When Do You Become A Christian? 1 Corinthians 13
|
|
- Hannah Gloria Hubbard
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 When Do You Become A Christian? 1 Corinthians 13 Just when do you become a Christian? For some the answer is easy. They remember the exact day and time. Indeed, some write down the date in their Bibles the moment they met Jesus and their heart was changed the instant it all became personal. They can tell you where they were, and what they were doing. They can describe the precise circumstances of their encounter with Christ. It was a radical change, going 90 miles an hour in a self serving direction, then suddenly turning 180 degrees and going 90 miles an hour for God. No guesswork is needed; they know exactly when their heart was changed. In the Bible, the apostle Paul would be someone like this. You can read about his conversion in the Bible s Book of Acts, chapter 9. For others, however, the answer is more difficult. They were born to Christian parents parents who didn t just call themselves Christians, but who daily lived and breathed Christ. They went to Christian schools where they were surrounded by Christian friends, teachers, administrators, and coaches. They spent every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday evening at Church among the faithful. In short, they never knew life without Jesus Christ being at the center of it. In the Bible, Timothy would be someone like this (described in 2 Timothy 1). And then there are those who seem to stumble into the Christian faith quite by accident. They weren t raised Christians, and they never considered themselves to be particularly religious, but through the years they met Manuscript By Win Green 1
2 Christian friends who softened their hearts to Christ. At school they had the good fortune to study under a couple of Christian teachers who made a big impression. They played soccer or softball under a Christian coach who encouraged them like no other, and even dated a Christian or two in High School who challenged them to clarify and articulate their beliefs. It would be hard to describe exactly when, but over time the Christian radio station became a regular stop on their radio dial, the books they bought began to include Christian titles, and prayer became a more or less regular activity while driving to and from work. After a lengthy process they could not deny that Jesus Christ had take 1 st place in their hearts, and that their hearts were indeed changed forever. So just when does one become a Christian? This is an important question for the 22 individuals who have come forward to commit themselves to Christ over the past eight months here at ECC. It s an equally important question for those of you who have never come forward to make such a commitment. And it s an important question to those who are raising children and grandchildren, or who have husbands or wives outside the Faith, or who are praying for friends or coworkers to receive Christ. Just when does one become a Christian? Not How does one become a Christian. That s easy. The answer to "how?" is simply to TURN! Turn from your sins and turn to Christ. Nor am I asking where one becomes a Christian. You can become a Christian anywhere at home, in the church, at work. I even heard a moving testimony of a person who came to Christ while on the toilet. No the question today is when. When does one become a Christian? Manuscript By Win Green 2
3 Actually, there are a number of different answers depending on whom you talk to. For example, the Protestant would say that a person becomes a Christian the moment they believe the instant they put their trust in Christ. The Catholic, however, would say a person becomes a Christian when they start acting like a Christian. There are still others who say that one becomes a Christian when they fall in love with Christ when it all becomes personal, and the heart of God permanently changes their hearts. Now let me take a moment to review each of these positions because it s important to know where different people are coming from. We can t be patient with one another within the Christian family if we don t understand where different Christians are coming from. I guarantee you that Catholic thought is just as sound scripturally as is Protestant thought. We can agree to disagree, but we don t have to do it disagreeably. So let s review the different ideas of when a person becomes a Christian. I. The Protestant: By Faith First the Protestants the Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, and Pentecostals: The Protestants maintain that a person becomes a Christian the moment they put their faith in Jesus Christ the instant they believe. Protestants maintain that the Biblical formula for salvation is simple: repent and believe. Repent means to turn away from our sins, and believe means to put the full weight of Manuscript By Win Green 3
4 our trust in Jesus power to forgive and restore. understanding comes straight from Scripture: This Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! (Acts 16:31) The most well know verse in the entire Bible is the one that affirms this very promise that salvation comes through belief. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life! (John 3:16) Therefore, a protestant believes that a person is a Christian the instant they believe in Jesus power to save them. It has nothing to do with good or bad behavior, or with just how religious a person is. One becomes a Christian WHEN one puts Jesus Christ in the driver s seat of their life. The most famous illustration of this is witnessed on the occasion of Jesus crucifixion. We all remember that Jesus was crucified with two other men at Cavalry, who were both criminals justly condemned for their crimes. One of them cursed Jesus as they hung together. But the other took a leap of faith and turned to Jesus saying, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. To which Jesus answered, Truly I say to you, this day you will be with me in paradise. (Luke) This criminal had done nothing to deserve a heavenly reward. Indeed, he Manuscript By Win Green 4
5 himself admitted that he was executed justly, which means he committed a crime deserving capital punishment murder, rape, child molestation. But the moment he opened his heart to Christ by FAITH and entrusted his soul to God, Jesus assured him that the reward of a Christian was his. When do you become a Christian? The Protestant believes, like the criminal who hung beside Jesus, that it is the moment you put your faith in Christ. II. The Catholic: By Faith & Works: The Catholic, however, would say that the Protestant answer is incomplete. They would point out that the devil himself believes that Jesus was and is the Son of God, and would maintain that they key difference between the devil and the Christian is that the Christian follows Christ, and the devil follows himself. The Catholic considers belief to be only half the equation. They would point out that Faith alone, if it is not reflected in deeds is useless. Here they note the Scripture that says: Faith by itself, if it has not works, is dead. (James 2:17) For 2,000 years the Catholic Church has said that Faith and works must be expressed together. Faith without works is always in danger of falling into mere sentiment, and works without faith can become a slavish legalism. For the Catholic, a person becomes a Christian WHEN their faith and works serve together in harmony. The Catholic is Manuscript By Win Green 5
6 quick to warn us that we will all be judged, not according to our faith, but according to our deeds, for as the Scripture says: I (the Lord) will give to each of you as your works deserve. (Rev. 2:23) God will render to every man according to his works. (Romans 2:6) God will repay every man for what he has done. (Matthew 16:27) An illustration from the Bible of what we are talking about is the rich young man who came before Jesus asking how to win eternal life. They young man had enough faith in Jesus to fall before Him on his face and call Him master which, by the way, is more faith than a lot of so called Christians ever demonstrate. He trusted Jesus to tell him the truth about the way to salvation. But when Jesus told the young man that the way to salvation was not just a belief but also an action to sell all his possessions and to follow Him that was a step that the young man was unwilling to take and he walked away. It is the only instance I can think of where Jesus offers salvation to an individual, and the person refuses. The rich young man was willing to believe in Jesus, but he wasn t willing to act on that belief, and he never did become a follower of Christ a Christian. The Catholic believes that actions speak louder than anything else, and they point to the Scripture that says: Manuscript By Win Green 6
7 He who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20) In other words, if you don t act in behalf of the neighbor you see, then you probably don t believe in the God you can t see. For the Catholic, a person becomes a Christian WHEN their Faith and their works are in harmony with Christ. III. The Way of the Heart: But there is still a third way of understanding just WHEN a person becomes a Christian what St. Paul describes as a still more excellent way. It is the way of the heart. Experience tells us that it is possible to have all the faith God can give, but still have neither love nor joy in their heart. This is one of the big reasons many have grown to hate organized religion because it represents to them all faith but no heart. At almost every wedding I attend the bride and groom asks that St. Paul s ode to love be read from 1 Corinthians 13. In it we read these words: If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Cor. 13:2) Manuscript By Win Green 7
8 Here St. Paul says that it is possible to have all faith and yet still miss the heart of the Christian Gospel. For if you have faith but not love, then you are nothing. Faith without love is not a thing of God, but a dry and lifeless creation of religion that saves no one. It is the dogma that rules men s lives without the spirit to bless them. This kind of faith, as St. James tells us, is dead, and needs to be buried. But St. Paul goes on to say: If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:3) Here St. Paul cautions that we can do great works that we can be generous, give away all that we have for the sake of others and God s Kingdom. But if there is no love in it, we gain nothing. Good deeds without a good heart mean nothing. Indeed, Mother Teresa, just before she died reminded us that it is small things done with great love that change the world. St. Paul expressed this same idea when he wrote: What matters is Faith expressed in love. (Galatians 5) We can have the Faith of the Protestants and the pious good deeds of the Catholics, but if there is no love, of what good are they? The still more excellent way says that we become Christians WHEN we fall in love with Christ, for when we fall in love with Him it is not only easy to believe, Manuscript By Win Green 8
9 but we are compelled to act. What s more our hearts overflow for they are filled with the fruits of God s Spirit. The Bible declares that those in love with Christ are infused with nine gifts of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. It is not a dull and dry experience of religion; it is instead a love affair. Remember how alive you were, and how sweet the world was when you fell in love with your husband or wife. You possessed boundless energy, and the creative juices just flowed. You did not have to guess just when you fell in love. The experience was unmistakable. There was once a Lawyer who approached Jesus with a question. He asked, Teacher, what is the greatest commandment of all? Jesus response was this, Love the Lord your God with all you heart, mind, soul, and strength. Notice, what Jesus didn t say. He didn t say, Believe God with all your heart. Nor did He say, Serve God with all your heart. Jesus answer to the question What is God s greatest commandment? was quite specific. He said, LOVE God with all your heart. This is what God seeks more than anything else that we love Him. It is the one thing in the entire world that God can t or won t do He can t or won t make us love Him. He leaves that for us to decide. IV. The Story of John Wesley and Me: So WHEN do you become a Christian? Well, if you are a Protestant it is the moment you believe when you believe the power of Jesus to turn you away from your sins and toward a new life in Christ. Manuscript By Win Green 9
10 If you are a Catholic, it s when your faith and your deeds are both rooted in Christ when the good that you do for others reflects your commitment to the Lord. And if your someone like John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, it is a still more excellent way it is the moment when your heart falls in love with Jesus Christ. The history of the Methodist movement is rooted in a man named John Wesley who had trouble naming just WHEN he became a Christian. He was born in 1703 the son of a Faithful Church of England pastor, attended Oxford University and studied divinity, preached all over England, and served as a missionary in Georgia. But even with this background, still he had no joy, no assurance, and no 1 st hand experience of God in his own heart. He had the form of religion, but not its power. Like the Pharisees of old, Wesley had the message of the Gospel in his mind, but not its spirit in his heart. At 35 years old Wesley decided to leave England to become a missionary in Georgia, but while crossing the Atlantic Ocean a terrible storm arose tossing his little ship like a cork upon the sea. Wesley assumed he would die with the rest of the ship s company, and he was terrified. It was there he confirmed that his religion was all in his head and not in his heart. There were, however some German Christians on board who calmly sang Hymns to God throughout the storm. They were not afraid to die, not even the children, and Wesley knew that they had something in their heart that He didn t. It took John Wesley two more years of hard struggle to let go of all his preconceived notions of what a Christian are. He had to let go of the idea that he needed to have all the right answers to know God. Manuscript By Win Green 10
11 He had to let go of the standard of moral perfection to be loved by God. He had to let go of all his religious beliefs and bias enough to allow Jesus to enter his heart so that John Wesley could fall in love with Him, and change his heart forever. When I was a boy I believed in God. Of course I also believed in the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, and monsters under the bed. When I was in High School and College I did a number of different service projects to help the disadvantaged and poor. But it wasn t until 1981, when I was 25 years old that I fell in love with Jesus Christ. It was then that His hand touched my heart and I felt for myself just how good He really was. It was then that His voice spoke to me, and I knew just how sweet His spirit really was. It was then that the love of His heart poured into mine, and it all became very very personal, powerful, and purposed. It was when I know I became a Christian, saved from my sins, freed from my self-centeredness, and fully alive to the life of Christ. The Prophet Ezekiel described my experience perfectly when he wrote: A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will take out of your flesh the heat of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. (Ezekiel 36:26-27) Manuscript By Win Green 11
12 This is what the people of the world are craving a genuine experience of God s heart touching theirs. The person who can t pay their rent or mortgage isn t interested in my opinion on spiritual matters, he/she is yearning for new hope for their heart. The parents who tragically lost their child isn t interested in a new way of thinking spiritually, they are desperate for God above to touch their broken hearts. They man or woman who doesn t have a job isn t interested in a new world view they don t long for a religion of the head, they burn for fresh fire from heaven for their hearts. The victims of abuse child abuse, spouse abuse, or some abusive boss aren t interested in the most recent study done on the science of abuse they want healing for their hearts that can only come from above. Those who are lost, empty, and lonely don t want new opinions on the latest spiritual scholarship, they are desperate for God almighty to fill the void and sooth the ache at the center of their hearts. When does one become a Christian? It s simple. It s when your heart is touched by the heart of God, and where their was once doubt there is now faith, and where they was once despair there is not hope, and where their was once indifference there is not love. Manuscript By Win Green 12
Who Is Jesus? ..the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Who Is Jesus? Bible Voice BROADCASTING Jesus Christ is the Son of God who in our place took upon himself our separation from God and all our sins, sicknesses, failures and shortcomings. By believing that
More informationOXFORD BIBLE CHURCH. meets Sundays at 11am and 6pm at Cheney School Hall, Cheney Lane, Headington
THE GOOD-NEWS! OXFORD BIBLE CHURCH meets Sundays at 11am and 6pm at Cheney School Hall, Cheney Lane, Headington For more information contact: Pastor Derek Walker 363 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7PL Tel: (01865)-515086
More informationRadically Changed to Live for Jesus September 7, 2014 Acts 9:19b-31 Mario Russo
Radically Changed to Live for Jesus September 7, 2014 Acts 9:19b-31 Mario Russo Many of us have moments in our lives where suddenly, things radically change our lives. It can be health related, getting
More informationJesus Is Going To Hell! (1 Peter 3:19, 4:6 / Salvation) By Win Green
Jesus Is Going To Hell! (1 Peter 3:19, 4:6 / Salvation) By Win Green I. Jesus Is Going To Hell! After Jesus was crucified on the cross, what exactly did He do for the three days he lay dead in the tomb?
More informationBELOW EXPECTATIONS THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 30, 2017 BECKY ROBBINS-PENNIMAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, DUNEDIN, FL
BELOW EXPECTATIONS THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 30, 2017 BECKY ROBBINS-PENNIMAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, DUNEDIN, FL COLLECT OF THE DAY O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the
More informationWhat the Resurrection Means Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 12-22
1 What the Resurrection Means Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 12-22 Introduction Happy Resurrection Sunday! Today is a special day in the life of the Church. This is a day we set aside to celebrate
More informationSurvey of the Bible Ezekiel 37:12-14
Survey of the Bible Ezekiel 37:12-14 Last week we ended with the proposition that the resurrection that Ezekiel addresses in the first part of chapter 37 is dealing with a resurrection that is intrinsically
More informationTable of Contents. Introduction... 4
1 2 Table of Contents Introduction... 4 Monday, June 4, 2018 What It Is... 5 Tuesday, June 5, 2018 What It Is... 6 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 What It Is... 7 Thursday, June 7, 2018 What It Is... 8 Friday,
More informationA CATECHISM FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
1 A CATECHISM FOR BOYS AND GIRLS PART ONE: GOD Who made you? God made me. (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Acts 17:24-29) What else did God make? God made all things. (Genesis 1, esp. vv. 1,
More informationOne Step Forward, Two Steps Back
: : One Step Forward, Two Steps Back When it comes to church growth, progress is never in a straight line. As a matter of fact, many times it s one step forward, two steps back. Acts 4:33-5:11 The one
More informationContact with God Week of prayer and fasting
Contact with God Week of prayer and fasting From Pastor Nate For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son Romans 8.29 Thank you for joining me this week for
More informationHoly Spirit Study: Week #1 Introduction to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit Study: Week #1 Introduction to the Holy Spirit I. The Holy Spirit has ALWAYS been present (even in the OT) Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and
More informationEverything Happens For A Reason? 1/3/2016 Deuteronomy 30:19-20a
Everything Happens For A Reason? 1/3/2016 Deuteronomy 30:19-20a In this month s sermon series we re going to be considering things that Christians often say, things they believe, that may not be entirely
More informationOvercoming Unforgiveness
Overcoming Unforgiveness How many of you have ever been hurt by someone else? We all have at some time or another we were treated badly, trust was shattered, hearts were broken. When you were hurt, did
More informationThe outward (physical) Account of Saul s Conversion Acts 8:1-4
3. The Chief of Sinners Acts 8:1-4; Acts 9:1-9 & 1 Timothy 1:12-17 The outward (physical) Account of Saul s Conversion Acts 8:1-4 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great
More informationDO YOU SEE ANYTHING?
DO YOU SEE ANYTHING? A few years ago I went to Israel for a conference. I had a day off and wanted to get out and see the sights but I had very little money and did not know how to go about booking a bus
More informationExtinguished John 1:29-30 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, After me comes a man who ranks before
More informationA SCANDALOUS GRACE: Lessons from the book of Jonah (2) Grace that will not let us go part two (Jonah 2)
A SCANDALOUS GRACE: Lessons from the book of Jonah (2) Grace that will not let us go part two (Jonah 2) On March 21, 1748, a ship on its way home to England in the North Atlantic was caught up in a violent
More informationGlobal Good News Literature. Basic Christianity. Part I Part II Part III
Basic Christianity Part I Part II Part III 1 "16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the
More informationThings We Should Know About Life, From Jonah
Things We Should Know About Life, From Jonah ' Intro: - story of Jonah - Jonah, prophet of God during the reign of Jeroboam II, about 800 years before Christ - God commanded him to preach to Ninevites
More informationThe Bible and Baptism February 24, 2019 Acts 8:26-40
I. Introduction The Bible and Baptism February 24, 2019 Acts 8:26-40 In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
More information3/15/2015 The Cross 1
"The Cross" From time to time we each need to take a close look at the cross of Christ. Hello, I m Phil Sanders; and this is a Bible study, In Search of the Lord s Way. Today we re going to focus on the
More informationRESURRECTION REST. Catalog No Various Passages 4th Message. Paul Taylor March 30, 2008 SERIES: SABBATH: REMEMBER TO REST. REST TO REMEMBER.
RESURRECTION REST Catalog No. 5303 Various Passages 4th Message SERIES: SABBATH: REMEMBER TO REST. REST TO REMEMBER. DISCOVERY PAPERS Paul Taylor March 30, 2008 Good morning and happy Easter. It s great
More informationSUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON The Life of Jesus
THE CRUCIFIXION Elementary Lesson Year Two, Quarter Three, Lesson Twelve SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON The Life of Jesus AIM: to teach my class that we are saved by looking at the cross. OBJECTS TO HAVE: A phone
More informationWhy is the resurrection of Jesus so very important?
April 20 th, 2014 Pastor Bob vale Why is the resurrection of Jesus so very important? (Easter Sunday Morning) Seventh Sunday in Lent Scripture Lesson: Luke 24:1-12 On the first day of the week, very early
More informationThe Corinthian Letters. Study Guide. Important Instructions for an Imperfect Church. Adult Bible Study in Simplified English. WRITER Janet Roberts
Adult Bible Study in Simplified English Study Guide WRITER Janet Roberts BAPTISTWAY PRESS Dallas, Texas baptistwaypress.org The Corinthian Letters Important Instructions for an Imperfect Church Adult Bible
More informationHE SAID WHAT? HARD SAYINGS OF JESUS
HE SAID WHAT? HARD SAYINGS OF JESUS 66 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE Am I really following Jesus? Most of us are familiar with things Jesus did: walking on water, feeding five thousand with the loaves and fishes,
More informationGrowing Old. You have so much to look forward to!
Growing Old You have so much to look forward to! I ve heard many elderly people say that they don t have much to look forward to. I have written this booklet to explain why that is not necessarily true,
More informationPeace and Joy Via Justification (Romans 5:1-5)
1 Peace and Joy Via Justification (Romans 5:1-5) by Rev. Dan McDowell October 14, 2018 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through
More information[The Greek text said, He continued to say. A Prayer of Forgiveness (1) Luke 23:33-34
A Prayer of Forgiveness (1) Luke 23:33-34 A. The words at the cross point to the meaning of the cross. 1. Understanding His words will help us under-stand why He went through what He did. 2. Jesus thought
More informationLesson 11: God s Promise& Curse
Lesson 11: God s Promise& Curse As we arrive here today at Lesson 11, I want to emphasize once again that we re not just Reading some stories or myths made up by men. These events really happened, and
More informationI m Not Sure I m A Christian. How Can I Know?
I m Not Sure I m A Christian. How Can I Know? Glen Davis (all unmarked scriptures are from the NIV) In 2 nd Corinthians 13:5, Paul admonishes us, Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith;
More informationIntroduction. The Death Penalty. Introduction. Introduction. Objections Against The Death Penalty. The Death Penalty
Introduction The Death Penalty What does the Bible teach about governments practicing the death penalty? When discussing the death penalty, strong emotions are often expressed either for or against it
More informationJesus wants us to be His witnesses. God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit is God s gift to us.
Children s Quizzing Dig Sites 1-20 Characteristics of God Faith Words Bible Truths The Promised Gift Jesus wants us to be His witnesses. God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us. Holy Spirit The Spirit
More informationTEXT SERMONS SEVEN SAYINGS OF THE SUFFERING SAVIOR. Luke 23:43. today you will be with Me in Paradise.
1 TEXT SERMONS SEVEN SAYINGS OF THE SUFFERING SAVIOR SAYING #2 PARADISE TODAY Luke 23:43. today you will be with Me in Paradise. The most popular sacred song is said to be The Old Rugged Cross. It begins
More informationGOD WANTS YOU IN HIS FAMILY!
GOD WANTS YOU IN HIS FAMILY! Do you know that God has chosen you to be part of His family? Listen closely to what the Bible says: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be
More informationVillage Church of Wheaton Romans 8:1-6 October 17, Romans Chapter 8
Romans Chapter 8 Just wait till you see what s coming in this chapter. What a terrible waste it would be if you missed any of it. So let s not waste any time. We ll begin by looking at the first four verses
More informationCalvary United Methodist Church April 1, EASTER CANTATA Rise Up! Rejoice! Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks
Calvary United Methodist Church April 1, 2018 EASTER CANTATA Rise Up! Rejoice! Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks Children s Sermon: Matthew 28:1-8 The Kingdom, the power and the glory for each of us, regardless
More informationPsalm 103:12 - He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. NLT
You can know Galatians 5:16-17: So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of
More informationThe Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ The Resurrection of Jesus Christ The death and then the resurrection of Christ are the two pillars on which the arch of the gospel rests. In fact, the resurrection of the
More informationCHAPTER FIVE THE WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE INFILLING AND OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT
CHAPTER FIVE THE WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE INFILLING AND OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT Scripture Reading: Acts 2:37-38, 33; Gal. 5:16-25; Acts 5:32 At this point we are clear that the work of the Holy Spirit is
More informationIntroduction. The King s Identification Matthew 3:13-17
Introduction In Matthew s Gospel Jesus is the King. He is King by prophecy, paternity, genealogy, and by the identification of the Eastern Wise Men. Jesus has grown up. He is about to embark on His earthly
More informationDAYS OF PRAYER FOR FIVE PEOPLE
DAYS OF PRAYER FOR FIVE PEOPLE HOW TO PREPARE "Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." 1 Peter 4:7b NIV84 Scripture tells us prayer requires a particular kind of selfdiscipline
More informationEssentials. BibleTract.org. Facilitator Notes
Essentials BibleTract.org Facilitator Notes What are essentials? The essential Christian doctrines are the things we must agree on if we are truly Christians. Essentials are the main and plain things of
More informationWho are you? (31) People need to ask themselves was their baptism, the one baptism which Paul speaks of here.
Who are you? (31) 1 I heard about a man who was sitting on a park bench when a little boy of about five sat down beside him and started talking about what appeared to be a most prized possession, a watch.
More informationReformation Sunday 2016 Romans 3: JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, APART FROM THE WORKS OF THE LAW Sermon for the Reformation, 2016 Romans 3:19-28
JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, APART FROM THE WORKS OF THE LAW Sermon for the Reformation, 2016 Romans 3:19-28 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with
More informationLesson 3: Who Are Protestants?
STANDARD C - WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PART OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD? Introduction Lesson 3: Who Are Protestants? Most Christians are in agreement on basic beliefs. Most accept the Apostles Creed and the Nicene
More informationUntil Then Be Busy February 11, Thessalonians 3:6-18
Until Then Be Busy February 11, 2018 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 I. Introduction Paul wrote this letter that we call 2 nd Thessalonians to the Christians in Thessalonica to address issues that had developed
More informationThe Death of Jesus Christ & The Coming Judgment
1 26 th Sunday of the Church Year/Last Sunday of the Church Year, 2010C 621 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence *534 Lord Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor 454 Sing, My Tongue, The Glorious Battle Comm: 435
More information"What are the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit?"
"What are the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit?" The Holy Spirit was manifested at and involved in creation. Thus, creation is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The greatest manifestation of the Holy
More information22. Spiritual gifts for God s kingdom
22. Spiritual gifts for God s kingdom 11/11/2018 This portion of the study we are going to do today is one of the most frequent arguments within the realm of Christianity. Among the denominations, they
More informationA Study of the Acts of the Apostles Week Four Acts 3:14
A Study of the Acts of the Apostles Week Four Acts 3:14 Day One 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised
More informationSuffered Under Pontius Pilate, Crucified, Dead, and Buried
Suffered Under Pontius Pilate, Crucified, Dead, and Buried June 26, 2016 The Second Presbyterian Church Amy Carlson, M.Div. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For
More informationThis is a true story. In the early 1900 s two Chinese brothers migrated to America. After getting off the ship in San Francisco the older brother got
This is a true story. In the early 1900 s two Chinese brothers migrated to America. After getting off the ship in San Francisco the older brother got a job, but the younger brother turned to a life of
More information"Set Free" John 8:31-36
"Set Free" John 8:31-36 October 26, 2014 Reformation Day Slavery is never a good thing, but always a very horrible thing, especially for the slaves. We not only read of the terrible mistreatment of slaves
More informationThe Stakes Are High: SO MOVE MOUNTAINS
September 14, 2014 The Stakes Are High: SO MOVE MOUNTAINS Rev. Laurie Haller First United Methodist Church Birmingham, Michigan Scripture: Matthew 17:14-20 When they came to the crowd, a man came to him,
More information1. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
1. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 2. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 3. Therefore, if anyone
More informationA Living Church And A Risen Christ Since Easter we ve been talking about the importance and significance of Christ s resurrection and I want to share
A Living Church And A Risen Christ Since Easter we ve been talking about the importance and significance of Christ s resurrection and I want to share one more sermon on the subject. I feel often the attitude
More information(NOTE: This service has music and teaching woven together. We note, then, the songs used in the service along with the teaching text.
Series: Sin Kills Message 4: What hope do sinners have? (NOTE: This service has music and teaching woven together. We note, then, the songs used in the service along with the teaching text.) Song: Welcome
More informationWe Are What God Has Made Us Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:11-21; Numbers 21:4-9 Lent 4. the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way.
1 Numbers 21:4-9 We Are What God Has Made Us Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:11-21; Numbers 21:4-9 Lent 4 4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people
More informationSurvey of Job. by Duane L. Anderson
Survey of Job by Duane L. Anderson Survey of Job A study of the book of Job for Small Group or Personal Bible Study American Indian Bible Institute Box 511 Norwalk, California 90651-0511 www.aibi.org Copyright
More informationFirst Reading Introduction (Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7): Our first reading tells us the story of Adam and Eve and how they disobeyed God.
March 5 th 1 st Sunday of Lent God is always ready to forgive us. During Lent, we focus on sacrifice and change. First Reading Introduction (Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7): Our first reading tells us the story
More informationIf I Be Lifted Up. John 12:27-33
The following sermon was preached at Redemption Baptist Church on Sunday, 13 September, 2015. We encourage you to look up the Scriptures that are referenced. May the Lord speak to your heart as you study
More informationGenerous Living The Love Of Christ Compels Us To No Longer Live For. Ourselves. Welcome to a special week at CrossWinds. We just finished our summer
Generous Living The Love Of Christ Compels Us To No Longer Live For October 1, 2017 Ourselves. Welcome to a special week at CrossWinds. We just finished our summer study, which was a guided tour of a Christian
More informationFAMILY CHRISTMAS: AN INVITATION TO HIS FAMILY JOHN 1:12-13, 3:5-6; ROMANS 8:15-17 DECEMBER 15, 2013
1 FAMILY CHRISTMAS: AN INVITATION TO HIS FAMILY JOHN 1:12-13, 3:5-6; ROMANS 8:15-17 DECEMBER 15, 2013 This last year I searched out much of our family tree through ancestry.com. I ve been fascinated by
More informationPalm Sunday March 24, SLIDE Our Betrothal and Pending Wedding
Palm Sunday March 24, 2013 READING Matthew 25:1 to 13 SLIDE Our Betrothal and Pending Wedding We may begin reading about Jesus last week here on earth in the Gospel according to Matthew in chapter 21 with
More informationJESUS STILLS OUR STORMS Pentecost 4B (Proper 7) Mark 4:35-41 By Vicar Daniel Dockery. + In the Name of Jesus +
1 JESUS STILLS OUR STORMS Pentecost 4B (Proper 7) Mark 4:35-41 By Vicar Daniel Dockery + In the Name of Jesus + In October, 1991, the commercial fishing boat Andrea Gail returned to port in Gloucester,
More informationSatan s Gonna Get It by Jeff Strite Genesis 3:1-3:19
Satan s Gonna Get It by Jeff Strite Genesis 3:1-3:19 OPEN: I read the true story of a little girl who was sick and home from school. She and her mother got to talking about what they d learned in Sunday
More informationTODAY S VERSE: BEFORE YOU SPEAK: FIVE PROFOUND QUESTIONS Proverbs 10:11 & 19/ Proverbs 15:28 & 29:11
PIT STOP CHRISTIANITY Message #4: Speech Dr. Larry Osborne North Coast Church Ephesians 4:29 May 14-15, 2005 S P E E C H Ephesians 4:29 TODAY S VERSE: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
More informationJeremiah 17:1-14 (tx: 5-8) THE CONTRASTING TRUSTS I. The trust in man II. The trust in God INTRODUCTION
Jeremiah 17:1-14 (tx: 5-8) THE CONTRASTING TRUSTS I. The trust in man II. The trust in God INTRODUCTION Now, if you seriously study Bible, you will soon realize that it has quite a lot to say about trees.
More informationMark 12:28-34 Letting Your Faith Show 11/4/18-am All Saints Sunday
Mark 12:28-34 Letting Your Faith Show 11/4/18-am All Saints Sunday Our passage from the Gospel of Mark today records a time when the Pharisees were trying to trip up Jesus with their questions - The topic
More informationRECEPTION OF THE CHILD
RECEPTION OF THE CHILD The people may sing a psalm or a hymn while the celebrating priest goes to the entrance of the church or to that part of the church where the parents and godparents are waiting with
More informationLuke 14: Discipleship. *Luke 14:25, 26 Great crowds accompanied Jesus and he turned and said to them, if anyone
1 Luke 14:25-33 Discipleship *Luke 14:25, 26 Great crowds accompanied Jesus and he turned and said to them, if anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers
More information1Co26 Holy Spirit The Permanence of Agape 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Pastor Dave Shepardson Calvary Chapel Nuevo /
1Co26 Holy Spirit The Permanence of Agape 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Pastor Dave Shepardson Calvary Chapel Nuevo / www.wordbymail.com Open your Bibles. Title of the message, Holy Spirit The Permanence of Agape.
More informationLesson 9: Fellowship
Introduction Lesson 9: Fellowship Bobby lived with his family in Holland. He was still a child when his parents became Adventists. But he wasn t happy about it. Bobby hated going to church. He would much
More informationMemory Work Grades 3 and
Memory Work Grades 3 and 4 2018-2019 Memory Work is every Tuesday through Friday, unless noted. Please help your child memorize our assigned portion for each day. Please note that some passages repeat
More informationATTACHMENT TWO THE SIMPLE GOSPEL MESSAGE. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23b)
ATTACHMENT TWO THE SIMPLE GOSPEL MESSAGE THE GOSPEL OF GRACE ETERNAL LIFE IS A FREE GIFT The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23b) For by grace you have been saved through
More informationVisa, its everywhere you want to be. Don t leave home without it is a slogan of the popular
Sermon: WHY SPEAK IN TONGUES? A study in I Corinthians 14 Visa, its everywhere you want to be. Don t leave home without it is a slogan of the popular credit card. It reminds me of the words of Jesus in
More informationThe Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness Luke 6:27-36
1 The Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness Luke 6:27-36 Today as we continue our look at the fruit of the spirit, we come to kindness, a fruit that seems to be pretty simple to understand. At first it seem fairly
More informationWhat Jesus Says about the Holy Spirit
What Jesus Says about the Holy Spirit Today s New Testament reading is John 14:15-27, where Jesus instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, who would be the one who
More informationI am struck by several things in these readings we have today.
I am struck by several things in these readings we have today. One is the fact that the gospel writers never tell us the things I want to know: who is the disciple whom Jesus loved? In today s Gospel,
More informationAs you prepare for the session, you will find information you need to lead the discussion questions in this Leader s Guide.
LEADER S GUIDE Living Out Our Faith Course Lecturer: D. A. Horton If you have not already done so, it is important that you first review our Leader s Packet for specifics on how to open, facilitate, and
More informationThe-Victor's Crown of Righteousness. Brendan Mc Crossan
The-Victor's Crown of Righteousness Brendan Mc Crossan The victor's crown of righteousness Brendan Mc Crossan 16-11-2011 One A crown of righteousness Christians you have a robe of righteousness, a breastplate
More informationThe Baptist Position on Baptism
The Baptist Position on Baptism By Berlin Hisel First Water Baptism: Proper Mode There are many today who would have us believe that sprinkling or pouring are proper modes. Neither of these two are mentioned
More informationMatthew 10: As Jesus prepares His disciples to be His witnesses in the world, He warns them especially of coming persecution.
Matthew 10:28-31 Introduction As Jesus prepares His disciples to be His witnesses in the world, He warns them especially of coming persecution. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and
More informationWe see in Acts 18:25 when Apollos Had been instructed in the way of the Lord. In the next verse in Acts 18:26 we see that Priscilla and Aquila invited
We re continuing our study of the Book of Acts this morning and if you remember from last time we saw how Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch and then was taken away in the Spirit. But while all this
More informationI. Letting Go and Forgiving
I. Letting Go and Forgiving A. To let go is an important part of a victim s healing 1. Saying I am letting this go sounds good but until you ve learned how the process works you may become defeated before
More informationIllus- Weather Ques- I remember being asked on Thursday- with all the recent weather- what about church on Sunday?
IMAGINE Luke 23.32-43 LK 23.32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals
More informationShepherds December 20, 2015 Luke 2:8-20. For hundreds of years before His birth, prophets foretold the coming of the Anointed One from
I. Introduction Shepherds December 20, 2015 Luke 2:8-20 For hundreds of years before His birth, prophets foretold the coming of the Anointed One from God the Messiah or, as He is called in Greek, the Christ.
More informationONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? DON'T BE DECEIVED. By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor
ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? DON'T BE DECEIVED By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor I will not dispute who among mankind is saved and who is not, but it is imperative that we do not believe the lie, once saved, always
More informationIs It True That.? June 5, Deuteronomy 30: 19-20a 19
Is It True That.? June 5, 2016 Deuteronomy 30: 19-20a 19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life,
More informationSeries: The Holy Spirit Bearing Fruit: Making a Difference
Series: The Holy Spirit Bearing Fruit: Making a Difference In this series of messages we are looking at the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Today I want to talk with you about allowing the Spirit to
More informationLife of Christ. Lessons About Life and Death. NT111 LESSON 05 of 07. A Glimpse of Glory on a Mountaintop
Life of Christ NT111 LESSON 05 of 07 Christian University This course was developed by Christian University & Our Daily Bread Ministries. A Glimpse of Glory on a Mountaintop As he was praying, the appearance
More informationSuccess for Living. Ephesians 5:18-21 Sunday, February 7, 2016
Success for Living Ephesians 5:18-21 Sunday, February 7, 2016 Ephesians 5:18 21 (NKJV) 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another
More informationStill showing mercy even to those who are murdering him.
Good Friday sermon 2014 Luke 23:32-43, 44-49 The King Submits Timothy McVeigh. 33 years old. 168 counts of murder. Lethal injection. Ted Bundy. 43. Rape. Necrophilia. 35 counts of murder. Electric chair.
More informationWHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT: SALVATION Definition: A divine act of God effected by the Holy Spirit whereby the spirit of a man is reborn of God, and he
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT: SALVATION Definition: A divine act of God effected by the Holy Spirit whereby the spirit of a man is reborn of God, and he becomes literally a child of God with the Holy Spirit
More informationMatthew 10: Introduction
Matthew 10:11-15 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come
More informationThe Real. Jesus. A study through the Gospel of Luke. BOOK 5: His resurrection
The Real Jesus A study through the Gospel of Luke BOOK 5: His resurrection 3 T h e R e a l J e s u s 4 T h e R e a l J e s u s BECOMING A CHRISTIAN In the Bible, God reveals His truth about how to have
More informationThe Vindication of Jesus Acts 2:22-36
The Vindication of Jesus Acts 2:22-36 We ve all heard about people being wrongly convicted of a crime and then later being exonerated - either through an eye-witness that surfaced or through DNA testing
More informationUNDERSTANDING SALVATION Part 2 Titus 3:3-7 By Andy Manning July 31, 2017
UNDERSTANDING SALVATION Part 2 Titus 3:3-7 By Andy Manning July 31, 2017 The title of this sermon is Understanding Salvation. This is a two part sermon that we began last week. Last week we learned that
More information