1) As Christians are renewed by the Holy Spirit, they become like God through His divine nature within them.
2) Believers become part of the body of Christ and are joined to Him in an intimate union, sharing in His life and spirit.
3) Those who have the divine nature will show it through their love for others and Christ-like behavior in their daily lives.
Psalm 138 expresses David's deep gratitude to God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do for those who trust in Him. The passage reminds believers that they should have an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude towards God for the hope they have in Him. It encourages examining one's own sense of gratitude for God's blessings, provision, and future hope. Gratitude is a vital quality for believers and arises from accepting all of life as a gift from God.
The document discusses the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit that are received at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. It also describes the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are signs that the Holy Spirit is alive within us and helping us live out our faith, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.
This document discusses the importance of unity in the church. It provides scriptural support for unity from passages like Ephesians 4:11-13 and Hebrews 10:23-25. It defines unity as oneness and agreement. It encourages focusing on commonalities over differences, avoiding criticism and gossip, resolving conflicts biblically, supporting leaders, and encouraging one another. The document warns that lack of unity through things like cliques, debts, or not working can hinder the church. Overall, it promotes practicing love and focusing on Christ to preserve unity.
Relationships is very key to human existence. God will judge us based on: 1. Our relationship with Him; 2. Our relationship with one another; and 3. Our relationship with His creation. When you miss the ultimate, your relationship with God, you spoil the other two...because it is the foundation of any good, healthy relationships and being. A people who commit suicide, enter into depression, etc have a challenge in building relationships.
This is a highlight on Building Healthy Relationships.
This document is a newsletter from First Baptist Church of Franklinton providing information about their church services, programs, leadership, and events. It announces the upcoming launch of their Celebrate Recovery ministry on April 14th to help people overcome hurts, hang-ups, and habits through a biblical program. It encourages volunteers and prayers for the ministry's success in helping people find freedom through Jesus Christ. It also advertises upcoming leadership training meetings in February and March to prepare for the Celebrate Recovery launch.
The document discusses the controversial issue of determining whether a Christian is truly authentic or living an authentic life. It notes that due to humanity's sinful nature, we try to control situations and judge others rather than letting God do His work. The change that God brings is difficult for humans to understand fully. It argues that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus, and sanctification is a process where God turns believers from sin as they grow in faith and submit to Him. The conclusion emphasizes that change only happens when we let go of trying to control and fix others, and instead let God work through us by His Spirit as we surrender to Him.
The document discusses the Lutheran view of grace and faith. It argues that all people are sinners by nature and incapable of saving themselves or doing good works to earn salvation. It states that people deserve God's punishment and eternal damnation for their sins. However, God sent his son Jesus to pay the price for sins and offers salvation as a free gift of grace received through faith, not works, so that all may be saved.
Prayer is a form of communication with God that provides several benefits. It helps strengthen one's spiritual connection, brings peace and happiness, and reduces stress and depression. There are different types of prayers, including intercessory prayer for others, prayers of supplication which make requests, and prayers of thanksgiving to express gratitude. Maintaining a practice of daily prayer is important for spiritual growth and getting through life's challenges.
Psalm 138 expresses David's deep gratitude to God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do for those who trust in Him. The passage reminds believers that they should have an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude towards God for the hope they have in Him. It encourages examining one's own sense of gratitude for God's blessings, provision, and future hope. Gratitude is a vital quality for believers and arises from accepting all of life as a gift from God.
The document discusses the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit that are received at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. It also describes the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are signs that the Holy Spirit is alive within us and helping us live out our faith, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.
This document discusses the importance of unity in the church. It provides scriptural support for unity from passages like Ephesians 4:11-13 and Hebrews 10:23-25. It defines unity as oneness and agreement. It encourages focusing on commonalities over differences, avoiding criticism and gossip, resolving conflicts biblically, supporting leaders, and encouraging one another. The document warns that lack of unity through things like cliques, debts, or not working can hinder the church. Overall, it promotes practicing love and focusing on Christ to preserve unity.
Relationships is very key to human existence. God will judge us based on: 1. Our relationship with Him; 2. Our relationship with one another; and 3. Our relationship with His creation. When you miss the ultimate, your relationship with God, you spoil the other two...because it is the foundation of any good, healthy relationships and being. A people who commit suicide, enter into depression, etc have a challenge in building relationships.
This is a highlight on Building Healthy Relationships.
This document is a newsletter from First Baptist Church of Franklinton providing information about their church services, programs, leadership, and events. It announces the upcoming launch of their Celebrate Recovery ministry on April 14th to help people overcome hurts, hang-ups, and habits through a biblical program. It encourages volunteers and prayers for the ministry's success in helping people find freedom through Jesus Christ. It also advertises upcoming leadership training meetings in February and March to prepare for the Celebrate Recovery launch.
The document discusses the controversial issue of determining whether a Christian is truly authentic or living an authentic life. It notes that due to humanity's sinful nature, we try to control situations and judge others rather than letting God do His work. The change that God brings is difficult for humans to understand fully. It argues that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus, and sanctification is a process where God turns believers from sin as they grow in faith and submit to Him. The conclusion emphasizes that change only happens when we let go of trying to control and fix others, and instead let God work through us by His Spirit as we surrender to Him.
The document discusses the Lutheran view of grace and faith. It argues that all people are sinners by nature and incapable of saving themselves or doing good works to earn salvation. It states that people deserve God's punishment and eternal damnation for their sins. However, God sent his son Jesus to pay the price for sins and offers salvation as a free gift of grace received through faith, not works, so that all may be saved.
Prayer is a form of communication with God that provides several benefits. It helps strengthen one's spiritual connection, brings peace and happiness, and reduces stress and depression. There are different types of prayers, including intercessory prayer for others, prayers of supplication which make requests, and prayers of thanksgiving to express gratitude. Maintaining a practice of daily prayer is important for spiritual growth and getting through life's challenges.
This document discusses the Christian concept of faith. It defines faith as believing in God and accepting that He made himself known through His words and actions, especially through Jesus Christ. Faith requires believing, which is the foundation on which our faith is built, and trusting that we cannot be truly happy without God. Faith also means acting on those beliefs, as without action one could not truly be said to have faith.
This document provides lesson material for Confirmation preparation. It discusses living out the sacrament of Confirmation through opening oneself to the Holy Spirit's guidance, growing in faith and virtue, and witnessing to Christ through words and deeds. Specific topics covered include the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, daily spiritual practices, and performing corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The document encourages regular prayer, scripture study, confession, and attending Mass and adoration.
This document provides a summary of a lesson on prayer. It discusses prayer as an act of worship, speaking to God from the heart, and something only believers can do through faith in Jesus. It also covers how God wants us to pray - asking for help, thanking him, praying for anything and anyone anywhere and at any time. The document gives examples of prayers from the Bible and teaches that God wants us to use fitting words in prayer, both our own and others like the Lord's Prayer. It provides the ACTS method as a framework for prayer and closes with another prayer.
For more than 35 years, the imminent return of Jesus Christ has been the daily expectation of Pastor Scott and the crown jewel of his teaching ministry. Heart-provoking excerpts from various sermons are sure to excite a passion and rekindling in your heart for the soon coming of the Lord. Holiness: Jesus' Imminent Return will encourage you in many practical areas to expectantly live holy lives as we eagerly await the blessed hope.
1) The document discusses how true connection to Christ through communion is evidenced by the fruit a believer produces, such as love, joy, and obedience.
2) Regular fruit is a sign of healthy discipleship and growth in intimacy with God.
3) The conclusion examines whether one is a true, connected disciple based on the fruit in their life, encouraging growth and more fruit.
Raising Godly Children United Faith Church Barnegat New JerseyUnited Faith Church
Raising Godly children - United Faith Church Barnegat New Jersey led by Pastor Jerry and Pastor Janeth Santiago.
God expresses His immense love and concern for children in His Word and commands that children should be taught His promises, instructed in the Word, and raised in His love. United Faith Church trusts that God desires good things for His children and wants a relationship with them to bestow His promises upon them, equip them to do His will and to demonstrate His glory and power in their lives. When children develop a relationship with God early on, they learn to know and trust Him, make choices in accordance with His Word, and grow to be confident of His love for them.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Presents of the Holy spirit, Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Witness of God, Faith Hope and Charity. What Confirmation does? Confirmation meaning? Grace in Confirmation
This document discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given at Confirmation to help followers of Jesus. It lists and describes seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, piety, and wonder and awe in God's presence. Each gift is explained in 1-2 sentences on how it helps Christians in their lives and faith. The overall message is that the Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts to serve God and others.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit by Pastor Sesan Adesidaokebolamediateam
The document discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It begins by establishing the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity. It then discusses the personal nature of the Holy Spirit and His deity. The document outlines nine gifts of the Holy Spirit: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits, gift of faith, working of miracles, gifts of healing, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. It provides examples from the Bible and steps for receiving and operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
This document discusses the concepts of devotion, love, worship, loyalty, prayer, and reverence as they relate to religious faith. It examines biblical passages that use metaphors of a bride and bridegroom to represent the relationship between believers and Jesus Christ. The key ideas are that true faith requires an intimate relationship with God through practices like prayer, worship, obedience to scripture, and awaiting Christ's return. Superficial or nominal faith is not enough. Believers must devote themselves fully to God through their thoughts, words and actions.
The document is a sermon that addresses how Christians can deal with suffering and hardship in the real world. It argues that being totally honest with God, even through lament, is the deepest expression of faith and the only way to heal from past hurts. It notes that while Christians are not promised freedom from pain, the Psalms model lamenting honestly to God as a form of praise. The sermon aims to give permission to admit pain and questions to God, which is necessary for spiritual growth.
The document provides the financial report from April 2010 for Rivers of Joy Baptist Church. It reported $2,230.46 in income for April and $493.50 in spending. It also includes announcements about various church activities and issues including a prayer request for a missionary in need of heart surgery.
In 3 sentences:
This document discusses the key characteristics of the Christian faith according to Catholic teaching. It explains that faith is total commitment to God, informed by both Scripture and Church tradition, and lived out both personally and as part of the universal Church community. While faith is a gift from God, it also requires human cooperation through ongoing acts of study, prayer, and obedience to develop one's relationship with the Triune God over a lifetime.
The document provides an overview of key Catholic teachings around creation, original sin, salvation history, and Christian prayer. It discusses that God created the universe and humanity, who fell from grace through original sin but that God promises redemption. It also outlines the purposes of Christian prayer as adoration, thanksgiving, repentance, intercession, and petition.
This document provides information about the Catholic Church and its sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. It defines the Church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, and discusses what each of these attributes mean. It then explains the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation in detail, including their symbols, effects, and the roles of the Holy Spirit. It concludes by describing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed in Confirmation.
The document discusses the gospel of Jesus Christ and the dilemma of mankind's sinfulness. It explains that sin separated humanity from God and that no one could obey God's laws perfectly or find fulfillment apart from Christ. The solution is that through God's grace and by faith in Jesus, who died for our sins, we can be saved. Believing in Christ means turning from sin and trusting that his sacrifice has made us righteous. The gospel calls us into a relationship with God and empowers us to live for him through faith in Christ.
The document is a summary of a sermon on the self-sufficiency of God based on Psalm 50. The sermon argues that God does not need sacrifices from humanity because He possesses all qualities intrinsically and eternally. The Israelites wrongly viewed God as needy like pagan gods, but God tells them in Psalm 50 that He does not need their offerings to satisfy Himself, as He is fully sufficient within Himself. Believers should recognize that God is the giver and they are the receivers, and their thanksgiving should reflect this relationship rather than viewing God as dependent on humanity.
This document discusses the fruit of the Spirit from the book of Galatians. It provides 13 lessons on each aspect of the fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each lesson defines the fruit, explains how it is a result of the Holy Spirit's work, and provides Bible verses to support it. The overall message is that the fruit of the Spirit produces Christ-like character in believers and unity in the church.
Enjoying Good Health, 3 John 1-8, Adapted from a Steve Shepherd sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/enjoying-good-health-steve-shepherd-sermon-on-aging-150916.asp
Contextualized presentation of the salvation message for Muslims. This presentation addresses the foundational understanding of the nature of God as the basis for dealing with humankind's problem of shame and dishonor through Isa al-Masiih.
This document discusses the Christian concept of faith. It defines faith as believing in God and accepting that He made himself known through His words and actions, especially through Jesus Christ. Faith requires believing, which is the foundation on which our faith is built, and trusting that we cannot be truly happy without God. Faith also means acting on those beliefs, as without action one could not truly be said to have faith.
This document provides lesson material for Confirmation preparation. It discusses living out the sacrament of Confirmation through opening oneself to the Holy Spirit's guidance, growing in faith and virtue, and witnessing to Christ through words and deeds. Specific topics covered include the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, daily spiritual practices, and performing corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The document encourages regular prayer, scripture study, confession, and attending Mass and adoration.
This document provides a summary of a lesson on prayer. It discusses prayer as an act of worship, speaking to God from the heart, and something only believers can do through faith in Jesus. It also covers how God wants us to pray - asking for help, thanking him, praying for anything and anyone anywhere and at any time. The document gives examples of prayers from the Bible and teaches that God wants us to use fitting words in prayer, both our own and others like the Lord's Prayer. It provides the ACTS method as a framework for prayer and closes with another prayer.
For more than 35 years, the imminent return of Jesus Christ has been the daily expectation of Pastor Scott and the crown jewel of his teaching ministry. Heart-provoking excerpts from various sermons are sure to excite a passion and rekindling in your heart for the soon coming of the Lord. Holiness: Jesus' Imminent Return will encourage you in many practical areas to expectantly live holy lives as we eagerly await the blessed hope.
1) The document discusses how true connection to Christ through communion is evidenced by the fruit a believer produces, such as love, joy, and obedience.
2) Regular fruit is a sign of healthy discipleship and growth in intimacy with God.
3) The conclusion examines whether one is a true, connected disciple based on the fruit in their life, encouraging growth and more fruit.
Raising Godly Children United Faith Church Barnegat New JerseyUnited Faith Church
Raising Godly children - United Faith Church Barnegat New Jersey led by Pastor Jerry and Pastor Janeth Santiago.
God expresses His immense love and concern for children in His Word and commands that children should be taught His promises, instructed in the Word, and raised in His love. United Faith Church trusts that God desires good things for His children and wants a relationship with them to bestow His promises upon them, equip them to do His will and to demonstrate His glory and power in their lives. When children develop a relationship with God early on, they learn to know and trust Him, make choices in accordance with His Word, and grow to be confident of His love for them.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Presents of the Holy spirit, Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Witness of God, Faith Hope and Charity. What Confirmation does? Confirmation meaning? Grace in Confirmation
This document discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given at Confirmation to help followers of Jesus. It lists and describes seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, piety, and wonder and awe in God's presence. Each gift is explained in 1-2 sentences on how it helps Christians in their lives and faith. The overall message is that the Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts to serve God and others.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit by Pastor Sesan Adesidaokebolamediateam
The document discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It begins by establishing the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity. It then discusses the personal nature of the Holy Spirit and His deity. The document outlines nine gifts of the Holy Spirit: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits, gift of faith, working of miracles, gifts of healing, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. It provides examples from the Bible and steps for receiving and operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
This document discusses the concepts of devotion, love, worship, loyalty, prayer, and reverence as they relate to religious faith. It examines biblical passages that use metaphors of a bride and bridegroom to represent the relationship between believers and Jesus Christ. The key ideas are that true faith requires an intimate relationship with God through practices like prayer, worship, obedience to scripture, and awaiting Christ's return. Superficial or nominal faith is not enough. Believers must devote themselves fully to God through their thoughts, words and actions.
The document is a sermon that addresses how Christians can deal with suffering and hardship in the real world. It argues that being totally honest with God, even through lament, is the deepest expression of faith and the only way to heal from past hurts. It notes that while Christians are not promised freedom from pain, the Psalms model lamenting honestly to God as a form of praise. The sermon aims to give permission to admit pain and questions to God, which is necessary for spiritual growth.
The document provides the financial report from April 2010 for Rivers of Joy Baptist Church. It reported $2,230.46 in income for April and $493.50 in spending. It also includes announcements about various church activities and issues including a prayer request for a missionary in need of heart surgery.
In 3 sentences:
This document discusses the key characteristics of the Christian faith according to Catholic teaching. It explains that faith is total commitment to God, informed by both Scripture and Church tradition, and lived out both personally and as part of the universal Church community. While faith is a gift from God, it also requires human cooperation through ongoing acts of study, prayer, and obedience to develop one's relationship with the Triune God over a lifetime.
The document provides an overview of key Catholic teachings around creation, original sin, salvation history, and Christian prayer. It discusses that God created the universe and humanity, who fell from grace through original sin but that God promises redemption. It also outlines the purposes of Christian prayer as adoration, thanksgiving, repentance, intercession, and petition.
This document provides information about the Catholic Church and its sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. It defines the Church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, and discusses what each of these attributes mean. It then explains the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation in detail, including their symbols, effects, and the roles of the Holy Spirit. It concludes by describing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed in Confirmation.
The document discusses the gospel of Jesus Christ and the dilemma of mankind's sinfulness. It explains that sin separated humanity from God and that no one could obey God's laws perfectly or find fulfillment apart from Christ. The solution is that through God's grace and by faith in Jesus, who died for our sins, we can be saved. Believing in Christ means turning from sin and trusting that his sacrifice has made us righteous. The gospel calls us into a relationship with God and empowers us to live for him through faith in Christ.
The document is a summary of a sermon on the self-sufficiency of God based on Psalm 50. The sermon argues that God does not need sacrifices from humanity because He possesses all qualities intrinsically and eternally. The Israelites wrongly viewed God as needy like pagan gods, but God tells them in Psalm 50 that He does not need their offerings to satisfy Himself, as He is fully sufficient within Himself. Believers should recognize that God is the giver and they are the receivers, and their thanksgiving should reflect this relationship rather than viewing God as dependent on humanity.
This document discusses the fruit of the Spirit from the book of Galatians. It provides 13 lessons on each aspect of the fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each lesson defines the fruit, explains how it is a result of the Holy Spirit's work, and provides Bible verses to support it. The overall message is that the fruit of the Spirit produces Christ-like character in believers and unity in the church.
Enjoying Good Health, 3 John 1-8, Adapted from a Steve Shepherd sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/enjoying-good-health-steve-shepherd-sermon-on-aging-150916.asp
Contextualized presentation of the salvation message for Muslims. This presentation addresses the foundational understanding of the nature of God as the basis for dealing with humankind's problem of shame and dishonor through Isa al-Masiih.
The document outlines 5 pillars of faith that discuss the nature of God, man's sinful nature, Jesus Christ as the solution for sin, accepting Jesus by faith to have one's honor restored, and living as part of God's family and community through nurturing one's faith. It encourages the reader to accept Jesus as the sacrifice for their sins in order to be forgiven and have an eternal relationship with God. The document provides biblical support from both the Quran and Bible to support its presentation of the key beliefs.
The document discusses maintaining integrity in relationships and family life. It emphasizes upholding God's word and seeking His kingdom first. To build integrity, it recommends open communication, modeling godly behavior, spending time together in prayer and Bible study, and cultivating an environment of love, honesty and forgiveness. Challenges like compromise, live-in relationships and divorce damage integrity, while repentance, confession and continued obedience can lead to reconciliation.
This document discusses humanity's original relationship with God, the fall from that relationship, and redemption through Christ. It describes how in creation, God was meant to be the source of life, authority, and judge, while humanity was to depend on, obey, and experience God. The fall reversed these roles as humanity tried to be independent and in control. Christ came to redeem humanity and restore the proper roles, with God as source and authority and humanity dependent on and obedient to God. Redemption involves returning to God as source, to right relationships, and to the proper roles assigned by God.
This passage discusses being led by the Spirit of God and becoming children of God through baptism and faith in Jesus. It states that by being united with Christ, we share in his Spirit and become children of God, though this is a substantial change in our nature rather than just a legal relationship. It encourages living according to the Spirit by denying selfishness and living in love, which allows the Spirit to guide us. We must be aware of the Spirit within us and say "no" to temptation and "yes" to God's will in order to follow the Spirit's voice more readily.
This document introduces a magazine called "Faithfulness in the Family" that aims to help families follow God's plan and transform their lives and communities through faith. It discusses 8 themes: 1) encouraging faith in Christ, 2) making Christ the Lord, 3) ensuring faith withstands reality tests like family life, 4) prioritizing God, family, outreach, 5) roles of husbands/wives and parenting, 6) families establishing God's kingdom, 7) evaluating culture by Christ, 8) homes reflecting heaven's culture. It introduces the magazine's mascot and contact details and explains the goal is "family discipleship" through transformation into Christ's image especially in family life.
Peter make clear that we are to live a godly life. The way we live demonstrates who and what we worship. We are to make every effort to grow and develop a godly lifestyle.
This document discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christians. It begins by asking questions about salvation and what it means to be "saved." It then examines several Bible passages about Jesus being the "true vine" and believers being branches that bear fruit. It explains that the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, enables repentance and faith, and puts God's spirit within believers. The Holy Spirit aids Christian growth by producing love, joy, peace and other fruits. He also grants spiritual gifts to serve God and others. Overall, the document outlines the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers from conversion onwards.
The document discusses what it means to live according to the Spirit rather than the flesh. It states that those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God, not slaves to fear. It describes how the Spirit testifies that believers are God's children and heirs with Christ. Living by the Spirit involves putting to death misdeeds of the body and being led by the Spirit rather than fleshly desires, ensuring eternal life rather than death.
This document provides a summary of key Christian concepts related to works and salvation. It discusses several Bible passages and argues that salvation is by God's grace through faith alone, not by works. The key points are:
1) Salvation is 100% dependent on God's grace and 0% on our good works. We are not justified by observing the law but by faith alone.
2) Good works do not earn salvation, which is a free gift from God. If we pursue salvation through works, we lose God's gift.
3) When we come to faith, the Holy Spirit changes our attitude so that we now hate sin and are eager to do God's will.
4) As Christians
This document discusses ways to strengthen one's religious beliefs. It suggests listening to God's word and teachings, developing relationships with God through both good and troubled times. Faith is a gift from God that grows through love for others as commanded by God. Filipinos traditionally turn to prayer in times of hardship, believing God will not forsake them. People can deepen trust and faith in God by putting their profession of faith into action, treating others justly especially the lowly, and keeping a pure heart in communion with God. Positive responses to challenges include relying on the Holy Spirit, support from family, and believing based on one's religious teachings.
This document provides an overview of the Apostles' Creed, including what a creed is, facts about the Apostles' Creed, and what it means to say "I believe". It examines each phrase of the creed, explaining that to say "I believe in God" means to live in a covenant relationship with God and allow God to change one's life. It notes the problem today is not a lack of belief in God, but an unwillingness to let God change one's life. The document uses scripture and quotes to support what it means to truly believe in God.
This document is the monthly newsletter of the First Baptist Church of Franklinton. It provides information about the church's services, activities, and leadership. The pastor discusses the importance of regular spiritual check-ups through daily Bible reading and prayer to experience conviction, confession, and growth in holiness. The student pastor encourages the congregation to pray bold prayers, trusting that God can do anything.
This is a talk for parents on how to talk to your kids about their sexuality starting at aged 3 all the way up to 18. This talk focuses on Theology of the Body and gives resources and so much more. The recorded talk that goes with it can be accessed here: http://archive.org/details/BeyondTheBirdsAndTheBeesRaisingPureChildren
You must click the link in blue that says; 41.2 MB
Then forward to the 3 min mark to skip the intro
I do give these talks around the country. To contact me;
EmbracingYourGreatness@gmail.com
http://EmbracingYourGreatness.org
2013 Book of Mormon: Chapter 14 (Institute Lesson by hgellor)Leah Gellor
This document provides doctrinal teachings from 2 Nephi 31-33 regarding the doctrine of Christ and faith in Jesus Christ. It discusses that the doctrine of Christ leads to eternal life, the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost teach us what to do, and those who believe in Jesus Christ will also believe the words of Nephi. It then expands on key aspects of the doctrine of Christ, including faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2013 Book of Mormon: Chapter 14 (Institute Lesson by hgellor)
Partakers of the divine nature
1. "Partakers of the divine nature." — 2 Peter 1:4
As the first man Adam was made in the image of God, so we,
by the renewal of the Holy Spirit, are in a yet diviner sense
made in the image of the Most High, and are partakers of the
divine nature. We are, by grace, made like God. "God is love";
we become love—"He that loves is born of God." God is truth;
we become true, and we love that which is true: God is good,
and He makes us good by His grace, so that we become the
pure in heart who shall see God.
we become partakers of the divine nature in even a higher
sense than this—in fact, in as lofty a sense as can be
conceived, short of our being absolutely divine. Do we not
become members of the body of the divine person of Christ?
Yes, the same blood which flows in the head flows in the
hand: and the same life which quickens Christ quickens His
people, for "You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in
God." As if this were not enough, we are married to Christ.
He has betrothed us to Himself in righteousness and in
faithfulness, and he who is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Marvellous mystery! we look into it, but who shall understand
it? One with Jesus—so one with Him that the branch is not
more one with the vine than we are a part of the Lord, our
Saviour, and our Redeemer! While we rejoice in this, let us
remember that those who are made partakers of the divine
nature will manifest their high and holy relationship in their
relationships with others, and make it evident by their daily
living.
2. 2 Peter1:3 Connectiontothe vine.
2 Peter1:4 The DNA of the vine injectedintothe engraftedbranch.
2 Peter1:5f Effortonour part in growingChristlike fruit.
2Pe
1:1
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who
through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ
have received a faith as precious as ours:
2Pe
1:2
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of
God and of Jesus our Lord.
2Pe
1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and
godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own
glory and goodness.
2Pe
1:4
Through these he has given us his very great and precious
promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine
nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil
desires.
2Pe
1:5
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith
goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
2Pe
1:6
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,
perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
2Pe
1:7
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness,
love.
2Pe
1:8
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will
keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind,
3. 1:9 and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
2 Peter1:9 The unproductive branch.
Our knowledge is our connection to the Vine Jesus. The Holy Spirit is
our connection to Jesus.
Fruit is grown as we become like the vine; as we are transformed by
renewed minds and the divine nature within via the presence of The
Holy Spirit.
ROMANS 12:1F
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your
bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your
spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect
will. (Bearing God’s fruit of The Spirit rather than works of the flesh.)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of
yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself
with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God
has given you. (The proud heart that is not seen as love in 1 Cor 13.)
The fruit, or the qualities; are the reflection of Jesus in us. The fruit is
the proof of the connection to the Vine.
4. 1 John 2:3f We know we have come to know Him if we obey His
commands. The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what
He commands is a liar and the truth is not in him. But if anyone
obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is
how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must
walk as Jesus did.
Knowledge the connection; fruit the reflection. As Spurgeon wrote;
God is love and we become love.
Obedience, walking in the light; the fruit of a life changed by God.
They say that adopted children can look like their family members.
They also say that dog’s can look like their owners. But; people can
subconsciously choose a dog that resembles them. We also know
that it is possible to fill a room with complete strangers and there
will be some similarity found in many of them. That is why a police
line up will be filled with volunteers who like each other but have
never even met.
I am adopted; yet my daughter often reminds me of my cousin when
she was younger. The same high cheek bones and forehead. No
biological connection; yet similar in looks.
On the other hand; genetics play a big part in our personal make up;
not the lip stick either. We look like our birth parents; even if we
have never met them. We inherit their genes for hair colour, height
and can be genetically pre-disposed to certain diseases.
When we are reborn into God’s family; When we join His family tree;
we begin to become like our Spiritual parent. We are children of God
and hence inheritors of His Spiritual genes.
5. Romans 8:12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation – but it is
not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live
according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by The Spirit you
put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those
who are led by The Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of sonship. By Him we cry, “Abba,
Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our Spirit that we are God’s
children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God
and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order
that we may also share in His glory.
Adoption is not strong enough a word. Imagine; I could adopt a child
and give them a transfusion of my DNA so that we would feel
connected. God gave us His genes.
The grape is grown on the branch; because in it is the DNA of the
vine. It cannot produce apples or oranges. It can only produce
grapes, because it is a branch on a grape vine.
Here is where we have the problem. We are grafted branches. We
were wild vines that were grafted into a good grape vine. We still
have the DNA of our previous state. Through our connection to
Jesus; we are reborn through The Spirit. We are children of God and
are regenerated. However, we still have our old nature.
That is why Paul wrote to the Galatian Church and told them to grow
spiritual fruit rather than produce works of the flesh. If we all
6. became perfect overnight when we became Christians; why would
much of the New Testament contain directions for believers to
change their wrong behaviour?
We have a choice. Which nature do we feed? What type of fruit do
we choose to grow?
My fruit is seed bearing fruit? The quality of the fruit dictates the
type of seed. The fruit I bear, produces seed that is sewn into the
lives of people around me. What type of seed am I sewing into
others? What type of behaviour and attitudes will be reproduced in
them?
Will my life have such a positive effect that it encourages a next
generation fruit? Is there a positive ripple effect from my life into
the lives of others? Gen 1:11 Or is there a negative effect?
It does bear seed. The only way not to sew negative seed is not to
bear the fruit that has that seed inside.
The fruit in our lives is our behaviour and attitude. The seed we sew
into the lives of others is our example. When we set the example
and another copies; the seed is sewn into their life.
Fruit comes with seed inside to grow the next generation of fruit. If I
am growing on my branch, fruit that is not from God; but rather my
flesh; then I am sewing that as seed in to the lives of those around
me.
7. The words and actions that I sew into the lives of others cannot be
taken back. God will forgive the deed; but the impact will be felt
from the seed. The negative image I portray of Jesus to the world.
The negative example I set for my kids. All will put something in the
hearts and therefore actions and words of others.
Fruit is grown to provide food. Does my fruit feed others? Gen 1:29
Love is towards God and people. If I love others I am basically
feeding their souls with good food.
Grapes are used to make wine. My loving actions are like wine that
cheers the heart.
Poisonous fruit. Is there fruit in my life that is poisonous? Do my
negative responses and actions negatively affect others in their walk
with God? Do I hurt others as I act in ways that are not loving?
Food can be considered healthy and unhealthy. If the fruit in my life
were to be examined by a spiritual nutritionist; would it be
considered healthy? Would it be full of cancerous toxins? Would it
be packed with healthy vitamins? In other words am a I the kind of
person who by being involved with another person; harms them or
helps them?
Poor diet affects our health. The way we treat others affects their
well being.
(Note- The example I set is the seed I sew. The way I treat others is
the food I feed them.)
The devil convinced Eve that bad fruit was good. Can we convince
ourselves into believing that bad fruit in our lives should not be
pruned out because it is actually good? Genesis 3
8. What are we deceiving ourselves about? What relationship? What
activity? What language? What TV programme? What internet
site? What bad habit or addiction?
Deep down we know that it is toxic fruit; yet we keep growing it. We
are afraid to let go so we convince ourselves of a lie rather than face
the painful truth. But, the truth will set you free. The truth will open
your eyes to the danger you are in. The truth will give you the
determination to say goodbye, farewell and no more to the bad fruit.
It is your choice. Are you willing to let God open your eyes to see
what you have been hiding behind the lies? Are you willing to be
honest with yourself for the first time in a long time? Are you willing
like Isaiah to see the reality of your situation and ask God for His
help?
Eve fell for the lies and went from innocence into sin. Every day you
waste falling for the lies is another day you are hurting yourself.
Fruit was a source of temptation for Eve. What about the seductive
effect you are having on others. Do your bad choices, which you try
so hard to make look good; draw others into the same mistakes?
You make it look like it is no bother, not harming anyone, not really a
bad idea. So others decide it would be no bother and no harm for
them either. Are you drawing others into sin which will destroy
them by your seductive and deceptive fruit?
9. Remember, even after you have realised the error of your ways; that
habit will have been sewn as seed into their lives. That seed will go
on to produce fruit, which in turn could sew seed into another along
a never ending chain of people. We do not live in a vacuum. We
affect others around us.
How many teenagers are drawn into a spiralling destructive lifestyle
by peer pressure? How many young believers live a life of
compromise with this world’s standards because the older Christians
do it that way? How many people in your life will follow your
example, not knowing that it is wrong?
The fruit of the land revealed that it would be a good place to go and
live. When looking for direction in our lives, do we look at the fruit
of the land? Is this a positive and fruitful direction to be heading in
my life? Deut 1:25
We should look at our decisions clearly and in light of scripture. We
should examine the consequences of the actions we are considering.
Will this bear good fruit in my life? Will I be able to grow good fruit
for God in this place? Will this change of direction in my life be
fruitful for God?
Do not destroy the fruit yielding trees when besieging the land. They
are a source of nourishment. Be careful who you decide to attack.
By hurting them you will be destroying the blessing that they would
have brought into your life. Deut 20:19
10. In Pslam 1; people are compared to trees. If I attack or hurt another
person; I am depriving the world of the fruit that would have been
grown in their lives without my interference. Hurt the tree you harm
the fruit. Hurt the person you hurt God and you attack His work in
them and through them.
Psa
1:1
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or
stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
Psa
1:2
But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night
they think about his law.
Psa
1:3
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each
season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they
prosper.
Psa
1:4
But this is not true of the wicked. They are like worthless chaff,
scattered by the wind.
Psa
1:5
They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no
place among the godly.
Psa
1:6
For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the
wicked leads to destruction.
Bad fruit is bad for me. Bad fruit is bad for others. Bad fruit has
inside it bad seed, which will grow bad fruit in the lives of others.
11. Fruit is food and seed. Make sure that both are good. God fruit;
good seed and good food are all positive for me, others and God’s
kingdom.
The choice is mine.
Fruit is inevitable. Fruit bears seed that will produce more fruit.
Fruit can be eaten. Fruit can be deceptive. Fruit can be seductive.
What is your fruit like? What seed will be produced by it? What
food will be produced by it? What is the fruit like in the land you
wish to go to? What choices is your fruit inspiring in others?
Fruit- so much to think about when we say that little word.
PHILIPPIANS
1:6 Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
God the gardener will persist in tending, feeding and pruning the
branches He has connected to His son. He will not give up on us. He
sees the mature fruit as if it is already there; fully grown. Are we
doing our part? Are we willing partners in the process? In any
relationship, it takes two to make it work properly.
12. 1:9f And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and
more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to
discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of
Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus
Christ – to the glory and praise of God.
Love and knowledge; both key elements for the development of
spiritual fruit; both mentioned here. They grow with our relationship
with Jesus. The Spirit of God is The Holy Spirit; so it only follows that
His fruit will be described as the fruit of righteousness.
What is the good work of God in my life? It is to produce the fruit of
righteousness. Why will He not give up this work? It is because we
are His children; chosen to be conformed to the image of Christ
through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. See Ephesians 1 and 2.
1:20f I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but
will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be
exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is
Christ and to die is gain.
It is no longer I who lives, but Christ Jesus lives in me. We are
destined to bear fruit for Him as we are attached to Him. When we
bear fruit for ourselves; our ego gets in the way. Even fruit that does
not seem to be from the flesh; when it is produced for me and not
13. Christ; it is still from the flesh. My life is hid with Christ in God. My
life is His to do with as he pleases. My desires must be dead.
He is the vine, we are the branches. There must be connection for
fruit to be produced. There must be fruit produced for Him if the
harvest is to be righteous.
Paul was willing to give up His life. What in my life is held back?
What am I putting before His harvest?
1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of
the gospel of Christ.
Live for Jesus, bear His fruit, no matter how difficult it gets. He died
for us; should we not then live for Him?
2:1f -- 1 Cor 13 ; together they describe the fruit that should be
revealed as we live for God. How do we live within the body and in
the world? What motivates us in our actions? How much is love
lived out rather than just talked about?
His fruit, so Jesus is described as our example. How can we bear His
fruit if we do not try to live as He did?
14. Philippians 2 is what our family needs. Unity, love and peace
because we all make the effort to consider the needs of others.
This can only truly happen when we all are in close relationship with
Jesus and following His example.
Paul also mentions looking to our interests. We do not ignore our
own needs. However we do not hurt others in the pursuit of our
desires.
Peace comes at a price and it must be paid by all parties. Everyone
needs to be on the same page in this process for it to work. If
everyone is considering the needs of others; then all our basic needs
are met. If even one person in acting selfishly; then all get hurt.
It is a case of weighing personal loses against the needs of the group
and each member of the group. What am I willing to give ground
on? What is so important to me that I would ask others to back
down?
I need to look at my own hopes for this family and also discover on
an individual level the needs of Trevor, Esther and Caleb.
I would desire peace, no swearing or arguing. I would like to see
discipline, honesty and willingness to see the point of view of others.
I would like to see Trevor treating me and Esther with value. I would
like Esther not to swear at me and call me names. I would like people
15. to go to bed early and to get up from bed on time. I would like to
see no laziness, deceit, emotional blackmail or dishonesty.
I wish that Trevor and Esther would not cut in on me when I am
talking; ignore me and talk down to me like I am a child.
My deepest desire is to have a family that loves God deeply, so
deeply that moral standards are raised and love is displayed to each
other. I want to see God’s word loved, read and followed.
As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord. I want this!
“It is God who works in you to will and act according to His good
purpose.” Phil 2:13
3:12f Pressing on towards the goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Knowing that we are a work in progress, we keep aiming towards
change. Hope holds on to the idea that things can change for the
better. Perseverance holds on to that idea and decides to keep
trying; even when hope is low.
What do we do when hope is low? Believe what we do not see or
feel. Act on what God has promised. Live for God in His way in a
world that has left Him out of the equation.
16. My cup is empty
Lord come and fill it up.
My heart is breaking
Come Lord and give me hope.
All around is chaos and trouble
seems to be the norm.
Lord be my anchor and stability
in the midst of the storm.
2 Corinthians 4
We do not lose heart because we have a ministry to fulfil.
We do not lose heart because inwardly we are being renewed.
We do not lose heart for we are connected to the divine. We have
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Partaking in the divine nature, being connected to the vine, being
indwelt by The Holy Spirit are all truths that hold us together in the
storm. These truths are our anchor.
Paul had real troubles to deal with; but he would not give in to fear.
He decided in his heart to always love, praise, worship and serve the
Living God.
Outwardly Paul was wasting away, yet inwardly being renewed. He
was facing momentary troubles while waiting on eternal life with
God.
17. Romans 8:28; all things are used by God to bring about His plans for
our good; even the unpleasant times and circumstances.
Peter, look to Jesus not the storm.
For nothing around you can truly do you harm.
Know that in the momentary troubles that are seen
God hand is guiding
His heart of love providing
Keeping you from backsliding.
Look to the eternal and unseen.
Hope in the love of God
For even in the saddest story
God is working out His eternal glory
??????????????????????????????
So how do I do it? By spending time in the tent of meetings and
being filled by The spirit of God who renews my mind and
strengthens my heart.
Itsaiah 61, Phil 1, Exodus 33, Romans 12