Are the gifts of God extinct? - All About GOD
2024-03-29T05:52:11Z
http://www.allaboutgod.net/forum/topics/are-the-gifts-of-god-extinct?commentId=1383940%3AComment%3A1921959&feed=yes&xn_auth=no
Hello Mark, I finally got set…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-04-28:1383940:Comment:1922401
2021-04-28T00:59:19.568Z
JB
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/JoeBoyce
<p>Hello Mark, I finally got settled in our new house, but not completely unpacked.</p>
<p>For now I would like to thank Seek and Amanda for their posts back in 2015 concerning the subject we were discussing about the passing of the gifts. And whether or not they are still for the church today, which I am a firm believer. I will just repost what they wrote for now, and see what your response is to them. </p>
<p><strong>AAG Responses to the Question Are the gifts for…</strong></p>
<p>Hello Mark, I finally got settled in our new house, but not completely unpacked.</p>
<p>For now I would like to thank Seek and Amanda for their posts back in 2015 concerning the subject we were discussing about the passing of the gifts. And whether or not they are still for the church today, which I am a firm believer. I will just repost what they wrote for now, and see what your response is to them. </p>
<p><strong>AAG Responses to the Question Are the gifts for today</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> <strong>Reply by <a href="http://www.allaboutgod.net/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=201f72o4aqkk1">Seek</a> on July 16, 2015 at 6:57am</strong></p>
<p><em>Yet, and even though many would also say they know the gifts exist because they have seen them, it's not about what we experience anyway but about what the bible says.</em></p>
<p>Precisely. How can we have faith if we don't believe God exists? How can we have faith in the gifts if we don't believe they exist? Jesus told Thomas, blessed are those that believe and haven't seen. </p>
<p>I heard it preached once that the reason some denominations do not receive these gifts is because they don't believe they exist and for one to receive them would bring chaos into that church. God bestows gifts on whom he pleases. And we never can know his reasons. </p>
<p><strong>Reply by <a href="http://www.allaboutgod.net/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=0x6lniw9kj4sz">Amanda</a> on July 15, 2015 at 7:42pm</strong></p>
<p>I'm not sure one could ride the fence on this one -- it's an either/or as far as believing the miraculous gifts have ceased or continue, but one could become the extreme in either belief. You've already stated in other comments that you believe the miraculous gifts have ceased. However, perhaps you are re- considering the issue when saying you're not biased one way or the other. I have studied this extensively. I'm not biased. My beliefs are bible- based. I'm not asking for agreement or trying to persuade. I'm only stating what I believe and why I believe it. Please don't take it personally. <3We must also give room to the explicit and oft-repeated purpose of the charismata: namely, the edification of Christ’s body (<a href="https://www.esv.org/1%20Cor.%2012%3A7%3B%2014%3A3%2C%2026/">1 Cor. 12:7; 14:3, 26</a>). Nothing I read in the NT or see in the condition of the church in any age, past or present, leads me to believe we’ve progressed beyond the need for edification—and therefore beyond the need for the contribution of the charismata. I freely admit that spiritual gifts were essential for the birth of the church, but why would they be any less important or needful for its continued growth and maturation?</p>
<p>We must also give room to the explicit and oft-repeated purpose of the charismata: namely, the edification of Christ’s body (<a href="https://www.esv.org/1%20Cor.%2012%3A7%3B%2014%3A3%2C%2026/">1 Cor. 12:7; 14:3, 26</a>). Nothing I read in the NT or see in the condition of the church in any age, past or present, leads me to believe we’ve progressed beyond the need for edification—and therefore beyond the need for the contribution of the charismata. I freely admit that spiritual gifts were essential for the birth of the church, but why would they be any less important or needful for its continued growth and maturation?</p>
<p>There is also the fundamental continuity or spiritually organic relationship between the church in Acts and the church in subsequent centuries. No one denies there was an era or period in the early church that we might call “apostolic.”</p>
<p>, We must acknowledge the significance of the personal, physical presence of the apostles and their unique role in laying the foundation for the early church. But nowhere does the NT ever suggest that certain spiritual gifts were uniquely and exclusively tied to them or that the gifts passed with their passing. The universal church or body of Christ that was established and gifted through the ministry of the apostles is the same universal church and body of Christ today. We are together with Paul and Peter and Silas and Lydia and Priscilla and Luke members of the same one body of Christ.</p>
<p>Very much related to the previous point is what Peter says in <a href="https://www.esv.org/Acts%202/">Acts 2</a> concerning so-called miraculous gifts as characteristic of the new covenant age of the church. As D. A. Carson has said, “The coming of the Spirit is not associated merely with the <em>dawning</em> of the new age but with its <em>presence,</em> not merely with Pentecost but with the entire period from Pentecost to the return of Jesus the Messiah” (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Showing-Spirit-Theological-Exposition-Corinthians/dp/0801025214/?tag=thegospcoal-20"><em>Showing the Spirit</em></a>, 155). Or again, the gifts of prophecy and tongues (<a href="https://www.esv.org/Acts%202/">Acts 2</a>) are not portrayed as merely inaugurating the new covenant age but as characterizing it (and let us not forget that the present church age = the “last days”).</p>
<p>We must also take note of <a href="https://www.esv.org/1%20Corinthians%2013%3A8-12/">1 Corinthians 13:8-12</a>. Here Paul asserts that spiritual gifts will not “pass away” (vv. 8-10) until the coming of the “perfect.” If the “perfect” is indeed the consummation of God’s redemptive purposes as expressed in the new heaven and new earth following Christ’s return, we can confidently expect him to continue blessing and empowering his church with the gifts until that time.</p>
<p>A similar point is made in <a href="https://www.esv.org/Ephesians%204%3A11-13/">Ephesians 4:11-13</a>. There Paul speaks of spiritual gifts (together with the office of apostle)—and in particular the gifts of prophecy, evangelism, pastor, and teacher—as building up of the church “<em>until</em> we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (v. 13; italics mine). Since the latter most assuredly has not yet been attained by the church, we can confidently anticipate the presence and power of such gifts until that day arrives.</p>
<p>I’d also point to the absence of any explicit or implicit notion that we should view spiritual gifts any differently than we do other NT practices and ministries portrayed as essential for the life and wellbeing of the church. When we read the NT, it seems evident that church discipline should be practiced in our assemblies today and that we should celebrate the Lord’s Table and water baptism, and that the requirements for the office of elder as set forth in the pastoral epistles still determine how life in the church should be pursued, just to mention a few. What good exegetical or theological reasons can be given for why we should treat the presence and operation of spiritual gifts any differently?</p>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, there is consistent testimony throughout most of church history concerning the operation of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. It simply isn’t the case that the gifts ceased or disappeared from early church life following the death of the last apostle. Space doesn’t permit me to cite the massive evidence in this regard, so I refer you to four articles I wrote with extensive documentation (see “<a href="http://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/spiritual-gifts-in-church-history--1-">Spiritual Gifts in Church History</a>”).</p>
<p>Cessationists often argue that signs and wonders as well as certain spiritual gifts served only to confirm or authenticate the original company of apostles and that when the apostles passed away so also did the gifts. The fact is no biblical text (not even <a href="https://www.esv.org/Heb.%202%3A4/">Heb. 2:4</a> or <a href="https://www.esv.org/2%20Cor.%2012%3A12/">2 Cor. 12:12</a>, two texts I explain in articles <a href="http://www.samstorms.org/">here</a>) ever says signs and wonders or spiritual gifts of a particular sort authenticated the apostles. Signs and wonders authenticated Jesus and the apostolic message about him. If signs and wonders were designed exclusively to authenticate apostles, we have no explanation why non-apostolic believers (such as Philip and Stephen) were empowered to perform them (see especially <a href="https://www.esv.org/1%20Cor.%2012%3A8-10/">1 Cor. 12:8-10</a>, where the “gift” of “miracles,” among others, was given to average, non-apostolic believers).</p>
<p>Therefore, this is a good reason for being a cessationist only if you can demonstrate that authentication or attestation of the apostolic message was the sole and exclusive purpose of such displays of divine power. However, nowhere in the NT is the purpose or function of the miraculous or the charismata reduced to attestation. The miraculous, in whatever form, served several other distinct purposes: <em>doxological</em> (to glorify God: <a href="https://www.esv.org/John%202%3A11%3B%209%3A3%3B%2011%3A4%3B%2011%3A40/">John 2:11; 9:3; 11:4; 11:40</a>; and <a href="https://www.esv.org/Matt.%2015%3A29-31/">Matt. 15:29-31</a>); <em>evangelistic</em> (to prepare the way for the gospel to be made known: see <a href="https://www.esv.org/Acts%209%3A32-43/">Acts 9:32-43</a>); <em>pastoral</em> (as an expression of compassion and love and care for the sheep:<em> </em><a href="https://www.esv.org/Matt.%2014%3A14/">Matt. 14:14</a>; <a href="https://www.esv.org/Mark%201%3A40-41/">Mark 1:40-41</a>); and <em>edifying</em> (to build up and strengthen believers: <a href="https://www.esv.org/1%20Cor.%2012%3A7/">1 Cor. 12:7</a> and the “common good”; <a href="https://www.esv.org/1%20Cor.%2014%3A3-5%2C%2026/">1 Cor. 14:3-5, 26</a>).</p>
<p>All the gifts of the Spirit, whether tongues or teaching, prophecy or mercy, healing or helping, were given (among other reasons) for the edification, building up, encouraging, instructing, consoling, and sanctifying of the body of Christ. Therefore, even if the ministry of the miraculous gifts to attest and authenticate has ceased, a point I concede only for the sake of argument, such gifts would continue to function in the church for the other reasons cited.</p>
<p><strong>Still Final and Sufficient</strong></p>
<p>Perhaps the most frequently heard objection from cessationists is that acknowledging the validity of revelatory gifts such as prophecy and word of knowledge would necessarily undermine the finality and sufficiency of Holy Scripture. But this argument is based on the false assumption that these gifts provide us with infallible truths equal in authority to the biblical text itself (see my article “<a href="http://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/why-nt-prophecy-does-not-result-in--scripture-quality--revelatory-words--a-response-to-the-most-frequently-cited-cessationist-argument-against-the-contemporary-validity-of-spiritual-gifts-">Why NT Prophecy Does NOT Result in ‘Scripture-Quality’ Revelatory Words</a>”).</p>
<p>One also hears the cessationist appeal to <a href="https://www.esv.org/Ephesians%202%3A20/">Ephesians 2:20</a>, as if this text describes all possible prophetic ministry. The argument is that revelatory gifts such as prophecy were uniquely linked to the apostles and therefore designed to function only during the so-called foundational period in the early church. I address this fundamentally misguided view at length <a href="http://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/ephesians-2:20---the-cessationists--go-to--text--an-on-going-response-to-strange-fire-">here</a>. A close examination of the biblical evidence concerning both the nature of the prophetic gift as well as its widespread distribution among Christians indicates there was far more to this gift than simply the apostles laying the foundation of the church. Therefore, neither the passing of the apostles nor the movement of the church beyond its foundational years has any bearing whatsoever on the validity of prophecy today. One also hears often of the so-called cluster argument, according to which supernatural and miraculous phenomena were supposedly concentrated or clustered at unique periods in redemptive history. I’ve addressed this argument <a href="http://samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/cessationism-and-the-so-called--cluster--argument:-a-response">elsewhere</a> and demonstrated that it’s altogether false.</p>
<p>Finally, although it’s technically not a reason or argument for being a continuationist, I cannot ignore experience. The fact is I’ve seen all spiritual gifts in operation, tested and confirmed them, and experienced them firsthand on countless occasions. As stated, this is less a reason to become a continuationist and more a confirmation (although not an infallible one) of the validity of that decision. Experience, in isolation from the biblical text, proves little. But experience must be noted, especially if it illustrates or embodies what we see in God’s Word.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Sam Storms</strong> (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, The University of Texas) is lead pastor for preaching and vision at <a href="http://www.bridgewaychurch.com/">Bridgeway Church</a> in Oklahoma City founder of <a href="http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/">Enjoying God Ministries</a>, and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He has written numerous books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Packer-Christian-Life-Knowing-Walking/dp/1433539527/?tag=thegospcoal-20"><em>Packer on the Christian Life</em></a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Power-Welcoming-Gifts-Spirit-ebook/dp/B01HAKH4UQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1507310617&sr=1-1&keywords=sam+storms"><em>Practicing the Power</em></a>.</p>
<p>Sorry but I just got in from work and too tired to write for myself.</p>
<p>Lord Bless. JB</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
I'm checking out from AAG for…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-22:1383940:Comment:1922141
2021-03-22T13:22:59.554Z
JB
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/JoeBoyce
<p>I'm checking out from AAG for a spell. Don't worry about responding to the other questions. Lord Bless</p>
<p>I'm checking out from AAG for a spell. Don't worry about responding to the other questions. Lord Bless</p>
Hi JB,
I won't be able to res…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-22:1383940:Comment:1921992
2021-03-22T07:46:26.327Z
Mark W Miller
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/MarkWMiller
<p>Hi JB,</p>
<p>I won't be able to respond for at least 2 weeks as my plate is completely full till then.</p>
<p>Mark</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hi JB,</p>
<p>I won't be able to respond for at least 2 weeks as my plate is completely full till then.</p>
<p>Mark</p>
<p></p>
Hello Mark, Thanks for respon…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-18:1383940:Comment:1921974
2021-03-18T00:53:55.725Z
JB
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/JoeBoyce
<p>Hello Mark, Thanks for responding to the questions I proposed.</p>
<p>I appreciate you taking the time and effort to answer the questions.</p>
<p>I can see that we are of different persuasions concerning the Word of God.</p>
<p>However the differences has little to do with our salvation, only doctrinal.</p>
<p>So I would like to discuss these questions one at a time, if it is ok with you?</p>
<p>I see that the apostles were not the foundation of the Church, only their message was that which…</p>
<p>Hello Mark, Thanks for responding to the questions I proposed.</p>
<p>I appreciate you taking the time and effort to answer the questions.</p>
<p>I can see that we are of different persuasions concerning the Word of God.</p>
<p>However the differences has little to do with our salvation, only doctrinal.</p>
<p>So I would like to discuss these questions one at a time, if it is ok with you?</p>
<p>I see that the apostles were not the foundation of the Church, only their message was that which the church was built on, which was the gospel of Christ, as it was in Mat.16:17, “Revelation of the rock Christ Jesus” There is only one foundation and that foundation is Christ alone, the apostles were part of the structure that was built on Christ, “Jesus the Christ”, is the chief corner stone. Jesus is the one that brought salvation to the world, by the sacrifice of Himself. How can a Spiritual Church be built on material things, or on a person, or persons?</p>
<p>WE find throughout the New Testament that Jesus at times spoke from His humanity side and other times He spoke from His Deity side. “Examples” John 5:30, Jesus said “<strong><em><u>By Myself</u></em></strong> I can do nothing, I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just, because I seek not to please Myself, but to please Him that sent Me.” Another alluding to His humanity, when in Rom.8:29, <br/> <sup> “</sup> <em>For whom he did foreknow, <strong>he also did predestinate <u>to be conformed to the image of his Son,</u> that he might be <u>the firstborn among many brethren</u>.”</strong></em> I’m sure you know that we become children of God <strong><em>by faith in Christ Jesus</em></strong>.</p>
<p>Seems one of the biggest hindrances of understanding Scripture is, intellectualism. Reading a common book and its message, is quite different than reading the Word of God. The Word of God is spiritual, where the common book written by man is interpreted by man’s wisdom and understanding. <strong>1<sup>st</sup>. Cor.2:10-16</strong>, <br/> <strong> <u>But God hath revealed <em>them</em> unto us by his Spirit</u>: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. <br/> For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? <u>Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.</u> <sup><br/></sup> Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; <u>that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. <br/></u> <sup> </sup>Which things also we speak, <u>not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.</u></strong> <strong><u>For the natural man receiveth not the things of God, for they are foolishness unto him, and neither can he know them, for they are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of CHRIST.</u></strong></p>
<p><strong><u>Jo.6:63,</u></strong> <span><strong><em>It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: <u>the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.</u></em></strong></span> <strong><em><u><br/></u></em></strong> <strong><em><sup> </sup></em></strong><span><strong><em>But there are some of you that believe not.</em></strong></span> <strong><u>We are transformed by the renewing of the mind.</u></strong> <strong>Ro.12:2.</strong></p>
<p>By being led by the Spirit of God and not by our intellect, we can know the will of God, this is why I pray in tongues, when I don’t know what I should pray for “as I aught” The Spirit helps that infirmity, which is in my flesh. Rom.8:26,</p>
<p>I believe in all the gifts are for the New Creation folks, I can’t see anywhere in the Word where they ceased.</p>
<p>There’s a lot that can be said and proven in the Word of God, but I’m not trying to convince anyone, bible says “as Ye have therefore received Christ so walk ye in Him.” Col.2:6</p>
<p>Blessings JB</p>
<p>Would still like to address the other questions if you want to discuss them. <strong><u> </u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
Hi JB,
Your question: 1. Wh…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-12:1383940:Comment:1921966
2021-03-12T05:59:41.882Z
Mark W Miller
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/MarkWMiller
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hi JB,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Your question: 1</strong>. What was the foundation of the apostles? Eph.2:20</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">COMMENTARY:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><sup>20 </sup></strong><strong>having been…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hi JB,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Your question: 1</strong>. What was the foundation of the apostles? Eph.2:20</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">COMMENTARY:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><sup>20 </sup></strong><strong>having been</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph2.20"><strong><em><sup>a</sup></em></strong></a><strong>built</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph2.20"><strong><em><sup>b</sup></em></strong></a><strong>on the foundation of the</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph2.20"><strong><em><sup>c</sup></em></strong></a><strong>apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph2.20"><strong><em><sup>d</sup></em></strong></a><strong>the chief corner<em>stone</em>, <sup>21 </sup>in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph2.20"><strong><em><sup>e</sup></em></strong></a><strong>a holy temple in the Lord, <sup>22 </sup></strong><a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph2.20"><strong><em><sup>f</sup></em></strong></a><strong>in whom you also are being built together for a</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph2.20"><strong><em><sup>g</sup></em></strong></a><strong>dwelling place of God in the Spirit.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Church has been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. The foundation is the support of the building. The chief cornerstone, the most important part of the foundation, is Jesus Christ Himself (1 Peter 2:6-7).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The apostles were men chosen by Christ to be sent forth with His authority. All of them had seen Him after He rose from the dead. There were the eleven, plus Matthias who took the place of Judas, the betrayer. Paul and Barnabas also were apostles. As far as is known, there were no others.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There clearly can be no apostles today since the apostles are part of the foundation of the building. They are not part of the superstructure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The early church grew because of the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The second part of the foundation was the NT prophets. These were men and women who received direct revelation from God. That they too were part of the foundation shows that there are no prophets today.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Question</strong> <strong>2.</strong> What was the foundation That Paul Laid? 1Cor.3:10 - <strong><sup>10 </sup></strong><a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/1Co3.10"><strong><em><sup>l</sup></em></strong></a><strong>According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/1Co3.10"><strong><em><sup>m</sup></em></strong></a><strong>the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">COMMENTARY:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1 Corinthians 3:10-11; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3:10-11. Because of God’s grace the apostle as a wise master builder was able to lay the (spiritual) foundation of the local church in Corinth. The term wise (sophos) is used of skilled craftsmen who built the tabernacle (Ex 35:10; 36:1,4,8). During his eighteen-month ministry in Corinth Paul, by the grace and empowerment of God, was skillfully working to craft the foundation of the local church planted in Corinth. Soon Paul’s time would end, and it would be an opportunity for another [who] builds on this foundation. But he warns to let each one take heed how he builds on it. Each person must take personal responsibility before God as His servant concerning how he ministers in the local church because no other foundation can be laid except that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3:12-15. Paul is concerned with two types of construction on this foundation. Lasting construction is represented by the term’s gold, silver, precious stones. Impermanent construction is represented by the terms wood, hay, straw. The latter are not bad building materials. But they are not permanent.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">While many see the issue as good versus bad works, it is more likely that Paul is discussing permanent versus impermanent works. Thus, time spent watching football, hunting, fishing, or golfing are not bad works, but they are also not works with eternal value (unless that is one’s job or a person is evangelizing or discipling during that time). Paul is urging the Corinthians to do what has eternal value [rewardable]. Of course, those are the things God has commanded believers to do.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Still using the analogy of a building and workers, Paul says each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it (cf. 2 Cor 5:10). At the Bema seat (the Day), fire will test each [believer’s] work. This testing will determine whether the work had eternal value or not.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If anyone’s work which he built on it endures [the fire], he will receive a reward for that work. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. While this future salvation is commonly understood as being granted kingdom entrance, it is possible that in this context Paul is thinking of being found spiritually healthy at the Bema. Compare 5:5 and comments there.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul and Apollos, the examples under consideration (vv 5,6,9,10), were both spiritual men who, if they continued on the same path, would be found healthy at the Bema Seat, though both would surely have some works that failed to pass the test of eternal value.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All believers will be evaluated at the Judgment Seat of Christ to decide their quality of life in the eternal kingdom (cf. Luke 19:11-27; Rom 14:10-12).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">COMMENTARY:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Question 3.</strong> <strong>What was the Rock that Jesus Christ was going to build His Church on? Matt.16:17-18.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><sup>17 </sup></strong><strong>Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah,</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Mt16.17"><strong><em><sup>l</sup></em></strong></a><strong>for flesh and blood has not revealed</strong> <em><strong>this</strong></em> <strong>to you, but</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Mt16.17"><strong><em><sup>m</sup></em></strong></a><strong>My Father who is in heaven.</strong> <strong><sup>18 </sup></strong><strong>And I also say to you that</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Mt16.18"><strong><em><sup>n</sup></em></strong></a><strong>you are Peter, and</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Mt16.18"><strong><em><sup>o</sup></em></strong></a><strong>on this rock I will build My church, and</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Mt16.18"><strong><em><sup>p</sup></em></strong></a><strong>the gates of Hades shall not</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Mt16.18"><strong><em><sup>7</sup></em></strong></a><strong>prevail against it.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">16:17. Jesus commends Peter for His confession, which stemmed not from human counsel but from divine disclosure (John 6:65). For this Peter was “blessed.” It was not unusual for rabbis to pronounce blessing on students who gave the correct answers. Here the blessing is a supreme one, for Peter had made a confession that is foundational to Jesus’ entire ministry in the lives of individuals and the church He would establish.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">16:18. A significant aspect of Jesus’ program for the future centers on building His church , lit., “a called-out assembly”). The Church, He said, will be a victorious and indestructible community, even though “the gates of Hades” (i.e., the realm of death) would be arrayed against it. Suggested here are the two expected activities of the Church: building and battling. But in the end the Church will triumph (cf. Heb 2:14).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Church is mentioned here for the first time in the NT. It was a mystery in the OT. It is now revealed as a significant future component of Christ’s program. However, even at this point it was largely a mystery. The Lord did not identify the Church as Jewish and Gentile believers who have equal membership as fellow heirs in one Body (1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:11-3:7). At Pentecost the church would be born, a completely new entity (Acts 2:1-4). In Acts 2:47 this group is first called the Church.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Church would be built on a rock, a secure foundation (Matt 16:18; cf. Luke 6:48). The rock on which Christ will build His Church has been variously interpreted as Peter, whose name means stone or rock, or his confession of Jesus as the Son of God, or Jesus Himself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus had two rocks in mind, as suggested by a play on two Greek words. “You are Peter (petros, stone, masculine), and on this rock (petra, feminine), I will build my church.” Peter is a stone, but Jesus is the Rock. Peter’s later writings reveal that he recognized the difference. Peter knew that Jesus was the Rock, the chief cornerstone, whereas he and the other apostles were merely stones in Church’s foundation (1 Peter 2:4-8; cf. 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course, it is true that the Church is built on the truth that Peter spoke regarding Jesus. But since Peter was exalting Jesus, the rock even in this sense is Jesus.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Question 4.</strong> <strong>What would be the FULLNESS OF CHRIST?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>If the last cannon of scripture was the perfect one, then why does it say that “now we see through a glass darkly?” But then it says, “But then face to face we will know even as also we are known”? [found in 1Co 13:12]</strong> <strong><sup>12 </sup>For</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/1Co13.12"><strong><em><sup>l</sup></em></strong></a><strong>now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then</strong> <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/1Co13.12"><strong><em><sup>m</sup></em></strong></a><strong>face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">COMMENTARY:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1 Corinthians 13:11-12. The Corinthians are compared to children in that they spoke as a child, understood as a child, and thought as a child. Children preoccupy themselves with items of temporary worth. Similarly, the Corinthians preoccupied themselves with temporary gifts that will either be done away with by God Himself (such as prophecy and knowledge) or will pass away by themselves, such as tongues before God does away with prophecy and knowledge. So, when they become a man—when that which is perfect has come—the Corinthians will put away childish things. The gifts will no longer be needed when the Lord comes. Believers see in a mirror dimly now, but then at the Lord’s return, they will have face to face encounter with Him. The very best mirror, which in those days was made of metal and gave only a blurred and imperfect picture, will be nothing compared to a full encounter with the Lord face to face (1 John 2:28). Now the believer may know in part. However, he will someday stand in God’s presence and he shall know fully as God fully knows him. The believer, although limited by his finiteness, can know fully to the full extent his limited finiteness allows him to know.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(from The Grace New Testament Commentary, Copyright © 2010 by Grace Evangelical Society. All rights reserved.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Question 5</strong> <strong>What would be the FULLNESS OF CHRIST?</strong> I’m going to give you an example: When Jesus Christ picked the 12 disciples; they were not Spiritually Mature. The 12 lived with Him for 3 years as Jesus taught them daily. When the 3 years were completed, they were well on their way to spiritual maturity [this should be the goal for all born-again Christians in their post salvation life, if you dedicate your life to gaining spiritual maturity you could do it in 3 years minimum], without dedication it could take 10-20+ years.] They all but one, were then well on their way to spiritual maturity. It takes real dedication and a self-commitment to become Spiritually Mature and have the Fullness of Christ. It also means that as Romans 12:2 says, you’ll be renewing your mind to the point where you will then have the Mind of Christ. I taught a discipleship class monthly for three years. The info I gave the attendees was enough bible truth for them to be well on their way to spiritual maturity. I want to make something very clear, it is not I who taught them, it was the Holy Spirit, only the HS does the actual teaching when one is in Fellowship with the Holy Spirit, if you’re not in fellowship with the HS you’ll not learn a thing that would be rewardable in time and eternity. However, there is an “if” factor, if they studied daily what I taught them and doing so were in Fellowship with the HS, also called Abiding in Christ, and applied all they learned daily while in fellowship with Christ and the Holy Spirit, they could have achieved Spiritual Maturity [the fullness of Christ], or at least Spiritual Adulthood.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Do you know how to be in fellowship with the Holy Spirit and Christ?? If you don’t or are confused about it, read the following short book; it’s the most important bible doctrine you can learn: <a href="https://www.rbthieme.org/PDF/Rebound_and_Keep_Moving!.pdf">https://www.rbthieme.org/PDF/Rebound_and_Keep_Moving!.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All for now. Mark</span></p>
Ephesians 2:20-22 (KJV) 20 …
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-10:1383940:Comment:1921960
2021-03-10T20:22:34.838Z
JB
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/JoeBoyce
<p><strong>Ephesians 2:20-22 (KJV)</strong> <br></br> <sup>20</sup> <strong><u>And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner <em>stone</em>; <br></br></u></strong> <sup>21</sup> In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: <br></br> <sup>22</sup> In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.</p>
<p><strong>1 Corinthians 3:8-15 (KJV)</strong> <br></br> <sup>8</sup> Now…</p>
<p><strong>Ephesians 2:20-22 (KJV)</strong> <br/> <sup>20</sup> <strong><u>And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner <em>stone</em>; <br/></u></strong> <sup>21</sup> In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: <br/> <sup>22</sup> In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.</p>
<p><strong>1 Corinthians 3:8-15 (KJV)</strong> <br/> <sup>8</sup> Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. <br/> <sup>9</sup> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, <em>ye are</em> God's building. <br/> <sup>10</sup> According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, <strong><u>I have laid the foundation</u></strong><strong>, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. <br/> <sup>11</sup> <em><u>For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid</u></em>, <em><u>which is Jesus Christ. <br/></u></em></strong> <sup>12</sup> <strong><em><u>Now if any man build upon this foundation</u></em></strong> gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; <br/> <sup>13</sup> Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. <br/> <sup>14</sup> If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. <br/> <sup>15</sup> If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>What was the foundation of the apostles? Eph.2:20</li>
<li>What was the foundation That Paul Laid? 1Cor.3:10</li>
<li>What was the Rock that Jesus Christ was going to build His Church on? Matt.16:17-18</li>
<li>If the last cannon of scripture was the perfect one, then why does it say that “now we see through a glass darkly?” But then it says, “But then face to face we will know even as also we are known”?</li>
</ol>
<p>But then would it not have been referring to another coming of the perfect one?</p>
<p>Christ being an epithet of Jesus.</p>
<p>What would be the FULNESS OF CHRIST?</p>
<p>As also in John 1:16:</p>
<p>Sorry I don’t have time to discuss now, but will later.</p>
<p>Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</p>
<p>JB</p>
<p> </p>
Hi JB,
The short answer to…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-09:1383940:Comment:1921959
2021-03-09T08:01:43.970Z
Mark W Miller
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/MarkWMiller
<p>Hi JB,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The short answer to your question is regarding apostleship, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, discerning spirits, and prophecy are no longer spiritual gifts available in the Church as those all ended when the canon of scripture was completed. Only the spiritual gifts of pastor-teacher, evangelism, missionary, exhortation, teaching, administration, giving, showing mercy, and helps are available in the Church…</p>
<p>Hi JB,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The short answer to your question is regarding apostleship, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, discerning spirits, and prophecy are no longer spiritual gifts available in the Church as those all ended when the canon of scripture was completed. Only the spiritual gifts of pastor-teacher, evangelism, missionary, exhortation, teaching, administration, giving, showing mercy, and helps are available in the Church Age.</p>
<p><strong><sup> </sup></strong></p>
<p><strong>Ephesians <sup>11 </sup>And He Himself gave some <em>to be</em> apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, <sup>12 </sup>for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>n</sup></em></a>for the <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>5</sup></em></a>edifying of <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>o</sup></em></a>the body of Christ, <sup>13 </sup>till we all come to the unity of the faith <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>p</sup></em></a>and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>q</sup></em></a>a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;</strong> <strong><sup>14 </sup>that we should no longer be <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>r</sup></em></a>children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>s</sup></em></a>deceitful plotting, <sup>15 </sup>but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the <a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>t</sup></em></a>head—Christ—<sup>16 </sup><a href="https://bible.faithlife.com/books/nkjv/Eph4.12"><em><sup>u</sup></em></a>from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. NKJV</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Comentary: Eph 4:11-16</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>4:11. And He Himself gave some to be apostles. The word apostle means “one sent forth with authority.” The apostles included the twelve men chosen by Christ to be His followers, as well as Paul (Eph 1:1) and Barnabas (Acts 14:14). There are no apostles today since the foundation of the church is complete (Eph 2:20). He also gave some to be prophets, who were spokesmen for God. He gave them direct revelation, which they passed on to the Church.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are also no prophets today since the canon of Scripture is complete and they were part of the foundation of the Church.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Paul states that Christ also gave some to be evangelists. The gift of evangelism is the ability to share clearly and easily the good news message of Christ. All believers are to do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim 4:5), but not all believers have the gift of evangelism. See Acts 8:5-40 for Luke’s account of the preaching of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8), the only NT account of what an evangelist did.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He also gave some to be pastors and teachers. This is actually one gift, pastor–teacher. The person with this gift may be the shepherd and teacher in a local body. The idea of pastor emphasizes the role of feeding and protecting the flock.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Of these four gifts two were foundational gifts (apostles and prophets) and two are permanent gifts (evangelists and pastor-teachers).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Paul continues by showing the purpose of these spiritual gifts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4:12. These gifts are given for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Believers are not ready to serve at the moment of the new birth. Babes in Christ need training. As believers are quipped, they are then able to do the work of the ministry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As believers are equipped to do the ministry, the result is the edifying of the body of Christ. Believers are built up as other believers use their spiritual gifts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4:13. Paul now points to the goal of using spiritual gifts. He states that believers are to use their gifts till we all come to the unity of the faith. Spiritual gifts should produce unity in what Christians believe. Spiritual gifts should also lead to the knowledge of the Son of God (2 Peter 3:18). All believers should continue to grow in fellowship with Christ. Spiritual gifts should result in a perfect man, that is a mature Church.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Spiritual gifts lead the Church to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. We grow more and more like Christ. Paul ends with the results of this process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4:14. Believers should no longer be children. Immature believers are those who are tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine. When a Christian is not maturing, he is going back and forth concerning his beliefs. We are not to be fooled by the trickery of men, false teachers who desire to lead believers away from the truths of the Word of God by cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. The proper functioning of spiritual gifts in the Church should keep such deception from occurring.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4:15. In contrast to not knowing what they believe, Christians are to be speaking the truth in love (proper use of spiritual gifts) so that they may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ (cf. v 13).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4:16. Through Christ the whole body is joined and knit together by what every joint supplies. Paul uses the picture of the human body working together to show how believers in the Body of Christ are to use their gifts for mutual benefit (according to the effective working by which every part does it share). The result is the growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. The body grows up and each believer is built up in love.</p>
<p>(from The Grace New Testament Commentary, Copyright © 2010 by Grace Evangelical Society. All rights reserved.)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Mark</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
Mark are you saying that Eph.…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-09:1383940:Comment:1921955
2021-03-09T01:45:49.648Z
JB
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/JoeBoyce
<p>Mark are you saying that Eph.4:11 doesn't apply to the Church or I might say the New Creation of today?</p>
<p>Mark are you saying that Eph.4:11 doesn't apply to the Church or I might say the New Creation of today?</p>
Spiritual Gifts – The Holy Sp…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-03-01:1383940:Comment:1919493
2021-03-01T08:26:08.444Z
Mark W Miller
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/MarkWMiller
<p>Spiritual Gifts – The Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts to every believer. These gifts are God-given abilities that Christians should employ to serve one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. God used some spiritual gifts (such as apostleship, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, discerning spirits, and prophecy) that were temporary in nature as signs (Isaiah 28:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:21-22) to unbelieving Jews and as a validation of the…</p>
<p>Spiritual Gifts – The Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts to every believer. These gifts are God-given abilities that Christians should employ to serve one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. God used some spiritual gifts (such as apostleship, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, discerning spirits, and prophecy) that were temporary in nature as signs (Isaiah 28:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:21-22) to unbelieving Jews and as a validation of the New Testament message and its messengers in lieu of the completed canon of Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:10). The temporary gifts legitimately functioned until the completion of the canon of Scripture, ceasing by the end of the first century (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 28-30; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 14:21-22; Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 2:3-4; 1 Peter 4:10). Other spiritual gifts are permanent, and include: pastor-teacher, evangelism, missionary, exhortation, teaching, administration, giving, showing mercy, and helps. Chafer Theological Seminary</p>
“OUR GREATEST RESOURSE, THE H…
tag:www.allaboutgod.net,2021-02-22:1383940:Comment:1911697
2021-02-22T13:44:35.920Z
Pastor Bob B
http://www.allaboutgod.net/profile/BobBushman
<p><u>“OUR GREATEST RESOURSE, THE HOLY SPIRIT”</u></p>
<p></p>
<p><u> </u></p>
<p>The greatest resource that we possess as Christians is the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p>It does not matter which denomination you belong to.</p>
<p>We all need the Holy Spirit and His help to live lives that are pleasing to God.</p>
<p>No one will find much success in their Christian lives without the Help of the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p>It is all a matter of who is holding the reigns in our lives.</p>
<p>Is self the one who is…</p>
<p><u>“OUR GREATEST RESOURSE, THE HOLY SPIRIT”</u></p>
<p></p>
<p><u> </u></p>
<p>The greatest resource that we possess as Christians is the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p>It does not matter which denomination you belong to.</p>
<p>We all need the Holy Spirit and His help to live lives that are pleasing to God.</p>
<p>No one will find much success in their Christian lives without the Help of the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p>It is all a matter of who is holding the reigns in our lives.</p>
<p>Is self the one who is calling the shots in our lives, or is it the Holy Spirit?</p>
<p>Maybe you have never paid much attention to the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p>This does not diminish how much you need His help to live a life that is pleasing to God.</p>
<p>There has been so much mis-information about Him and what He does.</p>
<p>Let’s look to the Word of God to frame our understanding of who He is, and what He does in our lives.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><u>Luke wrote in Acts 19:1-2 (NLT)</u></strong></p>
<p>1 - While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.</p>
<p>2 - “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.</p>
<p>“No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>These Christians did not know about the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p>Yet they Had already believed on Jesus as their Savior.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are many who call themselves Christians today who haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit too.”</p>
<p>They try the best they can to get by, but God has given them a resource which is God the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Apostle John wrote in John 7:39 (NLT),</strong></p>
<p>When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him.</p>
<p>But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Holy Spirit was going to be given to everyone believing in Jesus as their savior.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>Back in John 14:23 (NLT)</u></strong> <br/> Jesus replied, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.</p>
<p>My Father will love him, and WE will come to him and make OUR home with him.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Notice that Jesus said “WE & OUR…”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>God is a Trinity. The Father & The Son & The Holy Spirit are One GOD.</p>
<p>Jesus said that he was going to ask the Father to give them ANOTHER Helper (just like himself, The Holy Spirit).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He would be a Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby, who would be with those who are believers forever, who would lead them into all truth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the Old Testament the Prophet Joel told of a day when the Holy Spirit would be poured out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)</u></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://biblehub.com/joel/2-28.htm">28</a> - “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.</p>
<p>Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.</p>
<p><a href="http://biblehub.com/joel/2-29.htm">29</a> - Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In Acts 2:17-18, the Apostle Peter quotes these verses from Joel, declaring that the outpouring of the Spirit was taking place.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This Heavenly resource is at our disposal today.</p>
<p>The Holy Spirit is the power of God in the life of a Believer. (Acts 1:8, Matthew 3:11)</p>
<p>God the Holy Spirit is not only with us; He is in us. (1 John 4:4)</p>
<p>The Holy Spirit cultivates the life of God in us and we begin to develop the Fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22)</p>
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<p>The Holy Spirit also gives gifts to the people of God for the purpose of ministering to the Body of Christ and spreading the Gospel Jesus Christ into all the world.</p>
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<p><strong><u>The Apostle Paul list some of the gift from the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NLT).</u></strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>7 </sup></strong>A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. </p>
<p><strong><sup>8 </sup></strong>To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. </p>
<p><strong><sup>9 </sup></strong>The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. </p>
<p><strong><sup>10 </sup></strong>He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy.</p>
<p>He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit.</p>
<p>Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. </p>
<p><strong><sup>11 </sup></strong>It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.</p>
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<p>This resource of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Believer is amazing.</p>
<p>This is just a glimpse of all that Holy Spirit does in our lives and in the life of the Church.</p>
<p>I will continue to unpack in the next few days more of the wonderful workings of the Spirit.</p>
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