moon, animals - or an image of a corruptible person like a king or queen. They make these images out of wood, stone, clay, metals or use sex to worship these false gods. The fact that they make these representations reveals and confirms that they know that a higher power created the material things they see and enjoy. But they have missed the mark and refused to acknowledge the one true GOD of the universe Who created all things, including them. GOD can only reveal; mankind has to choose.

But there is still the matter of the heart and only GOD knows the heart of every person and HE reveals Himself to every person in his or her heart, the most secret place within. Those, to whom GOD revealed Himself as they worshipped these false gods, yet rejected HIM, will be held accountable and judged by GOD and condemned to eternal punishment.

GOD will reveal Himself to every person. Those who respond to the light they have received from GOD within their hearts will be judged by HIM according to their response to that Spiritual light. The key word is JUDGED.

I have read about missionaries telling of ministering to those who have never heard of CHRIST. They told the missionaries that they knew HIM but did not know HIS name. The Apostle Paul mentions this in Romans 2:12-16:

12 All those who sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all those who sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be declared righteous.

14 So, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, instinctively do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts will either accuse or excuse them 16 on the day when God judges what people have kept secret, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.

Only GOD can and will judge those who, based upon our perspective and knowledge, have never heard of JESUS. They will be judged by GOD based upon the Spiritual Light they have received from HIM and how they responded to that Spiritual Light. But focus on the word “judged.” Do you want to be measured by GOD’S standard for righteousness? I don’t because I would fail. The Good News is salvation through faith in CHRIST results in passing from death into eternal life and not being judged by GOD. When Christians die they go directly to heaven to live in the presence of CHRIST and GOD. Christians will receive rewards from GOD based upon their obedience to HIM, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit, while they were upon earth.

As Christians our role is to present the Gospel of CHRIST to the entire world as JESUS commissioned HIS disciples before HE ascended into heaven after HIS crucifixion. Our world is wherever we are. Some Christians receive a special calling to go beyond their normal world but all are called to share the light of the Gospel of CHRIST as GOD provides the opportunity.

Which is better to be judged or not to be judged? I personally rejoice in the fact that as a Christian, I will not be judged but will be in the presence of GOD and CHRIST the instant I exit this earth suit. That is Good News and it is a joy to share with others as GOD gives the opportunity.

The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST Brings Salvation to All Who Believe.

Let’s read Romans 1:16-17:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

GOD’S plan for the redemption of mankind is through faith in HIS Only Son, JESUS CHRIST. JESUS said it best in John 5:24, those who place their faith in CHRIST already have eternal life and will not come under judgment because they have already passed from death into life. This is accomplished through the miracle of the rebirth.

John 5:24:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

Let’s go back Romans 2:12-16. Those without CHRIST will be judged by GOD as the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 2:12-16:

12 All those who sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all those who sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be declared righteous. 14 So, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, instinctively do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts will either accuse or excuse them 16 on the day when God judges what people have kept secret, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.

The Good News of CHRIST is that all who place their faith in HIM will not be judged because they are already Sons and Daughters of GOD through the miracle of rebirth through faith in CHRIST. There will be rewards based upon obedience to the leadership of GOD through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

So those who have never heard of CHRIST will be judged based upon the light GOD placed into their hearts and how they responded to that light. Their final eternal destination is in GOD’S hands.

As Christians our part is to present the Gospel of CHRIST and spread the Good News of salvation to all who place their faith in CHRIST.

Some may think that, “Wouldn’t it be better to not let anyone know about CHRIST?” If you had a cure for the most dreaded disease in the world that resulted in a sure horrible, agonizing, lingering death, would you keep it to yourself or share it? You can offer the cure but it is up to the person with the disease whether or not to take the cure. Taking the cure would cure but choosing not to take the cure would result in death.

This question of what happens to those who have never heard of CHRIST is hard to fathom. GOD works behind the scenes in all humans in the most secret place within each person revealing Himself.

We must trust GOD to judge others based upon the light HE has given to them and how they responded to that light. That is iffy. A Christian’s part is to present CHRIST as GOD provides the opportunity. Faith in CHRIST removes the iffy and replaces it with certainty, security and assurance through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth.

Do you recall the parable of the talents that JESUS told? (Mathew 25:14-30) GOD has given to every Christian the most valuable gifts of salvation, rebirth, forgiveness, grace, citizenship in heaven, Spiritual light, the indwelling Holy Spirit, status of being HIS Son or Daughter and so much more. The Bible reveals in Luke 12:47-48:

47 And that slave who knew his master’s will and didn’t prepare himself or do it will be severely beaten. 48 But the one who did not know and did things deserving of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.

JESUS said in Matthew 5:14-16:

14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Christians have been entrusted with the Good News of salvation and redemption through faith in CHRIST. This Good News is not to be hidden but shared as the Holy Spirit leads and guides all Christians. To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required. When Christians are led by the Holy Spirit, it is easy to minister but when they try to minister in their own strength, it is scary, difficult and tiring. Christians must allow the Holy Spirit to lead them.

We must keep in mind that GOD’S desire is for none to perish but for all humans to have everlasting life and to live eternally in HIS presence. All are chosen but few choose to accept CHRIST as their Savior. Have you made that choice in your life? My prayer is that you have or will because today is the day of salvation. Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Questions People Ask - How Can I Be Sure GOD Exists? - Psalm 19:1-14 - January 26, 2014

Bible Study – Questions People Ask – How Can I Be Sure GOD Exists? – January 26, 2014

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Questions People Ask.”

Our scripture is Psalm 19:1-14.

How can we know that GOD exists? This is a good question. GOD purposely revealed Himself in all of nature and the surrounding universe. The scientific community attributes the existence of the universe and our existence to the big bang theory and evolution. Okay. Many years ago I read an article in the newspaper that the Navy researchers had concluded that the origin of life was in the ocean. Okay, so I go to the Bible and to see what it has to reveal about the origin of life on earth and found in Genesis 1:20-21: (GOD had not created a living animal up to this point.)

20 Then God said, “Let the water swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” 21 So God created the large sea-creatures and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. He also created every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

GOD spoke animal life into being. But HE took creating the first human male and female into HIS own hands and with great love and care we learn in Genesis 1:26-27 and 2:7:

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.

Genesis 2:7:

7 Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.

Notice in Genesis 1:26 - Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.

Who is “US?” “US” refers to the Trinity – GOD, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. All three were present when GOD spoke the world and universe into existence and when GOD formed man from the dust of the ground. This was a sacred moment, an intimate and personal moment when GOD personally formed man. GOD breathed the breath of life into man and man became a living being in perfect relationship with GOD and the world around him. GOD made man to be eternal. GOD took a body part from man and made woman from it. Since the man was eternal, so was the woman eternal and so would their offspring be eternal. Thus the human spirit is eternal. Sin placed a barrier between GOD and mankind, which the shed blood of CHRIST broke for all who will place their faith in HIM.

Everything GOD had created was for mankind to exist and be sustained. GOD left HIS imprint on the things created to be a constant reminder of HIS handiwork. But some people fail to acknowledge GOD as the designer and creator. Every human has the freedom to choose. Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, who were in full relationship with GOD, had the freedom to choose and so does every human since - Of course, taking normal development into consideration.

So, if we do not see GOD in creation, what else can give us a clue about the existence of GOD? How about the miraculous body we live in with all of its unique features? Where is GOD? Humans seek GOD and have a desire for HIM to pop up and say, “Here I AM!” HE does but often not like we think HE should. HE reveals Himself in a still small voice or a soft whisper but GOD can reveal Himself anyway HE chooses. Oh, my friends if you ever hear it, you will know it.

Why don’t we hear the still small voice of GOD? We do not look for it or expect it. We are often too busy but Psalm 46:10 captures the essence:

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (KJV)

The Prophet Elijah challenged the people to a contest between Baal and GOD. The winner of the challenge would be the true GOD of the people. Let’s read 1 King 18:22-39.

22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of Yahweh. The God who answers with fire, He is God.” All the people answered, “That sounds good.” 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Since you are so numerous, choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first. Then call on the name of your god but don’t light the fire.” 26 So they took the bull that he gave them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound; no one answered. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made. 27 At noon Elijah mocked them. He said, “Shout loudly, for he’s a god! Maybe he’s thinking it over; maybe he has wandered away; or maybe he’s on the road. Perhaps he’s sleeping and will wake up!” 28 They shouted loudly, and cut themselves with knives and spears, according to their custom, until blood gushed over them. 29 All afternoon they kept on raving until the offering of the evening sacrifice, but there was no sound; no one answered, no one paid attention. 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near me.”

So all the people approached him. Then he repaired the Lord’s altar that had been torn down:

31 Elijah took 12 stones—according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Israel will be your name”— 32 and he built an altar with the stones in the name of Yahweh. Then he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold about four gallons. 33 Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, and placed it on the wood. He said, “Fill four water pots with water and pour it on the offering to be burned and on the wood.” 34 Then he said, “A second time!” and they did it a second time. And then he said, “A third time!” and they did it a third time. 35 So the water ran all around the altar; he even filled the trench with water. 36 At the time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “Yahweh, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your word I have done all these things. 37 Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the •burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 When all the people saw it, they fell facedown and said, “Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!”

After this demonstration of GOD’S power and presence, surely it would give the Prophet Elijah a sense of security for his safety and GOD’S care. Often Christians think, “If only GOD would do something spectacular in my life, it would increase my faith in HIM.” Often, spectacular demonstrations of GOD do not sustain us. We can think that GOD only focuses on the big picture and is not interested in us as an individual; which is wrong. Elijah will learn that lesson but GOD had to lead him to that understanding and conclusion.

Further in scripture, we discover that Elijah fled to save his life. He got very upset with GOD, yet the GOD was ministering to him along the way. He wanted to know that GOD was with him. Let’s read 1 Kings 19:10-13:

Elijah’s Encounter with the Lord later in his flee from Queen Jezebel’s soldiers.

(Elijah found security in a cave. He thought he was the only prophet of GOD left. He was discouraged and needed assurance from GOD that GOD was still with him. Elijah was building an intimate relationship with GOD; he just did not know it at the time. That often happens to Christians as they walk with GOD. They have to learn to trust HIM in their personal life.)

Then the word of the Lord came to him, and He (GOD) said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of • Hosts, but the Israelites have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.” 11 Then He (GOD) said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.” At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

GOD, in essence, asked Elijah, now that you know I am with you, why are you still here? Get up and move and be about MY business.

When GOD speaks it is often private and personal in a soft whisper. Have you ever heard the soft whisper of GOD? It is awesome. But HE can raise the volume of HIS voice for those who refuse to listen to GOD. One time, GOD spoke through a donkey. (Numbers 22:22-35)

The important thing to keep in mind is that GOD can speak to you any way HE wants to and in a way that you will hear HIM. I have people to tell me, “If GOD spoke to me, I would run.” Would you run from a soft whisper? Be still and know that GOD is real and HE speaks to HIS children in many different ways.

In the early years of trying to figure GOD out, in my mind I would plan how to test GOD for HIM to prove that HE existed. I came up with various schemes but there was always a glitch. If HE did what I asked, how would I know that it was HIM or just a circumstance that was going to happen anyway – such as “I want such-and-such to happen at a certain time, date and place.”This was childish because I was a child. So I decided that there was no absolute way to confirm GOD by asking HIM to do physical things and I dropped that form of testing to prove to myself the existence of GOD.

My next test was for HIM to answer certain prayers. Well, that didn’t work either during my time of testing for the existence of GOD. So how do we know that GOD exists?

But I can tell you for me, my first step was the conception, development and birth of a baby that got my attention and thinking, yes GOD does exist. Quickly following was the order of the world and universe.

Let’s explore!

David is the author of Psalm 19. He expressed his heart before GOD as he looked around and saw the handiwork of GOD.

Nature Reflects GOD:

Let’s read Psalm 19:1-6:

The Witness of Creation and Scripture For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. 2 Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. 3 There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. 4 Their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a groom coming from the bridal chamber; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. 6 It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat.

As David looked all around him, he saw the majesty and handiwork of GOD. He saw various objects that could not utter a word yet they spoke volumes about GOD. When David looked up at night, likely while he was tending sheep or just outside looking up, and he saw the moon and the stars he thought of GOD. During the day, when he saw the sun and considered the light and heat that it provided, he thought of GOD. He didn’t know exactly what we know about the earth rotating around the sun and the rotation of the earth to result in day and night. He knew GOD was responsible for their creation but also in charge of the order of things he observed.

After GOD got my attention regarding the formation of a baby in the mother’s womb, all of the babies parts coming together in an orderly manner and the miracle of the baby going from breathing embryonic fluid to air in just a few seconds at the moment of birth, it was the order of the universe and earth within the universe. It spoke loudly that GOD is the master designer. But how did CHRIST fit into the picture? This was my spiritual journey which began many years ago.

Scripture Reveals GOD:

Let’s read Psalm 19:7-11:

7 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the • testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The • fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. 11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.

The instruction of the LORD is found in the Bible and it is perfect. A number of people repent for their sins and accept CHRIST as their Savior just by reading the Bible. A friend of mine received CHRIST as his Savior many years ago by reading the Bible. The Bible reveals powerful truths which reach into places no human can ever reach. Notice in Hebrew 4:12-13:

12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.

David listed the benefits of GOD’S Word:

-         The Word of GOD or instruction is perfect, renewing one’s life; The Bible is the source that all humans can go to. GOD reveals Himself to those who seek HIM.

-         The • testimony or witness of the Lord is trustworthy (can be counted upon), making the inexperienced wise. GOD’S Word can be trusted.

-          The precepts (statements of truth about GOD and HIS will for humans) of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; When a person discovers that GOD is genuine his or her heart rejoices. Seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened up to you.

-         The command (mandate) of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. As GOD reveals truth it ignites the eyes of your heart and guides our walk in life’s journey.

-         The • fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; This is not being afraid but when you see truth it results in honor and respect for GOD and HIS love and Majesty. It is reverential fear. GOD is not fickle but is consistent and can be trusted for eternity.

-         The ordinances (judgments/decisions) of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. GOD always leads those who seek HIM toward righteousness through the renewing of their minds as they walk with HIM through their relationship with CHRIST. Why CHRIST? JESUS came and lived upon earth. HE was GOD in the flesh. Look at CHRIST if you want to see GOD. If you cannot accept CHRIST as GOD Who came to earth, how can you accept GOD?

Seeing these attributes of GOD are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb.

 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them. [When you obey what GOD reveals.]

GOD has given HIS Word for all people to get to know HIM personally through an intimate and personal relationship with CHRIST. That personal relationship grows as we obediently serve HIM. Our relationships grow from knowing about HIM to knowing HIM through experience.

As Christians obediently serve HIM, the reality of HIM becomes clearer. Yes, the Holy Spirit confirms in our hearts that we are the Children of GOD but as we walk with HIM and talk with HIM HIS presence is made certain. HE leads, directs, teaches, enlightens, reveals and confirms HIS reality the more we obediently serve HIM. Such a relationship is better than pure gold. It is priceless.

We Respond to GOD:

Let’s read Psalm 19:12-14:

12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

The closer we get to GOD, the more we see our short comings. I think David was expressing that he wanted to be pure before GOD, yet he may have done something, unknowingly, that might prevent him from having the most intimate, personal relationship possible with GOD. He asked GOD to thoroughly cleanse him from things hidden that might be a hindrance in their relationship.

He asked GOD to prevent him from willful sins and prevent them from ruling over him. His desire was for GOD to rule his life. When GOD thoroughly cleansed him, the weight of sin would be removed from him and he would be free to worship GOD in Spirit and truth. David’s desire was for the desires of his heart to match his actions.

David referred to GOD, as “my rock and my Redeemer.” I can see why GOD loved David so much. It was because David got it and understood HIS mission and purpose to redeem mankind. GOD was his rock and redeemer Who would be manifested to the world in flesh and blood as JESUS: the Messiah.

Look around you and listen because GOD’S handiwork is speaking to you. How do you know GOD is real and exists? You know it when you ask CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart. It takes a step of faith for you to see HIM and know that HE is real and exists.

I know for years I wanted to have the assurance before committing my life to HIM. Sorry, it does not work that way. It requires a step of faith in CHRIST before you can walk with GOD, through your relationship with CHRIST and receive all the benefits of being born into HIS family for eternity.

Satan will do all he can to turn you from seeking HIM but stand firm and embrace CHRIST as your Savior now. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Questions People Ask - Is Every Life Sacred? - Psalm 139 - January 19, 2014

Bible Study – Questions People Ask – Is Every Life Sacred? – January 19, 2014

This is lesson one (1) in our new series entitled “Real Questions People Ask.”

Our scripture is Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18.

We begin a new series of study focused on “Real Questions people Ask.” The questions in our series of study for the next 6 weeks are:

1 - Is Life Sacred? Psalm 139

2 - How Can I Be Sure GOD Exists? Psalm 191

3 - What About People who’ve Never Heard about JESUS? Romans 1:16-25

4 - Why Should I Trust the Bible? Psalm 119

5 - How Did We Get Here … and Why? Genesis 1

6 -If GOD Is Good, Why Is There Suffering? Job 30 and 42

Questions, questions most people have so many questions regarding GOD and JESUS. I have asked GOD questions for many years. Questions are good when a person seeks an answer. That is how you learn and build a personal relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

We question where did we come from? Well that answer may seem simple, but is it? We came from our mothers. Who, in turn came from their mothers until we keep tracing mothers back to an origin of life. Can we believe the Bible? Does GOD exist? Does Satan exist? If GOD is love, why does HE allow evil and bad things to happen to good people, babies and children? Or, is HE working in their behalf?

The scientific community, the great thinkers, skeptics and the religious community attempt to provide the answers to many questions people raise. But keep in mind that Spiritual matters are Spiritually discerned and answers to some questions have to wait until we grow and mature Spiritually or until we meet JESUS face to face.

We need to keep in mind that the Bible provides answers to many questions. We may ask, “How can a book written thousands of years ago be relevant today? The Bible, although written by many, has One author: GOD. HE revealed truth and prophesy through HIS chosen, inspired and obedient servants who wrote certain portions under HIS direction through the Holy Spirit. The assembly of the Bible into one book began in the early 200’s and continued over several 100 years. The Catholic Bible has several additional sections called the Apocrypha.

How can things revealed thousands of years ago be relevant today? The Bible is the living Bible because GOD is eternal and so is HIS Word. The indwelling Holy Spirit reveals truth through the Bible and gives the relevance of what has been read and its application and understanding to situations and issues today.  

GOD is still in control and orchestrating history according to HIS plan and purpose. GOD is for all time because HE is eternal.

I have found that some answers to questions have to wait because the person seeking the answer(s) needs to grow and mature Spiritually before he or she can understand and comprehend the answer. Another thing to consider is when we ask a question, do we look for the answer? IF so, where do we look for the answer? In my personal life there have been a number of questions answered later and in very ordinary circumstances. Some answers we may not like but they are truth. So as we study this series, ask GOD to reveal truth to you.

Our first lesson in this series deals with human life “Is Every Life Sacred?

What makes every life sacred? The very presence and involvement of GOD!

This study is more than a focus upon abortion but on the gift of life as a human. To me the human body is awesome and how wonderfully it has been made. Its functionality, resilience, self-containment, senses, repair mechanisms, alert functions, eat food, which converts into energy without thought and the list goes on. It does wear out because we live in an imperfect world because of the sin of our original parents, Adam and Eve. But GOD has a plan for all to choose to be restored to the original intent for HIS creation. Let’s explore!

In Ephesians 1:4 the Apostle Paul wrote:

4 For He (GOD) chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love

Every person ever conceived or that will ever be conceived has been chosen by GOD to be HIS until he or she rejects HIM. GOD has a plan and a purpose for every person. Human life is GOD’S gift to mankind. We are all born into a sinful world ruled by Satan because Adam and Eve sinned. Sin placed a barrier between mankind and GOD. As a result, the once personal, intimate, loving relationship GOD intended for HIM and mankind was broken. The dynamics of the intended relationship was changed because of sin. Is this myth or truth? It is truth as confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As a result of sin, humans live in an imperfect world where there is death, disease, sorrow, decay, tragedy and the list goes on. When bad things happen to good people, we usually blame GOD but the true blame must be placed on the god of this world, Satan. If GOD is all powerful, why didn’t HE prevent this from happening? We must keep in mind that humans were not made for time but for eternity. Humans were made with the freedom to choose. Eve made a bad choice and Adam joined her. As GOD had told them, the day you eat of the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you will die. They did and the results were death or eternal separation from GOD. Mankind has to decide between Good and Evil. Mankind has to make a decision and how mankind chooses determines their eternal destiny – rebirth through faith in CHRIST and all the benefits of being GOD’S Child, which includes eternal life or reject GOD’S provision for redemption and receive eternal death.

When Christians make poor to bad choices GOD is still involved in their lives bringing about the best from bad situations. The Apostle Paul reveals GOD’S involvement in our lives in Romans 8:26:

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Things are not the drivers in a solution but it is GOD being active in all things to bring about the best from a bad situation. That does not mean Christians will not suffer the consequence(s) of bad choices. Christians will suffer the consequences for their actions. GOD provides the strength and attempts to guide but Christians have the freedom to choose and wrong choices often lead to consequences. Let’s consider a lady getting pregnant at the wrong time in her life.

Because a young couple chooses to have sex before marriage, the female can end up pregnant. Often, either they or one of them blames GOD. Sorry, GOD had nothing to do with it. HE likely placed barriers in his or her way in an effort to guide them into making the correct choice, waiting until marriage. Gravity is gravity and it works because of the law of gravity. When a sperm contacts an egg, it produces a child. It is the law of nature. But GOD can work to have the best come from a difficult situation. GOD intended for man and woman to procreate. But when a lady has an unwanted pregnancy, that baby is a person and it becomes decision time: keep the baby, abort the baby or give the baby up for adoption.

I have great respect and applaud those mothers who choose life for their child. They had hard choices to make. Abortion was an option. A decision to birth their child is brave and takes courage. They have to decide whether or not to keep their child and raise the child or offer their child up for adoption. Both decisions are very difficult to make and they need help and support with either decision. I rejoice that the Christian community has come around to supporting those who choose life for their children.

We will consider human life in our study and not just abortion. This lesson is about every individual pondering his or her life and recognizing GOD’S involvement in their life.

First of all, you are a miracle. You have won the lottery. A million sperm were racing for one egg and you won. That to me is mind boggling. Life is intended to be lived to the utmost. Most people consider doing the things the world has to offer as living life to the utmost. But JESUS said it best in John 10:10:

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Life is a gift from GOD and HE values life and so should we.

Our focus scripture was written by David. It is a beautiful expression of GOD knowing all about every human ever conceived. HE knew when we would be conceived. HE knew all of the circumstances surrounding our conception – our parents, when and where we would be born. HE knew the condition of our mental and physical health. Why would GOD allow an unhealthy baby or a baby to be born into a bad situation? Keep in mind that GOD has chosen not to change the circumstances of life due to the consequence of sin. HE does offer a plan of redemption and salvation from sin and eternal death through HIS Only SON JESUS.

GOD knows when we will be born, when we will die and everything in between. HIS foreknowledge of our lives does not take away our freedom to choose. GOD just knows how we will choose before we make choices. HIS part is to reveal Himself to all and their part is to either accept or reject HIM as revealed in JESUS. Let’s explore GOD’S involvement in our lives through the Spiritual eyes of David!

First of all, what David wrote was based upon his experience with GOD over time. He had placed his faith and trust in GOD. He was not writing based upon head knowledge or what others had told him about GOD but he wrote based upon heart knowledge as revealed by the Holy Spirit and his experience with GOD.

It is clear that David had an intimate, personal, loving relationship with GOD. David reached out to GOD and GOD responded. Psalm 139 reveals the heart of David toward GOD and GOD toward David. What we need to focus upon is the relationship of David and GOD. Having a genuine, intimate relationship with GOD is available to all Christians through the indwelling Holy Spirit regardless of their life before salvation.

We need to keep in mind that David was a warrior, adulterer and murderer, yet a man after GOD’S heart. When we ask GOD to forgive us from a truly repentant heart: HE does. HE not only forgives but forgets.

Christians can have this same intimate experiential relationship with GOD by walking with GOD. But we need to keep in mind that David’s life was not easy and neither did he always make the right decisions. King Saul was jealous of him and sought to kill him. It was though his relationship with GOD that he wrote these words. When David looked back and realized how intimate GOD had been with him during his life he was overwhelmed. He expressed himself as prompted by the Holy Spirit.

What words would you write regarding your relationship with GOD and HIS relationship with you when you look back?

 Let’s read Psalm 139:1-6:

The All-Knowing, Ever-Present God For the choir director. A Davidic psalm. (Title)

1 Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. 3 You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord. 5 You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me. 6 This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.

We were no accident. GOD has waited for our time to live upon earth. HE knows all about us. The word “know” is the word which means to know based upon personal, intimate and experiential knowledge. It includes knowing the intent of our hearts. HE knows what we are and what we are capable of becoming. Because HE knows us intimately does not mean that HE preprogrammed our lives. HIS foreknowledge does not force us into a certain lifestyle or habits. GOD made us with the freedom to choose. HE knows us because HE has searched us and tested us.

HE takes certain privileges to guide our lives in a certain direction according to HIS plan and purpose for us. Again, we are the decision makers. In verse 5, David used the word “encircled.” The word carries the idea of us being surrounded by GOD. HE is guiding our lives such that HE goes before us and is also behind us working for our benefit. We can get outside this circle of protection because we have the freedom to choose. Satan lures us away from GOD’S care and influence. We think we live in a purely physical world but we live in a world where that is a fight between Good and Evil and each human is the prize to be captured.  

Keep in mind that GOD’S desire is for every human to accept CHRIST as his or her Savior and to be born into HIS family. HE has certain liberties without violating a person’s right to choose.  Let’s read in Hebrews 1:14:

13 Now to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool? 14 Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent out (by GOD) to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

GOD sends HIS angels to watch over those who are to receive salvation. Satan would love nothing better than to annihilate every person who will receive salvation and become a Christian.

David recognized and acknowledged that GOD intervenes at times and that GOD is everywhere. We try to escape HIS presence but we cannot as we read in our next scripture. GOD knows HE is the best choice.

Let’s read Psalm 139:7-12:

7 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in • Sheol (place of the dead), You are there. 9 If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, 10 even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night”— 12 even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.

We cannot hide or escape from GOD. We as humans try to do our sinful deeds under the cover of darkness or try to hide from HIM but GOD sees everything because HE is light and light exposes what is hidden in the dark. Plus, GOD loves us and desires the best for us. David came to the full knowledge that GOD’S hand was at work in his life even before he was conceived as we read the next scripture.

Let’s read Psalm 139:13-16:

13 For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.

David rejoiced in the fact that GOD created him and gave him life. David, as we all were, was created out-of-sight of human eyes in the secret place of the womb or at least until the sonogram came into being. His reference to “in the depths of the earth” is a repeat of his creation being done is a place that was out-of-sight of human eyes but not out-of-sight of GOD. GOD planned him long before he was conceived and HE watched over him as he was being formed in the womb.

Just think of your ancestral lineage and the many opportunities for an ancestor being terminated such that you would not have existed.

Let’s read Psalm 139:17-18:

17 God, how difficult Your thoughts are for me to comprehend; how vast their sum is! 18 If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with You.

When David considered all the detail that GOD considered about him and his life, it overwhelmed him. GOD did not just create him in wonderful detail just to create him and then leave him but to nurture and care for him day after day. GOD’S goal is for all humans to be restored to their original relationship HE intended for them before sin separated them.

David saw GOD not only as his creator but HIS involvement in every aspect of his life from conception to death. David did not look at GOD’S involvement in his life as an intrusion but with a sense of awe, thanksgiving and praise because of HIS love for David.

Since the passion of JESUS and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Christians are indwelled by the Holy Spirit and have the fullness of GOD in their lives at the instant of salvation. It is through the process of sanctification by yielding our wills to HIM and allowing HIM to lead and direct our lives that bring GOD’S presence and involvement in our lives to the forefront of our minds for pondering and acknowledgement. David was expressing his heart toward GOD. Every Christian has that same opportunity as he or she builds an intimate relationship with HIM through CHRIST.

Human life is precious and is intended to be lived to its fullest. Murder, reckless living, bad choices, abusing the body terminates life before its time. But we must keep in mind that we live in a sinful world. GOD could have left us alone to live and die but John 3:16-18 captures GOD’S heart toward mankind as spoken by JESUS:

16 “For God loved the world •in this way: He gave His •One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

GOD loves you and has a plan for your life. It is your choice to either accept or reject CHRIST. Ponder these things because you are precious to HIM and HE loved you before the foundation of the world. Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - Do Over - A Life You Can't Live on Your Own - Romans 8:8-17, 26-27 - Jamnuary 12, 2014

Bible Study – Do Over – A Life You Can’t Live on Your Own – January 12, 2014

This is lesson seven and our final lesson in our series entitled “Do Over: Experience New Life in Christ.”  

Our scripture is Romans 8:8-17, 26-27.

As Christians, GOD’S Holy Spirit lives in you and empowers you.

Our study of Romans has revealed that people cannot save themselves from eternal death through human effort and neither can Christians live the Christian life in their own strength. That is one reason why GOD gives Christians the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells, empowers, enlightens, teaches, strengthens, assures, guides and confirms HIS presence in Christians at the instant they ask CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and to come into their lives. The Holy Spirit is GOD’S security deposit in the lives of Christians that they will be fully redeemed from sin and eternal death. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to stand against sin, to walk in obedience with HIM and to live in right relationship with HIM to Glorify HIM.

You mean this all happened to every Christian at the instant they accepted CHRIST by faith? Yes! We must keep in mind that when Christians are born into GOD’S family through the miracle of rebirth, they are babies in CHRIST. To use an earthly example, it is much like a prince or princess being born into the family of the king. The new born cannot comprehend the wealth, privilege, power and status the prince or princess has. As he or she grows they begin to understand and comprehend what is available to them and how to use them. It is the same with Christians. All of GOD’S vast power and resources are available to Christians but will they use them?

First he or she must be trained. No loving earthly father places a powerful weapon into the hands of his child to use unless he or she is trained. The indwelling Holy Spirit trains Christians to obediently serve GOD as they are willing to serve. Serving as an obedient Christian is an awesome journey but also a journey with responsibility and accountability.

In this study we will explore three attributes of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians to help them grow in the likeness of CHRIST as they grow and mature Spiritually:

-         The Holy Spirit empowers a Christian’s daily walk.

-         The Holy Spirit affirms, confirms and assures a Christian’s relationship to GOD.

-         The Holy Spirit strengthens and comes along the side of the Christian in his or her prayer life.

We will not get into the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Paul listed some of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:1-10 and at the end, in verse 11 he puts the gifts of the Spirit into perspective.

In 1 Corinthians 12:11:

11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.

 “GOD gives to whom HE chooses.” Christians can desire a certain gift or certain gifts but GOD chooses who receives it or them.

The gift or gifts of the Holy Spirit equip the Christian to obediently serve GOD as HE directs. Christians can get caught up receiving a certain gift so they can reveal to fellow Christians the fact that they have received the Holy Spirit into their lives. They consider it a badge of their Spirituality to have the gift of tongues and it can make them spiritually arrogant. In fact, I believe that a person can desire the gift of speaking in tongues such that they can create their own tongue that has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit. I also, believe there is the true gift of speaking in tongues, which is from GOD and when it is from GOD the Christian will use it as GOD intends or else GOD will deal with the problem.

How do I know? Been there and sought the gift.  

A true gift or gifts of the Holy Spirit is/are from GOD and belong to HIM. The gift or gifts is/are for Christians to use as HE directs. They are not to be used to bring attention to the Christian but to Glorify GOD and to obediently serve HIS plan and purpose.

My wife and I visited with Miss Bertha Smith, missionary to China, in Cowpens, SC many years ago. She told us that her sister had the gift of healing. When someone came to her and asked if she would pray for his or her healing she would always say, “I need to go and check.” That meant that she would go to another room, pray and ask GOD how she should pray for that person. She would come back and tell the person one of two things: yes, the LORD has given me permission to pray for you and she did and the person was healed or no, the LORD did not give me permission to pray for your healing but HE did give me permission to pray for your comfort because this is something you must go through.

The Holy Spirit empowers a Christian’s daily walk.

Let’s read Romans 8:8-13:

8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.

Christians are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit. They know that there is nothing they can do in the flesh that pleases GOD except to acknowledge their need for salvation. Salvation is only available through CHRIST. Nothing human effort can do which will satisfy GOD. But whereas mans efforts fail, GOD’S provision of salvation through CHRIST prevails. Humans have a choice – take CHRIST as their Savior or reject HIM. By rejecting CHRIST, they remain in their sin and under the sentence of eternal death. If you have not done so, I urge you to choose life by giving your life to CHRIST now. Eternity is but a heartbeat away. This is not to frighten you, it is a fact. Let’s focus upon what it means to be a true born-again Christian.

Ephesians 1:20 - God’s Power in Christ

20 He (GOD) demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens —

The Person Who lives in all born-again Christians is GOD; in the presence of the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? It was GOD’S power that raised CHRIST from the dead after HE gave HIS life upon the cross. As proof that HE paid, in full, the sin debt for mankind for all who place their faith in HIM, GOD raised CHRIST from the dead as the first-fruits and guaranteed that all who place their faith in CHRIST will receive eternal life.

I think that the moment of the greatest moment of temptation for CHRIST to take matters into HIS own hands was the moment when HE hung upon the cross and cried out, “My GOD why have YOU forsaken ME?” CHRIST could have taken matters into HIS own hands but if HE had, we would still have the penalty of sin hanging over our heads. The Good News is that CHRIST trusted GOD even unto death and the power of GOD raised HIM from the dead. HE was resurrected in HIS Glorified body. CHRIST trusted GOD and when we trust GOD through CHRIST, all who place their faith in HIM will have eternal life at the instant of salvation.

In essence, the human body died with CHRIST and was buried, resurrected, ascended into heaven and returned to earth to obediently serve GOD. I know it is difficult to comprehend. That is why the indwelling Holy Spirit confirms HIS presence in the lives of born-again Christians. Sorry, a Christian cannot pull out his or her born-again Spirit and show you. But the born-again Christian can know it within and reveal it through his or her changed life and obedient service as directed by GOD.

Here is another way to ponder the matter of rebirth of the human spirit:

In last week’s study we read:

1 John 3:9

No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God. (AMP)

Notice the Amplified Bible explodes out descriptive words to help us understand “GOD’S nature.” Notice the highlighted words “divine sperm.” The trinity of mankind is the body/soul and spirit. It is the human spirit that lives beyond the human body. When humans ask CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and ask HIM to come into their lives: HE does. The miracle of Spiritual rebirth takes place instantly. The human spirit is activated instantly by the power of the Holy Spirit into the born-again Spirit of the new reborn Christian, which only comes from GOD.

Consider the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Virgin Mary conceived CHRIST, it was the power of the Holy Spirit that came upon her and activated her egg to produce GOD’S promised Messiah: JESUS. JESUS was 100% human, yet 100% Divine. HIS Divinity was available for HIM to access if HE chose to do so. That was part of HIS temptation. For those who by faith ask CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and for HIM to come into their lives, this same power activates the human spirit. This resulted in the human spirit being born-again by GOD; thus those who accept CHRIST as their Savior become GOD’S Son’s or Daughter’s. Since the Christian is born by GOD, through CHRIST, he or she receives eternal life since the Spirit of GOD is eternal.    

The physical body of those receiving their born-again Spirit had to die in order for it to become the temple of the born-again Spirit and house the born-again Spirit. To me that is what Paul was explaining. Earth is no longer the home of Christians. Their home is Heaven. Their citizenship is in heaven as Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21:

20 but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.

Christians who are alive upon earth eagerly wait for the second coming of CHRIST. Those who are alive when HE comes will be taken up to heaven with HIM. When Christians die before CHRIST returns to earth, their born-again Spirit goes immediately to Heaven.

What body will Christians have in Heaven? I believe it will be the Spiritual body reborn to them by GOD, through CHRIST. It will be fashioned by GOD as Christians obediently serve HIM. This Spiritual body will be revealed to all in heaven the instant the Christian exits his or her earthly body. This special and unique Spiritual body is specific to the individual Christian which is being designed, tailored and fashioned by GOD. GOD does not make junk.  HIS work is perfect. It yet remains what we will be – 1 John 3:1-2:

1 Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. And we are! The reason the • world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is.

When CHRIST hung upon the cross, HE trusted GOD to raise HIM from the dead and we know that HE did. Because GOD resurrected CHRIST, the resurrection is every born-again Christian’s guarantee that HE will also raise him or her from the dead in order for them to receive their new Glorified bodies at JESUS’ second coming. No, you do not have to be alive on earth for you to receive your Glorified body. The Christians who die before the second coming of CHRIST will return with CHRIST and receive their new Glorified bodies before those who are alive on earth. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:

13 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are • asleep (physical death), so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. 15 For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

But I thought Christians were already resurrected? Yes, they are. When they exit their earth suits in physical death, their special heavenly body, fashioned by GOD, will be revealed. They will use this Spiritual body until they return to earth with CHRIST to receive their new Glorified bodies.

The Christians’ new Glorified bodies will be like JESUS Glorified body. If you want to know what it will be like study CHRIST after HIS resurrection.

Why don’t Christians receive their Glorified bodies at the instant of salvation? Why do you think people would want to become Christians? Is it because they see their need for salvation from the penalty of sin or to get their fantastic new bodies? We all know the answer. It would be to get their new bodies and that would be for the wrong reason and purpose.

Let’s continue.

The Holy Spirit’s Ministries

12 So then, • brothers , we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Paul continued to focus upon the fact that Christians are not obligated to live according to the desires of the flesh because the flesh cannot please GOD. Christians have a new master who is CHRIST and they must obediently serve HIM and not serve their flesh desires.

In last week’s study you may recall the scripture regarding the Christian or Spiritual person versus the non-Christian or non-Spiritual person:

We must keep in mind that Spiritual matters are Spiritually discerned - 1 Corinthians 2:10-16:

10 Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the • world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. 14 But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually. 15 The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. 16 For who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

As we studied in our last week’s lesson, when a person places his or her faith in CHRIST, when CHRIST died he or she died with HIM, was buried, resurrected, ascended into heaven with HIM and returned to earth to be HIS witness. Therefore, the flesh is dead because Christians are eternally alive in the Spirit; they have been born-again and the Holy Spirit gives them Spiritual life.

Christians must reckon or come to the most logical conclusion their flesh is dead. Since their earth body is dead, they yield the control of their flesh, including their minds, to the control of the Holy Spirit. That is why Christians must die to self and die daily with the help and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

So why isn’t dying to self a onetime decision? Remember 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Becoming the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST comes about through our daily walk in the Spirit which is part of the sanctification process. GOD uses life to shape HIS Children according to HIS plan and purpose. Our part is to be available and obedient to HIM.

We often ask, “Why do Christians suffer?” So why do Christians suffer in this life? The Apostle Paul stated it best in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

No one likes to suffer but when we do, it is for HIS purpose. It can be the result of our own lifestyle or for perfecting. Either way, Christians learn from it. Let’s continue.

The Holy Spirit affirms, confirms and assures a Christian’s relationship to GOD.

Let’s read Romans 8:14-17:

14 All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons (or Daughters). 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “• Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs —heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Because of the Christians’ rebirth, they are GOD’S Children. As HIS Children, we have the right to call GOD “Abba” which in Aramaic can be understood as “daddy.” It is a personal, warm and intimate term. That is exactly the relationship GOD desires to have with HIS Children. It is not a relationship of fear but a relationship of love, trust and confidence. It is a relationship of honor and respect. GOD’S desire is for HIS Children to worship HIM in Spirit and truth: Be honest with GOD. When HIS children are honest with HIM, then issues or problems can be dealt with. You do not hide your feelings from GOD. HE knows your heart.

GOD’S desire is for HIS Children to know that their faith in HIM is secure and they can be confident that they belong to HIM as Paul stated in verse 16. I suggest that you memorize that verse.

Living the Christian life is not easy. There will be trials and suffering but GOD will be with us each step of the way. The Holy Spirit comes along beside the Christian to strengthen him or her during the difficult times in his or her life. Christians must keep in mind that they were not made for time but they were made for eternity. So this time upon earth is but a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. Let’s continue with a focus upon nature.

Nature was condemned along with mankind when Adam and Eve sinned. (Why? If nature existed in its original state and remained eternal, then mankind would have been drawn to and worshipped nature rather than GOD.)

Let’s read Romans 8:18-25:

From Groans to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility —not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it —in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the • first fruits —we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the •redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.

As nature eagerly waits for its redemption, so do Christians. We know we have been redeemed through CHRIST and we are ready to receive our new Glorified bodies.  

The Holy Spirit strengthens and comes along the side of a Christian in his or her prayer life.

Let’s read Romans 8:26-27:

26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the • saints according to the will of God.

Have you ever prayed and did not know what to say or how to pray? I have and when that happens, I ask the Holy Spirit to pray or intercede for me. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings. These groanings are a special Spiritual language known by the Holy Spirit and GOD. Have I ever heard this language? No! But I am comforted that what needs to be prayed for is being prayed for because the Spirit always prays according to the will of GOD.

This has been an exciting series and has given us much to ponder. We are dead to the power of sin in our lives. GOD’S grace is sufficient to cover all our sin. Even though Christians are free from the power of sin, they must still confess their sin to maintain fellowship and right relationship with GOD. Christians are to walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16:

16 I say then, • walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

A Christian’s citizenship is in Heaven at the instant he or she accepts CHRIST as his or her Savior. Are you a citizen of Heaven? If not, you can be right now by asking CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. If you did, then thank HIM for saving you from certain eternal death and rejoice in being born again into GOD’S family as HIS Son or Daughter. Welcome Home! Blessings!!!