Bible Study - The Greatest Gift - John 3:1-21 - September 28, 2025

 Bible Study – The Greatest Gift – John 3:1-21 – September 28, 2025

We can receive no greater gift than being in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Salvation is a gift from GOD to all who place their faith in JESUS. Like any gift, it has to be accepted. But not only accepted but opened and used. Salvation is available to every human being, through faith in JESUS.

You may recall the Jewish Rabbi coming to JESUS at night as referenced in John 3:1-21 - Jesus and Nicodemus

3 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

⁴ “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

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.”

⁹ “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.

¹⁰ “Are you a teacher^[b] of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. ¹¹ “Truly I tell you, we speak what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. ¹² If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven —the Son of Man.^[c]

¹⁴ “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him may^[d] have eternal life. 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. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world 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. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light.

 because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

JESUS used the term “born-again.” - ³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Being born physically, as a human, requires the union of the human sperm and human egg.

Spiritual birth requires the union of the Holy Spirit (Divine sperm) with the human spirit for Spiritual conception to take place.

Do we dare reference the Holy Spirit as being a “Divine Sperm?”

Here is a Bible reference for “(divine sperm)” from Amplified Bible, Classic Edition - 1 John 3:9:

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

This does not mean a “Spirit-born” person will NOT sin, the “Spirit-born” person will NOT remain in sin.

Who keeps the “Sprit-born" person, who has not lived as GOD leads him or her from confessing? You likely guessed, it is Satan. Satan does NOT want you to confess your sins. Satan wants you to feel alienated from GOD. GOD calls you home. And to come back into fellowship with HIM and JESUS.

The Spirit-born person who has not lived an obedient life does not lose his/her salvation. Repentance restores a person’s relationship with GOD. Repentance is making a 180 degree turn and head in that new direction following JESUS, as HE leads and directs you.

Once saved, always saved.

If you once made a profession of faith to accept JESUS as your Savior but you have not lived according to HIS leadership, confess it and ask for forgiveness. Ask GOD to forgive you and tell HIM that you are returning home to live as HE leads and guides you. Get back to living for JESUS teachings and ask JESUS to lead you to a CHRIST centered church or fellowship. Read and study the Bible and go to GOD in prayer in the name of JESUS. The shed blood of JESUS makes you righteous and worthy. You belong to The KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. JESUS gave HIS sinless life just for you to have eternal in Heaven. Embrace it!

Guess what? DO you recall the parable of the Prodigal son? Well, there are also Prodigal daughters and when either the son or daughter of GOD, through faith in JESUS, decides that their FATHER’S house was or is a better place to live, return home.

Guess WHO will be waiting for you!!!

WHY? YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS WAITING For YOU TO RETURN HOME. HE NEVER FORSAKES HIS CHILDREN. TELL GOD, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, THAT YOU ARE SORRY AND YOU ARE COMING HOME TO LIVE WITH HIM AND JESUS MUST BE YOUR STRENGTH. Or use your own words because it is not speaking certain words but the attitude of your heart.

When you do, guess what is taking place in Heaven? There will be great rejoicing and a huge celebration that you are coming back home. Our Heavenly FATHER waits and does not judge you but wraps you in HIS welcoming arms. WOW!!! I Pray for your strength to come home.

I am rejoicing, as I write this because I know that it has reached the hearts of those who need to return home to the FATHER’S Table and feast on HIS and JESUS’ goodness.

JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life just for you. Your faith in JESUS and HIS passion paid the price for all of your sins. HIS resurrection and bodily ascension back into Heaven are our assurance JESUS is coming again, and it is getting closer with each passing day.

Think about it. JESUS was born a human through the obedience of HIS Mother, Mary, and the LOVE OF GOD. JESUS lived a sinless life upon earth, yet HE was tempted as all people are tempted, yet without sin.

GOD never abandons HIS Children. HE never leaves you. HE is right where you left HIM, waiting for you to return.

NOW, THAT IS LOVE!!!

Satan is the one who wants you to think GOD has abandoned you. GOD’S Word reveals the truth. DO NOT FALL FOR Satan’s LIES!!!

In Deuteronomy 31:6, we read:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

All people are born the first time physically as a human – body/soul/spirit. Being-born again Spiritually, through faith in JESUS, is available to all people to choose. But each person must choose.

The “divine sperm” or the Holy Spirit of GOD unites with the human spirit. Think of the human spirit as the “egg” that must unite with The Holy Spirit for any person to be “born-again” Spiritually. When a person asks JESUS to forgive him/her for all their sins and for JESUS to come into his/her heart, JESUS does.

Quicker than the twinkle of the eye Spiritual conception takes place. That person asking JESUS to forgive him/her for all his/her sins is “born-again” Spiritually into GOD’S eternal family, never to be unborn.

The “born-again” person, male or female or trans, are given one or more Spiritual Gifts by GOD to be used as the “Spirit-born” person ministers/serves upon earth according to GOD’S will and purpose.

There are many Spiritual Gifts available for GOD to give to the person who is “Holy Spirit Born.”

It is vital for every Spirit-born person to know that GOD gives Spiritual Gifts at the time a person becomes GOD’S Child. GOD gives to whom HE chooses the Spirit Gift or Gifts needed to minister or serve. Those who are “Spirit-born” can desire a certain gift or gifts BUT GOD IS THE GIVER and distributes Spiritual Gifts according to HIS will and purpose.

Here is where Satan can mislead those who seek a certain gift so diligently that they open themselves to being misled. So, when you seek, ask GOD to confirm with scripture. Test as GOD may lead you to confirm.

I wanted the gift of tongues, why? Simply, I thought it would make me more Spiritual. That was ego. But the still small voice of GOD told me that I did not need it but if I ever did need that Gift, HE would give it to me.

This is in no way is to cast doubt on those who have the gift of tongues. I know a number of fellow Christians who have the gift of tongues. It is important that, as Christians, we do not get caught up in the gifts. It is vital that we seek the fulness of JESUS in our hearts and live obedient lives as led by The Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12 lists some of the Spiritual Gifts but there are many other Spiritual Gifts that GOD gives to HIS Spirit Born Children as HE chooses. Spirit-born people can ask but it is GOD WHO gives at the right time. I have found that GOD gives some gifts at the time of need.

It is vital that the Spirit-born person focus on their relationship with GOD and JESUS as he or she ministers. GOD equips the person with the Spiritual Gift or Gifts he or she needs to minister or serve.

What does being a “born-again” Christian mean to the person born into GODS eternal family?

Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye.

What does “justification” mean”? The word itself gives us a clue, “just as if I never sinned.” That is what takes place when any person places their faith in JESUS and HIS Passion. JESUS willingly came to earth to be born human and live a sinless life, yet HE was tempted in all ways people are tempted, but JESUS remained without sin. Therefore, JESUS became the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD to pay for all sin, in full.

JESUS did that for just you or me. If only one person placed his/her faith in JESUS, HE would have given HIS sinless life just for that person. Now, That is personal!

JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life by the shedding of HIS blood upon the cross to pay the penalty for all sin, in full. What does that mean for people? The price for sin has been paid, in full but each individual must accept and acknowledge JESUS as their Savior.

Sin is individual and each person must ask for forgiveness and accept the fact that the Passion of JESUS paid the sin debt in full.

Sin is individual and so is salvation.

Each person ever to live must realize that he/she is a sinner and needs GOD’S forgiveness to remove the sin barrier. The sin barrier blocks the way to Heaven. The sin barrier has been removed by JESUS and HIS passion.

What about a fetus, babies, mentally challenged, etc., GOD takes care of all. HIS desire is for no one to end up in Hell, which was created to contain evil.

Faith in the sinless life, death of JESUS by the shedding of HIS sinless blood upon the cross, HIS burial, HIS resurrection, HIS appearance to over 500 people before He bodily ascended into Heaven to take HIS seat at the righthand of GOD to intercede for all “born again” Christians.

The bodily resurrection of JESUS shows that HE conquered sin and was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to HIS FATHER, GOD, for all sin.

The Bible is clear that JESUS is the first fruit from the grave as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:20: But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep.

Christ’s Resurrection Guarantees Our resurrection.

Spiritual war still goes on, and “Spirit-born” Christians can get caught up in the fracas. As “born-again” Christians, we must put on the full armor of GOD and be ready for battle every day.

Being “born-again” is step one in preparing for battle. The next step is to Suit-up for battle as given in Ephesians 6:11 - Christian Standard Bible

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.

Look around and we see Satan at work in many different ways. But know this “GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL.”

Scripture memory is a good weapon to use when we fight against the evil world. There are times we need to call in fellow Christians to help us fight. Spiritual warfare will get more intense as we get closer to the return of JESUS.

Also, deception will increase as recorded in Matthew 24:24

For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Christians must know the truth as recorded in GOD’S Word.

Don’t be deceived, know the truth!!! Test the truth!!!

It is time for “Spirit-born” Christians to suit up for battle as written in Ephesians 6:10-20 - Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me (each other), that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

The Apostle Paul dressed the Spiritual warrior, like a Roman soldier would dress for battle. After all Paul was a Roman soldier. The Apostle knew the Spiritual battles Christians would face as they served GOD and JESUS. No different today, In fact, it is getting worse.

Just look around as to what is going on in our world today.

Spirit born Christians must keep in their minds as written in 1 John 4:4:

⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world.

Folks, we are in a Spiritual battle every day and it is getting worse and is going to intensify. So, suit up, stay prayed up and be watchful.

JESUS is coming again!!! Know the signs already given in the Bible as they are being fulfilled.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

Bible Study - The Greatest Sin - Matthew 12:22-32 - September 21. 2025

 Bible Study – The Greatest Sin – Matthew 12:22-32 – September 21, 2024

The greatest sin is to never trust JESUS as your Savior.

Life is a journey. It is exciting for most, but the question is, “When life is over then what? When we slip into eternity what takes place?

America has witnessed the assassination of a Spirit-born/Born-again believer who has a family. Absent the fact Charlie Kirk was a Christian, his death, as any death takes the person away from family and loved ones.

His death has provoked many reactions. Most people reacted in sorry, thinking that his dear wife no longer has a husband and their two children left without their dad.

Others seemed to be callous and have made callous remarks because of Charlies stand as a “Born-again” Christian.

The reaction of our society gives us a cross section of our world. Common decency and respect beg sympathy. Many were sympathetic but others were not.

These various responses reflect our society in general, and it reveals that many need a genuine encounter with JESUS, and the GOOD NEWS needs to be preached and lived among our society.

What is taking place? Were the negative responses genuine or were some being paid to respond in a certain way or some combination. We have to keep in our minds that Satan has his minions in our world at work to deceive and confuse.

As we get close to the second coming of JESUS, Satan and his minions will create more havoc, and anti-Christian rhetoric will take place.

What does scripture reveal to us? In Matthew 24:24

For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Many Christians know this scripture, but many people DO NOT.

Our Pastors and teachers must present the truth of GOD’S Word and truth is truth and will take place as written. We must know the truth and the truth will set us free.

It is vital that Christians be aware of this great deception, and the pastors and teachers must remain true to what GOD’S Word, The Holy Bible and The Holy Spirit reveal and leads those who know the truth. We who know the truth must let the truth be known.

Christians and the people of the world must keep in mind, as we get closer to the return of JESUS to establish HIS Kingdom as written in Matthew 24:24 - Christian Standard Bible

²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

 Let’s consider Acts 19: Demonism Defeated at Ephesus

Some may say or think “Why consider demonic or evil spirit activity in our day. Satan’s desire is to keep people ignorant of his activity. Yes, the evil spirit still exists today but keep in your minds that Satan/evil wants to stay hidden. Why? Christians must know their enemy and know how to fight this unseen enemy using prayer, scripture, and the power of the shed blood of JESUS.

Does this sound, Holy Roller? Yep, but use it wisely and listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Pastors and teachers, we must teach truth because the days are evil!!!

¹¹ God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands, ¹² so that even facecloths or aprons^[b] that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them.

It is vital that we keep in our minds that GOD is THE ONE WHO CAST OUT demons and evil spirits.

If we are called to participate in a deliverance, we must prepare for it with prayer and confessing of any and all sin and asking JESUS to reveal any thing in your life that would be a hindrance.

FOLKS, THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS AND MUST NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY!!!

Now on to our scripture ----- Acts 19:13-20:

¹³ Now some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists (not Christian) also attempted to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of that house naked and wounded. ¹⁷ When this became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, they became afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem.

¹⁸ And many who had become believers came confessing and disclosing their practices, ¹⁹ while many of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them in front of everyone. So, they calculated their value and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed.

I print this scripture to show what can happen when we battle the spirit world. It is vital that all who do battle with the spirit world to be protected with the full armor of GOD of which one of the most important is the presence of the Holy Spirit within each “born-again” person.

I caution Christians who fight demon activity to be fully armed, have a group of prayer warriors praying for you and with you when you participate in any situation involving demon, evil spirit activity.

This is not to frighten anyone but is to educate and warn. Do not test the spirit world but stand firm in the power of the shed blood of JESUS.

As we approach the second coming of JESUS there will be more battles to be fought. The Good News is that Christians do not fight alone.

Do you recall the scripture in a previous study?

Ephesians 1 ¹³ In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

We read in Ephesians 6:12:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

The root of the battles Christians encounter upon earth are battles against the evil and spiritual forces.

So, what are Spirit-born Christians to do?

It is time to suit up according to Ephesians 6:11 - Christian Standard Bible

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.

When Christians battle Satan, we must ask the Holy Spirit to give us a thorough review to see if there is any unconfessed sin in our lives. If so, we need to confess it and ask GOD to forgive us. We must never enter battle with a chink in our armor because the enemy knows where we are vulnerable.

Spiritual warfare is intense and Christians must ask others to join and stand with them when they come under attack or intercede with fellow Christians. Never be or feel embarrassed to reach out to fellow Christians. Those to whom you reach out to may shrug you off, if so, go to your minister. Christians have a variety of understandings of spiritual warfare.

Often, we as Christians treat the Spirit World lightly, That is exactly what Satan wants us to do. “Oh, that is old fogy.”

Folks, earth is the battlefield, and the battle will intensify as we approach the second coming of JESUS. So, suit up, you soldiers of the Cross. Do not be afraid but know that, as a “born-again” Christian, you are protected by the shed blood of JESUS. It is okay to ask our FATHER to check us over before we step out onto the battlefield.

Satan’s objective is to keep Christians ignorant of his activity. Keep in your minds, as born-again Christians and as recorded in The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error – 1 John 4:1-21:

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

True then and still true today!!!

² This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not confess Jesus^[a] is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.

⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world. Therefore, what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

Knowing God through Love

⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ God’s love was revealed among us^[b] in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. ¹⁰ Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice^[c] for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in^[d] us and his love is made complete in us. ¹³ This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen, and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. ¹⁶ And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. ¹⁷ In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment.^[e] So the one who fears is not complete in love. ¹⁹ We love^[f] because he first loved us. ²⁰ If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.^[g] 21 And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

Let’s consider Matthew 12:22-32:

A House Divided

²² Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and unable to speak was brought to him. He healed him, so that the man^[f] could both speak and see. ²³ All the crowds were astounded and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

This is the importance of knowing the scripture. Scripture revealed in Luke 7:18- Christian Standard Bible

¹⁸ Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So, John summoned two of his disciples ¹⁹ and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

²⁰ When the men reached him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask you, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

²¹ At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and he granted sight to many blind people. ²² He replied to them, “Go and report to John (John the Baptist – even John had to be reminded that JESUS was The Promised Messiah according to the scriptures.) what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy^[d] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, ²³ and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.”²⁴ When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”

²⁵ Knowing their thoughts, he (JESUS) told them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. ²⁶ If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? For this reason, they will be your judges. ²⁸ If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²⁹ How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. ³⁰ Anyone, who is not with me, is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters. ³¹ Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against^[g] the Spirit will not be forgiven.^[h] 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come.

Fellow Christians it is time for us to pray for each other and our world. The battle has always been, but it will intensify as we get closer to the second coming of JESUS.

Dear FATHER, we rejoice that YOU, JESUS, and THE HOLY SPIRIT are greater than all. We, as YOUR CHRILDREN, ask YOU to check how well we are prepared for battle and to strengthen any area in our lives that needs to be reenforced by YOUR power, strength, and wisdom.

Thank YOU for YOUR salvation, which is placing one’s faith in YOUR only SON, JESUS and HIS Passion, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven to intercede for all Christians and waiting for HIS FATHER to say, the time has come to rapture the true church and take all who have placed their faith in YOU to come to their eternal HOME. Blessings!!!

 

 

 

Bible Study - The Greatest Need - Luke 5:17-26, Plus Other Scripture - September 14, 2025 - Enjoy and Be Blessed

 

Bible Study – The Greatest Need – Luke 5:17-26, Plus – September 14, 2025

Only JESUS can take care of our need for forgiveness.

Often, we do not know we need forgiveness or that our unforgiveness impacts our health. Let’s explore!!!

Our background scripture is Luke 5:17-26.

JESUS was teaching a large gathering of people, Pharisees, teachers of the law, some curious, some eager to learn and for many other reasons. The key is that many people had come to hear JESUS for various reasons, and they witnessed a miracle and received a blessing which each person present had to ponder.

That is what JESUS does, HE wants us to think and seek the right, true relationship with HIM. Often, many seekers will test JESUS. Testing often leads to more questions, which I have found leads to discovering truth.

As we seek the right relationship with JESUS, all that is needed is to simply ask HIM to open our Spiritually blind eyes to the truth that HE is and then open our minds to what HE reveals. Spiritual matters have to be discerned Spiritually. After the Passion of JESUS, GOD sent The HOLY SPIRIT at Pentecost to indwell the bodies of all people who have accepted JESUS as their Savior.

Let’s read Acts 2:

Christian Standard Bible

First, what was and is Pentecost?

What is the significance of the Day of Pentecost?

Historical Context and Meaning of Pentecost

Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), originated in the Old Testament as a harvest festival observed seven weeks, or 50 days, after the Passover (Leviticus 23:15-21). In Hebrew tradition, it commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai. By the time of the New Testament, people from many regions would gather in Jerusalem for this feast.

In the early first century, this day became uniquely significant when the promised Holy Spirit was poured out on Jesus’ followers. This event is narrated in Acts 2 and marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding of salvation history, often referred to as the birth of the Church.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Long before the first-century events recorded in Acts, the prophet Joel foretold a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people:

“‘And afterward I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.’” (Joel 2:28)

At Pentecost, this prophecy came to fruition. As the disciples gathered, “Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house… There appeared to them tongues as of fire… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:2-4). This dramatic manifestation signaled the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ’s redemptive plan.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost is often described as the empowering of believers to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Soon after the Holy Spirit descended, the disciples proclaimed the gospel in languages understood by pilgrims from across the known world (Acts 2:5-11). This miraculous sign confirmed God’s power and further established the validity of Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:32-33).

Peter’s sermon following these events (Acts 2:14-36) reveals the immediate effect of the Spirit’s empowerment. Conviction spread among the listeners, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41). The Day of Pentecost illustrates how the Spirit enables bold witness, transforming ordinary people into powerful messengers of the gospel.

Establishment of the New Testament Church

Because so many came to faith through the testimony inspired by the Holy Spirit, Pentecost is widely considered the birthday of the Church. Believers began gathering regularly for teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). They shared possessions and cared for each other’s needs (Acts 2:44-45).

This development did not happen in isolation. Early Christian writings outside the New Testament, including accounts by Church Fathers such as Tertullian and Eusebius, mention the rapid growth and unity of early Christians. Such historical testimony corroborates the biblical narrative of a vibrant community shaped by the events of this day.

Connection to the Feast of Weeks

Pentecost is inseparable from its Old Testament background. Often viewed as the culmination of the Passover season, it occurs 50 days after the Sabbath following Passover (Leviticus 23:15-16). In Jewish tradition, this time marked both the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest.

From a typological perspective, Pentecost represents the spiritual harvest of souls. Just as the Law was given to Moses at Sinai, guiding ancient Israel, the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers, guiding them into all truth and empowering them for ministry. This connection highlights the continuity and unity of Scripture, bridging the Old Covenant context with the New Covenant fulfillment.

Transformation and Unity Among Believers

One vital aspect of Pentecost is its role in breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers. Because visitors to Jerusalem could hear the gospel in their native tongues (Acts 2:8-11), this supernatural sign foreshadowed the global scope of the Christian faith. People from diverse backgrounds became united through their encounter with Christ, fulfilling promises of God’s inclusive kingdom (Isaiah 49:6).

This ongoing reality continues to foster unity in the Church worldwide. The presence of the Holy Spirit moves beyond inherent differences, emphasizing that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21).

The Deeper Theological Significance

Pentecost demonstrates that salvation is not accomplished by human effort but by divine action. After Christ’s death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit’s descent reveals the depth of God’s redemptive plan to indwell and transform believers. As expressed elsewhere in Scripture, the Spirit is given as a deposit guaranteeing the believer’s inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Moreover, Pentecost teaches that the new life in Christ is not simply an individual experience but a corporate one. Just as the disciples received the Spirit together, the Church as a whole is called to live and work in the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3-6).

Continued Relevance for Believers

The Day of Pentecost continues to hold significance for Christians in every generation. It is a reminder that faith is empowered by the Spirit rather than confined to human limitations. The ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit includes comforting, teaching, guiding, and enabling believers to bear witness to the risen Christ (John 14:26).

This day also provides a framework for revival and awakening throughout church history. Accounts of spiritual renewal in various parts of the world have often been associated with fresh outpourings of the Spirit, as documented in revivals among diverse communities and in different eras.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Pentecost was originally an Old Testament harvest festival marking the giving of the Law and the thanksgiving for God’s provision.

• In Acts 2, it became the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon believers, fulfilling Joel’s prophecy of God pouring out His Spirit on all flesh.

• This event empowered the disciples to spread the gospel worldwide, immediately bringing about thousands of new believers.

• Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church, characterized by unity, fellowship, and mutual care.

• The day underscores the continuity between Old and New Testaments, linking the giving of the Law with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Believers today find in Pentecost a reminder of God’s power, the Spirit’s presence, and the continuing mandate for global witness.

Through these truths, Pentecost stands as a monumental event in Scripture, cementing the believer’s reliance on the Holy Spirit for effective righteousness, mission, and unity in the body of Christ. Its enduring legacy encourages every generation of Christians to live by the Spirit’s leading, proclaiming the resurrected Lord and glorifying God in both word and deed.

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Back to our scripture Acts 2:1-47: Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell the human body (Temple). It occurs 50 days after the Sabbath following Passover (Leviticus 23:15-16).

2 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. ³ They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. ⁴ Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ They were astounded and amazed, saying,^[b] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” ¹² They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³ But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.”

Peter’s Sermon

¹⁴ Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. ¹⁵ For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.^[c] 16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ And it will be in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all people;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ I will even pour out my Spirit
on my servants in those days, both men and women
and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will display wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below:
blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
²¹ Then everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.^[d]

²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. ²³ Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used^[e] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. ²⁴ God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death. ²⁵ For David says of him:

I saw the Lord ever before me;
because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad
and my tongue rejoices.
Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope,
²⁷ because you will not abandon me in Hades
or allow your holy one to see decay.
²⁸ You have revealed the paths of life to me;
you will fill me with gladness
in your presence.^[f]

²⁹ “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants^[g] on his throne. ³¹ Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He^[h] was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay.^[i]

³² “God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. ³³ Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. ³⁴ For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:

The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.’^[j]

³⁶ “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Call to Repentance

³⁷ When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰ With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt^[k] generation!” ⁴¹ So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

A Generous and Growing Church

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. ⁴⁵ They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number^[l] those who were being saved.

Footnotes

a.     2:4 languages, also in v. 11

b.    2:7 Other mss add to one another

c.     2:15 Lit it’s the third hour of the day

d.    2:17–21 Jl 2:28–32

e.    2:23 Other mss read you have taken

f.      2:25–28 Ps 16:8–11

g.     2:30 Other mss add according to the flesh to raise up the Messiah

h.    2:31 Other mss read His soul

i.       2:31 Ps 16:10

j.       2:34–35 Ps 110:1

k.     2:40 Or crooked, or twisted

l.       2:47 Other mss read to the church

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

GOD, JESUS nor The HOLY SPIRIT wants any person, who is seeking to be in right relationship with JESUS, to be misled as the person seeks but to discover truth and relationship. What a person may find as he/she seeks is that which is false and that which is true.

That is discernment, The Indwelling HOLY SPIRIT reveals truth as a “born-again” believer seeks, studies, and serves.

As scripture reveals in Matthew 7:7 Christian Standard Bible

Ask, Search, Knock

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door^[a] will be opened to you.

When GOD made man and woman, HE placed a yearning in their hearts for discovery. Ask, seeking, and knocking are action terms and as a person seeks, he/she will find the hidden treasure of eternal life through faith in JESUS.

In our scripture, the man to be healed was paralyzed. Were the men who carried the paralytic to JESUS men of faith, or were they seeking to evaluate JESUS? We do not know. We do know the men carrying this poor paralyzed man were determined to get him to JESUS and JESUS confirmed their faith because JESUS saw their hearts.

The point is, they took the paralyzed man to JESUS, with the hope and faith he would be healed. A miracle took place before many learned and regular people who had come to hear what JESUS had to say. They witnessed the power only GOD has. The fact that the paralyzed man was healed is evidence that the hearts of those who took him to JESUS were honest before GOD because JESUS is hampered in an atmosphere of disbelief. Yet, those who carried the paralyzed man to JESUS may have wanted to evaluate JESUS. We do not know but we do know these men took action and witnessed a miracle regardless of what their intentions may have been. But I quickly add I believe these men wanted to see the paraplegic healed and he was. What a powerful witness to all then and to us today.

How do you think those who had gathered to listen to JESUS teach responded to what they witnessed? Let’s explore!!!

First, consider the audience surrounding JESUS – Pharisees and scribes were present to learn or to find fault? Regardless of their intent they witnessed a miracle that only GOD could accomplish.

Let’s read Luke 5:17-19:

The Son of Man Forgives and Heals in the presence of an impressive audience of very scholarly leaders in the Jewish faith and those who were seeking or just curious.

¹⁷ On one of those days while he (JESUS) was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem. And the Lord’s power to heal was in him. ¹⁸ Just then some men came, carrying on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before him. ¹⁹ Since they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd before Jesus.

Those who were carrying and transporting the paralytic to JESUS were determined to get him to JESUS.

Let’s read Luke 5:20-21:

²⁰ Seeing their faith he (JESUS) said, “Friend,^[f] your sins are forgiven.”

²¹ Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to think to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Seems that the religious leaders reply, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” opened the door to the correct conclusion. Wake up you, sluggers. Pay attention, “you religious leaders to what you have studied most of your lives” and remove the shackles from your minds. Truth is truth then and today.

Let’s read Luke 5:22-26:

²² But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts?^[g] 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? ²⁴ But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralyzed man, “I tell you: Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.”

²⁵ Immediately he (the former paralyzed man) got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. ²⁶ Then everyone was astounded, and they were giving glory to God. And they were filled with awe and said, “We have seen incredible things today.”

This is true of all who acknowledge JESUS as their Savior and make JESUS to LORD of their lives.

Keep this truth in mind. If you had been the only person to ever accept JESUS as your Savior, HE would have given HIS sinless life just for you. Now that is personal.

Folks the days are evil. We need to pray for the protection of each other, churches, schools and various places and things the Holy Spirit brings to our minds.

Blessings!!!