2007 winning entry from an annual contest at Texas A&M University calling for the most appropriate definition of a contemporary term:
“Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end. ”
Praise the Lord, some young people still know the difference between right and wrong!
PAUL HARVEY’S ON- AIR PRAYER
‘Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. In Jesus’ name, Amen!’
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, ‘The Rest of the Story,’ and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.
‘We are all connected in a circle, in a hoop, that never ends.’‘Colors of the Wind’ Disney
this is one of my favorite quotes.. it reminds me of what a small planet we now live on.. how being connected by the internet brings people across the earth together to share pain and joy…
in all communities i have ever lived, the desire to live pain free is predominant..
when we do a small thing that offends another, it carries ‘on the wind’ to the next person and so affects them and then to the next, and so on and so forth… this is called ‘collective consciousness’…
it is a great power we each have to affect the planet positively or negatively….
how will you use your power today?
While this is true, there is a greater power at work. It is the Love of God and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.
Practically the whole world is connected by the Internet, but Christians are connected by the Holy Spirit. He leads us in ways that can sometimes not even be expressed in words alone. He binds us together in love, joy and obedience to God’s holy ways.
Where the author of this post says “when we do a small thing that offends another, it carries ‘on the wind’ to the next person and so affects them and then to the next, and so on and so forth…”, the Holy Spirit infects us with His love, joy and widsom, and that, too, is “carried on the wind” from one person to another.
As for me, I’d rather my source of this love, joy and wisdom be the Holy Spirit rather than to depend on my own mood any given time or day. What comes from Him is perfect.
A da nv do, shine upon me
As I wake in the morning
You are there.
When I lay down my head,
You are there.
To show me direction
To show me the way
When I am down in the valley
You are there.
standing upon the mountian still
You are there.
O Great Spirit,
Shine upon me with grace.
This is my favorite prayer it was written by a Native American named Paul Conley Aniwodi in 1996.
Compare it to this part of Psalm 139
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
You are in At Jesus’ Feet.
There are 1 people in the room.
Room owner: SeptemberMorn
recluse1 entered the room.
recluse1: hey
SeptemberMorn: hey
eskielover entered the room.
bethBot entered the room.
recluse1: hi
bethBot has left the room.
SeptemberMorn: If we’re going ahead, I have a small problem…
recluse1: ok,lol
SeptemberMorn: I’m kinda discouraged with the music.
recluse1: we can go ahead with the rest if you’d like hon
sadandalone entered the room.
recluse1: hi sad
eskielover: hi sad
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Sad 
sadandalone: hi all
recluse1: just in time sad, we are late getting going tonight
eskielover: are we all set to start with the study?
recluse1: ready here
sadandalone: Do i need a bible
SeptemberMorn: go ahead, Debbie
eskielover: It isn’t necessary as I type out all the Bible verses
SeptemberMorn: Yes, Sad. Debbie types out all the Bible verses.
sadandalone: oh ok
sadandalone: thanks
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: Tonight we are still looking at the Holy Spirit…& being led by the Holy Spirit
eskielover: Gal 5:25-26
eskielover: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step
eskielover: with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, & envying each other.
eskielover: there are a list of 6 ways the Holy Spirit reveals himself to us continually
eskielover: 1) What the Spirit does with the words of Jesus……John 16:12-15
eskielover: I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.
eskielover: But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you
eskielover: into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears,
eskielover: & he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine
eskielover: & making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from
eskielover: what is mine & make it known to you
eskielover: 2) we are led by the Spirit
eskielover: Gal 5:18
eskielover: Bit if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
eskielover: Rom 8:14
eskielover: because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God
eskielover: 3) the Spirit provides us with assurance of salvation
eskielover: Rom 8:16
eskielover: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are god’s children
eskielover: 4) the Holy Spirit also helps us to pray
eskielover: Rom 8:26
eskielover: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
eskielover: We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us
eskielover: with groans that words cannot express
eskielover: I don’t know about you all, but I can just imagine this in my bedroom when I try to pray about something I don’t know how to pray about
recluse1: reassuring to know that we don’t always have to know the right words
eskielover: thinking about the language of sounds that exists in the heavenly realm
recluse1: our true intentions are made clear to God
SeptemberMorn: In my experience, all I could do was groan and I feel He had the words
recluse1: amen
SeptemberMorn: yes, amen!
eskielover: it does help me because many times I don’t even know where to start with the prayer
eskielover: amen
eskielover: before reading this, I had no idea the Spirit was part of my prayers also
sadandalone: I had no idea
SeptemberMorn: Can I tell you something that happened to me?
eskielover: 5) The Spirit helps meet the needs of the church & individual believers……with gifts of the Spirit
recluse1: sure, yes
eskielover: sure
SeptemberMorn: When I was staying with a friend
SeptemberMorn: because I was nearly homeless
SeptemberMorn: I was walking around outside of her house and I knew that I needed a place of my own
SeptemberMorn: but I didn’t have the money or even any idea where I could find even just a room to rent
SeptemberMorn: I felt desperate. All I could muster was a groan of “OH GOD!!”
SeptemberMorn: Three days later, my oldest son called me and told me he was buying me a small, old, mobile home!
SeptemberMorn: From that place, it was just a stepping stone. I was able to trade that old “tin can” for the place I live in now.
recluse1: ((((((September))))))) He was listening!
eskielover: how amazing….how our prayers are answered….when we don’t even know exactly what we are really needing
SeptemberMorn: Tell me that wasn’t an answer to my groaning!
sadandalone: wow
SeptemberMorn: Oh, yes he was! I was being faithful to what I believe and He in turn was faithful to me!
recluse1: Thank you for sharing that with us! WOW!!! Beautiful!
SeptemberMorn: my friend likes to watch vampire movies and programs. I refuse to! That’s why I was outside.
eskielover: that is really awesome
SeptemberMorn: Debbie, you’ve seen where I live. 
eskielover: how beautiful the way God works
SeptemberMorn: It surely is!
eskielover: I have seen where you live & it is a beautiful home
eskielover: it is really warm & comfortable
SeptemberMorn: You’ve met my oldest son, too.
SeptemberMorn: It’s small but it’s all I NEED.
eskielover: yes, I remember
eskielover: we don’t need large…….we are better off having exactly what we need & God knows that need
SeptemberMorn: “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
recluse1: i love that song!
SeptemberMorn: exactly
SeptemberMorn: it’s my theme song
SeptemberMorn: ok… I’m done.
eskielover: we all need to hear wonderful prayer examples like that
SeptemberMorn: thank you, Debbie
eskielover: thank you for sharing
SeptemberMorn: I just had to
recluse1: i love to hear others praising Him for their blessings! TY
eskielover: 5) The Spirit helps meet the needs of the church & individual believers…..with gifts of the Spirit)
eskielover: 1 Cor 12 1-11
eskielover: remember, these are the gifts of the spirit….different from the fruits of the Spirit
SeptemberMorn: glad you said that!
eskielover: Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.
eskielover: You know that when you were pagans, somehow you were influenced & led astray to mute idols
eskielover: Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed”
eskielover: & no one can say” Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.
eskielover: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
eskielover: There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord
eskielover: There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men
eskielover: Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
eskielover: To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom,
eskielover: to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
eskielover: to another faith by the same Spirit,
eskielover: to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
eskielover: to another miraculous powers,
sadandalone: brb
sadandalone is currently away.
SeptemberMorn: k
eskielover: to another prophecy
eskielover: to another distinguishing between spirits,
eskielover: to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,
eskielover: & to still another, the interpretation of tongues.
eskielover: All these are the work of one & the same Spirit, & he gives them to dach one, fust as he determines
eskielover: some definitions that go along with these verses
eskielover: Spiritual gifts…..manifestations of the Holy Spirit enabling one to minister to the needs of the church (Christ’s body) produce results that are obvious
eskielover: The term “Jesus be cursed” one who is regenerated by the Holy Spirit cannot pronounce a curse on Jesus
eskielover: but is the only one who from the heart can say “Jesus is Lord”
eskielover: Same Spirit….same Lord….same God —reflects the trinity diversity & unity of spiritual gifts
eskielover: Gifts…..are produced by the indwelling Holy spirit
eskielover: service —different positions in the Christian community is the term used in the 1st century
eskielover: working….power that is in operation
eskielover: Each member of the boy of Christ has been given some Spiritual gift
eskielover: that is evidence of the Spirits working in his life.
eskielover: All gifts are intended to build up the members of the Christian community not used for selfish advantage.
eskielover: Not everyone is given the same gift or all the gifts.
sadandalone is back again.
SeptemberMorn: wb
sadandalone: ty
recluse1: wb
eskielover: The gift of knowledge/wisdom…..to make decisions or choose proper courses of action
eskielover: faith (not the saving faith that all Christians have)….faith to meed a specific need within the body of Christ
eskielover: Healing: different kinds of illnesses & ways God heals them.
eskielover: miraculous powers: miracle (action that can’t be explained by natural means)
eskielover: act of God intended as evidence of his power & purpose
eskielover: prophecy: a communication of the mind of God imparted to a believer by the Holy Spirit
eskielover: prediction or indication of the will of God in a given situation.
eskielover: Includes the broader sense of a speech such as proclaiming the gospel
eskielover: distinguishing between spirits: distinguish between the true & false teachings & evil spirits
eskielover: Different tongues: this is talking about languages & unlearned human languages & dialects….not the speaking in heavenly tongues idea
eskielover: interpretation of tongues: so communication & the people how hear can understand
recluse1: glad you made that clear for us. I was confused on that one.
Butterfly38 entered the room.
eskielover: The Holy Spirit determines who gets what Gifts
recluse1: welcome butterfly
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Butterfly
Butterfly38 has left the room.
Butterfly38 entered the room.
eskielover: The 6th way that the Holy Spirit reveals himself to us is that he develops characteristics in the lives of believers
Butterfly38: hi
eskielover: Only in our weakness & inability to figure out what to say….loss of words not in our avoidance
SeptemberMorn: “You do not have because you do not ask”
recluse1: exactly!
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
eskielover: Pray continually
eskielover: (but he doesn’t want us to babble either….lol)
SeptemberMorn: lol
eskielover: Through the Bible we have learned about the spirit
recluse1: i am in awe when i hear of people that pray 5 and 6 hours a day!
SeptemberMorn: I wouldn’t begin to have a clue how to measure the time! LOL
eskielover: (personality, creativity, awareness, consistency, protectiveness, tenderness, loyalty)
eskielover: How can we affect the Holy Spirit??
eskielover: the Holy Spirit
eskielover: We can “put out the Spirit’s fire”
eskielover: 1 Thess 5:19
eskielover: Do not put out the Spirit’s fire
recluse1: quenching the Spirit
eskielover: There is a warmth & glow about the Spirits presence.
eskielover: Paul in his writings is referring to conduct such as loafing, immorality & other sins he talks about
eskielover: ….also warning about mechanical attitude toward worship that discourages the expressions of the gifts of the spirit
eskielover: This keeps the Spirit from exerting His full influence
eskielover: The Holy Spirit NEVER withdraws His presence.
eskielover: God has an “expected end” toward which he continually moves us.
eskielover: He desires for us to acknowledge Him as completely sovereign over every decision
eskielover: & direction of our lives
eskielover: His insistence isn’t based on His ego…it
eskielover: its for us based on our success, our victory
eskielover: Jer 10:23
bethBot entered the room.
recluse1: welcome beth
eskielover: I know, O Lord that a man’s life is not his own; It is not for man to direct his steps
SeptemberMorn: wb, Beth
bethBot: hey
eskielover: Only the Lord can direct our steps. When we say NO to his leadership, we are quenching the Holy Spirit
eskielover: The second way we can affect the Holy Spirit is by grieving him
bethBot has left the room.
eskielover: We talked a bit about this last week
eskielover: Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption
eskielover: The Holy spirit can feel pain & sadness
eskielover: We are his source of joy…also sadness with the following
recluse1: I am not sure I understand the difference between the two..
eskielover: Eph 4:31
recluse1: quenching and grieving
SeptemberMorn: I think grieving is stronger than quenching?
eskielover: lets see if I can explain it
SeptemberMorn: oh good!
recluse1: thanks, i need some help here, lol
recluse1: am i jumping ahead of the studies explanation?
eskielover: quenching pushes the Spirit away from us
recluse1: ok
eskielover: Grieving comes from sins
eskielover: in Eph 4:31
eskielover: in order not to grieve the Spirit, we need to …/…..get rid of all bitterness, rage & anger, brawling & slander, along with every form of malice
eskielover: does that help at all
recluse1: yes, thank you
SeptemberMorn: either way, you don’t want to do either.
eskielover: we can quench the Spirit with our sins also
eskielover: along with just our conduct
recluse1: quenching we don’t fully acknowledge and grieving sin, we aren’t witnessing to the fruit of the Spirit??
recluse1: am i looking at this right?
SeptemberMorn: the way I see it, sinning can grieve Him and that quenches Him
recluse1: that makes sense to me too
SeptemberMorn: or the other way around.
eskielover: O think that both happen
SeptemberMorn: yes, I see it that way, too
recluse1: ok..lol. I think I got a handle on it
recluse1: i saw it that way too is why I wondered the difference of the two
eskielover: when we sin or our conduct is bad or we get a mechanical attitude about worship….that pushes him out of us & quenches him inside of us
recluse1: it seems one brings about the other
recluse1: AHHH, that makes much more sense to me the way you just said it!
eskielover: When we sin, it grieves the Spirit….& until we get rid of the sin, the Spirit grieves
eskielover: How do we get rid of the sin?
recluse1: confess it
eskielover: TRUE CONFESSION & REPENTANCE
eskielover: We learned to pray…..”& forgive me for all my sins”
eskielover: The word repentance means “to turn & walk in the other direction”
eskielover: we can’t repent from something vague or unspecified.
gege808 entered the room.
recluse1: hi gege
eskielover: Every known sin must be the object of repentance.
SeptemberMorn: Hi gege
gege808: hi
eskielover: Blanket prayers of forgiveness with no thought to the object of god’s disfavor are a waste of time
eskielover: We can’t confess what we will not face. We must be specific
gege808 is going to 21+ Chat
gege808 has left the room.
recluse1: that is a powerful truth
eskielover: Repentance leads to salvation 2 Cor 7:10
eskielover: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation & leaves no regret but worldly sorrow brings death.
eskielover: As long as we experience no sorrow for a sin, we have not fully turned from that sin.
recluse1: true
eskielover: We cherish some sins, treasure them & don’t want to let go.
eskielover: treasure them
eskielover: We admit to God we have committed the but lack of sorrow that gives the strength to turn away
recluse1: like “remembering the good ole days”, holding on to those memories
recluse1: of the sin
eskielover: How often do we hold onto a past sin, & nurture the memory?
recluse1: i am guilty of that. i admit it
eskielover: Our only hope is to ask God to help give us the sorrow which leads to repentance.
SeptemberMorn: Oh my!
recluse1: to say I haven’t done that would be a lie
eskielover: We have no idea how those sins are holding us as slaves & making us vulnerable to satan
SeptemberMorn: me too
eskielover: same here
recluse1: i have never really thought about it that way…woo, now that is deep!
eskielover: These are all the places where we need to turn over our need for help to God
recluse1: new perspective for me
eskielover: I know it is for me too….as I remember the blanket asking for forgiveness
SeptemberMorn: I don’t even do that
recluse1: and it makes perfect sense that holding on to the past hinders our progress for our future, but i never thought about it in the way of past sin
eskielover: like a yea, yea,……I sinned…..I just have to ask for forgiveness
SeptemberMorn: I’ll feel bad, feel guilty, but that’s it.
eskielover: I think it’s a real trick knowing & pointing to a specific sin
eskielover: some sins are so subtle….they are hard to recognize
SeptemberMorn: I’m thinking of something but I have a tough time reconciling with the fact that it could be a sin.
recluse1: also much harder to confess, as a lot of times the things we are unspecific about are the things we most regret and are ashamed to admit even to ourselves
SeptemberMorn: what if you don’t regret it, though?
eskielover: I know sometimes, I look at it & say….I didn’t kill anyone…..I didn’t steal
eskielover: I didn’t dishonor my parents as they aren’t alive anymore
eskielover: Going with the 10 commandment
SeptemberMorn didn’t really commit adultery
eskielover: & yes, if you don’t regret the action…..we end up justifying our actions
SeptemberMorn: lol exactly!
recluse1: i have caught myself trying to justify my wrongs
eskielover: & when we justify them….then they don’t seem like sins
recluse1: that is when the Holy Spirit REALLY throws my conscience at me!
recluse1: I think EVERYONE has done that September
recluse1: sometimes we do feel justified in doing things, even if we know it was the wrong thing
SeptemberMorn: probably
recluse1: “how can something so wrong feel so right” sort of thing
eskielover: I think we all have definitely done it this way….know for me it rang so true
SeptemberMorn: I have to really give it some thought, because I feel I benefited from the experience.
recluse1: part of our learning processes
SeptemberMorn: hmmm
eskielover: nothing says we can’t benefit from a sin
SeptemberMorn: really?
recluse1: I think when we are truly wrong the Holy Spirit lets us know it in our hearts
eskielover: sins are usually things we do because we get something out if it
recluse1: that’s true
SeptemberMorn: Oh yeah!
SeptemberMorn: even now… I don’t feel guilt.
recluse1: we can rationalize in our minds, but our hearts know the truth
SeptemberMorn: maybe I was stupid, too trusting, too something… b ut not guilt.
eskielover: I don’t think we always have to feel guilt…….just know that what we did was wrong in God’s eyes is the main point with a sin
recluse1: we don’t always have that guilt factor. That’s true
recluse1: lol
SeptemberMorn: LOL You’re right
eskielover: If it was something that God says he looks at as a sin…..that is our only way of telling sometimes
recluse1: yes! so true!
SeptemberMorn: I guess some sins can look beautiful to us, eh?
recluse1: oh yes! The Devil is good at what he does!
eskielover: Satan makes things that are bad look good….that is his deceitful being
SeptemberMorn: LOL
recluse1: pete and repete!
SeptemberMorn: hehe yep
eskielover: great minds think alike
eskielover: This was all I was planning on covering tonight
SeptemberMorn: wonder if it’s fair to thank God for the good part of it and then ask forgiveness for the wrong part?
SeptemberMorn: then we started chatting at the right time. LOL
recluse1: Quench not the Holy Spirit: say yes to God. Grieve not the Holy Spirit: say no to sin.
recluse1: that was the last thing i saw in this lesson in the book
eskielover: figured ending on a thought provoking point would be a good place to finish up the bible study part
recluse1: so what you two said about the two being intertwined makes much more sense
eskielover: yes, that was the last line of it
SeptemberMorn: do I have the gift of “wisdom”? LOL
recluse1: seems they are very close to being one and the same or occurring simultaneously
SeptemberMorn: they do to me, Re
eskielover: We may be used by the Holy Spirit to extend an invitation…but we are powerless to bring about the results
recluse1: know that from experience
eskielover: Our only true source of results at that point is intercessory prayer….prayer is our only true source of power
recluse1: and prayer is powerful!
eskielover: It is powerful…..it is something I am still working on however….never was my strong point
recluse1: me too, still struggle praying aloud
eskielover: I pray, but seem to get distracted even when I try to focus
eskielover: I was listening to a radio program that suggested praying aloud as it uses a different part of the brain
recluse1: it also helps you stay focused
recluse1: and makes me self-conscience at times too
eskielover: yes, you hear what you are saying …..I do that in the shower
eskielover: but being alone….only my doggies hear me besides God anyway
SeptemberMorn: lol
recluse1: lol
I_miss_my_kitty entered the room.
eskielover: The second ministry of the Holy Spirit is regeneration
eskielover: hi kitty
recluse1: welcome kitty
I_miss_my_kitty: hi
I_miss_my_kitty: ty
eskielover: Regeneration refers to the spiritual rebirth of the individual soul
eskielover: The term is defined perfectly by Christ Himself in John 3: 1-8
eskielover: There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night & said
eskielover: Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God
eskielover: For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.
eskielover: In reply, Jesus declared, I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again
eskielover: How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus asked.
eskielover: Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mothers womb to be born
eskielover: Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water & the Spirit
eskielover: . Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
eskielover: You should not be surprised at my saying, “you must be born again. the wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound,
eskielover: but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit
SeptemberMorn: wow
eskielover: The work of the Holy Spirit is beyond human comprehension
eskielover: He works as he pleases in the rebirth of believers
SeptemberMorn: It’s that verse that got me… about the wind and those born of the Spirit
SeptemberMorn: Oh… ok, I see LOL Duh me
eskielover: yes, understanding that we have no concept of how the Spirit works as we have no idea how the wind works
eskielover: until I read that, I was not understanding what was the point
SeptemberMorn: I do! God blows his breath and it becomes wind!
eskielover: Christ’s command is that we must be born again
SeptemberMorn: that’s what my mom told me when I was kid sorry ’bout that
recluse1: and the Spirit convicts us and we become reborn!
eskielover: I think that’s cute….
eskielover: God is definitely blowing his breath here in KY
SeptemberMorn: hehehe I’m sorry. Go ahead
SeptemberMorn: LOL
eskielover: lots of wind here
SeptemberMorn hugs Debbie
eskielover: just wondering if you have any clear experience with the rebirth in Christ
recluse1: what do you mean?
eskielover: I don’t see a specific point….it’s just been growing this year
SeptemberMorn: can’t say as I do
SeptemberMorn: what’s been growing?
eskielover: I think for me, as I learn & understand, the rebirth is more like a butterfly
recluse1: ever changing and ever growing?
recluse1: a transformation
eskielover: like we were talking about understanding more & more things about Christianity…..for me, it’s a very slow process
SeptemberMorn: in that case, I’m still shedding my cocoon
SeptemberMorn: maybe we don’t become a butterfly until we fly… err… go home to be with God
eskielover: same here……it’s hard to comprehend the all of a sudden thing
recluse1: yes it is. like the reference Tomi made earlier about milk and meat….
SeptemberMorn: it’s a process, Debbie. It has to be.
eskielover: I think that’s when we definitely get our wings
SeptemberMorn: LOL I don’t know if we get wings literally
recluse1: we start out with the basics (milk like babies) then progress on to the bigger things (meat)
eskielover: yes, that is actually in the Bible about dealing with the basics, but then we have to go on also…can’t get stuck on the basics either
SeptemberMorn: but we will be transformed
recluse1: yes
eskielover: I love the learning process…it’s exciting….like reading a mystery
SeptemberMorn: exactly, Re! just like a baby
SeptemberMorn: it IS a mystery
SeptemberMorn: “What am I going to be when I grow up?”
recluse1: i got the answer to that Tomi!
SeptemberMorn: what
recluse1: a great friend
SeptemberMorn: then you’ve already grown up! LOL
recluse1: speaking of you hon! LOL
SeptemberMorn: oh… ME???
eskielover: When we grow up completely…..we will be in heaven….& all believers will welcome each other as friends
recluse1: but ty, lol
recluse1: i can’t begin to fathom what that moment will be like!
SeptemberMorn: Re, you mean I’m not already? 
Debbie, that’s exactly right!
SeptemberMorn: I don’t want to Re. It scares me
recluse1: YES YOU ARE!!!
SeptemberMorn: LOL ok, ok… back to the study
eskielover: I agree…it is very scary….the unknown is
eskielover: The third ministry of the Holy Spirit is baptism
SeptemberMorn: exactly. and then my imagination gets away with me
recluse1: it does me too in some ways but in others it is more than I can wrap my head around
recluse1: k
eskielover: baptizing means to dip, immerse…..
eskielover: 1 Cor 12:13
eskielover: refers to this Spirit baptism as “an act performed by God in joining all true believers to the body of the Lord Jesus
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eskielover: For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body,
mandazzle entered the room.
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Court
recluse1: welcome ladies
Court_Knee: hio
eskielover: whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free
mandazzle: hio
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Manda
mandazzle: ((((sept))))
eskielover: & we were all given the one Spirit to drink
SeptemberMorn: {{{{Manda}}}}
Court_Knee: oops
Court_Knee: brb
Court_Knee is going to Lobby
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eskielover: the word “baptizo” was often used to describe the procedure in which a piece of cloth was dipped into dye
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: resulting in an entirely new color.
recluse1: “a new creature”
eskielover: with baptism, we have been dipped into the precious blood of our Savior, emerging as white as snow
SeptemberMorn: yep
recluse1: baptism is used to show obedience right?
recluse1: following in the steps of Christ
SeptemberMorn: follow… yeah
recluse1: ok
eskielover: It’s more like the Holy Spirit entering into us
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SeptemberMorn: and a death to the old self and raised to the new
recluse1: just making sure
eskielover: When you are born again, you have been baptized by the Holy Spirit….not the required act of being baptized with water
eskielover: but when you truly come to the belief of Christ, that is when the Holy Spirit enters into our heart
recluse1: oh, ok…i see what you are saying now. ok
recluse1: again the difference in spiritual and the physical…got it
SeptemberMorn: some say that there are two baptisms; one by water and one by the Holy Spirit
eskielover: & then, there are the churches that baptize babies
SeptemberMorn: yeah, like mine when I was born
recluse1: right…i was speaking of water, rather than that of the Spirit. sorry, i know where we are now
mandazzle: i’m going to go to bed.
recluse1: tc manda
SeptemberMorn: I was sprinkled and then immersed
SeptemberMorn: night Manda
mandazzle: peace out.
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eskielover: nite manda
eskielover: I know I was baptized as a baby….so was my daughter
SeptemberMorn: my daughter was baptized as a baby but the rest weren’t. They’ve all been immersed now
eskielover: The concept there is that through Baptism, the Holy Spirit enters into the body…..even as a baby….& the symbol was to wash away the sins
recluse1: yes
eskielover: but it isn’t really a symbol….it actually does
SeptemberMorn: hmmm… not sure I agree with it happening to a baby
eskielover: but it does get complicated & also ends up getting into church doctrines which get even more confusing
SeptemberMorn: exactly
eskielover: so I think leaving it at this point is the best
eskielover: what baptism means to us at this point in our lives
recluse1: Yes, me too. don’t want to get into denominational division
SeptemberMorn: not that we’re going to get into any arguments, though
recluse1: no, not at all.
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: The fourth ministry of the Holy Spirit is His Glorious indwelling
eskielover: the mystery of Christ in us…..the hope of glory
eskielover: Col 1:25-27
eskielover: I have become it’s servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness
eskielover: the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages & generations but is now disclosed to the saints.
eskielover: To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of Glory
eskielover: The word of God is brought to completion…to it’s intended purpose only when it is proclaimed
eskielover: Paul’s commission to bring the word to completion therefore required him to make the word of God heard
eskielover: Fullness may parallel the teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you
eskielover: The mystery is the purpose of God
eskielover: unknown to man except by revelation
eskielover: the term mystery in the time of Paul was used with the pagan religions
eskielover: but he changed the meaning by combining it with words like disclosed, made known…make plain & revelation
eskielover: The Christian mystery is not secret knowledge for a few
eskielover: it is a revelation of divine truths…once hidden but now openly proclaimed
eskielover: at that time also, the Gentiles were the outsiders
eskielover: & initially, they were preaching to the Jewish, trying to get them to believe in Christ as their savior
eskielover: then they realized that the Gentiles….who were at the time considered to be the unbelievers…..started to believe in Jesus as their savior
eskielover: They realized that the Holy Spirit was also for them as well as the Jews that ended up believing in Christ
eskielover: part of the history of the times thing
recluse1: cool
eskielover: Prior to the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit did not indwell the hearts of all children of God
eskielover: It’s said that less than 100 people recorded in all the Old Testament had been filled with or empowered by the Holy Spirit
eskielover: Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came & went as He willed
recluse1: doing bible study, welcome to join us
bethBot entered the room.
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Beth
sarahxxkristine entered the room.
bethBot: Hey there
eskielover: Scripture records that the Holy Spirit anointed Saul, but also departed from him as well
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Sarah
sarahxxkristine: hi peoples
recluse1: hi you two, welcome
eskielover: Psalm 51:10-12 are the repentant pleading words after David sined
eskielover: create in me a pure heart, O God & renew a steadfast Spirit within me
eskielover: Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
eskielover: Restore to me the joy of your salvation & grant me a willing spirit to sustain me
eskielover: David knew that God’s Spirit was a gift & from the experience of Saul, that he could lose the Spirit’s powerful presence
eskielover: That was the old testament….now looking into the new testament….& how the presence of the spirit is different in present day believers
eskielover: John 14:16
recluse1: glad that since Christ’s death and ascension that it doesn’t have to be that way now.
eskielover: And I will ask the Father & He will give you another counselor to be with you forever
eskielover: & Romans 8: 38-39
eskielover: For I am convinced that neither death nor life
eskielover: neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,
eskielover: nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us fro the love of God
SeptemberMorn: nor principalities can separate us from the love of God
SeptemberMorn: I LOVE those two verses!
eskielover: that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
eskielover: love them too…….interesting the ones that stick in our memories
recluse1: beautiful words
recluse1: it does lend hope to my heart
SeptemberMorn: the words fill us where we’re empty
recluse1: yes, the word is our food
SeptemberMorn: and the knowledge
eskielover: in present day, the Holy Spirit will be with us forever nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ
recluse1: always love to hear that! never get tired of hearing that!
eskielover: That is why the Day of Pentecost was such a unique celebration….the moment we are born again, we have the wonderful guarantee of the Holy Spirit living in us with the promise that He will remain forever
eskielover: an aside going into the history of the old testament & the new…….Christ’s death & resurrection coincided with the Jewish Passover & the 3 feasts they celebrated during that time….Christ’s burial coincided with the feast of the unleavened bread…..which I can’t remember how the symbolism ties in, but there is a deep meaning with it
eskielover: they the resurrection tied with the feast of the first fruits being given up…..then Pentecost also ties with another Old Testament feast
SeptemberMorn: I’ve heard that, too, but have forgotten the symbolism
eskielover: The interesting part is that Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament & it gives deeper meaning being that the festivals of the New Testament fall on fulfilling the old testament feasts
eskielover: sorry for the aside….it just fascinates me
SeptemberMorn: exactly
SeptemberMorn: no need to be sorry
recluse1: don’t we use unleavened bread as symbolic for the flesh of Christ
SeptemberMorn: it’s fascinating for sure
SeptemberMorn: some churches do, some don’t
recluse1: ok
eskielover: leavening had something to do with spoiling or something like that
eskielover: & unleavened bread lasts where bread with leavening doesn’t
SeptemberMorn: maybe Sky will post to this if it catches her eye. I’m sure she knows
eskielover: & it was something about Christ’s body didn’t decay as it was risen…..which I think is the symbolism tied to it
SeptemberMorn: I’m sure it didn’t decay
eskielover: The 5th ministry of the Holy spirit is the sealing
eskielover: the word has a two fold meaning in Ephesians 4:30
SophiaG entered the room.
eskielover: first, to seal is to “close up & make fast with a seal signet such as letters or books so that they ay not be read
SophiaG: hi Beth
bethBot: hey soph
eskielover: second means to set a seal or mark upon a thing as a token of it’s authenticity or approvedness
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Sophia
eskielover: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption
eskielover: The seal of the Holy Spirit is for protection & identification.
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eskielover: we are identified as joint heirs with Christ & we are protected from the entrance of any other entity
eskielover: Because we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, we cannot be inhabited by any other spiritual force.
recluse1 tells you: It is in Ezekiel 45 the Passover, the feast of 7 days, unleavened bread was eaten and sacrifices were made as sin offerings
eskielover: We can be oppressed ….but not possessed
bebop entered the room.
eskielover: From my understanding, if we have truly been born again, our free will to reject the Spirit won’t happen
SeptemberMorn: wb, Be
bebop: ty
SeptemberMorn: we can grieve him, though, Debbie
eskielover: The 6th ministry of the Holy Spirit is to fill the yielded believer
eskielover: true….with our sinful natures
SeptemberMorn: exactly
eskielover: but the Devil will not posses us if we have truly been born again….not just saying that we have….it has to be in our heart that we are born again
SeptemberMorn: of course
bebop: yes hon he can. he is very powerful.
bebop: even as born again Christians we have weak moments and the devil can come in and does
SeptemberMorn: he’s not more powerful than the Holy Spirit, though
bebop: no he isn’t
recluse1: amen to that!
SeptemberMorn: if we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, there’s no way anything foreign can come in, including any demon
bebop: and the closer you try to get to God the more the devil tries to enter
eskielover: he can tempt us & we can sin….but having the devil completely take over is what is being said….doesn’t happen when we are born again & filled with the Holy spirit
SeptemberMorn: he tries, but he doesn’t succeed
bethBot is going to 21+ Chat
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SeptemberMorn: ok, we scared her
eskielover: he tried to tempt Christ
SeptemberMorn: again, the operative word is “tried”
eskielover: so he is definitely at work & wanting to win
bebop: I do know a very spirit filled woman and she got possessed one time.
SeptemberMorn: I don’t believe that
bebop: the church she was in had been abandoned and used by devil worshipers. it was horrible
SeptemberMorn: back to the lesson
SeptemberMorn: we’re almost done, I think
eskielover: Filling the yielded believer
recluse1: on 6 of the 7
eskielover: The filling of the Holy Spirit & the other ministries the Holy Spirit performs, regeneration, baptism, indwelling, & sealing all take place the moment we accept Christ as Savior & Lord
eskielover: The burden of the filling of the Holy Spirit rests on us
eskielover: The Holy spirit is always ready & able to fill the believer….but He will not agree to perform this ministry unless he is in present control of the one He inhabits
eskielover: Ehp 5:18
eskielover: That was the one about not being drunk on wine instead, e filled with the Spirit
eskielover: We are as filled with the Holy Spirit as we are yielded to Him & controlled by Him.
recluse1: that is so true, Debbie
recluse1: we feel the most fulfilled as Christians when we are obedient to the Spirit
SeptemberMorn: amen
eskielover: We have to be Spirit-controlled….we have much to learn about the supernatural outcome of the Spirit’s filling us which is all part of the fruit of the spirit…..that is where the supernatural part comes in
eskielover: The 7th ministry of the Holy Spirit is difficult to understand….& scholars are divided over the force at work in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12…it’s about restraining evil
SeptemberMorn: in other words, “binding Satan”?
recluse1: yes
SeptemberMorn: I do that often in my dreams
eskielover: And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way
eskielover: And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth & destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan
eskielover: displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs & wonders, & in every sort of evil
eskielover: that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth & so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie
SeptemberMorn: that’s going on today
bebop: nite ladies
SeptemberMorn: OMWord!
SeptemberMorn: nite, Be
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eskielover: and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness
eskielover: It describes the Holy Spirits ministry of restraining….the Spirit will not permit Satan to spread his evil without limit in this present age…..the key word is limit
SeptemberMorn: can it get worse??
eskielover: It revelations, evil will spread before the second coming….when the Spirit will not be limiting at that time
SeptemberMorn: will not be w hat?
eskielover: I don’t know much about the revelation & that part of the bible
recluse1: typo…when the Spirit will not be ……
SeptemberMorn: yeah thanks, Re
eskielover: the Spirit will not be limiting at that time
recluse1: oh ok, ty
SeptemberMorn: oh, ok.
eskielover: one missing letter leaves a question….oops
SeptemberMorn: thanks. Didn’t want to make a big booboo when I run this through spell check LOL
recluse1: i am going to go and see what WMD needed so I can try to head off to bed
SeptemberMorn: no problem
recluse1: early morning coming
eskielover: That finishes tonight’s bible study
SeptemberMorn: good study, Debbie!
SeptemberMorn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7xwHZjEmFg
God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life’s perils thick confound you,
put his arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
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You are in At Jesus’ Feet.
There are 1 people in the room.
Room owner: SeptemberMorn
bebop entered the room.
recluse1 entered the room.
SeptemberMorn: hello!
bebop: hi
recluse1: hello ladies
SeptemberMorn: Hey, Re
recluse1: everyone doing ok?
bebop: hanging in…you?
SeptemberMorn: surprisingly, yes
recluse1: lol, i’m good
greenpepper entered the room.
recluse1: hi pepper
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Pepper!
greenpepper: hi every1
recluse1: sounds like it!
roseleigh7 entered the room.
roseleigh7: hi
recluse1: hi rose
bebop: lol
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Rose
recluse1: how are you rose?
roseleigh7: i’m ok, thanks
eskielover entered the room.
recluse1: hi eskie
SeptemberMorn: Debbie! YAY!!
eskielover: hi all
eskielover: wow……we have quite a group tonight…..praise the Lord
recluse1: yes we do! yay!!
SeptemberMorn: Yes, we do!
bebop: hi debbie
eskielover: hi Bebop
eskielover: how is everyone tonight?
recluse1: ready to get started! been looking forward to this all week!
SeptemberMorn: as I said before …. “Surprisingly, good” LOL
greenpepper: feelin pretty small…….how ru
roseleigh7: ok
eskielover: don’t feel small……we are all important in God’s eyes
SeptemberMorn feeding Pepper some Miracle Gro
greenpepper ) ty
SeptemberMorn: yw
eskielover: I have a couple of green pepper plants I just started in my garden….they are blooming already
SeptemberMorn: so are mine, Debbie
bebop: with more green peppers hahahaha
SeptemberMorn: LOL
SeptemberMorn: Debbie, Be was telling us how to make Cracker Salad. LOL
eskielover: A garden isn’t a garden without green peppers
bebop: pepper hon please don’t take offense. really we were talking about bell peppers right when you came in.
eskielover: cracker salad??????
bebop: it is yummy!
SeptemberMorn: yeah, saltines, mayo, green onions and greep peppers
eskielover: that’s an interesting combination for sure
bebop: saltines broken up, add chopped up red, green and yellow bell peppers along with chopped green onions and mayo
SeptemberMorn: sounds yummy to me!
bebop: add the mayo right before it is served so it won’t loose the crunch
bebop: very nice on a hot day
recluse1: i bet!
eskielover: the cold crunchy thing does do well on hot days
bebop: yep
recluse1: well, is everyone ready to get things going?
SeptemberMorn: we can tell YOU are, Re! LOL
SeptemberMorn: yep, I’m ready. Debbie?
recluse1: LOL! sorry
eskielover: I are ready….good to start earlier tonight
SeptemberMorn: first song then…
recluse1: ok
eskielover: ok
SeptemberMorn: http://youtube.com/watch?v=y0Ba5vXfR-s
eskielover has left the room.
SeptemberMorn: Modern time have brought us many blessings People live in wealth and luxury
SeptemberMorn: Lovest thou me, lovest thou me more than these?
eskielover entered the room.
SeptemberMorn: I love thee more than this old world could offer
SeptemberMorn: All sinfull follies I deny for thee
SeptemberMorn: I love Thee Lord, I love Thee Lord more than the se
SeptemberMorn: Lovest thou me, more than these, my child What will your answer be
SeptemberMorn: Oh precious Lord, I love you more than all of these
SeptemberMorn: More than fame, more than wealth, more than the world
SeptemberMorn: More than fame, more than wealth, more than the world
recluse1: lovely song choice
SeptemberMorn: oops I left out some words
recluse1: gaither’s vocal band always sounds beautiful!
eskielover: the words are beautiful…..I always enjoy going back & listening afterward
SeptemberMorn: these guys are Ernie Haase and SSQ
SeptemberMorn: but they are affiliated with Gaither
recluse1: oh cool
eskielover: I love the harmony of the voices
SeptemberMorn: Signature Sound Quartet
SeptemberMorn: I do too!!
SeptemberMorn: Very, very much
SeptemberMorn: Recluse, the prayer please, Hon
recluse1: ok
bebop: ladies I am going to go. my son is traveling and I am suppose to call him about now. I might get back in here
SeptemberMorn: ok, Be
bebop: luv u all
eskielover: that’s ok….take care
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recluse1: Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your love that is so great
recluse1: so great that You have made each one of us with special gifts
recluse1: all different gifts from the same Spirit
recluse1: often one’s weakness is another’s strength
recluse1: You have created us to work together
recluse1: help us to acknowledge those gifts and to work together to encourage all we interact with
recluse1: Bless this study and each of us within it
recluse1: open our hearts and minds to receive these words and put them into action within our daily lives
recluse1: in Jesus’ name, Amen
SeptemberMorn: AMEN
eskielover: amen
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SeptemberMorn: Debbie, whenever you’re ready
eskielover: ok…..the prayer was so wonderful
recluse1: ty
SeptemberMorn: yes it was
eskielover: just had to savor it for a few minutes
SeptemberMorn: I needed that prayer
SeptemberMorn: ah, ok
recluse1: ((((group hug))))))
anna342 entered the room.
SeptemberMorn: {{{{{{{{{Re and Debbie}}}}}}}}}}
eskielover: (((((((((hug))))))
recluse1: hi anna
SeptemberMorn: Hi, Anna!
anna342: hi
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: hi anna
curiousone entered the room.
recluse1: hi curious
SeptemberMorn: Hi, curious. Welcome.
eskielover: Tonight, we are going to talk about what mystery God has chosen to make known to us
curiousone: hey everyone
greenpepper: hi curious and anna
curiousone: cool interesting
eskielover: hi curious
curiousone: hi eskielover
eskielover: And also look at the 7 ministries of the Holy Spirit…..we will start with looking at the obvious activity of the Holy Spirit
recluse1: welcome everyone! glad to see you all here!
eskielover: It’s wonderful to see new faces here also…..welcome
SeptemberMorn: ya’ll can chime in any time as long as it stays to the subject, ok?
curiousone: yep
eskielover: The activities of the Holy Spirit starts off as acting as our Counselor
greenpepper: 7 ministries? mmmm
eskielover: John 16 :7-11
eskielover: But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away.
anna342: sorry, i’m gonna go, tc, see you again soon
anna342 has left the room.
recluse1: tc
eskielover: Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you:
eskielover: but if I go, I will send him to you.
eskielover: When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to Sin & righteousness & judgment:
eskielover: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me;
eskielover: in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;
eskielover: & in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world (the devil) now stands condemned.
curiousone: sorry gotta go guys
SeptemberMorn: tc
recluse1: tc, come again
curiousone: k thanks yall bye
curiousone has left the room.
eskielover: The Holy spirit was not sent among us until after Christ was raised into heaven
eskielover: his saving work on the cross was necessary before sending the Spirit
eskielover: convicting in regard to Sin…..people can’t see themselves as sinners because men do not believe
eskielover: sin is failure to believe…or unbelief is classic example of sin
eskielover: Righteousness…..is the state of being without guilt or sin
eskielover: Righteousness was brought by Christ’s sacrificed death
eskielover: only the Holy Spirit can reveal to a person that a righteous status before God doesn’t depend on good works but on Christ’s death on the cross
eskielover: Ascension (part of Christ’s exaltation) placed God’s seal of approval on Christ’s redemptive death
SeptemberMorn: amen
eskielover: Judgment has to do with the defeat of Satan (a form of judgment
eskielover: not just a victory but God’s action with judgment…..the prince of this world is the other term for Satan
eskielover: What does the Holy Spirit do for Us?
eskielover: Titus 3:5
eskielover: he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,
eskielover: but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth & renewal by the Holy Spirit
eskielover: Salvation is not achieved by human effort or merit, but comes through God’s mercy alone.
eskielover: Baptism is a means of our rebirth, a means through which the Holy Spirit
eskielover: produces in us faith as a gift of God all because of God’s grace
eskielover: The Lord’s supper & the Word are other means of grace by which the Holy Spirit works in our hearts
eskielover: 1 Cor 12:13
eskielover: For we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body
eskielover: Whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free
eskielover: & we were all given the one Spirit to drink
eskielover: members of Christ’s body, the Christian church….God has given all his people the Holy Spirit to indwell
eskielover: so that our lives may overflow with the fruit of the Spirit
eskielover: 1 Cor 6:19-20
eskielover: talks about the temple of the Holy Spirit:
eskielover: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,
eskielover: who is in you, whom you have received from God?
eskielover: You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
SeptemberMorn: getting convicted here
eskielover: That is sometimes a tough one for sure
eskielover: Eph 4:30 talks about how our behavior can grieve the Holy Spirit
eskielover: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption
eskielover: grieved by sins, demonstrates that the Holy Spirit is a person…not just an influence for only a person can be grieved
eskielover: an interesting way to see the Holy Spirit for me
eskielover: …I know my thinking was mostly the concept of influence before now
eskielover: Eph 5: 18 commands us to be filled with the Spirit not with wine
eskielover: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit
eskielover: In this verse, the Greek present tense is used to indicate that the filling of the Spirit is not a once-for-all experience.
eskielover: Repeatedly as occasion requires, the Spirit empowers for worship, service, & testimony.
eskielover: Being under an influence is the similarity to wine…influence that affects us.
recluse1: yes, it surely does!
eskielover: Being filled with the Spirit is to be under the rule of the peace of Christ
eskielover: & indwelt by the “word” of Christ…under God’s control….a happy mutual encouragement to praise God
eskielover: & a healthy mutual relationship with people
eskielover: 2 Cor 1: 21-22
eskielover: Now it is God who makes both us & you stand firm in Christ.
eskielover: He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us
eskielover: & put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come
eskielover: the term seal was used as a part given as a guarantee that the whole will be coming along….a deposit for something in the future
eskielover: Now we will get into the ministries of the Holy Spirit
eskielover: The first ministry is to convict or reprove
eskielover: that’s the good news/bad news
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: Before we come to Christ, the Spirit brings us to an awareness of our sinful state (the bad news)
eskielover: Then the Spirit points us to the Savior (the good news)
eskielover: The Holy Spirit convicts his children for a different reason
eskielover: to restore fellowship & spiritual productivity
eskielover: kinda like a wake up call
SeptemberMorn: Debbie…
eskielover: If we ever thought it was our responsibility to convict a lost person of his sin or unbelief, or a saved person of their sinful ways…..NOT OUR JOB
eskielover: yes Tomi
SeptemberMorn: so when we’re called to accept Christ, it’s the Holy Spirit’s urging?
eskielover: yes
SeptemberMorn: another question
eskielover: ok
SeptemberMorn: I thought the Bible was supposed to be used for reproof… of other Christians?
eskielover: we can point to the Bible…..that is when we are used by the Holy Spirit to extend the invitation
SeptemberMorn: I see… ok.
recluse1: that makes sense…ok
eskielover: The Bible is God’s word
recluse1: good question Tomi
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: That is a good question as we don’t always know what part we play in the situation
recluse1: yes, i agree
SeptemberMorn: that’s true
greenpepper: this is all confusing
eskielover: & how to get God’s word to be looked at the right way
SeptemberMorn: how can we help, Pepper?
eskielover: is there a question that might help unconfuse
recluse1: the bible is God’s word, the Holy Spirit is the spirit of God….both are of the same source
recluse1: and are used together
eskielover: What part is confusing?
recluse1: does that help at all pepper?
greenpepper: a little…….
greenpepper: gonna head out……..maybe I’ll try again next week……..thanks
recluse1: tc, pm me if you want ok
greenpepper has left the room.
eskielover: that’s fine….sometimes it just has to soak in a bit
SeptemberMorn:
eskielover: sometimes it does get too much for the mind to handle
eskielover: That was like what our pastor was saying on Sunday
eskielover: one has to start off slowly with just the basics & sometimes even that is too much
recluse1: i am glad she speaks up when she isn’t sure and asks questions
SeptemberMorn: too much “meat” for her … maybe she needs “milk”
eskielover: we were talking about how we didn’t realize many of the things when we were in confirmation in 8th grade
eskielover: long time between then & now….but all of a sudden I am seeing things I never even comprehended before
SeptemberMorn: exactly
recluse1: that is what has made this study special to me
recluse1: it has really opened my eyes to some things
recluse1: both new and old
eskielover: I agree with Sept…..we are getting deeper into the Word & how it all fits together
SeptemberMorn: and me. I’m finding out new things and seeing old things in a new way
recluse1: exactly!
eskielover: same here……I have seen things I never had an idea of before now
recluse1: it is both intense and exciting!
SeptemberMorn: yes, it is!
recluse1: //11 go ahead, sorry
eskielover: sometimes I would go away with my head spinning….so many new concepts at one time
eskielover: back to NOT OUR JOB….lol
recluse1: lol
SeptemberMorn: yeah lol
eskielover: It’s God’s job….to deal with people who don’t believe or a saved person with sinful ways
eskielover: If the Holy Spirit hasn’t drawn a person to Christ our efforts are futile
Bible Study for June 9, 2008
To Live By The Spirit
What does the Bible have to say about the Holy Spirit?
Understand, relate, His many roles in our lives, how He works to bring us to salvation, seals us against evil, leads us to seek to know & grow in God, empowers us to fight life’s battles with the world, flesh, & the devil.
We are dependent on the Holy Spirit in every way at every turn.
Gal 5:16
So I say, live by the Spirit & you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
What part did the Holy Spirit perform in creation?
Galatians chap 5 & 6 & throughout scripture on the “character” of the Spirit.
Assumptions are not facts until found in God’s word
Scripture proves the Holy Spirit to be God — just as divine as the Father & Son.
Characteristics in common between Father, Son, & Holy Spirit,
Unique attributes of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God:
Isaiah 40:13
Who has understood the mind of the Lord or instructed him as his counselor?
Isaiah 9:6
Wonderful counselor……..
(points to the coming of Jesus & his program of action for all the world to wonder at)
1 Cor 2:12
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
(spirit of the world is the spirit of human wisdom alienated from God)
The Spirit has been given to us by God to help us understand what God is doing, thinking, & telling us.
The Holy Spirit has the characteristic of God in that He is present everywhere:
Psalm 139:7-10
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there, if I make my bed in the depths you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
The Hebrew term used for God here was Elohim –plural form of the Hebrew word for God “El” — suggests more than 1, less than many.
The Spirit’s role in creation (the energy)
Gen 1:1-2
In the beginning God created the heavens & the earth. Now the earth was formless & empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep & the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Psalm 104:30
When you send your Spirit, they are created, & you renew the face of the earth.
Psalm 102:18 God’s deliverance & saving act
God sent his Spirit to create & renew.
The Spirit acted in the world’s creation but also created us as individuals.
Job 33:4
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the almighty gives me life.
Luke 1:35
The angel answered, “the Holy Spirit will come upon you & the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
(The Spirit created Christ in Mary.)
The Spirit does only what God can do. Jesus was begotten of the HOly Spirit & since Jesus is the Son of God, then the Spirit is God.
Heb 9:14
How much more, then, (ceremonial sacrifices) will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to god, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
(the Spirit created Christ so we could be saved & serve God)
Jesus fulfilled His ministry:
Peter teaching in Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit & power, & how he went around doing good & healing all who were under the power of the Devil, because God was with Him.
Where does the Spirit dwell?
Rom 8:11
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
(close connection between Christ’s resurrection & believers being raised again by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit — evidenced by a Spirit-controlled life which provides assurance that our resurrection is certain)
In what names did Jesus command believers to be baptized?
Matt 28:19
Therefore go & make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism more than a sign….it is a means of grace. The Word (teaching) & the sacraments (baptism) are the means through which the Holy Spirit produces faith, the gift of God…which results in the fruits of faith.
Baptized in the name of the Father — has God as our gracious Father
Baptized in the name of the Son — receives all benefits of Christ’s redeeming acts
Baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit — receives the life-giving, life-sustaining power & presence of the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s responsibilities:
John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me.
John 8:28
So Jesus said “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be & that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me”
Christ’s involvement in Creation & Christ never does anything on his own.
Colossians 1:13-17
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness & brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven & on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him & for Him. He is before all things & in Him all things hold together.
John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word & the Word was with God, & the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning, through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.
God’s creation accomplished through the Father’s will, Son’s word, Spirit’s way.
Deut 6:4
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.
The same God that willed, spoke, & energized the universe into existence, directs that care & direction into our lives:
The Father wills.
The Son speaks the Father’s will through His Word.
The Holy Spirit supplies the power to obey.
Have you had feelings of being insignificant or unimportant? Think of how important & significant we are to God for Him who created the world to care about us & be intimately involved in our daily lives even when we don’t realize it.
Man has a spirit.
Man’s spirit knows man’s mind
God’s Spirit knows God’s mind
Spiritual truths in Spiritual words
The Holy Spirit is here to guide the Word of God so that faith will not be based on words that men have spoken but that we believe that God has spoken through these men as the Spirit has guided them to speak.
“God reveals to us through the Spirit”
the Spirit gives: wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, & fear (belief) in the Lord.
The Father has a perfect plan for our life.
Jer 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future.
God has a plan for our life that is willed to us. That plan is afforded you by the blood of Christ & His Word to direct our path. While the Holy Spirit teaches us His word & empowers us to obey & follow it providing the way to perform Godly tasks.
Phil 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will & to act according to His good purpose.