Only Christ can enable you to take a disadvantage, turn it into an advantage, and use it for the glory of God.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Monthly Quotes - Using Disadvantages For the Glory of God
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
The Literal Interpretation of Scripture
Unorthodox Viewpoints
The primary reason so many cults deny one or more of the essentials of the Christian Faith and end up embracing strange doctrines is that they do not use the historical-grammatical system of interpretation. Among the errors cults resort to are allegorizing the text of Scripture, taking anthropomorphisms literally, ignoring grammatical considerations, ignoring historical considerations, and taking Bible verses out of context.
By creating their own special allegorical or mystical interpretation of Scripture, many heretical and cultic groups make the Bible say anything they want it to say.
Course of Action
On the historical-grammatical means of interpreting the Bible, there must be conviction without compromise.
Literal
The word literal as used in hermeneutics (the science of interpretation), comes from the Latin sensus literalis, meaning the literal sense of the text, as opposed to a nonliteral or allegorical sense of it. It refers to the understanding of a text that any person of normal intelligence would understand without the help of any special keys or codes.
The literal method of interpretation does not mean that everything in the Bible is true literally; rather, it means that everything is literally true (I'll clarify this distinction below).
Normal
Another way to describe the literal meaning of Scripture is that it embraces the normal, everyday, common understanding of the terms in the Bible. Words are given the meaning they normally have in common communication. This speaks of the basic, normal, or plain way of interpreting a Bible passage.
Historical
The word historical means that the sentences of Scripture should be understood in their historical setting. They should not be taken out of the space-time, cultural context in which they were uttered. It is the means by which the interpreter mentally transfers himself into the context in which the author uttered the words. This guards against the interpretive error of making the reader's historical or cultural context the norm for understanding the text.
Grammatical
This term indicates that the proper meaning of a sentence is rooted in its grammar. The sense of the passage emerges from the grammatical structure wherein all parts of speech—including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles, prepositions, and the like—are placed in a proper form from which only a certain meaning can be derived. This method involves giving each word the same exact basic meaning it would have in normal, ordinary, customary usage of its day.
Authorial
Finally, the historical-grammatical meaning is the author's expressed meaning. It is the author who gives the meaning to the text, not the reader. It is the reader's obligation to discover the meaning that the author determined. To put it another way, only a meaner can give meaning to a text. Hence, what is meant in the text is what the meaner meant by it, not what the reader desires for it to mean.
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate Figures of Speech
When the Bible speaks of the eye, arms, or wings of God (Psalm 34:15; 91:4; Isaiah 51:9), such impressions should not be taken literally. God does not have these physical features because "God is Spirit" (John 4:24). Likewise, He cannot literally be a rock (Pslam 42:9), which is material. When Jesus said, "I am the true vine" (John 15:1), the literal method of interpretation does not take this to mean He is a physical vine. What He said is literally true (namely, that believers derive their spiritual life from Him, the vine), but it is not true literally that Jesus is a physical vine.
Of course, sometimes it is difficult to determine when a passage should not be taken literally. Certain guidelines are helpful in making this determination. Briefly put, a text should be taken figuratively 1) when it is obviously figurative, as when Jesus said He was a gate (John 10:9); 2) when the text itself authorizes the figurative sense, as when Paul said he was using "allegory" (Galatians 4:24 NKJV); or 3) when a literal interpretation would contradict other truths inside or outside the Bible, as when the Bible speaks of the "four corners of the earth" (Revelation 7:1). In short, as the dictum puts it, "When the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense, lest it result in nonsense." Likewise, "When the literal sense does not make good sense [such as the claim that God is Spirit and yet has eyes, ears, and arms], then we should seek some other sense lest it result in nonsense."
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate the Use of Types
A type may be defined as "an Old Testament institution, event, person, object, or ceremony which has reality and purpose in biblical history, but which also by divine design foreshadows something yet to be revealed." The New Testament clearly affirms that Christ is the fulfilment of many Old Testament types that prefigured Him. These types passed away when they were fulfilled by Christ—such as the Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the Levitical sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:12-14). These Old Testament types found their literal fulfilment in Christ the antitype, being only the shadow of the substance that was ultimately found in Him (Colossians 2:17). This fulfilment is in no way a spiritualization or allegorization of any literal thing or event.
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate the Use of Symbols
The Bible is filled with symbols. But each symbol is emblematic of something literal. For example, the book of Revelation contains many symbols that represent literal things. For instance, John said the "seven stars" in Christ's right hand were "the angels [messengers] of the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20), "the seven golden lampstands" were "the seven churches" (1:20), "the bowls full of incense" were "the prayers of saints" (5:8), and "the waters" were "peoples, multitudes, nations and languages" (17:15). Clearly, then, each symbol represents something literal. There are often textual clues that point us to the literal truth found in a symbol—either in the immediate context, or in the broader context of the whole of Scripture.
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate the Use of Parables and Allegories
Jesus often used parables that were not to be taken literally. Yet each parable always conveys a literal point. That Jesus wanted His parables to be clear to those who were receptive to them is evident by the fact He carefully interpreted two of them for the disciples—the parables of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) and the tares (13:24-30). He did this not only so there would be no uncertainty as to their meaning, but to guide believers as to the proper method to use when interpreting the other parables. The fact that Christ did not interpret His subsequent parables indicates that He fully expected believers to understand the literal truths intended by His parables by following the methodology He illustrated for them.
Allegorical language also sometimes appears in Scripture. Paul, for example, used an allegory and labelled it as such (Galatians 4:24). Comparing different Bible translations on this verse shows Paul's meaning: "This may be interpreted allegorically" (ESV); or: "The things may be taken figuratively" (NIV); or: These "things are symbolic" (NKJV). But even allegorical statements such as this communicate a literal truth that can be understood.
Biblical Confirmation of a Literal Interpretation
There are numerous confirmations of the literal method if interpretation found in the Bible. Following are some representative examples:
1. Later biblical texts take earlier ones as literal.
For example, the action events in Genesis 1-2 are taken literally in later books (for example, Exodus 20:10-11). This is likewise the case regarding the creation of Adam and Eve (Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:13), the fall of Adam and his resulting death (Romans 5:12,14), the Flood (Matthew 24:38), and the accounts of Jonah (Matthew 12:40-41), Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2-4,11), and many other historical figures.
2. Prophecies about the Messiah were literally fulfilled.
Over 100 Old Testament predictions about the Messiah were fulfilled literally in Jesus' first coming, including the facts He would be 1) the seed of a woman (Genesis 3:15); 2) from the line of Seth (Genesis 4:25; see also Luke 3:38 and compare with Genesis 3:15); 3) a descendant of Shem (Genesis 9:26); 4) the offspring of Abraham (Genesis 12:3); 5) from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10); 6) the son of David (Jeremiah 23:5-6); 7) conceived of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); 8) be born of a virgin (Isaiah 40:3); 10) the coming king (Zechariah 9:9); 11) the One suffering for our sins (Isaiah 53); 12) the One pierced in His side (Zechariah 12:10); 13) the One dying about A.D. 33 (Daniel 9:24-25); and 14) the One rising from the dead Psalm 2,16).
3. By specifically indicating within the text the presence of parables (see Matthew 13:3) or an "allegory" (Galatians 4:24), the Bible thereby indicates that the ordinary meaning is a literal one.
4. By giving the interpretation of a parable
Jesus revealed that there is a literal meaning behind them (Matthew 13:18-23).
5. By rebuking those who did not interpret the resurrection literally
Jesus indicated the literal interpretation of the Old Testament was the correct one (Matthew 22:29-32; see also Psalm 2,16).
6. By interpreting prophecy literally
(Luke 4:16-21), Jesus indicated His acceptance of the literal interpretation of the Old Testament.
Resource: Conviction Without Compromise by Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes
The primary reason so many cults deny one or more of the essentials of the Christian Faith and end up embracing strange doctrines is that they do not use the historical-grammatical system of interpretation. Among the errors cults resort to are allegorizing the text of Scripture, taking anthropomorphisms literally, ignoring grammatical considerations, ignoring historical considerations, and taking Bible verses out of context.
By creating their own special allegorical or mystical interpretation of Scripture, many heretical and cultic groups make the Bible say anything they want it to say.
Course of Action
On the historical-grammatical means of interpreting the Bible, there must be conviction without compromise.
Literal
The word literal as used in hermeneutics (the science of interpretation), comes from the Latin sensus literalis, meaning the literal sense of the text, as opposed to a nonliteral or allegorical sense of it. It refers to the understanding of a text that any person of normal intelligence would understand without the help of any special keys or codes.
The literal method of interpretation does not mean that everything in the Bible is true literally; rather, it means that everything is literally true (I'll clarify this distinction below).
Normal
Another way to describe the literal meaning of Scripture is that it embraces the normal, everyday, common understanding of the terms in the Bible. Words are given the meaning they normally have in common communication. This speaks of the basic, normal, or plain way of interpreting a Bible passage.
Historical
The word historical means that the sentences of Scripture should be understood in their historical setting. They should not be taken out of the space-time, cultural context in which they were uttered. It is the means by which the interpreter mentally transfers himself into the context in which the author uttered the words. This guards against the interpretive error of making the reader's historical or cultural context the norm for understanding the text.
Grammatical
This term indicates that the proper meaning of a sentence is rooted in its grammar. The sense of the passage emerges from the grammatical structure wherein all parts of speech—including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles, prepositions, and the like—are placed in a proper form from which only a certain meaning can be derived. This method involves giving each word the same exact basic meaning it would have in normal, ordinary, customary usage of its day.
Authorial
Finally, the historical-grammatical meaning is the author's expressed meaning. It is the author who gives the meaning to the text, not the reader. It is the reader's obligation to discover the meaning that the author determined. To put it another way, only a meaner can give meaning to a text. Hence, what is meant in the text is what the meaner meant by it, not what the reader desires for it to mean.
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate Figures of Speech
When the Bible speaks of the eye, arms, or wings of God (Psalm 34:15; 91:4; Isaiah 51:9), such impressions should not be taken literally. God does not have these physical features because "God is Spirit" (John 4:24). Likewise, He cannot literally be a rock (Pslam 42:9), which is material. When Jesus said, "I am the true vine" (John 15:1), the literal method of interpretation does not take this to mean He is a physical vine. What He said is literally true (namely, that believers derive their spiritual life from Him, the vine), but it is not true literally that Jesus is a physical vine.
Of course, sometimes it is difficult to determine when a passage should not be taken literally. Certain guidelines are helpful in making this determination. Briefly put, a text should be taken figuratively 1) when it is obviously figurative, as when Jesus said He was a gate (John 10:9); 2) when the text itself authorizes the figurative sense, as when Paul said he was using "allegory" (Galatians 4:24 NKJV); or 3) when a literal interpretation would contradict other truths inside or outside the Bible, as when the Bible speaks of the "four corners of the earth" (Revelation 7:1). In short, as the dictum puts it, "When the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense, lest it result in nonsense." Likewise, "When the literal sense does not make good sense [such as the claim that God is Spirit and yet has eyes, ears, and arms], then we should seek some other sense lest it result in nonsense."
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate the Use of Types
A type may be defined as "an Old Testament institution, event, person, object, or ceremony which has reality and purpose in biblical history, but which also by divine design foreshadows something yet to be revealed." The New Testament clearly affirms that Christ is the fulfilment of many Old Testament types that prefigured Him. These types passed away when they were fulfilled by Christ—such as the Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the Levitical sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:12-14). These Old Testament types found their literal fulfilment in Christ the antitype, being only the shadow of the substance that was ultimately found in Him (Colossians 2:17). This fulfilment is in no way a spiritualization or allegorization of any literal thing or event.
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate the Use of Symbols
The Bible is filled with symbols. But each symbol is emblematic of something literal. For example, the book of Revelation contains many symbols that represent literal things. For instance, John said the "seven stars" in Christ's right hand were "the angels [messengers] of the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20), "the seven golden lampstands" were "the seven churches" (1:20), "the bowls full of incense" were "the prayers of saints" (5:8), and "the waters" were "peoples, multitudes, nations and languages" (17:15). Clearly, then, each symbol represents something literal. There are often textual clues that point us to the literal truth found in a symbol—either in the immediate context, or in the broader context of the whole of Scripture.
The Literal Method Does Not Eliminate the Use of Parables and Allegories
Jesus often used parables that were not to be taken literally. Yet each parable always conveys a literal point. That Jesus wanted His parables to be clear to those who were receptive to them is evident by the fact He carefully interpreted two of them for the disciples—the parables of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) and the tares (13:24-30). He did this not only so there would be no uncertainty as to their meaning, but to guide believers as to the proper method to use when interpreting the other parables. The fact that Christ did not interpret His subsequent parables indicates that He fully expected believers to understand the literal truths intended by His parables by following the methodology He illustrated for them.
Allegorical language also sometimes appears in Scripture. Paul, for example, used an allegory and labelled it as such (Galatians 4:24). Comparing different Bible translations on this verse shows Paul's meaning: "This may be interpreted allegorically" (ESV); or: "The things may be taken figuratively" (NIV); or: These "things are symbolic" (NKJV). But even allegorical statements such as this communicate a literal truth that can be understood.
Biblical Confirmation of a Literal Interpretation
There are numerous confirmations of the literal method if interpretation found in the Bible. Following are some representative examples:
1. Later biblical texts take earlier ones as literal.
For example, the action events in Genesis 1-2 are taken literally in later books (for example, Exodus 20:10-11). This is likewise the case regarding the creation of Adam and Eve (Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:13), the fall of Adam and his resulting death (Romans 5:12,14), the Flood (Matthew 24:38), and the accounts of Jonah (Matthew 12:40-41), Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2-4,11), and many other historical figures.
2. Prophecies about the Messiah were literally fulfilled.
Over 100 Old Testament predictions about the Messiah were fulfilled literally in Jesus' first coming, including the facts He would be 1) the seed of a woman (Genesis 3:15); 2) from the line of Seth (Genesis 4:25; see also Luke 3:38 and compare with Genesis 3:15); 3) a descendant of Shem (Genesis 9:26); 4) the offspring of Abraham (Genesis 12:3); 5) from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10); 6) the son of David (Jeremiah 23:5-6); 7) conceived of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); 8) be born of a virgin (Isaiah 40:3); 10) the coming king (Zechariah 9:9); 11) the One suffering for our sins (Isaiah 53); 12) the One pierced in His side (Zechariah 12:10); 13) the One dying about A.D. 33 (Daniel 9:24-25); and 14) the One rising from the dead Psalm 2,16).
3. By specifically indicating within the text the presence of parables (see Matthew 13:3) or an "allegory" (Galatians 4:24), the Bible thereby indicates that the ordinary meaning is a literal one.
4. By giving the interpretation of a parable
Jesus revealed that there is a literal meaning behind them (Matthew 13:18-23).
5. By rebuking those who did not interpret the resurrection literally
Jesus indicated the literal interpretation of the Old Testament was the correct one (Matthew 22:29-32; see also Psalm 2,16).
6. By interpreting prophecy literally
(Luke 4:16-21), Jesus indicated His acceptance of the literal interpretation of the Old Testament.
Resource: Conviction Without Compromise by Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Friday, 15 May 2009
Do You Think You're A Good Person?
Where does your conscience come from? Do you believe we know right from wrong? I do!
God created a conscience for us. The Bible says He wrote the law on your heart and in your mind. (Job 38:36)
The Bad News:
God requires us to be perfect, without sin, to enter His Kingdom. However, no one is without sin, not one. All of us face eternal judgment and separation from God.
Have you ever told a lie?
Have you ever stolen anything (even as small as candy, money from your mom's purse, a toy from your sibling)?
Have you ever looked at someone with sexual desires? Jesus said: 'Whoever looks at a women to lust after her has committed adultery with her in his heart.' (Matt 5:28)
Ever called someone a 'jerk', or flipped someone off while you were driving?
Jesus said: 'Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.' (Matt 5:22)
Ever used God's name to curse?
You wouldn't use your own mother's name as a filthy word. Why then your Creator's?
That is blasphemy.
Was jealous of someone else, or wanted something that isn't yours? (ex: materials things like a car, house, or clothing; subjective things like a personality; objective things like wealth, popularity, or a co-worker's vacation)
That is coveting.
Always honoured your mother and father?
"Okay, so I'm not perfect."
Sin isn't just doing things we shouldn't. It's also NOT doing the things we should.
"Well I'm not as bad as some people"
True, but the standard is God's law. NOT other people.
"But won't God forgive me?"
Try that in court.
'I know I've broken the law, but look at all the good I've done!'
A good judge would demand you to pay for your crimes.
God hates sin! Jesus warned us that God in His wrath, will cast out all who sin against him into eternal fire 'where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matt 13:42)
You see, He doesn't just go after the thieves and murderers, but He'll judge the liar, the drunkard, the fornicator, the adulterer, and the coveter. He goes deeper into your thought life as well.
'God knows the secrets of the heart.' (Psalm 44:21)
Ready for the Good News?
You see, this is why we must receive Jesus Christ into our life as Lord. He is the only one who lived a perfect and sinless life and thus became the substitute for our sins. He rose from the dead proving he was God and he wants to save us from the penalty of sin, to deal with evil, and to give us eternal life. This is what it means to believe in Jesus.
God wants us to be reconciled to himself so much that he gave His only begotten Son to die for us.(John 3:16)
I pray that you may some day consider this.
Q&A:
"But what about all other religions?"
Other religions believe in gods crafted by hand, made of silver, gold, or wood. All other religions believe in good deeds to save them from eternal judgment. But there is only ONE God. And we do not have the power to save ourselves. We've broken the law and there has to be a price to pay. Only Jesus Christ can save us!
"Why does God allow suffering?"
We live in a fallen world and man has brought it upon himself. But that is not God's Will. God offers to believers in Jesus of a new heaven and earth where there will be no more suffering.
God created a conscience for us. The Bible says He wrote the law on your heart and in your mind. (Job 38:36)
The Bad News:
God requires us to be perfect, without sin, to enter His Kingdom. However, no one is without sin, not one. All of us face eternal judgment and separation from God.
Have you ever told a lie?
Have you ever stolen anything (even as small as candy, money from your mom's purse, a toy from your sibling)?
Have you ever looked at someone with sexual desires? Jesus said: 'Whoever looks at a women to lust after her has committed adultery with her in his heart.' (Matt 5:28)
Ever called someone a 'jerk', or flipped someone off while you were driving?
Jesus said: 'Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.' (Matt 5:22)
Ever used God's name to curse?
You wouldn't use your own mother's name as a filthy word. Why then your Creator's?
That is blasphemy.
Was jealous of someone else, or wanted something that isn't yours? (ex: materials things like a car, house, or clothing; subjective things like a personality; objective things like wealth, popularity, or a co-worker's vacation)
That is coveting.
Always honoured your mother and father?
"Okay, so I'm not perfect."
Sin isn't just doing things we shouldn't. It's also NOT doing the things we should.
"Well I'm not as bad as some people"
True, but the standard is God's law. NOT other people.
"But won't God forgive me?"
Try that in court.
'I know I've broken the law, but look at all the good I've done!'
A good judge would demand you to pay for your crimes.
God hates sin! Jesus warned us that God in His wrath, will cast out all who sin against him into eternal fire 'where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matt 13:42)
You see, He doesn't just go after the thieves and murderers, but He'll judge the liar, the drunkard, the fornicator, the adulterer, and the coveter. He goes deeper into your thought life as well.
'God knows the secrets of the heart.' (Psalm 44:21)
Ready for the Good News?
You see, this is why we must receive Jesus Christ into our life as Lord. He is the only one who lived a perfect and sinless life and thus became the substitute for our sins. He rose from the dead proving he was God and he wants to save us from the penalty of sin, to deal with evil, and to give us eternal life. This is what it means to believe in Jesus.
God wants us to be reconciled to himself so much that he gave His only begotten Son to die for us.(John 3:16)
I pray that you may some day consider this.
Q&A:
"But what about all other religions?"
Other religions believe in gods crafted by hand, made of silver, gold, or wood. All other religions believe in good deeds to save them from eternal judgment. But there is only ONE God. And we do not have the power to save ourselves. We've broken the law and there has to be a price to pay. Only Jesus Christ can save us!
"Why does God allow suffering?"
We live in a fallen world and man has brought it upon himself. But that is not God's Will. God offers to believers in Jesus of a new heaven and earth where there will be no more suffering.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
False Prophets
Edited on Saturday, August 27th 2011
This is why we don't believe in any false prophets that come in God's name; the Mormons (Joseph Smith), the Jehovah's Witnesses (Charles Russell), Seven Day Adventists (William Miller & Ellen G. White), and the Muslims (Mohammed), or any other person leading us astray from Christ.
And they will promise peace and no judgment or harm will be done to you.
False prophets will convince us by saying things like "This is what God told me," or "This is the true way," or "I am the Christ!" For remember what is said,
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
This is why we don't believe in any false prophets that come in God's name; the Mormons (Joseph Smith), the Jehovah's Witnesses (Charles Russell), Seven Day Adventists (William Miller & Ellen G. White), and the Muslims (Mohammed), or any other person leading us astray from Christ.
Deuteronomy 13:3
You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
And they will promise peace and no judgment or harm will be done to you.
Micah 3:5
Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets
Who make my people stray;
Who chant “Peace” (All is well) For those who feed them
While they chew with their teeth, But who prepare war against him
Who puts nothing into their mouths:
False prophets will convince us by saying things like "This is what God told me," or "This is the true way," or "I am the Christ!" For remember what is said,
Ezekiel 22:28
Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken.
Mark 13:21-23
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.
Mark 13:22
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Ephesians 5:6
For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest anyone plunder you or take you captive, cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Jeremiah 23:16
Thus says the Lord of hosts:
“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
They make you worthless;
They speak a vision of their own heart,
Not from the mouth of the Lord.
2 Peter 2:1
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Luke 16:16
"The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it."
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
InTouch Magazine, May 2009 Issue, Page 38
Read | Acts 2:37-39Because of a persistent thread of bad theology, there's some confusion about the Holy Spirit in the modern church. Yesterday I described the change from His Old Testament role of short-term empowerment to His reading permanently within every believer—starting at salvation.
Unfortunately, many Christians assume that the indwelling is an event that occurs some time after one is saved. The question is, "Have you gotten the Holy Spirit?" still gets asked, as if receiving Jesus and being indwelled by His Spirit are unrelated events.
Here is the plain truth: The Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence within a new believer at salvation. We need not pray for His arrival or attend a special service. The moment we place faith in Jesus, His Spirit comes to abide with us forever. The Bible cleaerly tells what happens: 1) we listen to the gospel; 2) we believe the gospel; 3) we're sealed in Christ with His Spirit (Eph. 1:13).
In John 14:16, Jesus says of the Holy Spirit, "The Father . . . will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever." That means He is there to stay. All of this talk about "getting the Spirit" over and over again is poor theology. It is based upon the Old Testament but does not take into account the new covenant that believers have with God through Jesus Christ.
Early Light | The Holy Spirit lives permanently within the Christian. That is important, since without Him, it's impossible to serve God successfully or joyfully. Once you understand this fundamental truth, your faith is going to grow. You'll know that rather than trying to "get the Spirit," you need to live like the Spirit-filled Christian you are.
Monday, 11 May 2009
The Will of God: Persistence
"How do I affectively pray to God?"
First, you have to understand that God is in charge and He is first no matter what. Everything is under His control and He has the power to change your life for the better. You have to surrender your whole life into His hands, obey His commandments and humble yourself—make a self sacrifice to your old life and pursue a life of persistence and faithfulness to God. When you pray, you can pray for what you want, but make sure it's God's Will.
"How do I know it's God's Will?"
Pray for God's Will. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what God's Will is in your life and it will be delivered. Sometimes it won't be right the next day, but be persistent and patient. If you really want something in life, be persistent and God will make it happen as long as you're faithful and living according to His Will. If you have never asked for His Will in your life, do it today! And keep asking for it!
First, you have to understand that God is in charge and He is first no matter what. Everything is under His control and He has the power to change your life for the better. You have to surrender your whole life into His hands, obey His commandments and humble yourself—make a self sacrifice to your old life and pursue a life of persistence and faithfulness to God. When you pray, you can pray for what you want, but make sure it's God's Will.
"How do I know it's God's Will?"
Pray for God's Will. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what God's Will is in your life and it will be delivered. Sometimes it won't be right the next day, but be persistent and patient. If you really want something in life, be persistent and God will make it happen as long as you're faithful and living according to His Will. If you have never asked for His Will in your life, do it today! And keep asking for it!
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