Bible Study - Culture (7) - When False Religions Deceive - 1 John 2:18-29 - February 24, 2019

Bible Study – Culture (7) – When False Religions Deceive – February 24, 2019.

This is lesson seven (7) and our final lesson in our series entitled “Engaging Culture in an Ever-Changing World.”

Our focus scripture is 1 John 2:18-29.

Truth is grounded in the reality of who JESUS CHRIST is.

Truth binds and never let’s go. Truth is stronger than the best super glue ever. Truth dispels every false notion. Faith in JESUS is truth for eternal life for every person who will accept HIM as his or her Savior.

Where do we often get into trouble? I have found in my life I get into trouble when I build air castles about GOD, who HE is and what HE can do. Yes, GOD can do more than we can comprehend or think. The missing ingredient is thinking my wants and desires are GOD’S because I want them and HE will provide them.

I learned, after hitting my head on the wall of stubbornness and following my own desires for the resolution of issues, failure was me and not GOD. But guess what? I learned valuable lessons and fortunately used them to take a pause in my life and seek truth from GOD.

Absolute truth comes through placing one’s faith in JESUS as his or her Savior. That is ground zero. Faith in JESUS is the solid foundation upon which every Christian must build. But every Christian must build with truth. We studied scripture in last week’s lesson about building upon the solid foundation of the rock and not upon sand.

Where do we find truth? The Christian Bible reveals truth. The Holy Spirit reveals truth. GOD has anointed many Christians, Bible teachers, pastors, preachers, evangelists with the truth and the passion to reveal truth. GOD also equips Christians with many gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gift of discernment is a gift to spot truth versus error. Let’s explore!

Let’s read 1 John 2:1-17: (Background)

1 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ the righteous One.

The Apostle John referred to his readers as “little Children” which was likely a term of endearment to let them know that they are secure in their faith in JESUS. Christians know that they sin and can get burdened down with that knowledge. Salvation goes beyond the present but into eternity and that is good news. It does not give the Christian the opportunity to as he or she pleases but when a Christian sin’s, he or she does not have to get saved again, over and over. JESUS paid the price for sin once and for all eternity for the person who places his or her faith in JESUS. Yes, once saved, always saved!

Do you recall 1 Corinthians 3: 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

As a Christian, you are and your citizenship is in Heaven and you are GOD’S son or daughter through your faith in JESUS. You are building upon the foundation of JESUS but the materials you build with are your Heavenly rewards. Will they survive the test of fire? Or will they burn up? But the Good News is that you will be in Heaven for eternity because you have placed your faith in JESUS. Faith in JESUS means an immediate Spiritual rebirth and eternal life. If you want to store up that beyond earthly treasure, then obediently serve GOD

When Christians sin, JESUS is their advocate or lawyer Who pleads their case before GOD their Father. Satan is the accuser of all people, especially Christians, before GOD. JESUS stands before GOD and pleads our case that, as Christians, we are covered by the blood of JESUS and our sin has been washed clean, whiter than snow.

2 He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

Propitiation is the biblical doctrine embodying the concept that the   death of Christ fully satisfied the demands of a righteous God in respect to judgment upon the sinner. JESUS, the sinless Lamb, satisfied the demands of GOD but we as humans must acknowledge that JESUS did so by placing our faith in JESUS.

Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S grace and yes, Christians sin. John addressed this in 1 John 1:7-10:

7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Back to 1 John 2:3-11: What is the desire of our hearts?

God's Commands

3 This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.

4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him:

6 the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.

7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command, but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the message you have heard.

8 Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

9 The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother is in the darkness until now.

10 The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.

11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where he's going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

What is our attitude toward fellow Christians? Our attitude is a reflection of our hearts,

Let’s read 1 John 2:18-20:

The Last Hour

18 Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard, "Antichrist is coming," even now many antichrists have come. We know from this that it is the last hour.

19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us.

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

The Apostle John saw the increase in “antichrists” and this was a trigger that let him know, time was running out. Was he sensing that his time was drawing close or that JESUS was going to soon return to earth? We know that JESUS taught about HIS return to earth in Mark 13:32-33:

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

JESUS made it clear that HE did not know when HE would return to earth “only the Father” knew. But while we, as Christians, wait, we are to be obedient to the leadership of the Holy Spirit because the end can come at any second.

Let’s consider 2 Peter 3:8-18:

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

In other words, Christians Stay Ready! A message to non-Christians get ready because judgment day is coming! Christians are to redeem the time; that is make every second count in obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit! Christians are to grow Spiritually in truth as they obediently serve GOD.

The Apostle John was witnessing many antichrists luring Christians and non-Christians away from the truth. Truth is “CHRIST in you” as recorded in Colossian’s 1:27 - 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  

Antichrists are those “against CHRIST” or “an opponent” or “an adversary of CHRIST.” Yes, there are antichrists in the world today doing all they can to lead people astray and for them to embrace false doctrine and teaching.  Consider 1 John 2:22 in our next scripture.

John had witnessed false teachers leading those he thought were Christians astray. But those to whom he was writing knew the truth because they remained faithful. Why? It was because they had been “anointed” by the Holy Spirit. Another Bible translation uses the word “unction.”

When we have built our faith upon the solid foundation of truth, then it stands when the rains of false teachers and teaching come down upon us. Christians must know the truth and take a firm stand upon truth. Christians have the guarantee of the indwelling Holy Spirit as their security deposit. (2 Corinthians 1:22 - 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.) John continued the importance of truth as we read on --

Let’s read 1 John 2:21-25:

21 I have not written to you because you don't know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth.

22 Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the Messiah? He is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

23 No one who denies the Son can have the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well.

Remaining with God

24 What you have heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.

25 And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life.

The Apostle John was called by JESUS to walk with HIM and to serve with HIM. John knew without a scintilla of doubt that JESUS was the true Son of GOD and the promised Messiah. When you know what you know because it is true, it is firmly established in your life and is unshakeable. The truth is that when you have the Son you also have the

Father. You cannot have one without the other.

To know refers to innate or natural that comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Truth is always true in any matter being considered. No lie comes from truth. Since JESUS is truth what HE says in John `4:6 is truth - 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

First John 5: 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

First John 4: 1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.

6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Verse 24 uses the words “remain in you.” The truth you have been told about the birth, sinless life of JESUS, HIS death, resurrection, ascension and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in you when you place your faith in JESUS, you must abide in those facts because they are true. JESUS spoke about abiding in John 15: 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV) and in the ESV - 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

There can never be more than absolute truth and when you discover absolute truth then embrace it fully. Take off your old clothes and put on your new clothes in the knowledge of truth, which is CHRIST in you, the hope of Glory. Truth neve changes and does not need to be updated.

Let’s read 1 John 2:26-29:

26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

27 The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don't need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in Him.

God's Children

28 So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

29 If you know that He is righteous, you know this as well: everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.

The Apostle John was writing to fellow Christians to remind them that they do not have to do anything beyond what he has taught them. Salvation occurs at the instant a person places his or her faith in JESUS, the CHRIST. It is believing that JESUS paid the penalty for sin once and for all by the shedding of HIS blood. At that same instant, GOD guarantees that you now belong to HIM by HIS gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Those who accept JESUS as their Savior experience the miracle of rebirth in their human spirit. All are born-again Spiritually into the family of GOD and have eternal life. GOD chooses for those born-again to remain upon earth to remain and be HIS Ambassadors for HIS Kingdom.  Bask in the sunshine of HIS Glory – Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Culture (6) - WHen Materialism Consumes - 1 John 2:12-17; 3:16-18 - February 17, 2019

Bible Study – Culture (6) – When Materialism Consumes – February 17, 2019

This is lesson six (6) in our series entitled “Engaging Culture in an Ever-Changing World.”

Our focus scripture is 1 John 2:12-17; 3:16-18.

Possessions never satisfy or last, but the love of GOD does.

Satan does not want you, as a Christian, to know that possessions never satisfy. Beware of the barriers Satan/the world places before you to keep you from experiencing the love of GOD through the indwelling Holy Spirit. JESUS has already won the victory and led Satan captive.

Christians bask yourselves in that victory and live as children of GOD through faith in JESUS.

Who is the author of First John? Of course, the true author is GOD/The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John. John is the son of Zebedee and the brother of James. It is uncertain whether or not John wrote this document to a specific church or had in mind for it to be circulated to a group of churches. The key is that his writing ministered to fellow Christians then and to us now.

Why did he write it? There were false teachers attacking these early Christians. The result of these attacks is reflected in 1 John 2:19-20:

19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

Those who professed to be Christians were influenced by the false teachers and followed false teachers or teachings. Can that happen to us today? Absolutely!

Those who claimed to be Christians had been led astray from the Christian faith by false teaching. This is why Christians must study and know both GOD’S Word and its application in their lives. Every Christian has been given the Holy Spirit to indwell him or her. Even then, Christians can be misled because they fail to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit such as feeling things are just not right. When you feel that something is not right you need to pray and seek GOD’S wisdom. The Holy Spirit may urge you to read GOD’S Word for guidance.

The indwelling Holy Spirit enlightens, rightly divides GOD’S Word, integrates the application of HIS Word with each Christian through the process of sanctification. In Ephesians 5:26, we read - 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

Paul was writing about the cleansing of the church, not the brick and mortar building but the true Spiritual church being built using living stones. Cleansing is accomplished by the washing of untruths from the lives of Christians as they study, hear and apply GOD’S Word.

Christians, as living stones, have been washed in the shed blood of the Lamb at the instant of salvation and are continually being washed and cleansed by the living water of the Holy Spirit. This is to prepare the true living church to do the will of GOD, to be ready themselves and prepare others for the return of JESUS.

Christians experience issues in life to reveal barriers that need to be cleansed from their lives or exposed by the process of washing. What is GOD washing from our lives? Why is HE allowing washing to take place? It is to remove all barriers which will hinder each Christian and rob him or her from the unspeakable joy of obediently serving HIM upon earth.

GOD uses barriers we encounter to reveal to us the power of GOD in our lives. Can we, as Christians, look beyond the barriers and look to the power of GOD to show us the victory HE has already won on the other side of the barrier?

Let’s consider Matthew 7:7-11:

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Every Christian has questions. JESUS taught that when we hit barriers in our lives we are to ask and keep on asking in faith until resolution. Resolution takes many forms. But to me the ultimate is for us to learn that we can trust GOD for resolution and our faith is made stronger. JESUS was teaching that the one asking, in faith, receives, the one seeking, in faith, finds and the one who encounters closed doors, in faith, will find that GOD will open that door. It each of these situations GOD uses them to build our faith and trust in HIM. Building faith and trust builds the right relationship with HIM. In Proverbs 27:17, we read:

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

The issues we encounter in life’s journey either help us to grow in our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS or give Satan the opportunity to rob us of building the right relationship with GOD. Barriers are obstacles to be used to build our relationship with GOD with HIS help.

Some may think of First John as a letter but the written form of First John is more like a teacher writing to urge his readers to follow his instructions. The Apostle John urged fellow Christians to beware of the enemies of the faith. They were to live like children of GOD and to love each other.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read 1 John 2:12-14:

Reasons for Writing

12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.

14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

The Apostle John was writing to fellow Christians.

Notice that the Apostle John referred to “dear children,” “fathers,” “young men” and “the Father.” Of course, “the Father” refers to GOD. It is uncertain who John had in mind when he referred to children, fathers and young men. Was he classifying chronological age or Spiritual maturity? John makes reference to each category: “fathers” knowing GOD from the beginning, “children” having built the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS and the “young men” have proven themselves in the Christian faith by overcoming the “evil one/Satan/the devil.

The word “knowing” carries the idea of not just knowing about but knowing in an intimate, personal way GOD through faith in JESUS. When we marry, it is the beginning of getting to know our spouse. It is dealing with the issues that life brings to us as a couple. We deal with the issues we encounter in unity and harmony with each other. JESUS is the Spiritual connecter to GOD for every Christian. Every Christian is building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As we read John’s writing, we read about the males and their relationship to GOD. In that time period, in general, those coming from the Jewish faith to CHRIST were to teach the females and needed to be Spiritual examples. We also know that JESUS embraced women as HE ministered and revealed truth to all. So, we can include, mothers, young women and daughters as we read John’s writing.

Each category the Apostle John mentions has a knowing relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. 

That raises a question for all Christians to consider. Do we really know JESUS in an intimate, personal way through faith or do we just know about JESUS? Often, the tests life brings to us reveals our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Is our relationship on a firm foundation? Have we built our Spiritual foundation on the solid rock of JESUS or upon the sinking sand of what sounds good, should be or what we want it to be? The rains of life will come and test the foundation upon which we have built upon. Let’s read Luke 6:46-49:

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.

48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

We hear preachers touting that GOD wants every Christian to have things. It is true GOD desires for HIS children to have things as JESUS revealed in Luke 11:9-13:

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks fora fish, will give him a snake instead?

12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Clearly, GOD is not going to give HIS children something that will harm them. We can desire but it is GOD Who gives. This idea carries over to our next scripture ----

Let’s read 1 John 2:15-17:

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

The Apostle John addressed what the world has to offer to both Christians and non-Christians. What the world offers looks good and is very appealing. They may look good but they are temporary. John was urging all people, Christians and non-Christians, not to be lured into believing what the world has to offer a person is sustainable in light of eternity.

John offers a test for all people as he wrote in verse 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

We must not mistake works as the path to GOD. Doing the will of the Father is accepting JESUS as a person’s Savior and is the absolute first step any person must take. As we read verse 17b “but whoever does the will of God ---- lives forever.” The will of the Father is for all to accept JESUS, HIS Only Son, as their Savior. Faith in JESUS is ground zero. JESUS is the rock upon which Christians build their solid relationship with GOD. Yes, the storms of life will come but when they do those who have built their faith upon truth withstand the storms. By the same token, when the storms of life result in collapse, it reveals that we have built upon a false foundation. It is time to rebuild upon truth.

Let’s read 1 John 3:16-18:

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

We who know the truth of salvation from eternal death have GOD’S nature in us through faith in JESUS. We, in turn, have the opportunity to invest in the lives of others as we travel along the road of life. GOD brings opportunities to us to use both time and material resources. We, as Christians, need to put our faith into action.

As we consider how we use our time, gifts of the Spirit, resources, etc. do they belong to GOD or do we keep them for ourselves? Ouch!

As Christians journey through life, they are to be wise because they are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. Matthew 7:15:

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

The world has bred those who have learned the Christian language to bilk others. Christians beware and pay attention to the indwelling Holy Spirit. Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Culture (5) - When Marriage is Questioned - Genesis 2:18-25 - February 10, 2019

Bible Study – Culture (5) – When Marriage is Questioned – February 10, 2019

This lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Engaging Culture in an Ever-Changing World.”

Our focus scripture is Genesis 2:18-25.

Marriage is between one man and one woman for life.

Matthew 19:4-6: (JESUS was speaking and teaching. This is the addition)

4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’

5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 

Clearly it was and is for humans to be male and female. GOD’S plan was for the human species to reproduce. In order to populate the earth with humans GOD placed within both the male and female a strong attraction for each other. In Genesis 1:26-28:

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Who was GOD talking to when HE said “Let US make mankind in Our image?” It is generally accepted that “US” is GOD The Father, GOD The SON and GOD The Holy Spirit or The Holy Trinity.

The trinity of a person is “body, soul and spirit.”

Let’s read Genesis 2:4-17:

4 These are the records of the heavens and the earth, concerning their creation at the time that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

The Hebrew word for “made” carries the idea of concept, whereas the Hebrew word for “formed” carries the idea of the concept being brought to reality.

In Ephesians 1:4 we read “4 For he (GOD) chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love.” GOD chose every person to be holy and blameless before the creation of the world. GOD’S concept was for all to recognize HIM, honor and respect HIM but based upon each person’s freedom to choose.

Back to Genesis 2:5-8:

5 No shrub of the field had yet [grown] on the land, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not made it rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground.

6 But water would come out of the ground and water the entire surface of the land.

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.

8 The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there He placed the man He had formed.

At the ideal moment, when earth’s environment could sustain mankind, GOD “formed” man using the dust from the ground. GOD personally “formed” HIS concept for mankind into a living being. The Hebrew name for man carries the idea of “man, mankind, human being.” Once GOD “formed” HIS concept of man, HE breathed life into HIS created being which formed the base for mankind. Man is the only one GOD breathed “the breath of life into and man became a living being.”

I think of the “Garden of Eden” much like an incubator. GOD’S concept had to be placed in an ideal environment to go to a sustainable completion or perfection to fully function upon earth. Yes, GOD is GOD and HE could have opted to just make it happen or to allow it to happen on a time scale. When we consider mankind that includes both male and female. GOD fashioned mankind to include both male and female.

9 The Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the midst of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

10 A river went out from Eden to water the garden. From there it divided and became the source of four rivers.

11 The name of the first is Pishon, which encircles the entire land of the Havilah, where there is gold.

12 Gold from that land is pure; bdellium and onyx are also there.

13 The name of the second river is Gihon, which encircles the entire land of Cush.

14 The name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows to the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,

17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die."

Notice, the progression of the development of earth and its ability to sustain life; especially human life. There was an orderly progression. GOD formed man at the right instant for man (Adam) to live and function upon earth. GOD placed the man HE created into the Garden of Eden to work it and be responsible for what went on in the Garden. GOD gave man specific instructions e.g. "You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die."

Woman had not been formed at this time.

Let’s read on -----

Let’s read Genesis 2:18-20:

18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him."

19 So the Lord God formed out of the ground each wild animal and each bird of the sky, and brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.

20 The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the man no helper was found who was like him.

GOD formed animal life – livestock, birds, wild animals, etc. After GOD formed each wild animal and each bird, GOD brought it to Adam to name it. When GOD completed making the animal kingdom all was according to GOD’S plan. GOD saw that Adam needed the perfect soulmate. HE did not take different dust but instead HE took a body part from Adam to make the perfect mate for him.

Some speculate that GOD used Adam’s naming of the animals to expose him to the fact that animals had a mate - male and female. Adam came face to face with reality that he did not have a separate female counterpart. So, GOD took action to make the perfect mate for Adam. GOD fashioned Adam’s body part carefully and meticulously into the perfect match for Adam. 

Let’s read Genesis 2:21-22:

21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place.

22 Then the Lord God made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man.

This is very interesting. GOD did not start over by using another batch of dust from the ground to make woman. This to me underscores the intimacy and connectivity GOD envisioned for man and woman. Instead of using another batch of dust, GOD took a body part called a rib from man (Adam) to make woman (Eve). To “make” carries the idea of careful, thoughtful design.

Why do you think GOD did not start over using fresh dust to make woman? GOD had made man in the image of GOD and “breathed the breath of life into Adam.” Adam was made perfect to live and function upon GOD’S new creation called earth. There was separation between the human world and the animal world. The vegetative and the animal worlds could support life upon earth including humans. When something functions like you designed it, why change.  

GOD used a body part taken from Adam such that the two parts would need to come together in unity to become one as The Holy Trinity is One.

GOD created one woman for Adam, not a harem. GOD’S intent was clear, they were to reproduce.

Let’s read Genesis 2:23-25:

23 And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called woman, for she was taken from man.

Notice, Adam immediately acknowledged the sameness when he first saw the woman GOD had made just for him e.g. bone and flesh.

I understand that the original text carries descriptive language such, when Adam first saw the woman GOD had made for him, his first words were “WOW! this is the most beautiful creation I have ever seen. This is what I have been looking for!” Adam had seen animal life, both male and female, now he saw that there was a perfect female counterpart for him.

GOD did not take a body part from Adam’s head giving the impression that Eve would reign over him. GOD did not take a body part from his feet to give the impression that Adam could walk on her or lord over her. But HE took the body part from the side of Adam so he would know that GOD’S intent was for her to an equal; a helpmate who walked by his side.

24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.

Bible scholars believe that verse 24 was an editorial comment because Adam and Eve did not have a mother and father. But in essence, GOD as man’s creator, was the parent of both Adam and Eve. GOD released them to live and function upon planet earth according to HIS plan and purpose. HE made them with the freedom to choose. GOD instructed them to reproduce. GOD told Adam not to eat the fruit from the “Tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Since Adam was responsible for what went on in the Garden of Eden, he did not prevent Eve from taking a bite of the forbidden fruit. When we read of the account, it seems that Adam was by her side when she took a bite and then offered it to Adam. That is when the veil was lifted and they realized they were “naked.” But at this stage of the existence they were sinless, naked and “felt no shame.”

25 Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.

When a person places his or faith in JESUS, he or she is cleansed of all sin – past, present and future – he or she is made righteous before GOD and are no longer naked but covered by the blood of JESUS.

If you have never asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins you can do so now. Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins believing that HE died upon the cross and by giving HIS sinless life for you paid in full the penalty for all of your sin. In doing so, you have been born into GOD’S Family and have become a son or daughter of GOD through faith in JESUS. GOD is now your Father and you have direct and immediate access to HIM. If you once asked JESUS into your heart but have not been living for HIM, HE still loves you. Confess that you have not been living for HIM and you are sorry and ask HIM to forgive you and to restore your relationship with HIM. Guess what? HE welcomes you back. HE never moved from you. HE has been waiting for you to return to fellowship with HIM. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Cultture (4) - When Substances Take Over - Ephesians 5:15-21 - February 3, 2019

Bible Study – Culture (4) – When Substances Take Over – February 3, 2019

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Engaging Culture in an Everchanging World.”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 5:15-21.

Only GOD’S Holy Spirit should dictate our thoughts and actions.

Substance abuse and thought life are major problems in the world today. Chemicals can alter the proper function of the human mind. Not only chemicals but electronic media can alter our minds as well. Pornography can alter the way our minds function regarding healthy sex within the bounds of marriage. Satan’s desire is for all, especially Christians, to be controlled by the things that appeal to our flesh rather than the things that appeal to GOD. Christians are in a spiritual battle.

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul writes about Christians battling the spirit world. Christians must put on their spiritual battle gear every day.

All of us have choices to make every day. How we choose depends upon what we allow our minds to dwell upon. Often, our desires are the strongest when we are about to say “NO!” to something we know that is wrong for us. If you can get through such intense moments without caving, you gain strength to resist. The more you resist, you can build distance between these urges. When urges come into our mind’s, we need to shift our thinking to things that are healthy and wholesome.

Memorizing scripture and quoting it, either out loud or internally, is a good thought/crave changer. We may need to quote scripture and analyze it as we quote it to help our minds to be diverted from a craving. As we will read in our lesson today, we will learn how wholesome songs, hymns and spiritual songs can help us when we struggle with the issues of life. We need weapons to help us fight. In Hebrews 4:12 we read:

12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

Our study will focus upon GOD’S desire for all to be led by, controlled by and constantly remain filled with the Holy Spirit and not be led by the things that compromise our Christian witness to family, friends or ourselves.

Step one requires that every person who seeks to be filled by the Holy Spirit must have a personal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Even as born-again Christians, we must be wise in where we walk and the things we allow to come into our minds because the days are evil.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Ephesians 5:15-17:

Consistency in the Christian Life

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk-not as unwise people but as wise-

16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

17 So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

The New King James translation renders verse 15 “15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,” It means the same as “pay careful attention” with every step you take in the journey of life. “Careful” can also mean “diligent” or “undistracted concentration.” Think of a person who has to walk across a rope bridge that goes over a raging river. One slip means trouble. That person is very careful to concentrate on where he or she steps and to hold onto the rope as he or she crosses to the other side.  

The Apostle Paul admonished fellow Christians to be wise in their journey through life because they were, so-to-speak, under a microscope and being watched by the pagans. Then Paul addresses the wise use of the time Christians have upon earth.

James, the half-brother of JESUS, wrote in James 4:14 - 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

The “wise” acknowledge GOD in their lives through faith in JESUS. Christians need to keep in their minds that life upon earth is short. The wise seek light and truth, which is found in having the right relationship with the One True GOD through faith in JESUS. The “unwise” are foolish and do not give thought to their life upon earth or life after their life upon earth has ended. The “unwise” seek the pleasurers life has to offer giving no or little thought about eternity.

Yes, life goes on and many of us wake up and realize that we are fast approaching a time of transition from earth to eternity. Is such a realization to be feared or a time to seek truth?

All humans are admonished to redeem the time or make the most of the time we have upon earth and to prepare for eternity.

This requires a decision. First, every person has a decision to make. Is there a GOD? If so, is GOD or god? Is GOD the one true GOD and the Father of HIS only SON, JESUS or is god something we, as humans, make up to satisfy us?

In Psalm 14:1a, we read - 1 The fool says in his heart, "God does not exist."

GOD created the world to reflect HIS handiwork and to draw people to HIM. Look around. Does all that you see happen by random probability? The order of the universe, the world and the life cycles on earth? I do not think so.

A friend of mine used an illustration regarding random probability and creation. He asked a group that did not believe in the existence of GOD a question. If you took all the parts to assemble a fine Swiss watch and placed them into a bag and either waited or shook it, would those parts ever come together and produce a fully assembled, fully functioning watch? No! It takes a master watchmaker to put it together. The world and the universe, in which we live, took the living GOD to create them along with all life and the food to sustain that life.  

Once we, as humans, conclude that GOD exists, we have a decision to make. Will we be wise or unwise/foolish? Will we accept HIS provision for salvation which is faith in JESUS or reject HIS provision?

Verse 17 - 17 So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Don’t be foolish but seek the right relationship with the One True GOD by placing your faith in JESUS. Once you become a Child of GOD through faith in JESUS, the wise commit their lives to do the LORD’S will.

GOD’S desire is for all of mankind to believe that HE exists.

How has GOD revealed Himself to mankind? HE has given us visible evidence of HIS handiwork. We live in a miracle body designed to function upon earth. Yes, some bodies have flaws. Why? We live in an imperfect world because of sin. GOD knows that. So, what did GOD do to give humans hope upon earth regarding eternity? HE gave us HIS Word, the Bible, which was recorded over thousands of years revealing HIS plan to redeem all who seek HIM. The Bible is the revelation of GOD on an ever-ascending scale culminating in the physical birth of JESUS, HIS life, physical death, resurrection, 40 days upon earth before HE ascended into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right-hand of GOD. Why was JESUS willing to give HIS life for all who would place their faith in HIM would have everlasting/eternal life?

It was because of HIS eternal love for every person.

Let’s read John 3:16-18:

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 allowed HIS only SON, JESUS, to come to earth to be born in the flesh, as a human, and be subject to temptation and physical death. Yes, JESUS had the ability to sin but HE did not sin. Thus, HE became the perfect and only acceptable sacrifice that GOD would accept to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. JESUS gave HIS physical life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay in full the penalty GOD imposed upon mankind as the result of sin. The penalty GOD imposed on mankind was eternal death. The shedding of the blood of JESUS paid, in full, this penalty. When the sin debt was paid it opened the path between GOD and mankind. Since that moment mankind has had direct access and full access to GOD, 24/7. But all must come to HIM through JESUS. The Apostle John in the Gospel according to John recorded in John 14:5-6:

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

As stated in last week’s study, JESUS was dead as a doornail. And if HE had remained physically dead then HE would be considered a good man who died. But that is not the case. To show all the world that JESUS was truly GOD’S SON, GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to be eternally alive. GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to occupy HIS New Glorified Body which is like the new glorified bodies all born-again Christians will have when JESUS comes back to earth to rapture all Christians.

Why did GOD and JESUS go to all this perfection? What does John 3:16 reveal to us? “For GOD so loved the world.” The world means every one who has been or ever will be.

Once a person becomes a Christian through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth, he or she becomes a child of GOD. As proof that rebirth has taken place, GOD gives every Christian the Holy Spirit to indwell him or her. Every Christian still has the freedom to choose. Every Christian has a decision to make. Who will rule his or her life – self or the Holy Spirit? Wise or unwise?

Let’s read Ephesians 5:18:

18 And don't get drunk with wine, which [leads to] reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit:

Do not let anything except the Holy Spirit lead, guide and control your life as a Christian. Why? It is because, as a Christian, you are GOD’S ambassadors. Every Christian represents GOD and JESUS to those with whom they come into contact every moment of every day. Christians are to be wise and keep their influence in their minds.

Ephesus was a thriving seaport city. There were Christians and there were pagans located in Ephesus. The Greco-Roman religions were well represented in Ephesus. The people in Ephesus had the opportunity to worship GOD, JESUS, false gods, pagan religions such as Artemis/Diana or the cult of Dionysus/Bacchus (the Greek god of wine and drunken orgies.) These pagan religions appealed to the flesh. There were temple prostitutes to satisfy the pagan appetites for sex and plenty of wine to satisfy their need for alcohol.

These flesh practices then and now are barriers to being filled with the Holy Spirit. Satan uses these urges to entice all people who desire an intimate relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS to be control by them and not by the indwelling Holy Spirit. What does GOD desire for all people? GOD desires for all people to seek HIM through faith in JESUS and not allow anything into their lives that will rob them of their relationship with GOD and control their lives other then the indwelling Holy Spirit – nothing.

Christians are to be filled and controlled by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians are filled by the Holy Spirit at the instant they ask JESUS to forgive them for their sins and for JESUS to come into their lives. Some think they need a second blessing of the Holy Spirit. Christians can journey through life oblivious to the power of the Holy Spirit and realize that they are living in their own strength. Upon that realization, they rededicate their lives to JESUS fully seeking to live their Christian lives in HIS power and under the leadership of the indwelling Holy Spirit. At that instant, such a commitment may seem like a special empowering or anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is a glorious time when we dedicate our lives to obediently serve our LORD as HE directs our lives. Awesome!

The words Paul used for “be filled with the Holy Spirit” carry the understanding of “continually be filled by the Holy Spirit.” Once a person receives JESUS as his or her Savior, he or she is filled with the Holy Spirit. From that instant all Christians are on a Spiritual journey. Many of us have been in church and listened to teachings from fellow Christians, even pastors. Often, we filter Biblical teachings through what we think GOD should do rather than seeking to understand the mind of GOD.

These filters may be based upon truth, error, notions or some combination. When our filters are based upon error, notions or our whelms, we get frustrated when GOD does not respond according to solutions. They do not work because they are not based upon truth. We may even become Christians in name only because what we have thought was truth is now not truth. When that happens, we need to take a pause, pray and ask GOD to reveal truth to us. We need to ask JESUS to dispel our false notions or false assumptions with truth. We can use our frustration to seek truth. The Bible is always a good source of truth. When we find truth, it may be like a second touch of the Holy Spirit. No, it is because we have moved false notions out of our lives and replaced them with truth. Truth fills, satisfies and is exciting to encounter.

How do I know that? I experienced that many years ago as I sought the fullness of the Holy Spirit in my life. I found that I needed to empty false notions from my life and replace them with truth as revealed by the Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am still learning and growing Spiritually. The Spiritual journey is awesome.

One of the most powerful studies I have taken has been “Experiencing GOD” written by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude King. I think since then it has been revised. Worth checking with Lifeway publications.

The Apostle Paul stated that Christians are to be constantly filled by the Holy Spirit. How do Christians do that? The Apostle Paul gives us a clue as we examine our next scripture ----

Let’s read Ephesians 5:19-21:

19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord in your heart,

20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

Basically, quoting scripture helps to keep our minds focused upon GOD, JESUS and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians are to worship joyfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit. As Christians “speak to one another” they are also speaking to themselves. Listen to what you are saying because when under the influence of the Holy Spirit your words can be healing.

Psalms carries the idea of music or the psalter.

Hymns is derived from a word that means “to celebrate.”

Spiritual songs carry the root words of “pneumatikos” and “ode.” It suggests spontaneous e.g. when Christians are moved by the Holy Spirit, they need to express themselves because of the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The King James translation renders “speaking to yourselves.”

When Christians express themselves in Psalms, Hymns and/or Spiritual songs they not only minister to others they also minister to themselves.

In verse 20, Christians are to rejoice in the blessings that GOD has given to them as they seek to know HIM more and more as they obediently serve HIM.

Verse - 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

This verse carries a powerful message. It is a message of accountability. But it is holding each other accountable in a way that pleases and honors CHRIST because CHRIST is an intimate member of our accountability partnership.

“Submitting to one another” carries the concept that it is “quid pro quo” or one Christian agrees to become subservient in attitude and spirit to another Christian. That Christian, in turn, agrees to become subservient in attitude and spirit to the other Christian. This submission to each other is not having a domineering attitude toward one another but having a mutual submission resulting in respect, kindness, humility and sensitivity toward each other. The balance and strength in such a relationship is based upon both parties’ reverential respect of GOD through their faith in JESUS.

Such relationships can help support those trying to overcome addictions or who desire to build the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Such accountability relationships help to keep each other on track with Bible study, prayer life, and the list goes on.   

Are you living as wise or unwise Christians? Living as wise Christians requires the constant filling of the Holy Spirit in your life. Ask JESUS to examine your life and reveal any area that you keep from HIM. When it is revealed then ask HIM for the power of HIS might and strength and power of the Holy Spirit to take control of your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to keep you filled to the brim each moment of your life. May all be filled!

Blessings!!!