Bible Study - Neighbor (2) - What Does Love Look Like? - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - July 31, 2022

 Bible Study – Neighbor (2) – What Does Love Look Like? – Sunday, July 31, 2022

This is lesson two (2) in our series, “How to Love Your Neighbor?”

Our focus scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

We are to love others as GOD loves us.

How much does GOD love people? He loves us so such that HE sent HIS One and Only SON, JESUS, to earth to live a complete human life, tested in all ways as humans are tested, yet without sin, to become the perfect acceptable sacrifice for all sin. GOD proved that JESUS had fulfilled HIS purpose when GOD raised JESUS from the dead to live eternally with HIM in Heaven. When JESUS ascended into Heaven and sat at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER. GOD then sent the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell all who accept JESUS as their Savior to confirm and seal them eternally as GOD’S Son or Daughter.

The Apostle Paul had given the Christians in Corinth the attributes of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Now, the Apostle was adding another dimension that is the hallmark of all the Spiritual Gifts and that is love.

The Greeks had at least four (4) definitions for love:

Eros – erotic love

Phileo – friendship/family love

Agape – sacrificial/unconditional love

Storge – Love we have for our parents, siblings, our children and other members of our family.

GOD is love and as HIS Children, we are to exhibit that love to others.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3:

Love: The Superior Way

13 If I speak human or angelic tongues^[a] but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

As Spirit-born people we can speak eloquently and use various Spiritual Gifts and do not have agape love, we do not magnify our LORD JESUS.

The Apostle Paul continues to define the character of those who have been Spirit-born, as we read on ----

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, ⁵ is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 

Paul lists nine characteristics of those who are Spirit-born. These characteristics reflect the new nature of the Spirit-born person because GOD’S nature, the Divine-Sperm has united with the human spirit and that person has been “born-again,” from a Spiritual point-of-view.  The Spirit-born person has new Spiritual DNA.

Why don’t we, who are Spirit-born, immediately display this new nature? We touched on this in last week’s study. Our human side or carnal nature desires to continue to rule over our Spiritual nature. Paul tells us that we have to “renew our minds.”

As we recognize our carnal nature, we deal with it with the help of the Holy Spirit. We need to confess our carnal nature to JESUS and ask HIM to help us embrace the Spiritual Gift that will grow and develop within us to reduce and eliminate or bring under the authority of the Holy Spirit our carnal nature.

How do we measure progress? Let’s read on ----

What is our love level as we interact with others?

⁶ Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love is the base upon which we measure our Spiritual development. Agape love comes from GOD. Agape love never gives up on others and as we read on, “never ends.” GOD never ever gives up on us. It is the Holy Spirit Who works within those who need salvation and those who have received salvation but need to walk in the Spirit. Satan desires for us to be led by our carnal nature but GOD desires for us to be led by the Holy Spirit.

GOD is love!

We read in Romans 5:8-11:

⁸ But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. ¹⁰ For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. ¹¹ And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.

In our scripture for this study, we read the Apostle Paul’s list of attributes of love:

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, ⁵ is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. ⁶ Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Much of the following copied from pages 115-118 printed in Bible Studies for Life, Summer, 2022, LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37734:

Love reflects the character of the Trinity and Spirit-born people. Love is the foundation upon which we build. Paul is writing what love “is” and what love is “not.”

Love is patient – This is not endurance as tolerating but long-spirited, to be slow to avenge or punish.

Love is kind – compassion, generosity and gentleness to others.

Love does not envy – wanting what those of earthly means have.

Love is not boastful – boastful “windbags,” elevated personal status.

Love is not arrogant – puffed up with pride.

Love is not rude – treating others dishonorably, attempting to disgrace or shame them.

Love is not self-seeking – focus on oneself, self-interest, placing oneself on a pedestal.

Love is not irritable – not easily angered, the opposite of patience.

Love does not keep a record of wrongs – this comes from bookkeeping or accounting or keeping a detailed inventory.

Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth – does not gloat when others are treated unjustly but rejoice in those loyal to truth.

Love bears all things – willing to bear hardships for the sake of the Gospel.

Love believes all things – always to believe the best.

Love hopes all things – willing to take a risk on loving others because our hope is in JESUS.

Love endures all things – perseverance under a heavy load or abiding under a heavy load. Or as my wife says, “when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.”

This is quite a list and there is “so much more” as we interact with GOD while working in HIS vineyard/earth.  

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13:

⁸ Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. ⁹ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. ¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. ¹² For now we see only a reflection^[c] as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. ¹³ Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.

Love is eternal whereas when we exit our earth suit and meet JESUS face to face, the things with which GOD has equipped those who are Spirit-born e.g., prophecies will end, tongues will cease, knowledge will come to an end. These were Spiritual gifts the Corinthians took pride in having. These Spiritual Gifts would no longer be needed because they would be perfect when they meet JESUS face to face.

The Corinthians took pride in the bronze mirrors which were produced in Corinth. They had the reputation of manufacturing some of the finest bronze hand-held mirrors of their time. But mirrors only reflect and can distort. But when we meet JESUS, either when HE returns to earth or we meet HIM in physical death, we will see all Heavenly things clearly. No more smoke and mirrors but face to face. I think immediately translates to I know.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9:

⁹ But as it is written,

What no eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no human heart has conceived—
God has prepared these things for those who love him.^[c]

Folks the best is yet to come when we meet JESUS face to face.

How is this possible? We read in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

²¹ He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin (JESUS) to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him we (those who place their faith in JESUS) might become the righteousness of God.

We all think we see and know truth but the best is yet to come as the Holy Spirit makes us and molds us into the image of CHRIST through the renewing of our minds. We take off our old carnal clothes and put on our new Spiritual clothes as we allow the Holy Spirit to take over more and more of our lives. We are being transformed as GOD equips us with Spiritual Gifts to be used for HIS Glory and to meet needs upon earth. 

Say yes to walking as led by the Holy Spirit and no to walking in our carnal nature. More of JESUS and less of self, equals walking as led by the Holy Spirit. Thy will be done on earth as it is done in Heaven.

Paul ends in verse 13 - ¹³ Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.

It seems that Paul was summarizing, “now.”

Faith, hope and love are virtues of those who are Spirit-born but the greatest of these three is love. Faith and hope benefit the Spirit-born person. Faith in JESUS gives all who place their hope in JESUS the assurance of eternal life through the miracle of Spiritual birth.

We read in John 3:16 – “¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

JESUS willingly left HIS home in Heaven and came to earth to live in a human body, be tempted in all ways humans are tempted, yet without sin. He willingly shed HIS sinless blood to atone for our sins which removed the barriers between all humans and GOD. Even though the sin barrier was removed by JESUS, every human must accept JESUS as his or her Savior. JESUS removed the sin barrier however every person must ask JESUS to forgive him or her for his or her sin. The person does so believing that JESUS gave HIS sinless life to atone for his or her sin. Quicker than the twinkle of the eye that person is Spiritually born-again and immediately receives the Holy Spirit as a down payment or security deposit that he or she is GOD’S Son or Daughter and has eternal life. Now, that is Good News!  

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Neighbor (1) - Who is Your Neighbor - Luke 10:26-37 - July 24, 2022

 

Bible Study – Neighbor (1) – Who is Your Neighbor? – July 24, 2022

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled, “How to Love Your Neighbor.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 10:26-37.

Love compels us to be the neighbor others need.

Matthew 19:14:

¹⁴ Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”^[a]

I am 84 years old but consider myself a little child. I am still learning and eager to learn from JESUS and through GOD’S Word, the Bible as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Corinthians 1:1-4: (The Apostle Paul was writing)

For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. ² I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, ³ because you are still worldly. For since there is envy and strife^[a] among you, are you not worldly and behaving like mere humans? ⁴ For whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not acting like mere humans?

It is time for those of us who have been Spirit-born to grow up Spiritually by the renewing of our minds. That takes a decision on our part. Many of us need to cast out old notions and ask JESUS to help us renew our minds and allow the Holy Spirit, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to flow through us to others, as led by the Holy Spirit.

I want to go back to our scripture in Romans 12 regarding seven (7) gifts of the Holy Spirit. The basis for these seven gifts is found in Isaiah 11:1-3 and apply to JESUS to equip HIM for HIS earthly ministry:

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him (JESUS):

a Spirit of wisdom and understanding (knowledge),
a Spirit of counsel and strength (fortitude),
a Spirit of knowledge (understanding) and of the fear of the Lord (piety).
³ His delight will be in the fear of the Lord (reverence and respect).

As Spirit-born Children use the gift or gifts listed in Romans 12, we see the hand of GOD producing fruit in our lives, in the lives of others and fulfilment in the lives of those who utilize their gift(s). As we use our gift or gifts we grow Spiritually and produce Spiritual fruit. Our carnal nature battles with our Spiritual nature. We who are Spiritual are in control of which nature within us is allowed to rule our lives, human or Spiritual. This is why the Apostle Paul admonished Spirit-born people to renew their minds. Say “NO!” to the flesh and “YES!” to the Holy Spirit in each of the areas where the Holy Spirit works. We who are Spirit-born control which nature within us dominates/controls our lives – self or the Holy Spirit, as manifested in many areas, according to GOD’S plan for each of us.

All humans are triune – body/soul/spirit. It is our spirit that must experience conversion or Spiritual birth/ Born-again. But the body loves to rule and so does the soul but the “born-again” through faith in JESUS is the “must have” for humans to have eternal life and function in HIS Kingdom. As HIS “born-again” Children, HE equips us with Spiritual Gifts to be used as HE directs.

The Apostle Paul begins with step one, “brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.^[a]”

“Here I am LORD, take me as I am and make out of me what YOU desire for me to be in YOUR Kingdom. I realize for me to function in YOUR Kingdom, I must be fully equipped and in YOUR Kingdom your arsenal is complete with everything I need to live according to your plan for me. Help me to rightly apply each Gift as I renew my mind to function according to YOUR plan and purpose in YOUR Kingdom. Open my Spiritual eyes to truth and the application of YOUR truth. I realize my neighbors are the people of the world. They are either bound for Heaven through faith in JESUS or Hell because they have rejected JESUS as their Savior. I know the truth and do not want to hide it. Thank YOU!”

Romans 12:1-2:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.^[a] 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God

Do you desire to be transformed? Where do you begin? You begin by asking GOD to renew the way you think or your mind. All humans have baggage from our DNA, ancestral character and traits, influences in our formative years by various sources, our sinful nature, lifestyle and the list goes on. All of us need to ask GOD to reveal to us the things in our lives that hinder us from fully using our Spiritual Gift(s) and from serving HIM.

Paul had lots of baggage and he knew it. His life before JESUS was led by Satan. After Paul’s conversion, he spent 3 years renewing his mind (getting the facts straight) in the desert with JESUS before he went to Jerusalem. Galatians 1:12 - ¹² For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul learned about the Gift of Grace. We are all sinners saved by and live under GOD’S Grace. Spirit-born people must not get puffed up when they are anointed with Gifts from GOD but they are to use their gift or gifts as led by the Holy Spirit.  There is nothing wrong with testing our Spiritual gift as GOD gives opportunity. Ask our LORD to increase our faith to use our gift or gifts as HE directs. We must be careful not to get too big for our britches but GOD knows us like the back of our hand or the number of hairs on our heads. HE loves to teach each of us as we follow HIS lead. Afterall, we are HIS Children.

Many Gifts but One Body – These Gifts are to be used to build upon the solid foundation of JESUS as the Holy Spirit gives to us. We cannot just name it and claim it but we can desire it. Diversity is the key in the Kingdom of GOD and HIS body of believers.

Romans 12:3-8: (Seven Spiritual Gifts)

³ For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself (herself) more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. ⁴ Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, ⁵ in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. ⁶ According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s^[b] faith; ⁷ if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; ⁸ if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

These seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are believed to be common among all Spirit-born people. GOD gives these seven (7) Spiritual foundational Gifts to us but it is up to us to use them.

Christian Ethics – Romans 12:9-11:

⁹ Let love be without hypocrisy (be genuine don’t fake it). Detest evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. ¹¹ Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit;^[c] serve the Lord. 

In verse 11 reference [c], references “in the spirit.” Spirit-born people are to be fervent as led by the Holy Spirit and as led, their work is accomplished jointly through human effort (or human spirit) in the power of the Spirit. Or as we have heard, the Spirit is willing but the flesh (spirit) is weak. When we are led, we must put into action what GOD leads us to do, but we may need to ask for help. GOD calls others to help us. The use of our Spiritual Gifts is designed for us to use to minister to others/neighbors. When we do, it builds our relationship with JESUS and confirms our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

As Spirit-born people, GOD equips us with Gifts of the Spirit to minister in HIS vineyard in a variety of ways. GOD develops all Gifts as HE desires to equip HIS Children/Ambassadors to minister. Let’s explore!

Just because we serve in a religious environment does not mean we are Spiritually equipped to minister to the needs of others. The key is, for us, who are Spirit-born, to be in right relationship with JESUS. Serving is not going through the motions of being Spiritual but putting into the practice of applying our Spiritual Gift(s) as we go about doing life. JESUS gave us an example as we read on------

Let’s read Luke 10:25-28:

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

²⁵ Then an expert in the law (scribe) stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

The Jewish scribe and “lawyer” were the same. Scribes lived in each village and interpreted the Old Testament Law. So, the scribe was using this opportunity for JESUS to make him look good. So, JESUS asked the scribe to answer his own question.

²⁶ “What is written in the law?” he (JESUS) asked him. “How do you read it?”

JESUS knew this man knew the law and how to interpret it.

²⁷ He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”^[j]

²⁸ “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”

Bingo! This scribe/lawyer gave the correct reply. Notice the word “all.”

Can a person in his or her own strength and power carry out these activities? NO! The Gifts of the Spirit enable us to carry them out.

JESUS accommodated the scribe but the scribe went a step further by asking JESUS to define neighbor. The scribe likely thought JESUS would say only fellow Jews. But -----

Let’s read Luke 10:29-32:

²⁹ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

³⁰ Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 

A man had likely been in Jerusalem, which was higher than Jericho. Thus, a man was traveling down the road to Jericho. I understand robbers would hide along the road to attack and rob those traveling on it. The robbers took whatever money the man may have had, took his clothes, beat him, fled and left the poor man near death.

Along comes a priest. I understand that those who served in the temple in Jerusalem, for the most part, lived in Jericho. The priest was likely going home after his temple duty. He offered altar sacrifices and for burning incense. He was likely tired or for whatever reason the priest saw the man but passed by on the other side. If the priest had touched a dead body, he would be considered unclean or defiled ceremonially and would have to go back to Jerusalem to undergo a week-long purification process.

Next comes a Levite. The Levite was likely traveling home, as well, after serving in the temple as a temple helper e.g., liturgy, music in the temple, cared for sacred vessels, temple courts, etc. The Levite did as the priest had done and passed the wounded man on the other side. Did the priest influence the Levite? We can only speculate.

Two pillars of the Jewish religious community failed to render help to this helpless man. Who came to help this dying man? ---

Let’s read Luke 10:33-37:

³³ But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. ³⁴ He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day^[k] he took out two denarii,^[l] gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back, I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’

Samaritans were despised by the Jews. The Samaritans had intermarried with non-Jews and were considered half-breeds, thus unclean. JESUS used a Samaritan to be the one to render help to this dying man. We do not know whether or not the dying man was a Jew or Gentile. That was not the point. The Samaritan saw what had happened to the injured man and had compassion on him. He went over to the man and immediately knew what he needed to do. Notice, the Samaritan was prepared. He had what he needed to care for this man. He bandaged his wounds, poured olive oil and wine onto his wounds. Both olive oil and wine help to fight infection, promote healing and improve blood circulation. That was not the end of the story. No, this despised Samaritan placed the injured man onto his animal, took him to an inn, took care of him overnight, paid the innkeeper to take care of the man with the promise that he would reimburse the innkeeper for whatever extra he spent. WOW!!!

Then JESUS asked a very important question ---

³⁶ “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

³⁷ “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.

Notice the Scribe did not utter the name Samaritan but simply said, “The one who showed mercy to him.”

Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”

JESUS told the scribe to go and minister to all people. Don’t limit yourself to just the Jews because all people are your neighbors.

This is what GOD desires from us who know the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS. When we know the truth, GOD in turn desires for us to share with others physically and Spiritually as HE gives opportunity. That is why HE equips us with Spiritual gifts to minister.

What is your gift or gifts? Are you using it or them? Are you afraid to seek your gift(s)? Where does fear come from? Satan does not want you to know what your gift is and if you know, not to use your gift for fear of being labeled a fanatic.

FATHER, help all of us who know YOU through faith in JESUS and the miracle of being “born-again,” to be bold and take a step of faith as YOU direct our lives to use the Spiritual gift or gifts YOU have given to us. This is for YOUR Glory and not ours.

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Never Alone (6) - United Through the Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:4-14 - July 17, 2022

 

Bible Study – Never Alone (6) – United Through the Spirit – July 17, 2022

This is lesson six (6) and our final lesson in our series entitled, “Never Alone: The Holy Spirit in our Lives.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Corinthians 12:4-14.

The Holy Spirit brings us together as one church.

In Romans 8:16, we read:

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 

The church in Corinth may have been Paul’s most troubled church. Paul focused upon immorality, false teachings, jealousy, etc. We think this was bad, or was it? Often, as Christians, our LORD JESUS allows us to experience the negative to highlight the positive. Paul was with the Christians in Corinth for one and one-half years. It is wonderful that the Christians in Corinth wrote a letter to Paul highlighting issues that they were dealing with as a church body. Paul was in Ephesus when he responded to the letter from the church in Corinth. Paul’s response to their issues, we read today as First Corinthians.

The oral report was that the church in Corinth was divided. A divided church cannot function in unity with GOD and HIS plans for that body of believers. However, GOD uses diversity within the body of believers to make that body strong.

Paul used the human body to illustrate this point. The body has many parts but they function in unity, as one, to maintain the function of the body and keep it healthy.

Dr. Henry Blackaby, in “Experiencing GOD,” has an illustration of a person walking along a railroad track. As far as the person could see miles ahead there were a few clouds in the sky and landscape ahead. The feet of the person walking reported to the head that they felt a vibration and thought a train was coming. But the eyes were looking forward and as far as the eyes could see there was no train in sight. Then the person’s ears picked up the sound of a train coming and reported it. But the eyes said, as far as they could see, there was no train. However, the train was coming from behind the person. Diversity with unity is the strength in a church but is the church leadership listening to what they are being told by The FATHER, SON and Holy Spirit or those gifted by the Spirit? If church leadership ignores what the Holy Spirit is revealing to them, then disaster will soon follow.

GOD equips the body of believers with gifts for the true body to function in unity as GOD desires.

As a church, are we embracing and using the Spiritual Gifts with which GOD has equipped us? If not, why not? Let’s explore!

Are Spiritual Gifts only for the Pentecostals? NO! They are for all Spirit-born people.  

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:1-3: (Introduction)

Diversity of Spiritual Gifts

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts:^[a] brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. ² You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Ground zero for a Spirit-born body of believers is for that body to function using the Spiritual Gifts GOD has sent to that body of believers/church. Over the years, as I recall, there are 29 Spiritual gifts identified in GOD’S Word but GOD’S quiver is full of many gifts and HE equips HIS Children with as many as needed. So, never limit what GOD can do through you as a Spirit-born person. The question is, do you believe this? JESUS said all a believer in HIM needs is faith the size of a mustard seed.

I have found that GOD can give a Spirit-born person a Spiritual gift as needed for the moment or for moments as led by HIM.

So, how does a person receive the Holy Spirit? What did JESUS tell Nicodemus in John 3:5-8:

⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. ⁸ The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

A person receives the Holy Spirit the instant that person receives JESUS as his or her Savior. Once the human sperm unites with the human egg, there is conception. The same is true when the Holy Spirit unites with the human spirit, there is Spiritual conception.

Human conception results in family traits that develop over time. Spiritual conception also results in family traits as a Spirit-born person develops as grafted into the true vine, JESUS and works in GOD’S vineyard.

So, how does GOD equip the Spirit-born person to function within the body of believers?

Unity Yet Diversity in the Body

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7:

⁴ Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. ⁷ A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: 

The key is, within the true body of believers there is diversity but unity. GOD gives/distributes Spiritual Gifts for the common good of the body. Those in the body use their Spiritual Gift(s) as led by GOD/JESUS/The HOLY SPIRIT.

The Apostle Paul makes it clear the diversity of functions vary but the distribution of these functions come from the unified source of GOD/JESUS/Holy Spirit:

-         Different Gifts

-         Different ministries

-         Different activities

This diversity of functions and distribution come from one source – the same Holy Spirit and the same LORD. Why?

The manifestation of the Holy Spirit is for the common good of the body. The Holy Spirit is the unifier and communicator within the body of believers. Therefore, do not squelch the working of the Holy Spirit within the body. Manifestation means an outward demonstration of that which is hidden. All have the opportunity to witness the manifestation and, as such, build up and strengthen the true body of believers.

What are some of the gifts the Holy Spirit manifests within the body of believers? Let’s read on -----

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:8-11:

⁸ to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, ⁹ to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues,^[b] to another, interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he (the Holy Spirit) wills.

Just as exercise is vital for the human body, so are the use of Spiritual Gifts vital to maintain the Spiritual health of the true body of believers. I will briefly review some of these gifts that maintain the health of the Spirit-born person and the Spiritual body.

We read Paul’s list of some of the Spiritual gifts:

-         Wisdom and Knowledge seem to go together. Wisdom comes from GOD, who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge is the application of GOD’S wisdom to GOD’S plan(s).

-         Faith – This is more than a person’s saving faith in JESUS but a Spirit-born person having the faith the size of a mustard seed and trusting as he or she steps when there are no visible steps. This is a calling and when called, the Spirit-born person responds and GOD provides. 

-         Healing – Healing takes in many forms. There is physical healing, Spiritual healing, mental healing and healing that relates back to faith. Our human desire is for all to be healed of various issues. GOD may have to heal our unbelief or the person’s unbelief. Discussed further in “Performing Miracles.”

-         Performing Miracles – Healing and miracles are closely related. Here we have to be careful. Our human nature desires for all to be healed of various issues. We may pray and a person is healed. That does not mean the next time we encounter a situation that healing is automatic. Ms. Bertha Smith told me and my wife that her sister had the gift of healing and people would come to her and ask her to pray for their healing. She would tell them to wait. She had to go check. She went into another room and prayed and asked The LORD how she needed to pray for that person. She would come back to that person with an answer. Yes, GOD has given me permission to pray for your healing. She would and that person would be healed. Or, no GOD did not give me permission to pray for your healing. This is something you will have to go through but HE did give me permission for me to pray for you as you go through this.

-         Prophecy – there has been much discussion over prophecy. Spirit-inspired messages, either spontaneous or given to the church body are for its edification. Spirit-inspired preaching or teaching, spontaneous revelations from the Holy Spirit, Spirit-inspired revelations within the body which address or speak to individuals, groups, or situations within the entire body. (Would we dare reveal such? If not, why not? Most of us do not want to be in or labeled as some holy rolly in a church body.)

-         Distinguishing between spirits – Spirit-given ability to recognize and know whether or not something is from the Holy Spirit or the unholy spirit. Very important gift within a person or body of believers. Truth is truth and Satan loves to distort the truth. The spirit-world is real and Spirit-born people must be careful when dealing with the spirit-world. Always have a group praying along with you as you encounter those who may be oppressed or certainly possessed by evil. We may see more of this in America as people arrive to America from various cultures around the world.

-         Different tongues and Interpretation of tongues – go together. This has likely been one of the most divisive issues. Those who have it and those who don’t. I went through this many years ago. But let me quickly add. There are those who have the gift of known languages. I admire those who can speak other known languages. But there are special languages, heavenly languages GOD gives to those who need them. Generally, these are uttered in private. Ms. Corrie ten Boon had the gift of speaking in tongues. She saw it as her personal prayer language that minister to her because of the trauma she and her sister were subjected to while in the Nazi labor camp. Her thoughts were that GOD gave her this special prayer language and to others who had experienced trauma in their lives. This helped them to heal. I wanted to speak in tongues and tried but it did not happen. The LORD told me, “If you ever need it, I will give it to you but for now English is a perfectly good language.” Then, HE went on to say, “I speak through art, poetry, the beauty of earth and in so many ways.” WOW!!! And HE does and it is magnificent as HE is!

Now, for the most important part of this partial list of gifts, to me, is:

One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as HE (the Holy Spirit) wills.

We as Spirit-born people can desire certain gifts but GOD distributes Spiritual Gifts as HE wills.

Receiving a Spiritual Gift or Spiritual Gifts carry responsibility. GOD does not give us a gift for the gift to remain idle but to be used as HE directs.

A Spiritual Gift or Gifts are to be used for the greater good of the body.

When we use the gift or gifts GOD has given to us, we must be careful that we do not get caught up in the gift and fail to focus upon the Giver of the Gift or Gifts. Without the Holy Spirit and our union with GOD, through faith in JESUS, Spiritual Gifts are not possible.

Some people have been so intent upon receiving a certain gift or gifts, Satan has given them a false gift that enslaves them and they become defeated. I know some will say, oh no, that cannot happen. Satan is a deceiver and he comes into lives when we desire certain opportunities or positions and we override GOD.

GOD gives to whom HE chooses and when HE chooses. HE is the only source a Spirit-born person receives Spiritual gifts. GOD will not give you something to harm you or others.

Many years ago, I asked the LORD to take my life and make out of it what HE desired. Well, I thought Heaven would open and GOD would say, “Tony, I have been waiting a long time for you to ask ME to do that.” Well, GOD responded to my request by taking HIS hand and sweeping across the Spiritual table of my life and clearing it of all my false trinkets I had used to build upon the alter of faith in JESUS.

I asked the LORD, “Why did HE do that?” HE said I had built upon a foundation of false notions and I needed to build upon the solid foundation of JESUS. Folks, that was over 40 plus years ago and HE is still working on me and I praise HIM for it.

At that time, I asked the LORD to help me understand this. HE said, “You have two sons and you have a shotgun, would you give your shotgun to the oldest son, and I said yes. Would you give your shot gun to your youngest? I said no. The still small voice of GOD said, “Oh, you love your oldest son more than you love your youngest son?” No. Then why would you give your shotgun to your oldest and not to your youngest? Is there a time that you would give your shotgun to youngest son? Yes. When I have taught him gun safety and know that he will use the shotgun in a safe manner as to not harm himself or someone else. What do you think GOD’S reply was? HE said, precisely. When you are mature enough, I will give you --- I said, LORD make me mature. WOW!!! Be careful what you ask for. As I stated earlier, GOD cleared my foundation in JESUS of false notions and we have been rebuilding upon the solid foundation of JESUS for many years. HE is not through with me yet and I am 84 and I desire nothing from the LORD until HE knows I am ready to receive it. FATHER knows best.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:12-14:

¹² For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Indeed, the body is not one part but many. 

Unity is vital to the physical body and unity is vital to those who are Spirit-born and to the body of CHRIST, the church. The right kind of unity in a Spirit-born person or the church comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can have all the different parts working in unity and harmony with each other according to GOD’S plan and purpose.

The Apostle Paul used the phrase, “all baptized by^[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” The Holy Spirit is the connecter between the physical and the Spiritual. The Holy Spirit imparts the cleansing of the human body to house the Holy Spirit at the instant of salvation. The shed blood of JESUS cleanses the temple/human body, the instant of salvation or the instant a person is “born-again.” All who are “born-again” are also sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day they will be fully redeemed from the shackles of the human body to be set free and to live eternally with GOD.

“For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Indeed, the body is not one part but many.”

Baptism is symbolic of a Spirit-born person dying to self and being raised to walk/live as led by the Holy Spirit. All who are “born-again,” have the same FATHER and the same Holy Spirit. We are given the same Holy Spirit to drink. Why, drink? Water is vital to the human body as the Holy Spirit is vital to the Spiritual body. Water flows to every part of the human body and is vital. So, is the Holy Spirit. All Spirit-born people drink from the same source. GOD does not discriminate.

If you think GOD has forsaken you, then think again. Ask HIM to reveal to you what you need to do or confess to restore your relationship with HIM.

Yet, in many of today’s churches, what are we seeing?

There has never been such a greater time than now for the Spiritual body to function in unity and led by the Holy Spirit as the time in which we are living. There are thousands of people moving into our area every day and all either need a personal relationship with JESUS, a church home or both where they can grow Spiritually and serve.

GOD equips by distributing: Gifts:

-         Wisdom – comes from GOD

-         Knowledge – Is wisdom applied according to GOD’S plan.

-         Faith – Wonderworking faith – taking a step when there is no visible step. This is more than salvation. It is a calling.

-         Healing – Spiritual, physical, mental, doubts

-         Performing Miracles – faith the size of a mustard seed

-         Prophecy – preaching, teaching, exhorting

-         Distinguishing between spirits - discernment

-         Different tongues – reaching out to others

-         Interpretation of tongues – giving understanding

These gifts are distributed through:

-         Ministries

-         Activities

All are guided and led by GOD, JESUS and the Holy Spirit.

It is time for all Spirit-born people to step up and get serious about doing the will of GOD. HE is sending those who need either a place to serve and grow or salvation to us in America. What will we do?

First, we must get our house in order.

Blessings!!